Day Two: Saturday

I woke slowly, awareness returning in layers. The scent of Donna's hair, familiar now, intoxicating, reminded me that this was not the normal run of the mill mornings. We had pushed down the white sheets, during the night, leaving our naked bodies exposed to the fresh sunlight. Her back pressed against my chest, and my arm draped gently over her waist. Through the tall windows, the morning Italian light filtered in, painting the room in shades of morning.

I tightened my arm around her, pulling her closer, and felt her stir. She made a small sound of contentment, pressing back against me, and I realized I was already half-hard, my cock nestling against the curve of her bottom.

"Good morning," she murmured, her voice still shrouded in sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, kissing the back of her neck.

She turned in my arms to face me, and even with sleep-tousled hair and no makeup, she was beautiful. Her eyes were soft, warm, full of affection as they met mine.

"I could get used to waking up like this," she said. “Are you available to hire?”

"Could be," I said, running my hand down her side, feeling the curve of her waist, her hip. “Payment in kind of course.”

We lay there for a while, just looking at each other, touching gently, lazily. There was no urgency, no need to rush. We had all day. Donna's hand traced patterns on my chest, her fingers trailing through the hair there, then moving lower, across my stomach. When her hand reached lower and found my cock, I groaned softly. She stroked me slowly, deliberately, watching my face as I hardened fully in her grip.

"Someone's awake," she said with a playful smile.

"Can you blame me?" I replied, my hand moving to cup her breast, my thumb squeezing her nipple against my fingers.

She kissed me then, deep and slow, her hand still working my cock with steady strokes. I could feel the heat building between us, that familiar pull of desire. When she broke the kiss, she pushed me gently onto my back and straddled me, her thighs on either side of my hips.

The morning light illuminated her body, and I took a moment just to look at her. The curve of her breasts, the soft flesh of her stomach, the dark triangle between her thighs. She was all mine today. Donna reached down and positioned my cock at her entrance, then slowly, so slowly, lowered herself onto me. We both groaned as she took me inside, inch by inch, until I was fully seated within her. She sat there for a moment, adjusting to the fullness, her hands resting on my chest.

"God, you feel huge," she breathed.

Then she began to move. Slowly at first, rising up until I nearly slipped out, then sinking back down so the head was as deep as it could go. She established a rhythm, unhurried, sensual, her hips rolling with each movement. I reached up and cupped her breasts, feeling their weight, their softness, my thumbs teasing her nipples once again feeling them harden under my touch.

"Come here," I murmured, and she leaned forward, bringing her breasts closer to my face. I took one nipple into my mouth, sucking gently, then harder, my teeth grazing the sensitive flesh. Donna moaned, her movements becoming more urgent, her pussy gripping me tighter with each stroke. I moved to her other breast, lavishing the same attention on it, sucking and licking while my hands gripped her hips, guiding her rhythm.

"Andy," she gasped, her head falling back. "Oh god, Andy."

I could feel her getting closer, her inner muscles beginning to flutter around my cock. I released her nipple and looked up at her, watching the pleasure build across her face. She was riding me faster now, chasing her release, and the sight of her like that, lost in sensation, was almost enough to push me over the edge.

"That's it," I encouraged, my hands moving to her breasts again, squeezing gently. "Come for me, Donna."

She cried out, her body tensing, her pussy clenching around me in rhythmic pulses as her orgasm washed over her. The sensation was incredible, and I thrust up into her, once, twice, three times, and then I was coming too, my cock pulsing inside her, filling her with my cum.

Donna collapsed forward onto my chest, both of us breathing hard, our bodies slick with sweat despite the morning coolness. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, feeling her heart racing against mine.

"What a way to wake up," she said eventually, her voice muffled against my shoulder.

"Best alarm clock ever," I agreed, kissing the top of her head.

We lay like that for a while longer, my softening cock still inside her, neither of us wanting to move. But eventually, Donna lifted her head and looked at me with a smile.

"Shower?" she suggested.

"Together?"

"Would be a shame not to?"

We disentangled ourselves and made our way to the bathroom. The shower was large enough for both of us, and we took our time, washing each other with gentle touches, stealing kisses under the warm spray. It was an intimate sensation, tender without urgency. Just two people preparing each other for the day.

After we dried off, we dressed casually. Donna in a light summer dress over her bikini, me in shorts and a t-shirt over my swimmers. We packed a bag with beach towels, sunscreen, books, and water bottles, then headed out into the Saturday morning sunshine. Trieste was slowly coming alive around us. Locals were out doing their shopping, tourists were beginning to emerge from hotels, and the cafés were filling with people seeking their morning coffee. We found a small place near the harbour with tables outside, shaded by large umbrellas. The waiter brought us menus, and we ordered cappuccinos and pastries. When they arrived, the coffee was rich and perfectly made, the pastries fresh and flaky.

"This is heaven," Donna said, breaking off a piece of her pastry and popping it into her mouth.

"It really is," I agreed, looking around at the harbour, the boats bobbing gently in the water, the elegant buildings rising behind us. "I can't believe we actually made it here."

"Two more days," she said softly. "Well, one and a half, really."

"Let's not think about that yet," I said, reaching across the table to take her hand. "Let's just enjoy today."

She smiled and squeezed my fingers. "You're right. Today is for the beach."

We finished our breakfast and asked the waiter for directions to a quieter beach, somewhere away from the main tourist areas. He recommended a spot about twenty minutes away by bus, a small cove that locals favoured. We thanked him and set off. The bus ride took us along the coast, offering glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic through gaps in the buildings. When we got off, we followed a narrow path down toward the water, and soon we emerged onto a beautiful stretch of beach. It was quieter here, just a handful of people scattered across the sand, and we found a spot near some rocks that offered a bit of privacy.

Donna spread out our towels while I dug in the bag for the sunscreen. When I looked up, she was pulling her dress over her head, revealing the bikini underneath. It was a simple two-piece in a deep blue that complemented her skin tone perfectly. The top lifted and supported her breasts beautifully, and the bottoms sat low on her hips.

"You're staring again," she said with a knowing smile.

"Can't help it," I replied, pulling off my t-shirt.

She sat down on her towel and held out her hand for the sunscreen. "Turn around. I'll do your back first."

I sat between her legs, and she squeezed lotion into her hands, then began to rub it into my shoulders. Her touch was firm but gentle, working the cream into my skin, her fingers kneading the muscles of my back and shoulders, both relaxing and arousing at the same time.

"Your turn," I said when she finished.

She laid down with her back to me, and I took my time, starting at her shoulders and working my way down. I untied her bikini top so I could reach all of her back, my hands gliding over her smooth skin. When I reached the small of her back, just above her bikini bottoms, I let my fingers linger, tracing small circles.

"Careful," she warned playfully. "Or we'll never make it into the water."

I retied her top and moved on to her legs, starting at her ankles and working upward. By the time I reached her thighs, I could see goosebumps rising on her skin despite the warmth of the sun.

"All done," I said, giving her bottom a gentle pat.

"Now lie down and let me do your front," she instructed.

I stretched out on my towel, and Donna straddled my hips, squeezing more lotion into her hands. She started with my chest, her hands moving in slow circles, then down my stomach. When she reached the waistband of my shorts, she paused, her eyes meeting mine with a mischievous glint.

"Behave," I said, though I was already responding to her touch. “You’ve had that already this morning.”

"I am behaving," she replied innocently, moving on to my legs.

When we were both thoroughly covered in sunscreen, we dashed hand in hand to the sea, and ran in, splashing each other like a pair of teenagers let loose. The water was cold, so we were not in there for long, before running back to our towels to let the sun warm us and dry us off. I pulled on my hat, and we lay back on our towels, side by side, holding hands. The sun was warm on my skin, the sound of the waves rhythmic and soothing. I could hear Donna's breathing beside me, slow and even, and I felt a profound sense of contentment.

After a while, I picked up my book and started reading, but I found it hard to concentrate. I kept glancing over at Donna, watching the rise and fall of her chest, the way the sunlight played across her skin. Eventually, I gave up on the book and just lay there, soaking in the moment.

Donna had dozed off, her breathing deep and regular. I watched her sleep for a while, this beautiful woman who had somehow become so important to me in such a short time. The thought of going back to our real lives, of not being able to see her like this, made my chest tighten with an emotion I didn't want to examine too closely. I must have dozed off too, because when I opened my eyes, the sun had moved across the sky, and Donna was awake, propped up on one elbow, watching me.

"Hey sleepyhead," she said softly.

"How long was I out?"

"About an hour. You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you."

I sat up and checked my watch. It was nearly three o'clock. "Should we head back?"

"I think so," she agreed. "I'm starting to feel a bit too much sun."

We packed up our things and made our way back to the bus stop. The ride back to the city centre was quiet, both of us pleasantly tired from the sun and sea air. When we reached our hotel, we went straight up to our room.

"Shower?" Donna suggested, already pulling her dress over her head.

"You go first," I said. "I'll join you in a minute."

She disappeared into the bathroom, and I heard the water start. I undressed and was about to follow her when I heard her call out.

"Andy? Can you bring me the green bag from my suitcase?"

I found the bag and brought it to the bathroom. Donna was already in the shower, the glass door steamed up. She opened it a crack and took the bag from me.

"Thanks. Now go wait on the balcony. I'll be out in a bit."

Intrigued, I did as she asked. The balcony was small but private, overlooking a quiet courtyard rather than the street. I pulled on my shorts and stepped outside, letting the afternoon sun warm my skin.

About fifteen minutes later, I heard the bathroom door open. I turned, and my breath caught.

Donna stood in the doorway wearing green lingerie. The bra was sheer lace that barely contained her breasts, her nipples clearly visible through the delicate fabric. The matching knickers were equally sheer, sitting low on her hips, and she'd paired them with a garter belt and stockings. Her hair was still damp from the shower, and she wore no makeup, but she looked absolutely stunning.

"Jesus, Donna," I breathed.

She walked toward me slowly, a smile playing at her lips. "I thought we could catch some afternoon sun before dinner."

"Out here?" I asked, glancing around.

"No one can see," she assured me, stepping onto the balcony. "The courtyard is private."

She was right. The balcony was positioned so that the neighbouring windows couldn't see directly onto it, and the courtyard below was empty. Still, there was something thrilling about her standing there in lingerie, the afternoon sun illuminating her body.

"You're so tempting," I said, pulling her close.

"So are you," she replied, her hands moving to my chest. "Now go shower. You smell like the sea."

I kissed her deeply, then reluctantly released her and went to shower. I was quick, eager to get back to her. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, Donna was still on the balcony, leaning against the railing, looking out over the courtyard.

I came up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist, and she leaned back against me. We stood like that for a while, just holding each other, the warmth of the sun on our skin.

"This is perfect," she murmured.

"It is," I agreed, kissing her neck.

My hands moved up to cup her breasts through the sheer lace, and I felt her nipples harden under my touch. She turned in my arms, and we kissed, deep and hungry. My towel fell away, and I was already hard, pressing against her stomach.

"Bed," she whispered against my lips.

We moved inside, and I closed the balcony doors behind us. Donna lay back on the bed, and I took a moment to just look at her, this beautiful woman in pale green lingerie, waiting for me.

I climbed onto the bed beside her, and we kissed again, our hands exploring each other's bodies. I unclasped her bra and tossed it aside, then took one nipple into my mouth, sucking gently while my hand moved down her stomach, over the sheer fabric of her knickers.

"I want to taste you," I murmured against her breast.

"And I want to taste you," she replied, her hand wrapping around my cock.

We shifted on the bed, arranging ourselves so that we were facing each other's bodies. I pulled her knickers down and lowered my head between her thighs as she kicked them clear of her legs, while Donna took my cock into her mouth.

The sensation was incredible. I licked her slowly, tasting her arousal, finding her clit and flicking it with my tongue. At the same time, I could feel her mouth on my manhood, hot and wet, her tongue flicking the head of my cock. We found a rhythm, pleasuring each other, the sounds of our mutual enjoyment gently echoing around the room.

I slid two fingers inside her while I continued to work her clit with my tongue, and I felt her teeth scrap up and down my cock, sending shivers through me. She was getting close, her thighs beginning to tremble, her pussy moist around my fingers.

I increased my pace, sucking her harder, and she came with a muffled cry, her body tensing, her juices flowing into my mouth. I didn't stop, working her through her orgasm, and she released my cock from her mouth, gasping.

"Andy," she panted. "Get that cock inside me."

I moved up her body, positioning myself between her thighs. She was still wearing the stockings and garter belt, and the sight of her like that, flushed and aroused, was almost too much.

"Turn over," I said, my voice full of passion.

She rolled onto her stomach, then rose up onto her hands and knees. I knelt behind her, taking in the view, her beautiful bottom, the curve of her back, the stockings framing her legs. I ran my hands over her hips, then positioned my cock at her entrance.

I pushed inside slowly, and she lowered her head down to the pillow. She was so wet, so hot, and I slid in easily until I was fully inside. I held there for a moment, savouring the feeling, then began to slowly thrust backwards and forwards.

I started slowly, pulling almost all the way out before pushing back in, establishing a deep, steady rhythm. Donna pushed back against me, meeting each thrust, and the sound of our bodies coming together filled the room.

"Harder," she gasped. "Please, Andy, do it harder."

I increased my pace, gripping her hips, driving into her with more force. The angle was perfect, hitting deep inside her, and I could feel her getting close again, her pussy tightening around me.

I reached around and found her clit, and the pleasure ramped up a notch for her. Donna cried out, her arms giving way so that her face pressed deep into the pillow, her body shaking with the force of her orgasm. Then it was my turn as the thrusts pushed me over the edge. I thrust deep and held there, my cock pulsing inside her, filling her insides with my cum. I stayed there, buried inside her, both of us trembling as our bodies calmed back down. Eventually, I slipped out and collapsed beside her on the bed. Donna turned to face me, her eyes soft and satisfied.

"You liked my underwear choice then.” she started, then just smiled.

"Yeah," I agreed, pulling her close.

We lay there for a while, recovering, our bodies cooling in the air-conditioned room. Eventually, Donna stirred.

"We should probably get dressed," she said. "I'm starving."

"Me too," I admitted. “I seem to be spending most if the holiday dressing and undressing.”

We dressed slowly, reluctantly leaving the intimacy of the bed. Donna put on a simple sun dress, the same one from the morning, over her green lingerie which she had collected from around the room and pulled back on, and I pulled on a polo shirt and shorts. We looked like any other couple heading out for dinner. The evening was warm and pleasant as we walked through the streets of Trieste. We found a pizzeria in the main square, a casual place with checkered tablecloths and a wood-fired oven visible in the back. The waiter showed us to a table outside, and we settled in, studying the menu.

"So many to choose from," Donna said.

"Let's keep it simple, get one each and share," I suggested.

We ordered, a Pepperoni pizza for her, a Quattro Stagioni for me, and a carafe of house red wine. When the pizzas arrived, they were perfect, the crusts thin and slightly charred, the toppings fresh and full of flavour.

"This might be the best pizza I've ever had," Donna said, taking another bite.

"It's pretty incredible," I agreed. “Guess the Italians know how to make them.”

We ate slowly, sharing bites from each other's plates, sipping our wine, watching the life of the square unfold around us. Families with children, couples strolling hand in hand, groups of friends laughing and talking. We were just another couple among many, and it felt natural.

"I wish we could stay here forever," Donna said softly, her eyes meeting mine across the table.

"Me too," I replied, reaching for her hand. "Just freeze this moment and live in it."

"No responsibilities, no lies, no guilt. Just us."

"Just us, and plates full of Pizza." I echoed.

But we both knew it was impossible. Tomorrow we'd have to leave, to return to our real lives, to our spouses and our separate existences. The thought cast a shadow over the moment, and we fell quiet as we thought about real life.

"Let's not think about tomorrow yet," I said finally. "We still have tonight."

Donna smiled, though there was sadness in it. "You're right. Tonight is for lovers."

We finished our meal and paid the bill, then walked toward the waterfront. There was a bar we'd noticed earlier, an elegant place with a terrace overlooking the sea. We climbed the stairs and found a table near the railing. The view was spectacular. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the Adriatic stretching out before us, dark and mysterious. We ordered cocktails, an Aperol Spritz for Donna, a Negroni for me, and settled in to watch the sunset.

"This is beautiful," Donna said, her hand finding mine on the table.

"It is," I agreed. "But not as beautiful as you."

She laughed softly. "You're such a romantic."

"Only with you," I said, and I meant it.

We sat there as the sun sank below the horizon, the sky darkening, the lights of the city beginning to twinkle. Our cocktails were refreshing, the atmosphere romantic, and I felt a bittersweet ache in my chest. This was everything I wanted, and yet it was temporary, stolen, impossible to sustain.

"What are you thinking?" Donna asked.

"That I don't want this to end," I admitted. "That I wish we could find a way to make this real."

"I know," she said softly. "I feel the same way. But we both know it's not that simple."

"No," I agreed. "It's definitely not."

We finished our drinks in contemplative silence, then made our way back to the hotel. The walk was quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts, the weight of reality beginning to press down on us. Back in our room, we undressed slowly, carefully. There was no urgency now, just a gentle sadness. When we were both naked, we climbed into bed and lay facing each other, our bodies close but not quite touching.

"Hold me," Donna whispered.

I pulled her into my arms, and she pressed her face against my chest. I could feel her breathing, slow and steady, and gradually we both relaxed, the warmth of our bodies and the comfort of each other's presence lulling us toward sleep.

"Andy?" she murmured, her voice drowsy.

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For these three days. For making me feel wanted and loved."

"Thank you," I replied, kissing the top of her head. "For the same."

We drifted off to sleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms, holding on to these last precious hours of our stolen time together.

Day Three: Sunday

I woke before Donna, the early morning light just beginning to filter through the windows. She was still asleep, her breathing deep and even, her face peaceful. I watched her for a moment, memorizing the sight of her like this, knowing that in a few hours, we'd be on a plane back to reality. But we still had this morning. I still had time to show her how much she meant to me.

I moved down the bed carefully, not wanting to wake her yet. I positioned myself between her thighs and gently spread her legs. She stirred slightly but didn't wake. I lowered my head and placed a soft kiss on her inner thigh, then another, moving closer to her groin.

When my tongue made contact with her pussy, she gasped, her body jerking slightly. I looked up and saw her eyes flutter open, confusion giving way to pleasure as she realized what was happening.

"Andy," she breathed, her hand moving to my hair.

I didn't respond, just continued my work, licking her slowly, thoroughly, tasting her arousal as it built. I found her clit and nibbled on it gently, then sucked it into my mouth. Donna's hips began to move, pressing against my face, and I held her open with both sets of fingers to allow my tongue to reach deep, blowing gently into her open pussy.

"Oh god," she moaned, her fingers tightening in my hair. "Keep that up."

I had no intention of stopping. I worked her steadily, my tongue licking and flicking as I blew, building her pleasure higher and higher. I could feel her getting close, her thighs beginning to tremble, her pussy feeling warmer and wetter.

"Andy," she gasped. "I'm going to, oh god, I'm, "

She came with a cry, her body rocking from side to side, her juices flowing into my mouth. I didn't stop, working her through her orgasm, prolonging it until she was gasping, and then pulled away as I gave it a final kiss.

I moved up her body, kissing my way across her stomach, between her breasts, up her neck. When I reached her mouth, she kissed me deeply, tasting herself on my lips.

"Good morning," I murmured against her mouth.

"I thought I was dreaming," she replied breathlessly.

I was achingly hard, my cock pressing against her thigh. Donna reached down and wrapped her hand around me, stroking slowly.

"Better get that thing inside me," she whispered. "One last time lover boy."

The words "last time" hit me like a soft slap, but I pushed the feeling aside. I positioned myself at her entrance and pushed inside slowly, both of us groaning at the sensation. She was so wet, so ready, and I slid in, happy to be there once again.

I started to move, slowly at first, feeling every sensation. I wanted this to last, and to be mutually pleasurable. I listened to the sound of her breathing and enjoyed the way she looked at me with those warm, knowing eyes.

"I love you," I said, the words coming unbidden.

"I love you too," she replied, her legs wrapping around my waist.

I made love to her slowly, thoroughly, our eyes locked on each other. I could feel my orgasm building, but I held back, wanting this to last, wanting to stay in this moment forever. But eventually, the pleasure became too much.

"Donna," I gasped. "Are you ready."

"I’m almost there," she breathed. "Come with me, Andy. Fill me up."

Her words pushed me over the edge. I thrust deep and held there, my cock pulsing inside her, filling her insides with my cum. At the same time, I felt her pussy clench around me, her own orgasm timed to perfection. We stayed like that, locked together, feeling our juices slowly mingling. Then we lay there in silence, both of us knowing what came next, neither of us wanting to acknowledge it.

Finally, Donna stirred. "We should get ready," she said softly.

"I know," I replied, but I didn't move.

We forced ourselves out of bed. We showered separately this time, the intimacy of the past three days giving way to the practicality of departure. We dressed in our travel clothes, packed our bags, and did a final check of the room to make sure we hadn't left anything behind.

There was a café in the hotel, and we stopped for a quick coffee. We sat opposite each other, not talking much, just holding hands across the table, trying to make these last moments last.

"I don't want to go back," Donna said finally.

"Neither do I," I admitted. "But we have to."

"I know. It's just that these three days have been perfect. And now we have to go back to sneaking around, to stolen moments, to lying."

"We'll figure it out," I said, though I wasn't sure I believed it. "We'll find a way."

She smiled sadly. "Will we?"

I didn't have an answer for that, but it was time to go, and we headed to reception. The checkout process was quick and efficient. We handed in our key cards, and the receptionist called for a taxi for us, then wished us a pleasant journey. Then we were out on the street, our bags in hand, and the taxi was waiting for us.

The taxi ride to the airport was quiet. We held hands in the back seat, watching the Italian countryside roll by, both of us lost in our own thoughts. When we arrived at the airport, we checked in and made our way through security. The flight was called, and we boarded, taking our seats side by side once more. The plane filled up around us, and soon we were taxiing to the runway. As the plane lifted off, I looked out the window, watching Trieste grow smaller below us, and felt a profound sense of loss.

The flight back was subdued. We talked a little, but mostly we just sat in silence, holding hands, both of us dreading what came next. When the plane began its descent into UK airspace, Donna squeezed my hand tighter.

"Whatever happens," she said, "I want you to know that these three days meant everything to me."

"To me too," I replied, bringing her hand to my lips.

The landing was smooth, and soon we were taxiing to the gate. As the plane came to a stop and the seatbelt sign turned off, passengers began to stand, grabbing their bags, eager to disembark. Donna and I waited, letting the crowd go first, neither of us in a hurry to face what came next. Finally, we retrieved our bags and made our way off the plane. We moved through the airport together, through passport control, and then we were approaching the security doors that led to the arrivals hall.

"I suppose this is where we say goodbye," Donna said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Not goodbye," I said, pulling her close. "Just... see you very soon."

We kissed, one last time, deep and lingering, not caring who saw. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard, both fighting back emotion.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," I replied.

We turned and walked toward the exit, side by side but knowing we'd have to separate soon. As we emerged into the arrivals area, I scanned the crowd for my wife, expecting to see her waiting near the barrier.

And then I saw her. But she wasn't alone.

Standing next to my wife, engaged in animated conversation, was a man I'd never seen before. He was tall, well-dressed, and Donna was looking right at him.

"Oh my god," Donna said, trying hard not to move her lips, stopping dead in her tracks.

"Is that...?" I whispered, but I already knew the answer.

"David," she confirmed, her voice barely a whisper. "That's my husband."

We stood there, frozen, watching as our spouses chatted like old friends. My wife was smiling, gesturing animatedly, and David was nodding, laughing at something she'd said.

"What do we do?" Donna asked, panic creeping into her voice.

"We have to go over there," I said, though every instinct was screaming at me to run. "If we don't, it'll look suspicious. I’ll go first"

I walked forward slowly, and as we approached, my wife spotted me. Her face lit up with a smile.

"Andy! There you are!" She turned to David. "This is my husband, Andy. Andy, this is David. We've been having the most interesting conversation while we waited."

David extended his hand, and I shook it, my mind reeling. "Nice to meet you," I managed.

"You too," David replied. Then he turned as Donna approached. "There you are darling. How was the conference?"

"It was... good," Donna said, her voice strained. "Very informative."

My wife was still smiling. "What a small world! David and I were just talking about the traffic, and it seems that David and Donna live just a few miles from us! Isn't that amazing?".

"Yes," I said numbly. "What a coincidence."

"And it turns out we also have several friends in common. I have persuaded him to join the choir that I sing with," my wife continued, oblivious to the tension radiating from Donna and me. "We always need more male voices, and he used to sing with his local choir before he moved here.”

"Amazing," I echoed, the word tasting like ash in my mouth.

David was nodding enthusiastically. "Small world indeed. I have wanted to exercise the vocal chords again for some time, just been a bit lethargic about finding a society, and your wife has twisted my arm. I was just saying to your wife that we should all get together sometime. It's always nice to meet new people in the area."

"That's a wonderful idea!" my wife exclaimed. "Why don't you both come over for supper next weekend? Saturday evening? I'll cook something nice so we can get to know each other properly."

I felt Donna's eyes on me, but I couldn't look at her. I couldn't look at any of them.

"That sounds lovely," David said. "We'd be delighted. Wouldn't we, darling?"

Donna's voice was barely audible. "Yes. Lovely."

"Wonderful!" my wife said, clapping her hands together. "It's settled then. Saturday at seven?"

"Perfect," David agreed He gave my wife his business card. “Here’s my number so we can finalise arrangements.”

We stood there for another agonizing moment, making small talk. All the while, I could feel the perfect bubble of our three days together shattering around us, the shards cutting deep. Finally, mercifully, we said our goodbyes. David and Donna headed toward the car park in one direction, my wife and I in another. As we walked away, I risked one glance back. Donna was looking over her shoulder too, our eyes meeting for just a moment. In that look, I saw everything, the shock, the fear, the impossibility of what we'd just walked into.

"What a nice man," my wife said as we reached the car. "And his wife seemed lovely too, though she was very quiet. I think you'll like them, Andy. It'll be nice to have some new friends."

"Yes," I said, climbing into the passenger seat. "Very nice."

As my wife pulled out of the car park and merged into traffic, I stared out the window, my mind racing. In one week, I'd be sitting across a dinner table from Donna and her husband, pretending we were strangers, pretending that just hours ago I hadn't been inside her, hadn't told her I loved her, hadn't spent three perfect days in her arms.

The fantasy was over. Reality had come crashing back with a vengeance. And I had no idea how we were going to survive it.