Sitting in my preferred window seat, I could feel the anxiety rise in me as the plane was preparing for takeoff. I wasn't anxious about flying -- I travel for work frequently. I was anxious about seeing my beloved boyfriend Max. An actor, he had been out of town rehearsing a show -- they had just opened. I couldn't wait to see him and see him do his thing on stage.
But I was nervous. I hadn't seen in him in five weeks, and in that time I had done something incredibly stupid. I cheated on him. With a French co-worker. Multiple times. Such a clichΓ©.
I had never cheated in my life. I've been with Max for almost five years -- he is a kind, loving partner -- I have never been with a man as decent as him. And yet, I'm cheating on him. Our relationship isn't perfect -- obviously -- our schedules and careers often keep us in different cities. But it's no excuse to cheat. We are monogamous...supposedly.
I looked back at the airport through the window. What have I done? I remembered the first time I met Max -- his youthful enthusiastic smile and handsome looks. I remembered the first time we made love -- his short, fit body against my slim, pale, tall self. Those first couple of years our sex was always intense. It had slowed down the last year or so, but no couple can keep it that hot for so long. Especially considering we're both almost 50. But that's no excuse for infidelity. Again...What have I done?
What I've done is fuck my co-worker Jean-Claude. And I can't seem to stop. The first time was surreal -- a Friday lunch, a few drinks, a daring public kiss, and then a glorious afternoon in my bed. In the same bed I share with Max.
It was all so exciting and sensual and forbidden, but immediately afterwards I was overcome with dread. I swore it would never happen again. It was a bizarre moment of weakness that I wouldn't allow to re-occur.