The Reluctant Cheater

Monika twirls her drink and sighs softly. The bar is crowded tonight, making her feel self-conscious. Maybe she shouldn't have worn the purple slinky dress.

The saleslady who sold her the dress told Monika that she looked beautiful in it. But when she got home, Stephen told Monika she looked like a beached whale and even laughed when Monika started to cry.

Monika has been dieting hard and trying to lose weight so Stephen would find her attractive again, but nothing has worked. Monika is sick of crying herself to sleep. Tonight - with Stephen out of town on a business trip - Monika put the purple dress on, did her makeup and took off her wedding ring, then took a cab to the Lucky Ducky bar. She's determined to find someone who will just be nice to her, if only for a night.

Monika swallows hard, staring at her Shirley Temple drink. She shouldn't be doing this. Her marriage vows are important to her, and she still loves Stephen… even if he doesn't love her back. Monika isn't so sure she even deserves kindness, at this point.

A stranger slides onto the barstool next to her. Monika glances over. The person is very attractive…It's now or never.

Monika swivels until she's facing the new person. "Um…hi. Do you… um… do you come here often?"