The Affair

Chapter 18.2

Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 10:17am

It's a hot July morning as William pulls his car into a parking lot. Fallon sits in the passenger seat, her nose practically pressed against the window. The name Houston Zoo is posted in big white letters atop the entrance as he rounds the curve.

"Yay! We're here!" Fallon cheers, hugging her small backpack.

He parks nearby, and she's out before he can even kill the engine. She calls for him as she trots away, lassoing her backpack through her arms. Behind her, a little wolf stuffy peeks out from the zipper. It takes him a bit, but he catches up.

Fallon's in high spirits. Her hands clutch the straps of her backpack, shoulders bouncing as she hops along, avoiding the cracks in the sidewalk. His eyes follow her, admiring her figure.

She wears a white crop top patterned with intricate blue lines etching floral designs, the loose sleeves drooping off her shoulders. Her denim shorts are a light wash, cuffed high around her smooth thighs and cupping her perky bottom nicely. They button just below her navel, leaving a sliver of bare skin between each garment. She turns to him, green eyes smiling as she trots backwards.

"Mr. Reiner, come on!" she calls, waving him onward, "I'm gonna get in line!"

He meets her in line and curls his arm around her hip, claiming his trophy. It's a short wait before they make it inside. Fallon rushes ahead again, scanning a QR code printed across a welcome sign. The phone holds her attention for a moment, then she grins.

"Got the map, sir! Look!" She cheers, pointing out a leftward path. "Okay, umm... that way will take us to the elephants. Let's go!"

He can't help it. A grin tugs as he says, "Okay, Captain. Lead the way."

She snickers at that, feeling clever as she pulls his hand. They move on, towards the elephants as Fallon suggested.

His gaze drifts over the passing families—parents tugging wagons with laughing children, others toting overstuffed backpacks. A thief infiltrates his mind, stealing his peace as if it were an artifact, replacing it with guilt. He sighs, apologizing internally.

Today is their last day. June had called yesterday with news that she'd be returning sooner than expected. Fallon didn't know it yet, and now isn't the time to tell her. He'll give her this day, he vows—a perfect day together to make her smile, to keep her happy.

He glances toward an upcoming sign, noting the opposing arrow under an elephant's silhouette. His lips purse, one corner rising like a charmed cobra. "Oh Fallon. You were looking at your phone upside down..." he chuckles silently, letting her wander toward the wrong animal.

Above them, the Texas sun shines, softened only when a stray cloud passes along. They take pictures together—happy shots of William behind her, arms dangling around her hips, ducking low so he could fit the frame as Fallon works her phone. One by one, they visit the exhibits. Fallon marvels at each animal, eyes wide, mouth hung in awe as if it were her first time viewing such majestic creatures.

By noon, the heat takes its toll and a break is needed. With her hand in his, William leads her into a circular building. Inside the concessions are in full swing—workers moving behind a windowed counter, a backdrop of clanging metal utensils, and the hum of conversation. In the adjoining room, tables are half-claimed by visitors enjoying their meals, enjoying the A/C a bit more.

Before William can engage the cashier, Fallon steps in, greeting the girl behind the counter with a bubbly, "Hello!" She stammers through the order, fingers fidgeting together. But she manages it, then pays. His hand sinks behind her, hidden by the counter, cupping her right cheek through her shorts. She purrs at his touch, wiggling her ass in return.