New years Stories

She stepped closer, her voice lowering. “And are you looking forward to dessert?” There was something in her tone, soft, suggestive, that made his stomach flip. “I, uh, yeah. Sure,” he stammered, unsure if he was imagining the intent behind her words. She tilted her head, studying him, and then her smile widened. “Relax, John. I know,” she said, her voice calm and knowing. He blinked, confused. “You know?” Linda leaned in...

John’s head was spinning as he tried to process what he had seen. He made a move toward Mary, intent on saying something, anything, to break the tension knotting in his chest. But before he could reach her, Frank, Linda’s brother, materialised at his side. “John! There you are, mate!” Frank boomed, clapping a heavy hand on his shoulder. “What do you think of the wine, eh? I picked it myself, perfect pairing for the roast....

The dining room buzzed with warmth and chatter as John crouched under the long oak table, the heavy linen tablecloth shielding him from view. Above, his wife Linda’s voice rang out clearly, calm and charming as ever. “Oh, John? He’s just tied up with something. He’ll join us shortly.” Her laugh floated across the room, light and teasing, and he could almost see the flick of her hand as she waved away concern. He shifted o...