The mist hung over the fields, obscuring the rising sun which vainly tried to burn the haze away. As the orb rose in the sky, the darkness crept back, revealing the white frosted land.
Johnny walked along the slick pavement, the overnight ice frozen to the surface making it treacherous underfoot. The annual work Christmas party had been deemed a success. He had been among the last to leave the club and ended up getting the early morning train back home.
He felt the taste of her lips still lingering on his. The smell of her perfume drifted up from his clothes. It had been a mistake. At least they had the holidays before they had to face each other in the office again. She was in a relationship, he knew that but he couldn’t resist. When she had arrived at the restaurant in the leather pencil skirt and sparkling top, he knew he was in trouble.
They had always got on so well – joking, flirting, at complete ease in each others company. They had become firm friends. Every time there were drinks after work they ended up together, chatting and laughing. When they ended up in clubs they danced the night away together – never in each others arms, but always in perfect synchronicity. Others joked that they were like a couple already.
Too much alcohol. Such a cliche but true. The fumble in the corridor was the culmination of their two year friendship. He knew if she had asked he would have gone further, a hotel room or back at his house. Instead she demurred. She had to be fair to Richard. She had to think about what she wanted.
He reached his front door and his frozen hands fumbled getting the key into the lock. Just as he closed the door behind him, his mobile phone beeped. He took it from his pocket: ‘Text Message: Jennifer.’ He took a deep breath and opened the message.
As he read what she had sent the mist cleared over the fields.

This is a response to the Thursday Photo Prompt – Mists curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.
I hope the clearing mist is a good omen…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems to be positive for him. Thanks Sue.
LikeLike
I like happy endings… I’m old fashioned that way 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
A “mist” opportunity indeed. Well done Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, well put.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh come on. You’re seriously not going to tell us what the message said?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, read the clearing of the mist anyway you want to 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice take.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
oooh, love this. Contemporary and full of promise ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Viola
LikeLiked by 1 person
The message was actually from Richard, and said that he was seven feet tall, weighed 250 pounds, and would beat the crap out of him if he looked at his wife aga, especially as she was expecting their fourth child. That would have been enough to clear ANY mist 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha, that’s the less romantic version of the story! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he’s in trouble.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or it could all work out wonderfully for everyone – I’m thinking happy festive thoughts today 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is no higher feeling than the one of having conquered illicit temptation. Nice write!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
a Christmas romance! Corking. Glad it didn’t end in a harassment claim!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not so far anyway!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story, felt drawn in straight away. Like the ‘lightness of touch’ – an upbeat story I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so too – thank you 🙂
LikeLike
I like where this is leading. Leaves me with a lot of unanswered questions, which incidentally is the hallmark of good writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Neel.
LikeLike
I really enjoyed that story, Iain. Nicely written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Penny 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well don’t leave us hanging what was the message.💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
You get to write the message yourself 🙂
LikeLike
Cheeky 😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
So there won’t be any embarrassed faces come returning to the office, but I don’t think Richard’s New Year is going to be a happy one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, someone always has to lose out I’m afraid!
LikeLike