Perfect Day Off (Short Story)

I woke up this morning the sun was just peeking over the horizon. It was early but that was okay. I wasn’t sleepy. In fact, it’s hard to remember a morning when I’d felt so rested.

Today was my day off and I couldn’t have picked a better day.

My plans for breakfast were all set. I had sent a text to a guy that I’d been spending more than a few late nights chatting with on the phone. He was more than happy to meet me for breakfast. But as much as I liked him, we wouldn’t be spending the day together. He had to go to work. And we weren’t quite there yet.

Meeting up with my guy friend for breakfast was fun. We flirted, talked about a whole lot of nothing and a little bit of everything. I’m not good at flirting, but with him it’s easy. There’s something special about him. No rush though. We’ll keep flirting, talking, and filling in the unfamiliar spaces with ones more familiar, until we find something more interesting to do.

After breakfast I headed to the library to find a book or two to get lost in for the afternoon. What? Run errands? Not on my day off!

I took my books back home and was delighted to see that it was still early. When time belongs to a day off from work, it zooms by, but when you’re at work time seems to stand still.

I flipped on the TV to watch The Price Is Right. As I decide which book I was going to get lost in I yelled, “2515.” I was pretty sure that was the price of the stainless steel refrigerator. I was wrong.

Romance or science fiction? Happily ever after or exploring new worlds? In which fantasy did I want to lose myself this afternoon? Both options were equally intriguing. However, after I spent a few hours caught up in a lot of love and a lot more drama I decided it was too nice of a day to be inside. Inside my house I mean. My favorite downtown boutique beckoned.

Once there it didn’t take me long to find the perfect dress, then the perfect accessories, and of course the most perfect shoes. Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Not at all. Everything was on sale! Plus, I’m worth it.

Shopping makes me hungry so I walked around downtown and stopped to get ice cream. It was a warm summer day and kids were running through the spray ground at a nearby park.

While I ate my ice cream I found the perfect place to sit and relax. I watched the kids splashing and playing as water shot up from random spots sending them running and giggling. I remember those carefree days. When did running and playing turn into just running? Note to self, take time to enjoy life. Hence the ice cream.

I looked at my watch and pouted. Where had the time gone? I needed my day off to last longer.

I sat a little longer basking in the afternoon sun, proud of myself for remembering to use sunscreen. For a brief moment I thought about a meeting I was going to have with my boss tomorrow but I quickly pushed that thought out of my head. There was no room for work in my thoughts today.

It was beginning to get hot. Time to go. Hmm…how would I spend my evening?

My phone vibrated. Someone sent me a text message. Smile. It was him.

I guess he came up with something more interesting for us to do.

Photo Credit - Westend61 / Blend Images / Peathegee Inc