The room was quiet as the two lovers dressed, preparing for the meeting they were scheduled to attend that morning.
Both Tina and Steve were suddenly conscious of the huge step they had taken, especially now, as the outside world started to intrude on their sexy, safe bubble. The room still smelt of sex, the bed was a tangled mess of sheets and covers and there were clothes dotted around the room, dropped in the heat of passion the night before.
There was a comical moment when Tina was unable to find one of her shoes -- it had somehow ended up behind the bin under the desk in the corner. Steve passed it, a little awkwardly, across to Tina.
"Why thank you, kind sir," she quipped, bobbing a curtsey.
Steve replied with a bow "You're welcome, fair maiden."
Their eyes met, both looking a little furtive. This was the tricky part -- the sex had been great, but they each had to return to the real world today -- Tina to her husband and daughter, Steve to his wife and kids. The euphoria of the night away was pretty much spent, and life still had to be faced.
Steve opened the door and allowed Tina to leave. He glanced round the room, realising how shabby it looked. It reflected perfectly the way he felt about his behaviour. Yet it had been a great night, probably the best night he'd ever spent with any woman.
Tina slipped out the door and made her way down for breakfast, sitting opposite Steve at a table in the window. They certainly looked subdued as they ordered tea and coffee from the surly waitress. Tina reached out cautiously with her foot and rubbed it against Steve's leg. Their eyes met and they tentatively reached for each other's hands across the table. Little was said as they ate breakfast, the odd request for salt or pepper but not much else.
Steve was concerned. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" he asked.
Tina sighed. "There's nothing wrong. Apart from the fact that it is my birthday today and no-one, not even my husband, has bothered to call or text me. Nothing like making you feel loved, is there?"
Steve paused, then, saying nothing, walked to the door of the restaurant and into reception. Tina looked worried until she realised his jacket was still on the back of his chair.
Within minutes, Steve was back, clutching an envelope to his chest.
"Sorry -- I didn't realise!" he said, proffering the envelope.
Tina took it cautiously. "I wasn't dropping hints; you know that, don't you?"
"Yes, no problem." Steve lowered his voice."They didn't have any Happy Birthday to My Lover cards!"
Tina blushed as she realised that they had indeed crossed the line into being lovers. What strange new uncharted territory had they wound up exploring together?
She opened the card, noticing that it was not too sloppy, not a post modern joke card, just tasteful, and quiet -- the kind of thing she would buy herself. Inside was a simple message
"To Tina, with lots of love and thanks on your birthday, Steve" followed by three kisses.
"Thank you, that's really kind of you" Tina replied quietly. The rest of breakfast was particularly quiet -- Tina mulling over the first use of the word "love" between them, Steve wondering what sort of husband would forget his wife on her birthday, especially if she were away on business.
The cab, ordered by reception (who had all but ignored them on their departure) arrived and whisked them off to their meeting, which was completely forgettable. Once or twice the two of them exchanged a quick glance, but otherwise felt they portrayed a perfect image of professionalism. It was only a few weeks later that one of Tina's contacts commented on the two of them looking very pleased with themselves!
One of the clients from the meeting insisted on buying the two of them lunch, and they sat next to each other, each trying to seem nothing more than workmates. Only when the third member of their party popped to the toilet did the facade slip. Tina caught Steve's eye with a look of such intensity that it was apparent this was not the end of their more intimate relationship. Steve wasn't sure of what his face portrayed, but he felt a lot more relaxed by the time the client returned -- the two large glasses of red might also have helped!
Lunch over, they made their way towards the station, Tina taking Steve's arm with casual comfort as they crossed the busy main road. Steve squeezed her arm closer to him and the mood lifted a little as they made their way to the ticket barrier. The train was not too busy and they soon found their seats, conveniently close to the bar and at the quiet end of the coach. They each bought a couple of red wines and settled down for the journey.
Tina snuggled close to Steve as the train gathered pace, and at last they began to discuss their feelings about the last 36 hours. Tina had been very quiet, so it was Steve who plucked up the courage to break into her reverie.
