Iceberg Effect - Part 9

“Congratulations again to Clarissa, the new VP division manager of operations!” An older man in a tight suit said, as a sea of office workers gathered around. It was official, Clarissa had finally gotten that promotion she had been working towards for the past six months. It was also good that she had just promoted her wardrobe, she had been practically bursting out of everything she owned, and couldn’t even get her largest skirt over her rear. She equated it to stress eating, retaining water, and the cold season that was approaching. Nothing to worry about in the eyes of Clarissa.

“There is a spread in the kitchen, so everyone take the next hour off and just enjoy yourselves.” The suited man said, causing the crowd to disperse. Clarissa could not wipe the smile from her face, and made her way to the break room so she could mingle with all of her new underlings. First things first though, as Clarissa loaded up a plate from the trays of sandwiches, salads, and sides. Before she could even walk away, Donald was wiggling his way up to her.

“Congratulations Clarissa!” Something she was going to hear a lot today. “I knew you were going to get the position all along.” He said. Donald went on, sweet talking his way with his new boss. Clarissa nodded along, enjoying the selections from her plate as he continued. Before she knew it her formerly full plate was empty, and Donald had finally slowed down to take a breath. “Well anyways, I’ll let someone else chew your ear for a while.” He said before disappearing back in the crowd.

It was only a moment before someone else was getting Clarissa attention to congratulate her. This time it was Nancy from finance. It was the same dog and pony show, but at least she didn’t lay it on as thick as Donald. Nancy was more of a stick in the mud, and wanted to make sure Clarissa wasn’t planning on making any big changes, Nancy hated big changes. Again Clarissa just heard her out as she went on and on about how things worked and how they’ve been for a long time. As she listened she one by one scooped up additional items from the table, popping each one in her mouth. I mean the spread was for her, it would be rude if she didn’t indulge and eat her fill.

Slowly more people passed by to congratulate her, and Clarissa, who felt like she couldn’t get away from the cuisine table, seemed to not mind, as she ate for about a half hour straight. At that point her stomach started to feel so full it was putting pressure on her waistband. She might have been full, but it was a good thing she still had a little room. The next person in line was Margaret, who wasn’t going to let Clarissa leave without having some sweets. “Dear, you haven’t even cut the cake yet! Here, follow me.” Margaret gathered everyone around for the big cake cutting, the key moment in any celebratory party. After a round of cheers, Margaret made sure Clarissa walked away with a big slice. She only made it as far as the end of the table with the cookies and brownies though before she was stopped by another one of the mingling co-workers.