Alphonse, the head of HR, came into the discussions late to discuss labour and labour relations at the plant. Erick noted him particularly because he was the first non-skinny person to appear - all the rest had been about his size and build, though varying in height, or like Violet, lean and good looking. But Alphonse was different - he looked to be about 40, a good six feet tall and massive - built like an old linebacker gone to pot, surely at least 400 pounds! Erick tried not to look at him too much, and when he did he looked only at his face. He hoped his distaste didn't show too badly, but, really, how could anyone let themselves 'go' like that - to be SO fat, yech. But Alphonse's part of the presentation only lasted a few minutes, and Erick found himself concentrating on Alphonse's comprehensive analysis of the labour upgrading needs of Wonka, not on Alphonse's physical amplitude. Alphonse was comprehensive, thorough and efficient, and Erick found himself thinking highly of the tubby HR specialist - 'really on the ball, especially for a fat guy..."
The presentation wound down, and finally just Wilma Wonka, Cal and Erick were left in the boardroom. "So Erick," Wilma concluded, "any further questions? Or have we covered everything?"
"Oh, I'm sure there'll be further questions," replied Erick, "but this has been a most comprehensive first glance. I'll need to go over your figures, share your conclusions with our analysts, present working conclusions to our directors - I'm sure they'll have questions."
"Well," said Wilma, gazing directly at Erick with what seemed like intense interest but might have been desire - certainly Erick would have taken it that way had been been in a bar, not a boardroom, "you are welcome back here any time you like. Come back frequently! Answering your questions will be a pleasure!" She went over to the refreshment table and brought back a small, elegantly wrapped box. "I notice you only had water during our presentations - but I do hope you will take a small box of our finest chocolates, if not for yourself then for someone special in your life? This is our special sample mini-assortment..." She smiled at Erick's hesitation, and he took the box.
"Thank you," he replied. "Normally I never touch the stuff, but... And as you say, it looks like a wonderful gift. Thanks again."
"Oh good!" said Wilma. "Now, do come back any time - for even the smallest question. This investment is important to us, and I just know we can do business, you and I..." She smiled again, and continued. "Cal will see you out. Sure you won't take another box?" She produced another, which Erick accepted. He took his briefcase and Cal led him out the door.
"Is there a company gym here?" Erick asked as they rode in the elevator. "Alphonse mentioned company health programs without a lot of detail."
"Oh yes," replied Cal, "several gyms, a lot of programs, to keep folks healthy. Too many of our jobs here are sedentary," he added, and bounced a hand off his mid-riff. "I work out myself four-five times a week."
"Pity Alphonse doesn't join you," Erick blurted out, then instantly regretted his loose lips.
"Oh, but he does," Cal replied. "He's into lifting and swimming - I daresay he'd be even bigger without his cardio routine. He plays on the company football team too - wouldn't want any skinny guys there!" Cal added.
"Oh," said Erick, a touch chastened. "Well then," he continued, brightening as they approached the exit, "We'll be in touch."
"I look forward to it," replied Cal. As Erick strode out the doors, Cal headed back into the plant.
Arriving back in the boardroom they'd just vacated, Cal found Wilma waiting for him. "Well, what did you think?" asked Wilma. "Will he or won't he?"
"Well, I can see why you'd want him - he's certainly a challenge," replied Cal. "He'll be back, of that I'm sure - then we'll see. Do you mind...?"
"No, go right ahead - must be murder being that thin!"
"Yeah, it seemed to work - he took to me like a duck to water, and did you see the look of disgust he threw Alphonse! Even made a catty comment about Alphonse needing to work out while we were in the elevator. As I said, he'll be a personal challenge," he concluded, taking off the navy jacket. As Wilma watched, the vest and pants underneath seemed suddenly to grow a little, and to be completed filled by a body that seemed bigger than it was mere seconds ago. Cal unbuttoned the vest, and the gut and chest inside, plus the shirt, inflated instantly so that the vest looked as if it would never button up. Cal shrugged off the vest, and his chest and gut grew further. Reaching down around his suddenly large and protuberant gut, he undid the belt and pants, quickly shimmying so they would drop to the floor as his butt and thighs expanded to five times their previous size. His gut grew too after this move, until it filled his shirt - which he steadily unbuttoned, starting at the bottom, and as each button slipped out the belly, then chest, beneath grew larger and larger.
Finally, all of the business clothes had been shed, and Cal stood revealed in all his 750 pound glory. "That must feel good," remarked Wilma, as Cal breathed deeply,
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