The Art of Attraction

Chapter 5

"How was your Christmas?" John asked Roger as they stood along side each other at the gym. Each doing a fairly brisk pace on a treadmill.

"It was alright..." Roger replied. "Since Audra was gone for the funeral...it was pretty low key..." he explained. "We scaled back the dinner and such...we did still go to my family's yesterday..." he said as John picked up his water bottle and had a quick drink.

"It's a lousy thing when people die right at the holidays..." John commented. Roger sighed as he kept moving.

"It is..." Roger agreed.

"Is it strange with her not being home?" John questioned. Knowing of Roger's frustration with Audra rarely leaving the house the past few years.

"Yes...but I have to admit I'm enjoying the break from her..." Roger confessed. His breathing a touch labored from the vigorous walking. "It's nice to just spend some time with the kids..." he remarked. John smiled at him.

"Until they abandon you for their friends..." John noted and Roger laughed a little. His friend was right. Both Charlotte and Miles had plans with their friends for the rest of the week.

"Too right!" Roger agreed. "I'm all alone until Audra returns..." he confirmed.

"When did she say she was coming back?" John asked him.

"She said she'd be at least a week when she left..." Roger answered. "I expect she'll be home a few days after the funeral..." he advised. He picked up his water and had a drink.

"Enjoy your respite while it lasts..." John remarked as the men both increased the pace on their machines. Beginning to run instead of walk.

Roger began thinking about his recent decisions and wondered how much he wanted to say to John. Despite him being his closest friend, it had felt better to talk about his troubles with his newer friends. Both Brian and Freddie had been supportive and open and had offered sound advice. While John had been always good friend to him, Roger wondered how much he could actually relate to true marital trouble. John's marriage was sound, solid and happy. He and Veronica were still going strong after 20 years.

The men finished their workouts and parted ways at the gym entrance and Roger headed home. Ready to get busy with some cleaning and preparing to return to work the next day. He wanted everything in the best possible shape for when Audra returned. No distractions to prevent them talking about their marriage.

Roger showered and changed into some joggers and a t-shirt and decided to get one thing out of the way before he got busy dusting and sweeping. He sat at his desk and dialed the number he had pulled from his company's directory. After speaking to the consultant about his situation, he was advised a therapist would be in touch within 3 days. His name, Felipe Herrera.

It felt good to be taking steps to help him go forward. Roger wrote down the name of the therapist and got busy with the house. Listening to a new episode of his favorite podcast as he worked in the kitchen. Cleaning out the refrigerator and wiping everything down.

A notification came through and Roger paused to see who it was from. He leaned against the counter and saw the message and instantly smiled.

Brian: Hi Roger! Hope your holiday went well. I wanted to check on us having coffee sometime soon.

Roger was so happy Brian wanted to see him. It truly meant he wasn't upset by his confession. That they were still friends. Roger quickly replied.

Roger: Hi! My holiday was fine. I would love to get coffee.