chapter 3

Shaking her head she turned back to the kennel and led the dogs back in. She went back to the filly, and after a short chase, she managed to get her back into her stable with fresh hay and water. Making sure everything was back where it belonged she walked back to the front door and rang the bell. "Mr. William, I'm finished for the day unless there's something else you would like me do. I'll be back day after tomorrow about the same time."

He wallowed to wakefullness, the old intercom making an annoying buzzing racket...and what he believed was Cloe's voice though frustratingly garbled. He swung his feet to the floor, spreading his knees wide to accommodate the mass of his abdomen...he could just barely reach the intercom's talk button.

"Cloe? is that you? this damned old thing is on the fritz again, give me a minute and I will come to the door. Cloe? he heard her garbled buzzing voice again and struggled to his feet, waddling slowly down the wide stairs toward the front door. He had to use the elaborately carved handrail, feeling the deep rich carvings slide under his chubby fingers, his other hand trying futile to steady his protruding abdomen, every step down sending a very uncomfortable tug as the mass of his belly sagged in the uncompromising gravity. Reaching the door he tried to catch his breath, leaning against it with both hands as his belly hung soft and heavy below him.

"I'm here," he panted, "sorry I can't open the door, I was napping and am not decent..." for normal people he almost added. "Is everything ok? Did you find everything you need? What do you think of our beautiful filly?"

She started at the word "our". He must have a wife, she thought to herself, feeling strangely upset. "She's gorgeous sir, she's going to be a big one when she gets grown. The dogs are precious and didn't give me any problems. I was able to find everything pretty easily. I was just saying that I'll be back day after tomorrow, probably about the same time, if that's ok with you." She looked down at her feet, feeling slightly awkward but enjoying hearing the voice so close.

"Thank you Cloe, hey listen...as you have probably seen, there is a lot of work to be done inside the barn and out...corrals, fencing, a bigger run for the dogs, and I have no one to do it for me...I have no one..." he stopped himself, you're sounding maudlin and pathetic he told himself "I mean I'm physically not able to do al the things that need to be done...I have, uh, I'm ... Ummm, have physical limitations and really could use your help ...as much as you can possibly afford. I will pay you handsomely..." he waited, hating being alone in this massive house and the full maid and butler suites now empty next to the kitchen. But also hating to be seen as hugely and obscenely fat as he was. He cleared his throat..." and if you need a place to stay...you mentioned on the phone you were looking for a place..I ...umm, I have plenty of room and ...well, we never need see each other." He rested his forehead on the heavy hardwood door, not quite believing what he just said.

Startled she took a step back in surprise. This man had already given her a job and now he was offering her a place to stay? Part off her was suspicious but the other half was jumping with joy. This place was beautiful, a short drive from the university where she only had class two days a week, and she wouldn't have to stay in that tiny dorm room she had been put in a few weeks ago. "That's a very kind offer sir." She heard herself saying "I would love to. But....Are you sure your wife won't mind?"

His heart leapt in his plump chest...but what will happen when she sees him, his disgusting obesity. He looked around the sweeping old entry with new eyes...it was filthy, junk everywhere. Did he have the energy, the stamina to make it presentable. He knew he had to. "My wife? I am not married...I'm not...I mean nobody would..." he sighed, closing his eyes. "No, I'm not...." a thought arced through him painfully. "Is that a problem? I pride myself as a gentlemen and your suite is completely separate from mine. You'll have your own entrance, I'll even change all the locks if you wish. Ummm, and I don't use the kitchen much so you're welcome to it."

He thought for a minute more remembering the trashed rooms. "I'll give you a tour of the place when you come tomorrow, or at least leave the door open for you. You can decide then...ok?"

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mor e to come