Office Desires

20. Pain

Lou's emotions ran deep and wild, much like a tempestuous storm that couldn't be quelled. The yearning she felt for Debbie had become an insatiable hunger, a gnawing ache that refused to be ignored. When they were apart, the world lost its vibrancy, and every minute away from Debbie seemed to stretch into eternity. The color drained from her surroundings, leaving her in a monochrome existence. Each kiss they shared and every whispered secret they exchanged was etched into her memory like a cherished melody, a haunting echo that reverberated through her mind. The longing for their connection was a constant companion, a passionate fire that seared through her, dominating her thoughts and feelings. In a world that demanded their love remain hidden, the desire grew more profound, echoing within her heart and soul with an undeniable intensity that refused to be silenced.

In the tumultuous symphony of their forbidden love, Lou couldn't escape the bitter refrain that taunted her: Debbie wasn't hers. The realization was a relentless undercurrent, a discordant note that clashed with the profound emotions she harbored. She was tormented by the knowledge that, despite the intensity of their connection, Debbie was still bound to another, and the world would never fully allow them to be together. This harsh reality was a relentless reminder that kept tugging at her heart, threatening to drown her in despair. Despite the fiery passion they shared, the ultimate truth was that Lou couldn't claim all of Debbie's love, and that was a jagged wound that refused to heal.

Lou grappled with an unrelenting uncertainty that gnawed at her soul. She couldn't fathom if Debbie truly loved her. The emotions they shared felt undeniably genuine, but lingering doubts haunted her. Was she merely a fleeting distraction in Debbie's life, a whimsical interlude to enliven her routine? As passionate as their connection was, Lou couldn't shake the nagging fear that she was simply a tantalizing seasoning, a brief deviation from the monotony of Debbie's world. The uncertainty was a shadow that clung to her heart, casting doubt upon the authenticity of their love. It was a question that plagued her, a puzzle she yearned to solve, to discover if her place in Debbie's life was truly as profound as it felt.

Four months had passed since she and Debbie had embarked on their passionate affair, and the weight of their secrecy had grown heavier. What was once thrilling now carried the unmistakable burden of being an affair, a hidden love that couldn't see the light of day. Lou longed for more, for a love that could be openly celebrated, for a relationship where she could proudly call Debbie hers. The pain of being kept in the shadows grew unbearable, and Lou couldn't help but question her place in Debbie's life, whether she was destined to remain forever hidden from the world. The burning desire for something more, something substantial, gnawed at her, leaving her with a profound ache in her heart.

She was in love with Debbie, and she was in pain... She was in so much pain.

***

Debbie set down her wine glass and leaned in, her voice lowering. "Something's been bothering you lately, hasn't it? It's more than just work, I can tell."

Lou's smile wavered, and she looked away, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. "Can't we just enjoy our evening and not get into this?"

Debbie's expression remained insistent, her eyes focused on Lou. "I know you, Lou. When something's on your mind, it's hard for you to push it aside. We should talk about it."

Lou's frustration began to rise, her emotions simmering just beneath the surface. "Can't you just drop it, Debbie? It's not a big deal."

Debbie let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, Lou. Let's not talk about it."

The conversation shifted into an uneasy silence, both women growing more distant as they sipped their wine. As they sat there, the tension between them seemed to hang in the air, a cloud over their otherwise pleasant evening.