chapter 2: getting comfortable

Like I said, it was only the beginning...

Lawrence loved having someone to cook for, and I loved his cooking - it was a perfect match!

After that first evening I was initially a bit ashamed of how I had behaved at the dinner table, but it soon became clear that Lawrence saw it as a sign of respect for his art. He spent hours slaving away for me, the least I could do was show how much I liked it.

Not that that was difficult! My uncles' cooking teemed with culinary experience, the breakfast he prepared the next morning rich with flavors and variety. The lunch afterwards dripping with love and grease.

He watched me polish off all his 5-star burgers and fries with pride. "Looks like you're really enjoying my cooking" I heard him say, my mouth full of plump beef and and crisp potatoes. "I'm going to the gym later, want me to fix you a snack for while I'm gone?" Even though I was still busy with the current meal, my mind was already racing to the possibilies of the next and I couldn't decline. So I nodded.

The snack in question ended up being a platter of sandwiches, brought to my room so I could graze while I worked.

And the same evening was spent with a meal rivaling the previous dinner in glamor and size.

And the day after that would go similarly. And the day after that too. And the next week. And the next month.

It was easy to see the effect living with my uncle would have on me.

----

"Wakey wakey!"

My uncle was calling me down for breakfast, as he did on most days. I stumbled down the stairs to find the older man setting the last plate of many on the table. As was customary by now, I sat down and readily dug in, consuming my massive breakfast bit by bit.

Superb as always, portion after portion of eggs, bacon, buttered bread dissapeared before my eyes, contributing to the bloated curve my gut had brandished lately.

Of course I knew eating big all the time would do that. It looked bigger because it was constantly filled with food. That was all.

But as I shoved the last bites of mouth-watering bacon into my mouth all my thoughts reverted back to Lawrence's cooking, and when I would be getting more of it.