Crap. Why? Why?! Benny hit the wheel and ran a hand though his hair, messing it completely up from the amount of times he had done so. He was consumed by frustration, in the verge of desperation. And what for? A woman. But not just a woman, a married woman! What had been a lovely afternoon had become a ride back home full of torturous thoughts. After their meeting in the cafeteria, Benny and Frida came back to the gallery so she could take her car and leave. They shared more smiles and a kiss on the cheek as goodbye. It had been just fine, two friends waving at each other as she drove off. That afternoon with her was unexpectedly pleasant, he enjoyed himself and enjoyed of the link they shared. And again, it was just fine, but as soon as Benny got in his car the overthinking began. Imminently and sharply. He found himself practically drooling over her, enchanted by her beauty, by her smart mouth, by her charisma, by her compassion, by the softness of her hand, by her laugh.
The way he felt near her, the way she exerted power over him; he even resumed painting lessons overnight! Something he swore not to do ever again. He did it, he broke that tiny rule just for her. Because he wanted to get to know her, because there was something in her that called to him as the singing of a mermaid, like a magnet. And the more he thought about it, the worse he felt, because it could only mean one thing, a thing that he wasn't willing to accept because it was ridiculously impossible. <<I am just a wife>> For god's sake, she was married! But it didn't stop him. It wasn't a problem when he decided to throw himself into the abyss to which she invited him. And she didn't even realize! He, as stupid as he could be, lost control and put his eyes on a married woman. But goddamn, how to resist?! Frida was... like fresh air. She was so different from all the women he had met. And that caught him, since day one.
Benny shook his head vehemently, driving in automatic to his apartment, not really paying attention as his sense were all invaded by Frida. She was attractive, yes! Of course she was! Her body was the first thing he admired the night they met, when he left for the dark garden in search of calm and instead he found her: all glorious in that dress that embraced her curves. But there was more, much more! She was a woman all complete; interesting, funny, sensitive, caring, a bit stubborn, intelligent. That physic beauty was the mirror of her inner beauty... and that caught him. That was it, he liked her. He liked Frida. And she was prohibited.
Benny sighed loudly. He wouldn't interfer, he couldn't. Frida was a married woman, decent, moral, honorable, and Benny would do nothing to put her life upside down. It was better to step back now that he was on time. As enchanted as he was, sure this attraction was a fleeting thing. It couldn't last. There were so many beautiful women he knew, Mr Wilson's daughter for instance. Yes, another woman, that's what he needed. But even the thought annoyed him. However, putting a wall between Frida and him was necessary if he wanted to keep his head straight. He just needed to adjust some behavior, because even though he liked as a woman he also liked her as friend, and he wouldn't want to lose the friendship they were beginning to build.
Benny stoped at a red light and took a deep breath, he looked at himself in the mirror and pursed his lips. He could do it. He could keep his distant from Frida, no double intentions, no flirtation. Just casual friends.
***
"Hey." Frida entered the home office freshly bathed, wearing green silk pajamas and smelling of flowers. She walked towards the desk, Henry sat behind it. "Still working?" There were documents above and two empty, dirty cups.
"No more, I'm finished." Henry answered in a tone that revealed his exahustation.
"And what are you still doing here?" She cocked her head, hands and hips leaned against the desk facing him.
"I was..." he paused and lost his gaze at some point further. Frida frowned, not comprehending. Then he shook his head and let out a long sigh.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Frida got closer and caressed his shoulder, naturally mortified.
