Big Corp Inc. (G/T)

Part 21: Bucky's Belly

"Where would you like to eat?" Martin inquired.

"I don't know any of the restaurants around here. You choose," Candy requested.

"Well... there's a new restaurant that just opened up downtown that I haven't tried yet. I can't guarantee that the food will be any good, but I figured we could try a new experience together," Martin suggested with a smile.

"That sounds good. I'm willing to give it a shot." Candy rubbed his palm with her hand. Martin's heart warmed at her light touch. He curled his fingers around her, holding her closer to his torso. She leaned into his warm body and sighed. Even with all her terrible troubles piled up on her, somehow Martin made her feel at peace, calming the turmoil within her.

As the Giant left the banking district and wended his way towards the shops and restaurants of the more leisurely section of the city, the sun started to dip nearer to the horizon, bathing the Giant city in glowing orange light. The sky reflected the image of a sea, with swirling, golden clouds cresting like sea foam. The bright yellow sun swam through the shining clouds and gradually sank into the darkness of the earth, like the depths of the ocean, dimming to orange and red before snuffing out. Candy was happy to be able to share the natural beauty of the scene with Martin. The air had the pleasant cool of evening, overlaid with a light breeze.

The downtown scene was pretty lively. Candy felt nervous and small, being surrounded by crowds of Giants, some of them rowdy and drunk. Despite this feeling, she trusted Martin to keep her safe in his huge hands. There were lots of clubs and bars with bright lights blasting loud music and advertising fancy alcoholic beverages. The smell of chicken wings and burgers filled the air from various restaurants. With Candy up against Martin's body, she could hear his cavernous belly rumbling in response.

"Sorry, Candy, it's been a while since I've been out and about here. I forgot how crazy it can get on Friday nights," Martin apologized. "This isn't really my scene... I'm a bit too socially awkward for this sort of thing..."

"Aww, it's okay Martin," Candy shouted up at him. She had to raise her voice to be heard. She looked around. "Where's this restaurant at?"

"Right over there." Martin pointed to an establishment with a patio area and outdoor tables under an overhang. Huge stylized letters illuminated with bright neon red spelled "Bucky's" over the entryway. Martin waited for the seating hostess to arrive. After a minute, she hustled over, hands full of silverware and menus, wearing a bright red dress with a white apron. She had curly auburn hair and long, slender limbs.

"Welcome to Bucky's! Would you like to sit at a table, or at the bar?" she asked, slightly out of breath.

Martin glanced over at the crowded bar, which was brimming with boisterous Giants. "We'll take a table."

"We...?" She finally noticed Candy, and her demeanor changed. She became very excited and animated. "Oh, a human! Did you see one of our job ads? Are you here to apply?"

"That's... no?" Candy replied, flustered. She hadn't expected this development.

The seating hostess gestured for Martin to follow her. "Well, you should consider it. This is a great place to work! We're desperate to hire humans right now, but we haven't attracted any yet! In fact, I can set you up with an interview with the restaurant owner, right now!" She guided Martin over to a table, dropping a bundle of silverware and a menu in front of him. Without waiting for a response, she proclaimed, "I'll go grab Bucky for you right away!" She rushed off. Martin and Candy stared after her, at a loss for words.

The pair hardly had time to process what was going on before a portly, perspiring Giant with a round, sanguine face, thinning blond hair, and a mustache ran over to their table. He wore the male equivalent of the garish restaurant uniform, with a red shirt and white pants. "You want to work here?" he questioned Candy gruffly as he wiped his sweaty forehead on his sleeve.