Fling (3 page)

I searched for answers
in her eyes, and reminded myself of our pact at the start. She had
no business to be offended or feel hurt. It had been clear from the
start that we were just friends, sex buddies, but there was nothing
long-term between us. We could go our ways as soon as one or both
of us found love. My mind shouted those arguments but they still
sounded weak.

“Don’t tell anyone,” I
said.

“Of course, you think
I’m crazy? It’s none of my business.”

I hugged her for
that.

But she went and told
the girl, and told God knows what else. That girl started avoiding
me like the plague. She would change course if she saw me, leave
her table if I entered the office pantry. Before the week was out,
it was clear to me that she knew. And I knew how she knew.

“Why did you tell
her?” I asked one Sunday morning when she came to see me in her
shorts and vest. She had started visiting me in smaller clothes
after that evening when I told her my secret.

“Oh, I wanted to see
you happy. Has she spoken to you?”

“No,” I said, “I don’t
think she will, and I don’t think I’ll like what she may have to
say.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. You
know I did it for the best.”

“Of course, you are
the only friend I have.”

That morning I gave
her her benefits, and she made good my loss with a fair bit more
than the usual.

***

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