Turns out, I didn’t have to make the decision, because fate had other plans. When I showed up at work the next day, we were called into a meeting to welcome the new transfer from the sister company. I shouldn’t have been surprised when James walked into the room, smiling at my bosses. He was older than he had been at the Piggy Wiggly, dressed like a man now, not a college kid in an apron, but even more handsome. When our eyes locked across the room, I realized I hadn’t been dreaming when I had thought we shared a connection.

He approached my desk and asked me to show him the ropes at lunch. I readily agreed, my heart already thumping. James was here, in front of me. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Things started out the same way all things do–slowly. We would share stories and jokes over lunch, always ready to team up for the more difficult jobs. I began to invite him over for dinner with me and Carol, our marriage proposal put on hold with my newfound friendship. Except it wasn’t a friendship, and never had been. It was an infatuation. James was the something more I never thought I could have. And now here he was, leaning over my shoulder more closely than he needed to, brushing my fingers when he passed me spreadsheets. And Carol was nothing more than a blip on my radar, something I needed to take care of from time to time.

One night we were working late at the office with another colleague, who had run out to pick up dinner. James sat next to me, our fingers stained with ink from the numbers that no longer made any sense. He stretched back, the chair creaking. I looked up from my work to see a curious expression on his face. I put down my pen as he opened his mouth. “If I’m being completely honest with you, Luther, I was surprised to see you with Carol.”

I smiled, looking down at my hands. “Why’s that?”

He shrugged, a broad shoulder stretching the limits of his dress shirt, our suit coats long since tossed over the chairs. “I guess I never really saw you settling down.”

I had played this game before. I knew how to read between the lines. The unspoken words hung between us. I never really saw you settling down with a woman.

I met his gaze, suddenly tired of games. I wanted more. I wanted James. “I wanted to kiss you the first time I saw you at the Piggy Wiggly.”

James’s expression didn’t change. “I know.”

With those two simple words, he leaned the creaky office chair forward and pressed his lips against mine.