I entered a restaurant and ordered chips and a burger. I started to eat my lunch trying not to remind myself about my marriage. I thought I saw a glimpse of Joe in the restaurant. My eyes couldn’t see any more with these heavy thoughts.

My heart beat fast, I couldn’t even chew. There he was, coming to where I sat. I looked down and forced my mouth to swallow the chips. I drank the apple juice as he stood at my table smiling. What was he even doing here?

“Hi, I saw you at the office,” he said sitting opposite me on the same table I sat at.

“Yes, yes we work at the same company,” I shivered.

“I am Joe and you?” he smiled.

“Jane,” I answered.

I pretended to eat, using small pieces, I was swallowing, not chewing them. Suddenly I cough and coughed, I was chocking. He stood up and hit my back twice and the chip moved slowly in my throat. He gave me the apple juice and I drank it.

“Are you OK?” he asked.

“Yes, thanks,” I said and he sat down.

I felt shy. He began conservations and talked about work. I smiled with no words to say. I ate my food silently while he talked. He ordered rice, chicken and coleslaw salad. He ate and kept talking. I nodded my head. Every time our eyes met I felt something. I hungered for his touch and kiss. What was he doing to me?

I checked the time after I emptied my plate.

“Time to go back,” I said.

“Yes let’s go,” he wiped his hand with a dish cloth.

We walked quietly but I could feel he was looking at me. I walked quickly. The restaurant wasn’t far from our workplace. I entered the building, leaving him walking slowly. He might think I am avoiding him, I thought. I hope not.

I found Rosie sitting on my chair. She smiled and something told me she saw me and Joe having lunch.

“Hi Rosie,” I said not knowing what to say.

She stood up and sat on my desk. I sat down and looked at her fierce eyes, she was angry.

“You had lunch with him?” she asked.

“He gate-crashed my lunch,” I defended myself.

“I hope he didn’t make a move on you,” she said angrily.

“No he didn’t,” I said taking some papers and trying to see if they were recent applications so I could type them in my computer. “Rosie, I am married, I wouldn’t say yes even if he made a move on me,” I murmured.

“Good. Joe is mine,” she said loudly.

“Go for it then,” I said pretending.

She went away and banged the door. She couldn’t know I also had feelings for Joe. The worst part was I was married. I now understood why my mother said I was young for marriage. Now I fell for someone else instead of Frank. Deep inside I felt Joe liked me but Rosie would hate me this time.

After pressing the buttons on the keyboard, I felt my fingers had done a lot. My phone rang and it was Frank. Finally at last. I felt a bit worried because he never called.

“Baby, I am coming home,” he said. I felt happy and nearly screamed. “What can I bring for you from Joburg?”

Why the sudden change? What was going on? Maybe he realized his mistakes of neglecting me. I told him he should surprise me. We talked for an hour. My heart felt like I was on top of the moon. I was still in shock.

After hanging up Joe entered my office holding two takeaway coffees. This guy? My mind screamed.

“Hi Jane. I am through my work and you?” he asked handing me the coffee.

“I still have a long way,” I said and checked my watch. “Maybe I will be through after 5 minutes. Thanks for the coffee,” I sipped the coffee.

“I will wait for you,” he said.

I looked at him surprised. I was wondering why he wanted to wait for me. Temptations will overrule me. I typed quickly then packed my things in my bag.

“You are beautiful, Jane. I like you,” he said.

Where was this coming from? I looked at him while wearing my jacket which I removed when I was at work. My office got hot with the air conditioning machine.

“You like me?” I asked pointing him with my finger.

“I think I love you,” he said staring at me with his eyes.

“What do you see in me?” I asked puzzled.

“Give me a chance, I will show you,” he came closer and kissed me.

I kissed him back then I realised it was wrong. I pushed him and grabbed my bag.

“I am married. This is wrong,” I shouted and left him standing there like a statue.

***

Tell us: What do you think of Jane’s reaction? What would you have done?