The Other Guy

Mark would be so mad. He has no idea.

It's this new guy at work. I feel guilty, but I can't help it. I've tried to hide my feelings, suppress them... but they're too strong. Have you ever felt a connection you can't deny?

It's like this. I've never been a morning person. I hit Snooze as many times as I can, push it to the wire, get up at the last possible second. But since I met him, I leap out of bed. The day shines brighter. I greet it with new optimism, because he's in it.

I get to work early! Just to steal extra minutes with him. The sight of him lights my eyes and pulls the corners of my mouth upwards. His face is so dear to me. I look at him and I feel warm. Content. When he walks past me it's like my head is on a wire. I'm drawn to him, irresistibly. When I catch sight of him with one of the other girls, jealousy stings me. When we're together, all is right with the world. I can be completely myself around him. I can tell him anything. I think about him all the time.

He's not perfect. A bit rude at times. A lot of people don't like that, but there's another side to him they don't see. He's sweet. For me, he's perfect. I'm usually drained by other people, but he recharges me.

OK, he can be rough. After I've been with him, I'm left with bruises and I feel sore and worn out. But then there are moments of tender affection that make up for the marks I have to hide when I go home.

I'm sure he feels the same about me. I know he's friendly with the other girls, but there's something more between us, I know it. It's special. When I walk by, I see the way his eyes follow me, mirroring the way mine follow him.

I'm going to tell Mark tonight. I hope he forgives me. Because Lemmy is already reserved for us pending a home visit. I know what he'll say: we don't need another dog.

But look at him!

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Word count 366 - bang on the nose again!

* * * Author's Note * * *

As always - thank you for reading! Please leave a comment to make it easy for me to reciprocate. Please don't leave a link unless you're taking part (see below👇 ).

The story behind the story: I'm writing a story every day this year. This is the second one. It's not autobiographical, and the photo is off Unsplash. I named the dog Lemmy for obvious reasons.

A Story Every Day in 2024: You can read about this madcap adventure here and here, and, if you're joining me, the first list of prompts here. You can read my first effort here.

Today's prompt: "Write a story about an introvert." If you'd like to write a story to this prompt (whether you're in it for the long haul or not), please let me have a ganders at what you come up with - link your story in the comments.

If you're on this yearlong escapade with me: What prompt or inspiration are you using for today's microfiction? Please link to your story in the comments to make it easy for me to get my pom-poms out for you. WELL DONE for smashing Day Two!

I leave you with two of my favourite things! The span of his life was only 24th December 1945-28 December 2015, but his legend will live forever😎

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Edited to add these:

Well done to Hannah, Paul, and especially Rachel who got a Top Story for The Lonely Barista 😁