Chapter 12

The first Monday in December Robbie was at his desk catching up on e-mail when Felisha walked over. “Rebecca just called me. She said that Percy wants to know if you can come to his office.” This was a little unusual. Percy was known for walking around the office and talking to people. While he occasionally had one on one conversations in his office, they weren’t exactly a daily occurrence.

“Sure, Felisha. Let her know I’ll be there in a few minutes, please.” This could be anything. Some routine problem he wanted to discuss, or maybe he had made his decision about his replacement. One way or the other. He heaved his now 285 pound body out of his chair and walked up the one floor to Percy’s office. Rebecca was at her station in front of his door. “Good morning, Rebecca. Know what this is about?”

Rebecca smiled, “Now you know that Percy doesn’t tell me everything. Go on in, he’s ready for you.” Robbie hesitated a moment, thinking that this could be a really good day or a really bad day. But there was no point in putting it off. He walked through the open door to Percy’s office. Percy was sitting in a large, comfortable chair behind his desk. His office wasn’t fancy but was decorated with pictures of his family and several company events from over the years. There was a nice view of a greenspace out his window. Robbie looked down at Percy for a moment and wondered which of them weighed more. It could be a tie.

“C’mon in, Robbie, have a seat,” Percy greeted him warmly, “and close the door, please.” So this was an important discussion. For routine matters, Percy usually left his door open. Robbie closed the door and sat in one of the chairs, also comfortable, in front of Percy’s desk.

“What can I do for you, boss?” Robbie tried to keep his tone light. He didn’t want to reveal his nervousness.

“Robbie, I’ve admired you ever since you joined our company. That’s why you’ve advanced the way you have. And I’m sure you know that you’re a top candidate to take my job when I retire.” Robbie thanked him for the complement and waited for him to continue. “You know, I also kind of admired that didn’t get fat like the rest of us. Working in a cookie business, it’s all too easy to sample too much of your own product.” He patted his round belly that bulged over his belt. “So when you suddenly put on so much weight this year, I started to worry about you. There isn’t a health problem is there? Like a thyroid issue?”

Robbie had to chuckle. “Oh no, Percy. Nothing like that. Mallory always wanted me to fill out some, and she took up baking. And I guess my metabolism finally slowed down. Once I started putting on weight, we both realized that we like it. And didn’t stop.”

“So, you weren’t just trying to look the part to get a promotion?”

Robbie realized he better answer this carefully. “To be honest, I’ve felt for a while that I didn’t fit in like I would want to. Most everyone else ranged from plump to, uh, very plump, and here I was, 155 pounds. And everyone seemed to be happy with their weight. And when I started to put on weight, I realized that I was happy with it too.”

Percy was silent for a moment, obviously considering Robbie’s answer. “I can understand that. Believe it or not, I was just as skinny when I married Nancy. She’s a little old fashioned, and her mother had taught her that a good wife put her mark on her husband by fattening him up. I’d say she did a hell of a job,” he laughed, again patting his large paunch. “Anyway, I’ve thought long and hard about who to replace me. Of course within the company you and Derek are the obvious choices. I also thought about bringing in some fresh blood. I looked at hiring someone from outside the company.” Robbie had a moment of panic. He imagined a fitness nut taking Percy’s place, disapproving of Robbie’s weight, especially if he found out about it all piling on in the last year. “But I decided that we’re better off with someone who knows the company and our culture.” Robbie hid his sigh of relief. Well, he sort of hid it. He couldn’t help some show of relief.

“I won’t keep you in suspense any longer, Robbie. I’m retiring on January 1st. And I’m naming you as my replacement.”

Robbie wanted to yell with joy but confined himself to a big wide grin. “Thank you, Percy. It means a lot to me that you have confidence in me to handle your position.”

“Now you can’t tell anyone. Well, I know that you’ll tell Mallory, hell she’s your wife. But you have to swear her to secrecy. It won’t be for long. I’m going to make the announcement at the company Christmas party. That’s less than two weeks away. Okay then, that’s it. Get back to work before I change my mind,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

“Thanks again, Percy. And I’ll keep my mouth shut, don’t worry.” Robbie jumped out of his chair, quickly for such a big guy, and left with a spring in his step.