Chapter 2

Next few weeks were really stressful for the entire team. They all knew everything had to be perfect for the launch to be successful. Accumulated stress started to show on the personnel too. They were all indeed getting more irritable, but the most noticeable difference was on the looks. He started coming to the work with even more messy hair and he has shaved less regularly. She, on the other hand, was still neat all the time. However she became less aware about what clothes she was wearing. Obviously her mind was way too distracted with more important stuff.

In one particular meeting, they were solving a problem that was there for days. After hours of intensive debates, they finally came to a solution that seemed so obvious after they realized. She, as the head of the group, was instantly relieved. She leaned back, pulling your hands through her hair and smiled. Only a few long moments later she realized she, in a hurry to get to work as soon as possible, put on the shirt she's outgrown weeks ago. Her lower belly was out on display, revealing super tight pants, with the button holding for its dear life and a chubby fat roll spilling over on top. Luckily, everybody was too busy to notice anything unusual. Except him. They made quick eye contact. She was slightly embarrassed but also curious: his look didn't seem as if he was surprised or disgusted, it was more like a nod of approval. She couldn’t decide whether it was due to what he just witnessed or due to the results of the intensive meeting.

He, on the other hand, wasn’t even relieved because of what they’ve finally achieved, but more because his suspicions came true. She was indeed hiding a round soft tummy under that baggy clothes. However he didn’t expect it to be that distant. She must’ve really let go lately. He was wondering if she may even like it. When she noticed he was observing she didn’t even hide it like she hates it, almost like she was slightly bragging with it? Maybe this was all just in his head…

Later, the environment became way more relaxed, they continued working and after a few hours the boss came to greet and congratulate everyone. After chatting with everyone involved he called her and him: “We need to be ready to launch next week. I’m sorry to say that, but you will have to work on Friday afternoon to prepare all that is needed. You are two of the best people we have and I trust you. You do know each other, right?” he finished and their eyes met again for a moment, which lasted longer than it would need to.