Chapter 56 - The difference between a friend and a lover

Sydney

"There is a park ahead. Would you like to walk with me? " Mike asked.

I gave him a slight nod and took his arm as we strolled silently towards the park. We took a seat on a concrete bench. There was a tiny pond in the midst of the park, which was typical. As the ducks quacked around, a few children and toddlers fed them. A group of teens were roller skating, as joggers ran around the well-worn trail.

Mike was the one who finally broke the stillness.

"Would you like to talk?" He inquired.

My gaze was drawn away from a young woman pushing a stroller.

"Mike, please accept my apologies. I had no idea... I'm sorry... I didn't intend to..." For the Nth time, I apologised.

Mike laughed, though his smile was tight, "I guess we'll have to fire Annie for not shutting the door when she was advised to."

"It's not her fault. I met her downstairs and I asked her to unlock the door. She didn't know...she didn't see anything...." I fumbled, getting Annie fired would be the last straw.