Stay Home for the Night

Adam was quick to pour himself a drink when he got home. The amber liquid filled another glass before his wedding ring stopped spinning on the counter. He knew he wouldn’t be able to make the first move. He briefly thought about accepting Sara’s offer, seeing just what movie night could bring but Adam still wanted to fix things with Holly, even if he knew she didn’t, and even though a bigger piece of him than he’d still to admit couldn’t stop thinking about {Sara.} After a few more bourbons, Adam fell asleep, blessed by dreams of Sara.

The next day Adam arrived right on time for the morning meeting. It didn’t take long to spot Sara on the far side of the crowded table. Despite the incessant chatter and the overpowering smell of coffee hanging in the air, he couldn’t take his eyes off Sara. With a high ponytail neatly pulled back her hair, her open blue blouse showing a gold necklace and suggesting the curve of her hidden cleavage. Adam disappointed himself with his inattentiveness during the meeting, but he couldn’t help feeling Sara stared at him the whole time, and he had to admit he found it hard to look away from her, especially when their eyes met, sending a chill down his spine. He watched intently as she licked her lips, a slight sheen of moisture appearing as she toyed with the top button of her blouse. Holy shit, did he want to see what was underneath her blouse. Adam shifted uncomfortably in his seat. If it weren’t for all the people in here, Adam thought to himself.

Mercifully, the meeting lasted less than an hour. Adam chuckled nervously as he got up out of his seat, hoping they didn’t get him any assignments. He’d spent the whole time fantasizing about Sara, ignoring the entire discussion.

Adam nearly jumped when Sara’s delicate fingers brushed the small of his back as they left the room. “Something on your mind this morning?” Sara asked with a wink. “...or are you just anxious for this afternoon’s workout?” She licked her lips again. Adam thought his heart was going to explode. Surely, her obvious flirting wasn’t just his imagination?

Sara’s sultry words echoed in Adam’s mind all day long. He absentmindedly scrolled through social media, teasing himself by desperately searching for anything close to a scandalous picture of Sara, anything to quench his thirst. A buzzing sound cut through the silence, breaking his concentration as a text message appeared, the notification jarring. It was Holly;

hope you have a good day

have a good workout

Ugh, another one of those passive-aggressive texts. Holly’s words stung deep. This was getting ridiculous. Adam had to say something, do something, but he was frozen under the cold weight of guilt. Despite his wife’s sharp, constant rejections, Adam felt responsible. Obligated to repair their fractured relationship, to remain faithful. No matter what. This had to be a test, a way to prove himself. But she was right.

The stale air in the apartment felt heavy, thick with unspoken resentments. Adam needed clarity. He didn’t know if he should pack up early for the gym, hoping and praying that he was too early to run into Sara, or hide out in the office.