John was sent to a northern post in a busy city, bustling with industry and people. His company was the home office for the business and he was immediately sucked into huge deals and mergers. He landed on his feet, making some incredibly lucrative transactions in his first months.
The pace was frenetic. He was assigned to a team already in tune with each other, already in sync. He had to jump in and try to assimilate their rhythm and pace. It was difficult to do, but exciting at the same time. The team consisted of five other lawyers, all roughly his age, all with prestigious degrees and families. The men, Jared, Patrick, Oliver, and Noah, were nearly carbon copies of himself. Handsome, assured, intelligent and pleasant. The lone woman, Judith, was cool and aloof. She gave exactly what was needed from her and did not feel she should be social in any way. Even her name sent shivers down his spine. He could not look at her face without feeling immature and unworthy.
As the days passed, John found matching points with the other team members. Most of them were avid squash players, several liked theater, three of them were golf pros. They began spending off hours together, handsome, desirable men, the eligible cream of the company. They were quite a sight, these men. Everywhere they went, they created a stir. Women made up reasons to approach them, to talk with them. John was used to being with Will, his pal, and being nearly invisible. Now, he was the center of attention, and he found it enjoyable. The five of them spent much of their weekends and evenings together. It became a game to see how many women handed them phone numbers or offered them a free drink. Many evenings included offers for a night together. While John didn't usually accept the offers, he was flattered all the same. Sometimes, as he watched his pals meet and go home with gorgeous women, he wondered why he was so reluctant.
The women were lovely, charming and intelligent. They offered a good time without any strings, but somehow, it just didn't appeal to John. So he would return to his apartment alone each night. Often he would find Will online and they would chat, continuing the discussions that kept them awake all night at University. But then, Will met Amanda, and was not as available as much. Instead, he wrote long letters describing Amanda and her many wondrous assets. He was so in love, and John was his confidante. John was the first to know that Will was staying with Amanda, nursing her back to health. John was also the first to know that they had finally realized their love for each other. He was happy for his friend, but a little envious too. That was what kept him from accepting the offers of the women. He didn't want a one nighter, or even a few fun hours in bed. He wanted someone like Amanda, someone to love and who would love him. He mentioned this to the other guys, but they seemed happy being on the receiving end of exciting nights.
Everything remained the same, yet everything changed. It wasn't as much fun to go out with the guys and be admired and wanted. John kept thinking there was a woman out there who would complete him, fulfill him, make him happy and content. So he partied, but without as much enthusiasm. He kept more to himself, trying to avoid the hungry eyes of the women on patrol.
