It is okay

John thought to himself about the situation, the idea of being Melissa's husband in a way that didn’t seem so far-fetched at all. Despite being 20 years his wife's senior, Melissa was just as gorgeous as Jennifer, which he hadn’t realized until recently. Her personality was so much more mature. And it wasn't like they were already family. She was his mother-in-law, so that's like his wife once removed. As his mind circled around these thoughts, the answer came to him easily, and his voice felt comfortable around the words as he gave his reply: "I guess it's okay."

Melissa's heart fluttered with joy at his acceptance. The words were immensely satisfying for her to hear since secretly, she had actually planned it out this way. Because after talking to him and realizing how great of a guy he was, she selfishly wanted to spend time with him as if it were true—to be with him as his wife, if only in this temporary world they had created.

Just then, the waiter walked up and said, "Good evening, Madame, Monsieur. May I ask, is there a special reason for your visit tonight?”

Melissa answered so casually that John could almost believe it was real. "Not tonight, but we are looking for a place to have our anniversary in a few weeks." She winked at John, enjoying this illusion they were living. The waiter responded with such enthusiasm, "Well then, we would be happy to have you on your anniversary, but we will do our best to make sure this night is just as memorable."

His words were followed by an elaborate description of the custom menu; most of the food on it John hadn’t even heard of before. He thought he had to pick something off of it, and it was already overwhelming, but then Melissa quietly corrected him, her voice a comforting guide. She told him that they were getting a tasting, which meant they would be getting a small course of everything on the menu.

John was amazed at how natural it felt to treat Melissa as his wife. The way she filled in all that he didn’t know, the way they both flirted back and forth during the two-hour dinner, everything felt right. After dinner, they went to the in-house movie theater. Their seats were the best in the house, not that it mattered where they sat, as they spent most of the movie making out and quietly flirting. They genuinely did look like a married couple as they held hands while walking to their suite. Their connection was so strong at that moment, it was like there was no one else in the world. They only stopped holding hands when they got to their room.

Melissa turned to him, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of what the night held, and said, "Why don't you go wait for me in the bedroom while I freshen up in the bathroom." She gave him a playful look before grabbing and swaying her hips happily into the restroom.

The time she spent in the bathroom gave him time to think. As he sat on the edge of the bed, the enormity of the situation washed over him.