chapter 6

I met two of her nurse friends — Angie and Rebeca. They greeted her with big hugs, but I noticed Angie sneaking a look at Anna’s clothes cutting tightly into her mid-section. She looked concerned.

Both Angie and Rebeca were in very good shape. They looked like athletes, all decked out in tight Lulu lemon yoga pants and Brooks running shoes.

“We’ve heard so much about you, Matt. It’s so great to meet you,” Angie said.

“Wow,” Rebeca said. “Megan wasn’t exaggerating, you’re so handsome Matt. Good for you Megan!” 

“He’s also a perfect gentleman,” Megan beamed.

We fell into a great conversation at lunch about the different areas of the hospital that the three of them worked in. My job was in health IT, so it was really interesting to hear about their day to day. They told funny stories about intake going wrong or their asshole attendings. 

They seemed to like me, but I could tell that it wasn’t lost on Angie that I ordered an extra burger and gave it to Megan. She looked at me strangely.

Megan seemed oblivious as she ate her fried chicken sandwich, my extra burger, and both orders of fries.

“Jeeze, this pastrami sandwich is huge…” Rebeca said, finishing only half of hers.

“Yeah, my turkey club could feed a village.” Angie agreed.

“Guys, don’t waste them. This is the best deli in town,” Megan said.

“We can ask them to pack them up,” Angie said.

“Do you wan them, Megan?” I asked.

Angie glared at me.

“Sure, if it wouldn’t put you both out…. I’d be happy to help out and make sure there’s no waste.” Megan laughed. 

“Ok…” Rebecca and Angie said, awkwardness hanging in the air.

Megan chowed down on both sandwich leftovers.

“Anyone want dessert?” I asked.

“No, we actually need to get going,” Angie said. “We have spin class in a few minutes.”

We said our goodbyes and I excused myself to use the restroom. I overheard Angie ask Megan if she was ok.

“What do you mean?” Megan asked.

“Well, don’t get me wrong. Matt seemed great, he’s charming and handsome and witty. But, was it just me, or was he sort of really pushing food on you during the meal? Like, why did he suggest that you eat our leftovers. Megan, I don’t want to be rude, but you already had two sandwiches. Surely he could see that you didn’t need to eat anymore. We all know that you struggle with your eating sometimes, so it’s just a bit strange to see you with someone, who… I don’t know… I’m not sure what I’m trying to say…”

“Don’t worry Angie. He’s amazing. I promise. I’ve never felt this way about someone before.”

“Ok, just as long as you know what you’re doing…”

“Honey, I promise. I’m fine. Better than fine. I smile all day every day since I met Matt.”

“Well, then I’m happy for you. Great to meet him.”

Before returning from the bathroom, I went to the deli counter and came back with a big brownie sundae.

“Just one?” Megan winked.

So I returned with an additional banana spilt.

“Thank god they’re gone,” she said. “I love them to death but I felt like they were judging my eating a little bit. Is it really the end of the world if I have a cheat day now and then, and just relax and enjoy myself…”

I smiled and almost laughed.

“Ok…” she laughed, starting in on the banana split. “More like a cheat month…”

…

At the zoo her clothes looked even more painfully tight. Every time we walked by a concession stand or vending machine, I stopped to grab her a treat. Buttered popcorn, cheese pretzels, ice cream, candy bars, funnel cakes, cotton candy, corn dogs. She had it all.

She never asked me to stop or slow down.

“Looks like you really want to pop these clothes right off of me, huh?” she winked.