The Affair

Chapter 25.2

Friday, August 12, 2022, 1:28pm

The workday counts down, and Fallon follows the clock in fifteen-minute increments. The past two weeks were grueling, grinding through tasks and deadlines weeks ahead in her docket.

It's what Mr. Reiner wanted, so she doesn't complain.

At her desk, she hums as she clicks and types, finishing up some trivial work. She sends off an email and checks the time. A break is earned, so she grabs her phone and starts scrolling.

She giggles through a few cat videos, liking a few others of influencers with cute outfits. Though her mind wanders to greener territory.

Her birthday is tomorrow.

She drifts further from her phone, finding her thoughts to be the better space.

It feels like forever ago since Mr. Reiner had time for her—since that day he took her to the mall. He's busy. She understands that.

But why didn't he want to stay the night with her?

She snickers, twirling a lock of her hair. The reason is simple: he's waiting for her birthday. It's so obvious now.

Her phone idles to sleep as she sinks deeper inside herself.

First, Mr. Reiner will surprise her after work, vowing to stay with her through the weekend. And then tonight, they'd make love.

She purrs in her chair, staring at nothing.

The sex would be slow and intimate, and so satisfying. She'd be in his arms the whole night. Sleep would come so easy.

She smiles.

When morning comes, he'd kiss her cheek and tell her happy birthday. Little gifts would come. Nothing crazy, just fun nifty things like a cute phone case or maybe a charm bracelet, or even a bouquet of roses. All good things.

Then breakfast!

Fallon's tongue peeks from her lips.

A stack of fluffy pancakes with melted butter swirling within pools of maple syrup. Fresh blueberries and orange slices. Eggs and bacon for Mr. Reiner. And his coffee—can't forget that.

Her phone lies flat on her desk now, long forgotten. She stares dreamily into her computer screen. The softest smile takes shape.

He'd tell her not to get his coffee—because it's her birthday and it's supposed to be her day. But it wouldn't matter. She'd do it anyway.

"I'll always be the one to get you coffee, sir..." she whispers absently.

Her head lilts slightly. The world outside herself passes in blurred movements and muted noises. Nothing is more important than this weekend.

After breakfast, she'd ask if they could go to the movie theater and catch an early showing. Not wanting to disappoint her, he'd agree to the silly superhero movie she'd pick. He'd buy her a bucket of the butteriest popcorn, a large orange soda to share, and a box of gummy bears.

'Sir, I know you don't like those kinds of movies, but maybe you'd make an exception for me?' she'd say to him.

'Of course, darling! It's your birthday. Even if I don't like the movie, as long as I can hold you and kiss you, that's all that matters to me,' he'd say back.