Covid Diaries: Love in the time of Covid

Day 20 - Friday Night

Nick lived with two roommates Jake and Steve. They'd met during university at a party. After spending most of their undergraduate experiences together, they decided to rent an apartment downtown post-graduation. Nick worked as a lawyer, Jake in IT and Steve worked in marketing. They each settled into their own lifestyle, Friday night rituals involved drinking and partying followed by suffering through hangovers on Saturday.

Nick was an early riser and usually worked out in the morning. Unfortunately, their condo gym was now closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. He struggled to find alternate ways to work out. He had settled into lifting weights in his room.

Jake hated waking up, if it was left up to him, he'd sleep in as much as possible. He observed Nick working out and felt little motivation to do the same. He decided he'd have to catch up when things got back to normal and he could go back to his gym.

Steve loved his marketing job. He wasn't an early riser but could suffer through his alarm and get motivated if he had to. He went for a run by the lakeshore when he could. He was health conscious, occasionally jumping on a new diet fad if he felt he had to.

They were in their mid-30s and single. They loved living together, the entertainment never stopped.

This particular Friday morning, Nick had just finished work and was rummaging in the kitchen trying to figure out what to make for dinner. He was often the one cooking, he loved doing it so he didn't mind. Steve was on his laptop in the kitchen, he had chosen the space for his temporary office. Jake had signed off from work early and was catching up on the news. The 3-bedroom apartment was spacious, the living room was a loft-style space with exposed brick walls. The living room was furnished with a brown leather lounger and a grey sofa. Nick's ex-girlfriend had added some teal cushions which ended up staying even after they broke up.

"Guys what's the plan tonight?", asked Nick. He decided to marinate some chicken and pop in the oven.

"We could invite Diane and Brooke over", suggested Jake. The girls were close friends with the three guys and lived close by. "We can't invite much more people than that". He didn't have to remind the guys of Covid restrictions, only a maximum of five individuals could socialize together.

"Sounds good", agreed Nick.

"I'll let the girls know", Steve said while texting them a message on his phone. He hadn't told the guys but being cooped up in the apartment 24 hours a day with the guys had him going out of his mind. He loved them but they were starting to get on his nerves.

Diane and Brooke showed up at the apartment at 9 pm with a bottle of wine. Pouring everyone a glass, Steve decided tonight was the night he'd let Diane know how he felt about her. He'd been waiting for a good time to ask her out and tonight was as good a moment as any. He watched her get comfortable on the couch, deciding to sit cross legged. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in a lazy ponytail. She was wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans. He went over to the couch and sat next to her and handed her a glass of wine.

"Cheers", he toasted.

"Cheers Steve", said Diane taking a sip. She looked at Steve deep in thought. "How's work treating you? Are you all driving each other mad in this small space?"

Steve laughed, "how did you know? We move from work to dinner and socializing in this small space. There's nowhere to spend some time alone."

"Well if you're ever wanting to get away, you can come over if you like", suggested Diane.

Steven nodded, "that sounds amazing." He knew she had suggested it as an offer to hang out as friends.

As Diane got up to talk to Brooke, Steve grabbed her hand and said "how about I cook for you?"

Diane smiled and surprisingly nodded, "sounds perfect."