chapter 4 - at the bar with clara

You and Clara leave the office and start walking to the bar. Along the way, she asks you more questions.
"So, you work at a law office and do what exactly?"
"I'm a legal secretary at R&P."
"What's that stand for?"
"Rosenbaum and Pachlinski," you say. You explain some more about the law firm, though you're sure she's not really interested.
"So, you have a boyfriend..." she asks.
"Yes, his name is Jason." You fidget as you answer, feeling nervous about how he will react when he sees how much weight you've gained.
"How long have you been together?"
"Almost two years."
"What makes you think he'll like the change?"
Overcome with anxiety, you stop in the middle of the sidewalk. "What... what change?"
"The weight gain. What if he doesn't like it?"
"How do you..." you're confused. "How do you know I've gained weight? We just met today."
Clara smiles a bit. "Oh, everyone in the office was talking about it!"
You look at her, feeling angry. "Everyone in your office is talking about my weight gain?"
She nods. "Yeah."
"Why the hell would they do that?" you say, annoyed.
"Please, don't get mad. It was just idle chitchat. I doubt if anyone really gives a shit. But if you're worried, I'm sure he'll love your curves." She smiles.
Your face feels like it's on fire. "Thanks."

When you and Clara get to the bar, it's significantly busier than usual for a weekday. The owner, Ian, walks up to the two of you and smiles. "Hey Clara, good to see you," he says. "Who's this?"
"This is Jocelyn. She works in the law firm next to the office where I started today."
"Hey," Ian says, shaking your hand. "It's nice to meet you. I hope you like beer. I think I might have one left. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." You nod your head, feeling nervous. Ian walks away towards the bar, and you take this opportunity to speak to Clara.
"So you know the owner?" you ask.
"Yeah, he's a good friend of mine. Why?"
"No reason. It's just... that's cool."

Ian comes back with a mug of beer, handing it to you. "Drink this. It's stronger than what you're used to." You accept it. Wanting to impress Ian, you down the mug in one go. It's so strong it feels as if it's burning a hole in your throat. You cough a bit, but the fire goes away.
"Not bad, eh? You want another one?"
You look at him, nodding. "Yeah."
Ian walks away, coming back with another mug of beer. You down that one too. The burn isn't so strong this time. Ian smiles at you. "Thanks. I think we're going to have to get you drunk before closing time. How does that sound?"
"Great!" you giggle.

Ian walks away, chatting with some other patrons. As the evening presses on, you have a few more drinks. You and Clara talk, Ian occasionally stopping by to check on you and chat for a minute. After your sixth... or was it seventh? Or eighth? After several drinks, you begin to feel light-headed. You stand and the room starts spinning. You feel your legs no longer supporting your weight. You fall to your knees, then your face hits the floor, hard. You barely feel it. You pat the floor. Nice floor.

Clara's face appears in front of yours. She's helping you up and into a sitting position. "Come on, sweetie. Let's get you home."
You manage to stand. She guides you outside. You stagger and waddle alongside her, leaning on her. "Which way?" she asks. She walks you home in silence with you pointing the way. When you get to your front porch she gives you a hug. "Talk to me in the morning." You nod, accepting her hug, and walk inside your house.