chapter 2

2 The Long Con
Aaron slammed his phone onto his desk, rubbing his sore temples while he sighed heavily. Today had been another long day, just one more to add to the two weeks of long days preceding this one. Aaron looked to the office clock beyond his desk and he realized with dread that it was almost 9:00, again. Aaron muttered softly to himself as he texted Julie, letting her know that he would be running late, again. He understood that making a good impression at a new job was important, but the staggering amount of work that was immediately pressed on Aaron had him in a bad mood. It seemed like the culture here was all about the work and advancing the company's front line. Aaron's last job had employee fitness as a tenant of their company, going so far to install gyms on the campus and give employees breaks simply to exercise. It seemed like that kind of idea was lost in his new location. Aaron noted that more than a few people were drastically overweight, he couldn't imagine letting something like that happen to himself.

Aaron sighed again as he realized what being late again would mean. He still would be separated from his beloved rock gym. Not only had he not been able to get over to the gym, getting out this late meant that the only athletic store in town was closed, so he still didn't have any equipment. Aaron's weekends had been filled with preparing the house as well as taking care of his newlywed wife's needs so escaping for any reason had been nearly impossible. As Aaron gathered his things and got ready to leave he found himself really hoping his work would ease up soon. The money was great but all he had seemed to be doing the last two weeks was eating and working, and Aaron wanted to be able to let loose once and awhile.

As Aaron strolled to the company garage he heard a booming voice from behind him. "A-a-ron! in the flesh!" Aaron recognized the enthusiastic voice to be his boss'. He spun and shook the muscular blonde man's hand. the German looking fellow smiled. "looking good!". he said confidently, pointing towards Aaron's middle. Aaron knew it was just small talk, but blushed and waved it off anyway. "Aww you, you're too nice to me." he chirped, then the both of them had a small chuckle. Jim quickly cleared his throat. "You know Jullie was right about you." Jim wagged his finger forward. Aaron wasn't sure what he was referring to. "You came in during a really stressful time for the company, and you've already gotten us out of some heat. I'm sorry we've been so busy lately, but just know I personally appreciate your dedication."

Aaron was awestruck. he had known that Julie had recommended him to the head of the marketing branch, but other than shaking hands this was the most contact Aaron had ever had with his new boss. hearing the sincere compliments instantly relieved the fatigue from the day. Jim's word had put a spring in Aaron's step, one that continued as he made his way to his Ford sedan. All through his steps up the garage Aaron repeated his boss's words in his head and smiled. "Your doing great, keep it up, tell Julie I say high." Aaron thought to himself, maybe this job would work out after all. One thing unnerved him however. Aaron could have sworn when he turned to leave Jim gave him a strange stare and smile, like he was looking him over, but Aaron dismissed it as some corporate power move. As Aaron neared the top of the steps he felt a bit odd. At the last step he paused, needing to catch his breath. Strange, he thought, he must be a bit under the weather because he never had trouble with these stairs.

About halfway through his commute home Aaron's stomach began to complain. His lack of dinner had made him ravenous, and now he was really starting to feel it outside of work. Distracted by his hunger, Aaron's mind began drifting to what delicious meal Julie would have waiting for him. Last night it had been homestyle fried chicken with mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese, with blueberry cheesecake for dessert. The night before that was a full beef lasagna, with slices heavy with cheese and slimy, tasty meat. Aaron began smacking his lips in anticipation, his hunger heightening his desire. Usually Aaron never got too excited for dinner, but lately Julie had been preparing delicious meals better than she ever had. It was odd, Aaron thought, Julie had never been a great or enthusiastic cook before the move but since then she had been cooking delicious meals with gusto. She had even been making his lunches recently. Aaron wasn't complaining, far from it, but it was still a bit strange for him. He figured it was Julie going through a home cooking phase, fueled by her new suburban dream home.

Aaron smiled, things were tough now but it seemed that Julie was already loving the change. He had never been one to enjoy his food before, but now Aaron loved knowing that he would be treated when he got home instead of having to scrape something together before passing out. Aaron felt a twinge of guilt from not getting to the gym since he had started his new job, but decided to forgive himself. The last couple of weeks had been pivotal for him, as well as very stressful. It was good that he was getting ahead at work and getting settled at home. As long as he worked out soon he would be able to shake off the rust with little difficulty and get back into a good routine. the extended distance between his work, the gym, and the new house was still annoying, but Aaron was convinced it was manageable despite not having tried it yet himself. Right now, he told himself, he was going to go home and enjoy the rest of his night with his wife.

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