The Love We Shared

V

We are just friends. Friends eat lunch. Friends can go out, have a good time, drink wine, talk about themselves moderately, maybe flirt casually. It means nothing. It's quite therapeutic to get out and talk to a grown-up for once instead of a seven-year-old who only computes school, candy, and mud.

I deserved to be sitting at this fancy restaurant, looking like a snack in my red heels and tight knee-high black dress. With a cute man to make conversation with. This was nothing but platonic. Or so I keep telling myself, but giggles don't lie and the gleam in his eye didn't either.

"I've got to be honest, I have never been to such a nice restaurant before." My face hurt from smiling so much.

"Oh, my wife and I love this little place. The food's fantastic."

"You're married?" I had thrown common decency out the window after the fourth glass of wine.

"Of course. Two years of blissful happiness." He held up his hand and believe it or not there was a gold band around his finger.

"Then what are you doing here with me?"

"Same thing you're doing." My smile faltered at his words.

"What would that be?"

"Getting to know one another. I'll be honest, I have never felt so strongly about someone I've just met."

Reaching across the table, he places his palm over mine, just holding my hand while we stare into each other's eyes. Brown against blue, it takes every ounce of self to pull away from his warmth.

"I can't." There is more sadness in my tone than I care to admit.

"I know you feel it. This undeniable connection. I can't be the only one?" His body language appears hopeful.

"You're not. But what am I supposed to do about it? I have a family. My husband and kids..."

"Run away with me." I instantly look up at the man sitting in front of me.

He appears deadly serious.

"Pack a bag and we can go anywhere you want. Come with me."

To say I wasn't considering it, would be a lie...

  ~

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