The Love of Jury Duty

It's Just A Little Crush

I smiled eating a cookie and setting the box on a table in the back. She was so sweet. I felt really bad because I think I hurt her feelings. But I was trying to suppress this little crush I was developing on her.

"That was really nice of her to bring those for you."

"Yeah. Did you order the parts for the Cooper in the back? I told the client I'd get started next week."

"Wow. Way to skirt over that comment like it was nothing."

"Yeah it was very sweet. She's a nice girl. Thanks for outting me about being married."

"Weren't you going to tell her?"

"Well, yes but I didn't think I'd ever see her again."

"I think you should take some time off and figure out what's going on. I'm not stupid. I saw the way you were looking at her. Just like I saw the way she was looking at you. I said something before it got out of hand."

"I know. Believe me I've been trying to make heads or tales of it. This isn't like me. I love my wife. I love being married. It's so stupid developing a crush on someone else like this."

"Ok so the question is do you REALLY love being married to your wife?"

"Of course I do. What kind of question is that?"

"Then why are you trying to justify it to me?"

"I'm not."

"Nick, you are."

"This is ridiculous. I have things to do. I need to finish rebuilding that engine for the Cooper. I don't have time for this."

I started walking towards my work station. I didn't have time for all of this. I had work to do and projects to finish. Mike grabbed my arm and stopped me

"Nick, it's OK. I'm not going to tell. Look it happens. You're human. You didn't act on it so don't worry. Are you unhappy being married to Lindsey?"

"No...I mean...I don't think I am."

"Do you love her?"

"Of course I love Lindsey."

"Then relax and don't worry about it. The crush will pass."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then you have a problem."

I sighed and went over to the engine for the Mini Cooper and started working on the manifold. Mike and I worked in silence. I forced myself to stay focused on work and not on Lilly. It was Friday and I couldn't wait to go home

My truck pulled into the driveway and I sighed deeply. It felt good to be home and for once it didn't take all night to get here. I opened the small white door and went inside. It smelled amazing in here. Lindsey was cooking something that had my stomach growling. I peeked into the kitchen and smiled seeing Abby.

"Hi there!" I grinned scooping her up. "Where's mama?"

She smiled watching me with her bright blue eyes. I kissed her chubby cheeks and tickled her making her giggle.

"Lindsey!?"

I called out, but got no answer. Confused I searched the house and found her asleep on the bed. She must've had a long day. I shook her gently and half smiled. She woke with a start and looked at me

"Hey, were you cooking?"

"Sorry." She yawned "it was a long day. I didn't mean to doze."

"Lindsey if you were so tired you didn't have to cook. I could've picked something up for dinner."

"No, no it's fine." She yawned

"What needs to be finished?"

"It's done. We were just waiting for you."

"Go back to sleep. I'll take care of everything else."

"You sure?"

"Positive. Goodnight."

She snuggled back into bed and was instantly asleep. Abby and I made our way to the kitchen. I made a plate of food and got Abby in her high chair. She smiled playing and somewhat eating her food. I smiled eating slowly and scrolling through my phone.

Oh nice! She accepted my friend request. Now that we were friends more of her profile was available to look at. I scrolled through her feed trying to get a feel for what she was like. I smiled seeing random pictures of her son. He seemed very cute and a handful. But my smile quickly dropped seeing sad posts. Looks like her boyfriend just up and left her. I probably did hurt her feelings today. I sighed to myself and finished eating and got Abby to bed.

It wasn't often that I had the evening to myself. I sank into the big comfy couch and turned on the TV. My phone lit up and I looked down to see a notification pop up that I had a Facebook message. I couldn't help but smile seeing who it was from

Your daughter is seriously adorable. Cheeks for days.

Thanks. Your son is cute. Looks like a handful.

Thank you. Yes, he is. He has quite the personality. I'm glad you sent me a friend request. Kinda made my crappy night better 🙂

Really? What are you doing tomorrow?

Yes really. I work. Why?

What time are you off?

I'm off at 2:30. Why?

Wife is going out with my daughter for the weekend. I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch or something

Oh. Really? You do know who you're talking to right?

LoL yes Lilly I know who I'm talking to. Fine. You don't want to? I've got other friends

No! I didn't say that! Don't put words in my mouth! Let me call around. I have Jake this weekend in the rotation so I have to make sure I have a sitter. 

Don't take too long. I might change my mind

Oh really? Well, in that case I'll get back to you eventually.

Eventually? Well, guess you really aren't interested

Is that what you think? Guess you'll just have to wait and see

I laughed quietly and set my phone down. There was no harm in hanging out for a bit and grabbing a bite to eat. Friends do that all of the time. I looked at the clock and saw the time. I sighed and locked up and got ready for bed. My phone lit up and I smiled

My mom is going to take Jake for the entire day. See you tomorrow. Gotta tell me where and when tho. Goodnight

Awesome. I'll let you know. Sweet dreams Lilly.

I crawled into bed, plugged in my phone, kissed my wife softly and laid back getting comfortable. I couldn't stop smiling and was actually kind of excited. But I had to keep that quiet and not let it show too much. I didn't want anyone getting suspicious. I thought as I closed my eyes drifting off to sleep