Member-only story
Limerence | Episode 1
Cheating — Before I Saw Her
My daughter Ginny needs tennis lessons — I thought of you
Before I met her, the very last thing on my mind was cheating…
The morning sunlight broke through the kitchen window, hitting the breakfast table where I sat. Mary was flipping pancakes as if it was the easiest thing in the world — same routine every day. The kids, Shelly and Tim, were fighting over the syrup, their voices loud enough to wake the dead.
I sipped my coffee, feeling like maybe life was okay. Tennis lessons, a steady rhythm, and the garden — my sanctuary.
I looked outside, where I had my own grass-court, the sun giving it a kind of halo. It was nothing fancy, but it was mine. My days were tied to the thwack of tennis balls and the faces of kids who thought they could be the next big thing.
“John, you dreaming again?” Mary’s voice cut through.
“Just enjoying the morning,” I said, smiling at her.
“Enjoy these pancakes before Tim eats them all,” she laughed.
Tim grinned, syrup on his chin. “Dad, you giving lessons today?”