Pop!
The cork flew up, bounced off the ceiling, and ricocheted off the wall. Ellie and Linda laughed as Garret filled the three glasses and raised his up.
"To Ellie," he said. "Congratulations!"
They clinked their glasses and drank the champagne.
Garret kissed Ellie's cheek. She felt a tingle of excitement. It was hard for Ellie to be around Garret and not recall how good he looked naked. They only slept together once and that was more than a year ago, but it had been memorable.
What a year it had been since Garret took her virginity at Linda's specific direction. That act of generosity helped Ellie banish the last vestiges of doubt and inferiority that plagued her life.
Ellie quickly went on to David who, though not the experienced lover Garret was, made up for it in enthusiasm.
Ellie eventually lost interest in David, though, and started dating Anthony. After Anthony came Rick. All three men loved her BBW body and did their best to please her in bed.
Yet Ellie grew bored with each of them. Maybe she just wasn't ready to commit to any one guy. She met all three of them at school so they were own age, and she wondered if that was the problem. They were still boys, emotionally. They were either too possessive, too needy, or both.
Besides, she would be moving in a few months.
"Oh, Ellie!" Linda beamed, picking up the diploma and admiring it.
"It's just a two-year degree," Ellie said.
"With high honors!" Linda protested. "It's a stepping stone to bigger things."
Linda was right. Ellie's grades not only meant she was eligible for admission to the state college an hour away, but she had also been awarded a scholarship to study in the Art Education program there. The girl mocked in high school as Ellie Elephant was on her way to the big city.
Still, it would be sad leaving the people she loved. There was her mom, of course. Mom was proud of Ellie's recent success, but the passive-aggressive comments about Ellie's weight continued.
"You have such a pretty face," her mom said just the other day "If only you could lose some weight."
"Whatever, Mom."
She'd miss Linda. Of course, Ellie would only be an hour away. Linda promised to make the effort to get up there to meet for lunch regularly, and there was always Skype.
Still, Ellie thrived on Linda's strong, vivacious presence. It was Linda's example of a proud BBW, after all, that woke Ellie up to her own potential.
"So, listen," Linda announced. "We've got an idea. How would you like to go to Florida with us next month?"
"What?"
"Garret's cousin Mark has a condo down there on the water and has offered it to us for the first week of July. The kids are going to be with my mom and we thought it might be a great way for you to relax."
"Wouldn't you two prefer to be alone?"
"Garret will be surfing all day, honey. Someone's going to have to keep me company. Don't worry about the money, either. We'll buy your ticket. Call it a graduation present. Please say yes."
"Do I have a choice?"
"No."
***
The month went by quick. Ellie continued to babysit for Linda, and worked part-time at the local library where she met Rob. Rob was the same her age, cute and witty. They went out a few times and it led to sex, but he was selfish in bed so Ellie broke it off.
"What kind of man doesn't like to eat pussy?" Ellie complained to Linda.
"The wrong kind," Linda said.
On the day of their flight, Ellie arrived at Linda's with her luggage in tow. Garret was in his home office, talking on the phone. Linda looked upset.
"What's wrong?" Ellie asked.
"Emergency at Garret's work," Linda said.
Garret emerged from his office a few minutes later.
"Hello, Ellie," he said. "Good news and bad news, ladies. "
"Out with it," Linda said.
"There's been a mishap at one of our sites and I won't be flying out with you tonight. But I think I can handle it and I'll join you tomorrow."
"That's terrible," Linda said.
"It is what it is." He shrugged. "Get going. I'll see you tomorrow down there."
The trip was one hassle after another. Getting through security took too long. Then the plane was stuck on the tarmac for an hour before taking off. Ellie clutched the arms of her seat and closed her eyes as the plane surged into the air. A whimper escaped her lips.
"Oh, Ellie!" Linda grasped Ellie's hand tight. "I'm so sorry, honey! I forgot this is your first time on a plane."
"I'll be okay," Ellie said.
She felt better after the plane leveled off and they had a glass of wine. Before long, she was chatting with Linda and feeling relaxed.
They stumbled through the hassles of the Florida airport, picked up their car rental, and drove to the condo. They also stopped at a supermarket to stock up on essentials for the week ahead.
They sighed with relief when they at last arrived at the condo.
Stepping through the front door and putting down their luggage, they looked around and were pleased. It was nicely furnished, bright and modern. There were two bedrooms, a good-sized kitchen, and a nice deck out back with an ocean view.
"This is spectacular," Ellie said, standing on the deck.
"That it is," Linda said. "But I need a shower and I'm hungry."
They washed away the sweat and strain of travel and went out to get a bite to eat. Ellie wore a red tank top and jean shorts. Linda dressed in white capris and an orange top.
"Look at us," Linda said. "Two hot BBWs headed out on the town! One blonde, one brunette!"
They walked down the street to a tiny Cuban hole-in-the-wall type of place. It looked like a real dive from the outside.
"These are the kinds of places where you find the best food," Linda assured Ellie. "Besides, Garret's cousin swears by it."
Linda was right. The food was fantastic. They both ordered the roast pork dish Garret's cousin recommended and loved it. They also enjoyed a round of mojitos, the stress of their day's travels forgotten. They finished their meal and had another round of mojitos.
Back at the condo, they grabbed a couple of beers and went out onto the deck. They sat down on a loveseat facing the water.
