CHARLES

"You are my African queen..."

Singing was part of my daily routine. Falling in love had only made it worse. This morning was no different. If anything, I was louder. Happier. Irritatingly joyful.

I stood in front of the mirror by the corner of my room, still undecided between a black tie and a dark blue one, singing like I was auditioning for a concert I was never invited to.

Love will turn you into a child.

I tilted my head, examining myself. Fresh haircut. Clean shave. I smiled at my reflection. Life was good. A little too good.

My phone buzzed on the table beside me.

Obviously.

I didn't even need to check the screen.

"Hey, babyyy," I answered, my voice already smiling.

"My loveeee."

"My heart."

"The angel of my life," I continued, stacking pet names like they were blessings.

If not for work, I would've stayed on the phone all morning saying nonsense with her.

"Are you at work?" Daniella asked, her voice soft and sweet.

"Not yet. I'm fighting a serious battle with my wardrobe," I said, glancing between the ties again. "But I think I've won."

"If you don't mind, let's switch to video call," she said. "Let me help you choose."

Tempting. Very tempting. But dangerous. Video calls with Daniella had a way of stealing time.

"I'll go with the black one," I said quickly. "Black goes with everything."

She laughed. "Okay. I just called to remind you about our date this evening. And I'm coming over today, so please, arrange your house."

"Don't worry," I replied confidently. "You're going to have the best time this weekend."

And I meant it.

After we hung up, I rushed through my morning routine. Toast. Tea. Keys. Bag. Out the door.

By the time I pulled up at the office building, I was still humming under my breath.

That was when I saw Mike.

He was just stepping through the entrance, calm as always, moving like someone who didn't need to rush because the world would wait for him anyway.

I slowed down slightly.

Funny thing about Mike, he never did anything loud, but people still noticed him.

I parked, grabbed my bag, and watched him disappear inside.

Then I hurriedly followed him and caught up with him

 "This is the first time I'm meeting up with you, which means I came early today"

He laughed a very weird awkward laugh

I