The Unwanted Affair

"You're so pretty when you smile"

When Lauren and Mikayla arrived at the Top Internet Influencers blogging conference, the convention center was a blur of activity. Lifestyle and mom bloggers from across the country were everywhere. Everyone seemed to be taking pictures, adding stories to their Instagram, filming themselves talking about the conference, gushing about which Internet celebrities they'd seen and aggressively hugging anyone and everyone.

Lauren was not a hugger. The truth was, she was an introvert. She much preferred alone time with her cats and family rather than big, splashy events like this one. Just the thought of having to plaster a smile to her face and be all "OH MY GOD hiiii!" to everyone she met made her sick to her stomach.

But Mikayla seemed to be in her element. As soon as they entered the doors of the convention center, Mikayla lit up like a pinball machine. She flashed her megawatt smile and tossed her long blonde hair like a prancing pony. She doled out hugs like it was her job.

"In case you were wondering, Mikayla is kind of shy," Dex said to Lauren with a wink.

"Yeah, she really seems out of place," Lauren said and they both laughed at their inside joke.

"You know, she's not this way at home," Dex said.

"You mean, her Instagram feed isn't the whole story?" Lauren said with mock seriousness. "Shocker."

"Is anyone's Instagram feed the whole story?" Dex asked with a sigh. "Honestly, I'm kind of sick of this whole scene."

"We just got here!" Lauren said. "You better find a way to enjoy yourself or this is gonna be a super long weekend."

"OK, then. I'll just stick by your side the whole time. I could never get sick of you."

Lauren laughed, uneasily. Was that a flirtatious remark?

"You think I'm joking?" Dex said.

"I-I'm not sure," Lauren stammered.

Dex's hand was suddenly on her elbow and he was leaning close to her ear. "I meant it when I said I was a huge fan of your work. You're probably one of the most genuine 'lifestyle bloggers' I've ever encountered."

Lauren felt herself blushing. "Well, thanks!" she said in an extra lighthearted way. She pulled her elbow away from his hand. "We better check in!" she chirped, ignoring his crestfallen expression.

Dex released her arm and suddenly his face changed. It was like a mask fell over him. All of the intimacy and warmth faded from his eyes. "Right-o!" he said. "Time to check in. Let's get this fakeness started!"

At that moment, Mikayla turned to look for them. "Come on you guys!" she yelled over the noise of the crowd that flocked around her. 

"Coming, dearest," Dex muttered only loud enough for Lauren to hear.

Lauren felt her skin prickle uncomfortably. She was flattered that Dex loved her work but uneasy about what appeared to be his disdain for his wife. 

"Hey Lauren," Dex said, interrupting her thoughts. "Maybe after we check in, we can all go get a drink. Don't we have some time before tonight's activities?"

Lauren glanced at him, surprised. Had his mood changed again so quickly?

"Um, sure," Lauren said. Why was she agreeing to this? Adding alcohol to the situation was bound to make things worse.

Dex smiled. Lauren felt herself staring at him. He really was a knockout. That smile could slay a thousand hearts. She found herself smiling back.

"There's the smile I was looking for!" Dex said, triumphantly. "You're so pretty when you smile."

Despite her doubts, Lauren flushed happily. It had been a long time since a man had called her pretty. Especially a man as handsome as Dex.

She couldn't help it. She wanted more.