Simply Complicated Read Free

his cellular phone rang. He did not recognize the number so didn’t answer. After a few minutes passed, his house telephone started ringing.
    Thinking it was Monica, he answered right away. “Hey baby, is everything okay?” Ken asked.
    “Wow—I’ve made it to ‘baby’ status already,” Susan said jokingly.
    “Oh hey, Susan—I thought you were my wife calling. How did you get this number?” Ken asked nervously.
    “You called me from it before and I locked it in my phone along with your home and office number. I didn’t think calling your cell this late was a problem. I tried reaching you at your office but you had already left and I know you wouldn’t want me to call your home number,” said Susan.
    “What are you talking about? This is my home number that you called. I’m just glad Monica isn’t home. You need to delete this number from your cell phone so you won’t mix them up again,” replied Ken.
    “I am so sorry. I thought I dialed your cell number. I would never intentionally call you at home. You have to believe me. I had planned on leaving a message for you on your cell. I just wanted you to know that I have to cancel our lunch plans tomorrow,” she told him.
    “I believe you. I’m just glad that things worked out. Just make sure you delete the number,” he said.
    “Let me make it up to you. I take it that your wife isn’t home. If you haven’t eaten dinner yet, would you like to meet somewhere tonight since we can’t meet for lunch tomorrow?” Susan asked.
    “I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea.” Ken replied.
    “Why?” asked Susan.
    “It doesn’t seem right, that’s why,” responded Ken.
    “It’s just dinner, Ken, that’s it. Come on—I don’t bite,” Susan teased. Ken agreed and they decided to meet at an Italian restaurant within the hour.
    Ken was nervous at first but tried to justify what he was about to do. I’m hungry. Besides, I often go out with friends in the evening. Susan is just another friend who wants to eat together, he thought to himself.
    He put on a pair of jeans and a black sweater and headed out the door. As he drove to the restaurant, he kept trying to convince himself that he wasn’t doing anything wrong. He made himself believe that Monica wouldn’t be upset with him having dinner with a friend.
    When he arrived at the restaurant, Susan was already there. He barely recognized her. She wore tight jeans, a red silk blouse, and heels. Her hair was styled differently but she still looked good.
    He had forgotten how beautiful she was. As he approached her, he wasn’t sure how he should greet her so he just sat down.
    “You look very handsome—I like your cologne,” said Susan with a wide smile.
    “You look nice too,” replied Ken. He was obviously nervous.
    “So why are you here, Ken? I know your wife wouldn’t approve of your sneaking out of the house to have dinner with me.” Susan asked.
    He was a little thrown off by her comment, especially since earlier she had tried to make him feel at ease about joining her that evening.
    “It’s like you said; we’re just two friends having dinner together. It’s not like we’re going to have sex or anything. Besides, what about your fiancé? I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy with you sitting here with me,” said Ken, flustered.
    “Why Ken—are you propositioning me to sleep with you? You should at least buy me a drink first,” teased Susan. “And I’m no longer engaged. We really didn’t have anything in common,” she added.
    “No! That’s not what I’m doing,” replied Ken nervously. “I was only saying that we’re just having dinner together. That’s all. I’m not trying to get you into bed,” he said.
    “That’s too bad because as good as you’re looking, I probably would have given it up,” said Susan as she rubbed his hand.
    Ken didn’t know what to do so he took a drink of water.
    “Let’s go somewhere more private and have a nightcap,” suggested Susan. She