Melanie

Evie exclaims loudly, throwing her hands in the air dramatically. "I told you so, Mel! I knew it!"

I sigh, giving Evie an exasperated look. "So what am I supposed to do, Evie? Fall into Marcus's arms just because some girl is flirting with him?"

The words escape my lips, but I can feel jealousy clawing at my insides. It's irrational—I have no right to feel this way. Marcus is single, free to do whatever he wants with whomever he wants. Still, the feeling lingers, an unwelcome presence in my chest.

Evie rolls her eyes, a classic move in her repertoire. "Mel, you're truly dense, you know that?"

"Hey," I protest, feeling insulted by her straightforwardness.

She waves off my protests, a dismissive gesture. "What did Marcus say when you told him you broke up with Daniel?"

I hesitate, my gaze dropping to my hands in my lap. "I... I didn't tell him," I admit reluctantly.

Evie facepalms, letting out an exasperated exclamation. "You've got to be kidding me, Mel!"

I shake my head. "No, Evie, I'm not."

"Why on earth didn't you tell him?!" Evie's frustration is palpable.

"It just didn't come up," I confess, feeling a bit defensive.

Evie mocks me, repeating my words with a sarcastic tone, "Oh, it didn't come up."

I push Evie's arm softly, attempting to divert her attention. "Stop mocking me, Evie."

She looks at me incredulously. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

I can't help but feel a pang of guilt mixed with irritation. "Evie, it's not that simple. I just need the right moment to bring it up."

She raises an eyebrow, skeptical. "Right moment? Mel, there is no perfect moment. You've got to create it."

I sigh, realizing that Evie might have a point. "I know, but it's complicated. I can't just blurt it out."

Evie shakes her head, clearly exasperated. "You're making things unnecessarily complicated, Mel. Marcus needs to know where you stand. He's not a mind reader."

"I get it, Evie," I reply, feeling a bit defeated. "I'll find the right time."

"Find it soon," Evie insists, crossing her arms. "This is not just about Marcus; it's about you too."

I nod, acknowledging her concern. "I know. I'll figure it out."

She pushes herself off my desk, walking to her own, muttering under her breath, "I can't believe you didn't say anything."

I chuckle at Evie's persistence, watching her as she goes. Turning back to my computer, I attempt to refocus on my work. It's not easy with Evie's disapproving words still echoing in my mind.

The truth is, I never expected to feel this twinge of jealousy. Marcus has no attachment to me whatsoever. And yet, the thought of someone else catching his attention bothers me more than I care to admit.

But all of this doesn't matter right now. I need to focus on work, push aside the swirling thoughts about Marcus, and concentrate on the task at hand. The rhythm of the office continues, a symphony of keyboards clacking and phones ringing. I immerse myself in spreadsheets and reports, trying to drown out the lingering doubts.

An to top it all off, I am meeting Daniel after work. The thought tightens a knot in my stomach. This is going to be hard. I wonder how he'll take my decision. I need to do this, to close this chapter once and for all. Only then can I truly evaluate my feelings for Marcus. Is it real, or is he just a comforting presence, more emotionally available than Daniel ever was?

Last night, I felt this undeniable pull towards Marcus. It unsettled me, as if I was walking on a tightrope, barely holding it together. I couldn't allow myself to lose control, not like that day in the forest. But when Marcus asked if he should go, panic gripped me; I didn't want him to leave.

Everything went amazingly well last night. Marcus is so careful with my boundaries, respecting them as I slowly open up.

Then there's that girl, he said her name was Karla? Jealousy overwhelms me once more. It's clear she's hitting on him, and the mere thought makes my stomach churn. It eases my mind a bit that she wanted to go out with Marcus, but he rejected her.

Karla's image pops into my mind – tall, taller than me, with long, wavy auburn hair and brown eyes. Maybe Evie is right; Marcus might find someone else eventually, and that someone could be Karla.

I need to get my act together, or I'll end up losing Marcus. After I wrap things up with Daniel, I'll give myself one day to sort out my emotions about Marcus. Maybe I'll even take a day off work to truly consider everything. Yes, that sounds like a good idea.

I rise from my seat and make my way to Sonia's office. I knock on the door, and Sonia answers with a warm smile. "Hey, Melanie! Come on in." She gestures to the two seats in front of her desk, and I take a seat, my mind still swirling with the thoughts of Marcus and the impending day off.

Sonia looks at me, her eyes filled with concern, and asks, "What can I do for you, Melanie?"

I hesitate for a moment, gathering the courage to make my request. "I need a day off tomorrow," I finally say.

Sonia's response is immediate, "Of course, no problem at all. Take more if you need it."

Gratitude fills me, and I reply, "Just one day will be enough, Sonia. Thank you."

I stand up to leave, but before I can exit the room, Sonia stops me. "You seem to be doing better," she notes.

I pause, my hand on the doorknob, and turn around to face her. "Yeah, I'm feeling better," I say to Sonia, offering her a small smile. Her genuine concern is touching, and she responds with a nod. "Let me know if you need more time off," she adds, and I thank her once again before exiting her office.

Back at my desk, I settle in and find it surprisingly easier to concentrate on my work. The decision I've made seems to have lifted a burden, allowing me to focus. Time passes, and I keep an eye on the clock, eagerly anticipating the end of the workday.

Finally, it's time to leave. I gather my belongings and head to the parking lot, walking alongside Evie. "I'm taking the day off tomorrow," I tell her.

Evie snaps her head in my direction, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Why? Everything okay?"

I take a deep breath before responding, "You were right, Evie. I need to make a decision about Marcus."

A mischievous grin forms on Evie's face, and she gives me an approving nod. "Atta girl," she says.

A genuine smile plays on my lips as I link my arm with Evie's, walking side by side towards our cars. When we reach my car, Evie turns around, her expression turning serious. "Good luck, Melanie," she says, her eyes locking onto mine.

"Thanks, Evie."

Her gaze lingers, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Just be careful, okay? Daniel can be persuasive."

I meet her gaze with determination. "My mind is made up. My decision is final."

Evie nods, a small smile breaking through. Without another word, she pulls me into a tight hug. "Call me when you get home, okay?"

"Will do." I say and she pulls away. We part ways, and I climb into my car. The engine roars to life, and as I drive away, I can't help but feel a mixture of nerves and determination.

I drive to the café that Daniel suggested, the anticipation building with each passing mile. As I park the car, I take a moment to collect myself, my heart pounding in my chest. Stepping out, I begin walking towards the café, the crisp air nipping at my skin. I walk along the riverbank until I reach the entrance of the café.

I enter, the door chiming softly as I do. I quickly scan the room; Daniel is not here yet. Choosing a table near the window, I settle into a chair and order a hot tea to ward off the encroaching chill of the weather. The waitress nods with a friendly smile, disappearing into the depths of the café.

The waitress returns promptly with my order, and I glance at my watch. Daniel is late. Again. A sigh escapes me, and I take a sip of the steaming tea, its warmth momentarily soothing. I place the mug back on the table and lean back in my chair. The minutes tick by, and I find myself lost in my thoughts.

The café door swings open, and my gaze instinctively turns towards it. There he is – Daniel, making his way towards me. I steel myself for the conversation ahead.

This is it.