Claire–lovely picture, excellent work. Rochelle–the usual. Friday Fictioneers–a joy and a privilege. Read more–click on the cutie at the end. Your mission, should you choose to accept it– enjoy! It’s not impossible.
Just FYI, Thursday is a traveling day for me, so if you stop by and read and I don’t return the favor right away, don’t worry. I will. I read every story (unless it’s posted on Sunday or Monday and I’ve stopped checking), so I will look forward to reading yours with great anticipation. And thanks for taking the time to read and comment on mine. It’s always greatly appreciated.
Enough
It was the book’s fault really—accidentally dropped by her, fortuitously retrieved by him—sparking talk, the discovery of shared tastes. Days later, a chance encounter at the coffee shop spawned laughter, the joy of shared thoughts, a frisson of attraction, the ease of friendship.
The coffee shop became their haven, a much-anticipated break from the everyday, always as if two halves were joined, the missing puzzle piece slotted into place.
Each time, replete, they went their separate ways, home to loved and loving families, anticipating the next completion. It could never be more, but it would never be less.
This, that and the other thing 
Dear Janet,
Beautifully written. The last line left me speechless. What more can I say?
Shalom,
Rochelle
Nothing, because you’re speechless. 🙂 Thank you from the depths of my writing heart.
janet
Ohhh MY. Has a lot going on in there. Good work!
Oh, that last paragraph is gut-wrenching!
It is but in a way, to me at least, it’s also a tribute to them honoring their obligations; obligations to people they still loved and cared about; obligations they took on out of love and continue because of love. The love of one doesn’t diminish the love of the others and vice versa.
I think that made it all the more powerful, that they are honoring their families – and doing so genuinely – even while finding something in one another. Too often, a writer will go in one direction or the other. You balanced their devotion to their families with their unexpected friendship, showing respect to all parties. Not that I’d be keen on my husband going out for coffee and conversation with another woman, because I’m selfish like that… but this felt like such an honest, respectful piece.
Love it
Well done, poignant yet straight forward. I enjoyed it very much!
Thanks, Penny. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by, read and comment.
Have a lovely evening (although when it’s the internet, it could be any time of day)!
janet
My pleasure to do so. you also and yes it is true, might be any time of the day, but that’s part of the beauty. Doesn’t matter! I love it!
Dear Janet,
Was directed to come here and rad right away and now I can see why. You describe with polished ease the attraction between two people who are two halves of the same coin, and become friends with the knowledge that it will never be a meeting of bodies, but of minds. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Minds retain the spark that the body gives up and the flames are real and bright and just as warm.
This was one of your best ever and that is saying a great deal because you set the bar mighty high each week. Thanks for this one. I’m going to bookmark it for the future.
Aloha,
Doug
Doug, I’m happy you felt it was worth the trip. I think friendship can be very close, yet remain friendship that doesn’t damaged another relationship. But it is difficult and can be dangerous, requiring integrity and restraint, things that too often are lacking.
Thank you for the lovely compliments and for always commenting.
janet
I agree with your comments, Janet.
Well written piece. Great shift at the end. I was expecting and they lived happily as a couple until one died, then the other 🙂
I’m glad I could surprise you in a good way, Abraham. Thanks for making it over.
janet
Wow.. The last stanza got an unexpected twist.. I like the way how they enjoy each other’s company but also respect their families enough to go back to them.. Great take on the pic.
That’s what I wanted to convey. Thanks!
janet
Thought-provoking story, Janet–I do think your comment to Doug: “I think friendship can be very close, yet remain friendship that doesn’t damage another relationship. But it is difficult and can be dangerous, requiring integrity and restraint, things that too often are lacking” is fair warning to those who allow a “harmless” liaison to become an important part of their lives.
Everyone’s talking about the last line (which is lovely), but I want to sing the praises of the first. It has a beautiful opening, and what could easily become a cliche in other hands is handled expertly. Just lovely.
I liked that line, too, Claire. I hope I did justice to your beautiful piece of art.
janet
That’s a beautiful line, “it could never be more, but it would never be less.” Lovely.
Thank you, Sandra. Coming from one who uses words so deftly, I appreciate it even more.
janet
The last sentence says it all. Great job, Janet!
From one Jan to another, thanks. 🙂
janet
Well, I like the whole thing. Terrific way to describe the relationship that is and cannot be.
Wonderful little story, great last sentence. Shows how someone is capable of meeting and relishing his or her soul mate in a context outside of the person’s actual life and still be happy and content within that life. (It took me longer to say that here than for you to express it in your story!)
Thanks, Perry. You put it very well yourself.
janet
Wow, Perry nailed it perfectly. I can only add, that I enjoyed it tremendously and I’m sure more in your audience can relate than would care to admit.
Thanks very much.
janet
That’s a lot said in 100 words.
One of the best I have read this week. I loved it from the start till the end.
Wonderful work!
Thanks, Parul. I appreciate it very much.
janet
Never disappointed. Nice writing.
I appreciate it.
janet
this was lovely. thank you.
Thanks for coming by, reading and commenting. I traveled today, so I’m just getting started reading all the stories that came in while I was on the road. Yikes!!
janet
the last line was touching..a well written short story
Thanks for coming by! I’m glad you liked the story.
Like two lovers joined at the ‘bust,’ 🙂 A romance inspired by chance encounter, embracing the moment, now remembered only in passing. Romantic.
Thanks, Joyce. But the romance never got physical because of their families. They both acknowledged how much the other person completed them, yet honored the vows they’d made and the love they had for their spouses and families.
I could see that and tell that was exactly your intention, which was indeed the rightful and honorable way for this couple to not proceed in their romance. I believe there are many romances out there in the world that are the kind of the heart, not of physical affairs because to many of us we still believe in the sacred vows of our marriage. I was sort of using a pun there with the line, ‘bust’ but not a real implication of the actual. 🙂 I sometimes joke around like that. My family knows when to take my replies as a joke, but not always other people. Sorry for the confusion, Janet. 🙂
It could never be more, but it would never be less. awwwww it’s beautiful.. so is the first line.. blame it on the book.really?lol ^^ beautifully written piece
Thanks, kz. Glad you came by and commented.
Like the pace of this. not too much, nor too little detail
Great job on this story; Janet. And I couldn’t help thinking that the picture sort of finished it. These two people have too much integrity to allow themselves to “be together” for all time, but the sculpture brings them together for as long as time will last. What they couldn’t give themselves, the artist gave them.
This is fantastic – loved the last line. I really felt for the pair of them -and I still do.
That’s means I succeeded, so thanks. I don’t think they’re to be pitied, though, if that’s what you felt. They’ve found more love, in spouses, families and each other, than many people ever find and their honor is shining through as well.
What a promise of a satisfied life…”It would never be less” Great use of the prompt! 🙂
Thanks, Charles. I’m slowly working my way through the stories and I look forward to catching you later (or maybe really later! )
No problems! Take care.
It’s terrible when life interferes with fun. 🙂
For some reason I find the idea of relinquishing one’s soul mate to the status of casual brunch partner depressing. I get the whole obligation thing but it’s still quite the bitter pill.
And I almost forgot to add as I was finishing up my thoughts, extremely good story. It made me stop and think on it for a bit and most stories don’t affect me in that manner. Good job.
I’m glad the story made you think. I understand what you mean in your first comment but as you can see from your story, the families were also loved. I think you can love more than one person, although maybe not always in the same way, yet remain true to your obligations, not obligations in the negative sense, but those you willingly and joyfully took on and still cherish. A soul mate could be a friend as well, something I think people don’t often understand; not “just” a friend, but a friend of the soul that doesn’t threaten a more complete (mental and physical) relationship. At least that’s my take. 🙂
janet
This end is so lovely and realistic I can almost see an Oscar award for movie of the year. I love the tone and the low-key mixture of melancholy and joy.
Thanks, Bjorn. That’s high praise indeed.
janet
Oh, I loved this. A chance encounter that turned into so much more. Great job and thanks for reading mine.
It’s always my pleasure to read everyone’s stories, even though the more we get, the longer it takes, and my to-do list is so long. 🙂 I’m happy you enjoyed the story and thanks for visiting.
janet
Friendship is a treasure! A good story, Janet.
You’re right, Sharon. It is a treasure.
This story made the romantic in me swoon. Sweet but sad. But sometimes coffee and a good chat is all you need.
A friend who’s a soul mate is a treasure beyond price. I thought you might like the story. 🙂
But of course. There’s something about loving someone that makes us better. Even if it can only be love over coffee. 🙂
And there are different types of love, something TV and movies generally miss completely.
Yes my dear there are. Sometimes having that love in our lives makes us love better in our real life. 😉
I loved your “voice” in this – it sucked me in and kept me anxious to see how it would end. It did so perfectly.
I really appreciate that, t. Thanks for stopping in to read and don’t be a stranger.
janet
I understand that feeling completely.
Scott
You touch on something that is often discouraged. Wonderful story. It blew my mind.
Very nice of you to say so, H.L. Thanks for taking the time to let me know that it touched you.
janet
I liked the story. It has edge. It IS a dangerous relationship, and I don’t believe what your character states at the end. It is at odds with the analogy with the coin. The character believes that people are like coins, in that they have two sides. And thus, people are made in pairs. Dangerous. If you meant to suggest this it is clever and subtle. I will try for this too. Great read. Ann
I’m not sure what coin analogy you’re referencing as there’s no coin reference in the story. I think you mean the puzzle analogy. These two people completed each other in many ways, possibly in some way their other relationships didn’t, yet they were in relationships they chose to honor because these were also loving relationships that were commitments prior to this meeting. You’re right that it could be dangerous if it goes into the realm of harm to their marriages and families. However, they are careful to keep it as friendship. Note that they always met in a public place, something they’d be unlikely to do if they intended more than a fulfilling friendship. Hopefully they’ll continue to keep it this way. Who knows what characters might do eventually? But I think they’ll be careful.
Thanks for the discussion and comments!
janet
‘Two halves joined’. Sorry. I’ve obviously visualised this as ‘two sides of a coin’ and dubbed that in as your words! I’ll be hallucinating your characters into life next! I love your horse.
No problem. 🙂 I knew what you meant. Let me know if my characters show up at your coffee shop, though. As for the horse, I have to write about her someday soon. I love her too.
I’ll keep an eye out for your characters. He’ll look like Trevor Howard. I look forward to ‘meeting’ your horse. You can tell that the love is mutual. Ann
Very powerful. Loved the last line.
This a beautiful description of a relationship. On first reading I decided they were lovers. On later readings I’ve decided they’re very good friends – there’s less pain and loss that way.
The second reading is what was intended and hopefully made clear by the last line. Nice to have you chat on the wintery (at least here) Saturday morning, Sarah Ann.
janet
Hi Janet,
Great phrase, “a frisson on attraction” and I liked the direction you took and the place you ended up with the story. Happy travels! Ron
Thanks, Ron. I made it back safely and have just under a week to work like a mad woman (dangerous thing to say around this group–I could be in next week’s story) before heading back for more time with Bill. So pleased you liked the story and I like “frisson.”
janet
Denying their deep passions for their families. What a unigue way to finish the story. I expected a totally different ending. Nice job twisting in the last few sentences.
Thanks, Joe. I wanted to do the unexpected, at least from the world’s point of view.
Such clear parameters for them. Quite a treasure. I thought it made me sad at first but a re-read made me feel quite different.
Denmother
Thanks, Denmother, for visiting. I think it depends on the reader’s POV–is the cup half full or half empty? Or even full to the brim? Since neither person appears to feel trapped, sadness is probably not necessary. I appreciate you taking the time to read, think and comment and look forward to more exchanges.
janet
Ooooo..a tryst.
a bit of platonic friendship shared at a coffee house…a mini get away from the usual day to day affairs. sounds like a wonderful way to do life. love your story! ❤
Thanks.
janet
your welcome. 😉
Loving the turnaround in the last line!
Friday Fictioneers live to feint, fake and otherwise get you at the end of the story. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
janet
A really strong last line that ties together an entertaining tale!
Glad you liked it, Nick, and thanks for visiting.
janet
Janet,
This is a top notch work like you do every week. But in my world these two end up in bed at some point…and if the attraction is there, they know it and still play with fire are they not already cheating in some way? Makes you wonder…I am not saying they are. I am just saying that some people may see it that way!
Tom
Tom
Tom, you’ve hit the heart of the matter and I think that answer is up to each person and may also depend upon their religious views. Are they playing with fire and cheating if they deliberately choose to remain “just” friends? Are they taking away from their other relationships even if they aren’t sleeping together? If each spouse were to know about the friendship, does that change things? Some people would even ask if people of the opposite sex can really be friends and my answer is, yes, but it can be difficult.
By keeping the relationship in the public eye, they’re making a deliberate choice, I think, but I know that it could seem like, or be, cheating. My point here is to get people thinking. In my world, they don’t end up in bed, but I know that in much of the world, they do.
Thanks for the thoughtful response and discussion. I very much appreciate your compliment about my writing as well. I look forward each week to discovering what you’ve written as well.
janet
This is beautiful and thought provoking, Janet. They are contained within their limits, which probably heightens their relationship. Maybe they are always testing it. But, I guess since they are always in the public eye, they don’t cross the line. I especially like the last line, too.
Thanks very much. I think making the decision to keep it out in the open, literally, has much to say about the relationship. Perhaps they’re testing; perhaps they’ve acknowledged the attraction and deliberately drawn the line. While I think this can be done, it could also be difficult to keep at this level.
janet
The last line goes well with the metaphor of a sculpture. It can never be more than it is, but has a permanency about it as well. Nicely told.
Thanks, David, and thanks for making it over. Lots to read this week. Hope you had a great weekend.
janet
I’m still making my way through the list. 91 stories there! This group is getting popular, which is awesome of course.
What a lovely way to interpret the picture, remove the sculpture itself completely, really well done 🙂
Thanks, Linda, and thanks for coming by. Having so many writers is a mixed blessing, isn’t it? Lots of stories but it takes time to get to them all. I appreciate you taking some of yours to read mine.
janet
It does take time, this weekend the cleaning (which hasn’t been done since Christmas) and a training day with Toastmasters had to take priority. The thing is though, with so many writers there is so much inspiration too and I hate to miss it 🙂
I feel exactly the same way. I can learn from what everyone else writes and enjoy their stories, so it’s definitely worth it.
never be more, never be less. i’ve been there. well done.
Thanks, Rich. Appreciate that you’re still reading!