Chapter continued.

The office worked through the cake, talking and eating until the cake was fully gone. “It’s kind of an office thing,” Anna said to Donald.  “Birthday cake has to be gone before presents are opened.” 

“Not that hard to do,” Austin said, smacking his expansive stomach, “We all have good appetites.” 

The presents were piled high where the donuts usually sat and people retrieved their gifts one at a time.  “Anna!”  Amara exclaimed as she pulled out a multicolored crocheted purse.  “My girlfriend made it after I told her how much you liked the one she made for me.” 

“I love it, thank you.”  Amara beamed at the bag with its pattern of squares on the diagonal and a flap closed by a wooden bead.

“Oh, this is from her,” Anna said.  “She couldn’t resist making something for you after introducing us.”  Anna’s smile warmed at the thought.  “I think she wanted to do more and she’s sorry she can’t be here.”  Anna reached for another box and offered it over, “This is from me.” 

“Amara opened he box and smiled wide.  It was a blanket in different shades of pink, beige, and cream.  “She made this too?” 

“Yeah, but I bought the yard and paid her for it.” Anna answered, “Lap cover for movie nights.” 

“Oh, thank you,” Amara’s joy at her presents said more than she realized.  Most of them wondered if she had celebrated her birthday since she turned 18. 

Dave bought her a steering wheel cover for her new car.  He had struggled to find a gift that wasn’t too impersonal considering their history, but also not too personal because of the same thing.  She had complained about the wheel hurting after sitting in the heat, so it seemed reasonable without being too weird. 

Steve had a gift from himself and Mable, but also smaller gifts from the kids.  He had gotten her gift cards for the movie theater, and the kids had given her more handmade things like a keychain and a drawing.  Alexandria gave her a framed photo of the two of them with Cora taken by Austin. Donald had bought her a small necklace, trying to do something nice, but not too much to be weird. 

Lunch came and the office stopped the party for food.  Amara realized she hadn’t thought about who she was going to lunch with, but that had also been arranged.  “Come on, Carsin can’t come to the party until after we get back so she’s taking you out,” Anna said. 

Donald looked quietly disappointed.  He seemed to have hoped to treat her for her birthday.  It was clear though, he understood the reasoning.  She and Carsin were friends, too.  It was unfair for them to not have some time as well. 

“Come on, Donald,” Dave said.  “My treat.”  Dave’s smile was jovial, but Donald had the look of dear in headlights suddenly realizing that he wasn’t just getting close with the boss’s ex, but the boss’s friend. 

“S-shure.” Donald smiled a little shakily. 

Amara took her new purse, adding her wallet and keys to it to take for her lunch.  She passed Dave and said, “Be nice.” 

Innocently, Dave said, “I’m always nice.” 

After a short serious stare, Amara walked out to Carsin who was all ready to go. 

Before people left, Dave said, “Uh, two hours for lunch guys.  No need to rush back.” 

“Where are we going?” Amara asked. 

Carsin smiled, and said, “We’re going to a real Chinese restaurant with good food, and decent tables.  None of that cheap stuff.  Come on, Winsten’s meeting us.” 

Amara followed along, and Carsin drove them.  Carsin’s boyfriend had already gotten them seats and the two greeted each other warmly.  Amara noted he had a rather substantial pot belly now and his cheeks were quite a bit rounder as well.  The delivery people took part in the corporation’s lifestyle as well.  While they ate he explained that all delivery people were expected to buy something for themselves to eat at every business they picked up at.  It was such an expected part of the job, that it became a bit of a competition between them to see who could eat the most between deliveries.  He never won, but his gain was substantial. 

“Giving up exercise was easy,” Wonston said between bites of his Chinese ribs.  “Never stepped foot in a gym in my life.”  His nose crinkled as he smiled. 

“When are you two planning on getting married?”  Amara asked after gifts were done, and the two were working on dessert. 

“Christmas,” Carsin said.  “I know it’s a ways off, but I always wanted a Christmas wedding.” 

“I should have proposed at Halloween,” Winston said.  He laughed a bit too loudly and Amara looked around to see some people stare.  As far as Carsin was concerned it was the most adorable thing ever.  It made Amara smile to see.  Every cup has a lid and they were made for one another. 

“What about you?” Winston asked. 

Amara felt a bit on the spot, “I’m not getting married any time soon.” 

“But you and Donald are hitting it off,” Carsin said as she took the check. 

“Well, yeah,” Amara smiled embarrassed. 

“They’re at the too-cute, phase,” Carsin said. 

“We’ve barely dated and you’re asking when we’ll get married.” Amara felt more flustered. 

“Listen,” Carsin said, only half joking.  “You get the whole family experience.”  She started ticking off points.  “Food, presents, and awkward questions about your love life.” 

Winston took another bite of his green tea ice cream and added, “You should be happy we’re not asking when you plan on having kids.” 

Amara blushed hard but couldn’t help but feel warm.  This was everything she ever wished for.  Awkward questions and all.  “We haven’t gotten that far yet.” 

“If you pick up the pace we could have a double wedding,” Carsin said with a wink, then changed subjects. 

After Chinese food, Carsin and Amara stopped at a café.  Winston had to return to work.  The two chatted with iced lattes until it was time to return to work.  “We’re running so late, we’ve got to be the last back,” Amara said.  She knew there wasn’t any rush, but also knew people were waiting for her to return.  The point was her birthday after all. 

They returned to find a large white screen in front of Dave’s doorway and a digital projector hanging from the wall above the door to the lobby.  Donald was at Amara’s computer pulling up the different livestreaming services she had on the computer.  “So, what do you want to watch?” 

“We’re going to watch movies?”  Amara looked surprised.  A party was one thing, a movie party was something more. 

Dave laughed a little as he put his desk chair in a good position to watch but out of everyone’s way, “What else would we do with a movie buff like you?” 

Amara blushed a little, wondering how bored some of them would get sitting around watching movies.  “I don’t know, what does everyone want to watch?” 

“Oh, pick something you like,” Anna said. 

Alexandrea stood with Cora at her breast and said, “Come on, you know we’ll have fun hanging out with you.” 

Amara smiled at the baby, she adored her and would have gladly taken Cora to cuddle if she wasn’t feeding.  “Oh, maybe an action movie.”  It took some discussion, but they settled on a couple of movies to finish out the day.  Anna passed out the popcorn and took the coffee deliveries when they showed up. 

It all went so quickly, Amara couldn’t believe the day was over when the second movie finished and Dave wheeled his chair back to his office.  He smiled at Amara and said again, “Happy birthday.” 

She smiled and then asked what had been worrying her, “You were nice to him at lunch?” 

Dave shrugged, “I’m always nice.” 

“You know what I mean,” Amara wasn’t letting him off the hook. 

Dave dropped his little game and said, “We’re on the same page.”  After a pause and her staring at him he added, “If he doesn’t hurt you, I don’t have to hurt him.” 

“DAVE!” Amara fought to keep her tone at a whisper. 

He shrugged, “He thought it was fare.” 

“I don’t care what happens, if you use your position to hurt him, even if this doesn’t…” 

“Who do you think I am?” Dave said flatly. 

“Fine, but no threats.” 

Dave looked nonplus.  “No threats, just an understanding.” 

She gathered her purse and found Donald with her packages ready to walk her to her car.  “Thanks,” She smiled but was still worrying about her conversation with Dave. 

Halfway down the elevator, Donald asked, “You up for a birthday dinner, or are you birthdayed out?” 

“Maybe this weekend?”  She said worried she seemed ungrateful. 

Donald smiled and nodded, “Yeah, it was a lot today, but I hope you had fun.” 

“Oh god, yes,” Amara said. “I just hope Dave wasn’t too nasty.” 

Donald shrugged, “I’m glad to see so many people look out for you.”  The door opened and he said, “Besides, we understand each other.” 

“Okay,” Amara said with a sigh. 

They walked slowly to her car and Donald asked, “I know I asked before, but what happened with you two?” 

Thought a moment as her care got closer.  “We just ran out of steam.”  Then thought about something.  “Turned out he had feelings for someone else and didn’t act on them.  Kind of made being with other relationships fall flat.” 

“Well, there isn’t anyone else with me,” Donald said as if he had to make the point. They got to her car and Donald seemed to be trying to decide if he should say something.  Amara had opened the back door and he came to a choice, “Even if there were I can’t imagine it making a difference.” 

Amara looked over at him, “I…”  She didn’t get the chance to say more. 

“I can’t imagine wanting to be with someone else more.”  Donald smiled as he put the gifts into her back seat then stood and kissed her.  It was such a smooth motion as if the most natural step to putting things in her car. 

It took Amara off guard for a moment, but she wasn’t sorry.  Their outing had been casual.  She liked him, but it had been lowkey.  She could see more between them and enjoyed the idea of introducing him to their work life.  She felt his hand reach her waist and press into the softness of her flesh.  She found her hands around his as well and noted he was getting soft in all the right places as well.  She told herself to not focus on his gaining, to enjoy where they were now, but her mind wandered, and she wondered what he would look like one hundred or two hundred pounds bigger.  It was going to happen anyway, there was no reason to not. 

When he pulled away she saw his smile, “Are you okay.” 

“Yes,” she said.  “I really can’t tonight.” 

He smiled, “I know.  I just couldn’t keep that to myself anymore.”  With another soft small kiss he said, “Happy birthday.”  And left her at the car. 

Once in her car Amara noticed a message from Briella.  “Happy birthday, wish I could have been there.  Come by any time you like to get your gift.” 

Amara suddenly needed to see Briella.  She was still the mother figure she always wanted.  “Is now okay?” 

“I can order us dinner to eat here if you like?”  Briella texted back. 

Amara felt her stomach turn with popcorn, cake, and Chinese, scones from the café, and many high-sugar and caffeine drinks.  She still had room.  “Sounds perfect.” 

She drove out of the city to a one of the many housing additions.  It was one of those places that was upper middle class 30 years prior and now looked like a place for families who had aged out of needing so much space.  Briella’s home was a one-story ranch with extra-wide doorways and large open rooms.  She had her own main bedroom with a reinforced bed and a second room for her help to stay overnight for shifts.  They worked one 24-hour shift twice a week and shared the room between them. 

A tall lanky black man answered the door smiling at her. “Come on in, she’s waiting for you.” 

Amara smiled and walked through to find Briella parked on a large couch spread out.  “Come on, I ordered Italian if that’s okay?” 

The man called out, “I’ll be right back with it in a bit.” 

“Oh, thanks Markus,” Briella called back.  Then to Amara, “Sweet kid.  Going for a degree in engineering.” 

Amara sat in a chair next to Briella and smiled a little unsure, “Are they a part of all this?” 

“The aids?” Briella asked, “Oh, no.  They know the deal, but they're from a local agency.”  Briella looked around at her home and said, “I don’t really need 24-hour care, but I think the agency doesn’t want me to be alone.”  She shrugged, “You know.”  As an afterthought she said, “Sorry, I know you had some grand plans for finding everyone a partner, but some people just are meant to be alone, right?” 

“About that,” It wasn’t why Amara was there, but since Briella brought it up, “Did you know Dave had a crush on you the whole time?” 

If Briella had been drinking something she would have choked, “WHAT?!”  She couldn’t help but laugh, “That’s ridiculous.” 

“Why?” Amara couldn’t understand. 

“You didn’t see him when he started on, and he didn’t lose his looks like some.” 

“He preferred larger women,” Amara added. 

Briella shook her head, “You know how much older than him I am?” 

Amara shrugged, “I don’t know, like ten years, so what?” 

“Why would he settle for a fat old woman?”  Briella couldn’t get past the notion. 

“Because he prefers fat women and maybe he likes more mature women too.”  Amara anticipated Briella’s next question, “I think he genuinely liked both me and Alexandrea.”  She hesitated and added, “I don’t think he was doing it on purpose, he just really liked the binging, but I’m pretty sure he was hoping we’d get as big as you.” 

Briella stared in disbelief then shook her head, “This is sweet but…” 

“He literally said he had a thing for you from the beginning but didn’t do anything because you were his boss.”  Amara didn’t think she could get the point across any other way.  “I mean, if you're not interested, that’s one thing.” 

Briella thought, then shook her head, “It’s too late, I’m basically immobile, why would he still…” 

“He does,” Amara interrupted her. 

Briella shook her head, still unable to process the idea, “He wouldn…” 

“He would.”  Amara smiled, seeing the cracks in Briella’s conviction. 

“I’m not…” 

“You are.”  Amara didn’t even know what she was going to say but countered it anyway.” 

Briella’s thoughts shifted, but shook her head, “I’m housebound, what would I even do?” 

“Invite him over,” Amara answered with a cocked eyebrow.  At Briella’s silence she said, “He likes you, and he’s just going to keep getting into short-term relationships that fizzle out when it becomes all about stuffing and sex.  He’s not a bag guy and he deserve something real.”  Then again added, “Unless you’re not interested in him.” 

“I can’t keep stuffing and gaining like I did, I’m too big now.  I’ll never be able to walk without help again, what if I become bedbound.” 

Amara wanted to make a quip about having plenty to do in bed, but said instead, “The thing is, he needs someone who won’t let it become about that.  You can’t and he likes you as you are.  You’re not good enough soon like I was.” 

“He didn’t say that, did he?”  Briella looked appalled. 

“There was context, and he didn’t really say that.  I just figured it out.”  At Briella’s look she added, “I was all worried I would get too fat and he was letting me know I was a very long way away from that.  He kind of let out that he was interested in bigger than me.  He didn’t mean to. 

At that point, Markus came back with food and the women talked in euphemisms.  Amara had a plate of Spaghetti with meatballs and a side of an eggplant dish and garlic bread.  Briella had fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and a couple more sides.  Marcus sat at the dining table and ate a platter of Lisagnia.  He was welcomed to sit with them but opted to give the women some time for themselves.  Briella gave her an antique desk display for her home office and a framed news clipping from one of the many movies Amara enjoyed. 

Eventually, Amara got around to telling Briella about Donald and their budding romance.  She struggled to put into words how she felt.  She felt her lack of a relationship with her mother at times like this.  She wondered what it would be like to have a real mom at a point when she could use that kind of advice.  “Dave’s all, don’t you dare hurt her.”  Amara finished.  “Donalds acting like this is reasonable…” 

“It is.”  Briella said pushing the empty plate aside.  She gave a long content sigh and said, “You’re like all our kid.  I’m constantly torn between wanting to rip your mom a new one and thanking her for letting us be your family instead.” 

That warmed Amara but she shook her head, “But Donald doesn’t need threats.  Seriously, he’s so nice.” 

“Then it doesn’t matter.  He knows you’re not alone and we know he understands there’s consequences to his actions.”  Briella wouldn’t relent. 

“Okay,” Amara gave.