Off The Air

Lover Man

The next morning, Stephen has a massive hangover. He had gotten so drunk the night before that he slept longer than usual, especially after nights you had sex. You woke up at around 8 am, and Stephen was sleep until 11. His phone kept going off, it was Evie wanting to know where he was. You couldn't really get into his phone, but you rejected every call, not wanting to wake him up. He finally awakes, and you hand him a cold glass of water. "Good morning baby." You say to him. He looks at you and smiles. "Good morning darling." He replies. "Are you feeling ok?" You ask. "Yea, I have a slight headache, but for the most part I was just tired." He says after taking a sip of the water.

"Come here." Stephen says wanting to get you back in the bed. "Stephen, we have to get the day started." You reply. "What time is it?" He wonders. "It's 11:00." You inform him. He sits up, but still looks like he's not gonna get out of bed. He takes another drink of water, and asks if he has any missed calls. "Only a million." You say handing him his phone. "But yea, I gotta wash your clothes, and the sheets, and... you. So I need you to get out of bed." He stands up, and you see that he still has his underwear on. "When did you put your underwear back on? I was looking for them because I need to wash them." "Last night I guess, I don't really remember." He says as he takes them off. "Is it really that bad? What do you remember?" You say as you pick up his clothes. "Well... a lot of heavy breathing, sweat, noise..." He says jokingly. "So basically everything!" You say cutting him off. You guys have a laugh, then Stephen goes up to you and kisses you. "I'm gonna go get in the shower." He says with his lips inches from yours. "Alright, I'm gonna wash your clothes." You reply, and you two depart.

30 minutes later

You enter your apartment with all of Stephen's clothes washed. Stephen is on the couch going through his phone. He looks so care free, and you don't know why. "As much as I love you Stephen, you have to leave." You say as you set his clothes in front of him. "Why? What happened?" Stephen is concerned at this point, he stands up and puts his hands on your face to see if you're alright. "I didn't tell you this, but while you were asleep Evie kept calling. As much as you hate for me to say this, she's your wife. And I think it's wrong for you to leave her like this." You say in an anxious panic. "Y/n. Calm down honey, I talked to Evie while you were out. She's not at home. She's on vacation right now." Stephen explains. "It's gonna be alright, you're fine." He says comforting you. He holds you in his arms, your face pressed against his warm chest. "You've been waiting for this vacation haven't you?" You ask. "Damn right." He replies. "Well then, thanks for washing my clothes. I'm gonna go get dressed because I'm afraid this towel isn't enough." "It is for me." You reply, making him laugh.

For the rest of the day and going into night, you two absorb each other's thoughts, and become more grateful for each other's presence. Telling stories, cooking, listening and dancing to music. Not only was this a man that you see as a lover, but he's also your best friend. You can pour all of your troubles into this him and he'd love you enough to make it go away. It was the best you'd felt since the beginning of the strike. As much as you were enjoying yourself, you still had this gut wrenching feeling about the fact that you see a lover in a married man.