From Loss to Lust

Chapter One

There was no reason to go home, so Kevin decided to keep working. Katie's death was six months in the past. And for eight-months prior, Kevin cared for her through the slow, hopeless death spiral of cancer.

Looking up from his screen, he realized the office was empty. His co-workers all had families to see, and dinner to eat. Kevin wasn't hungry. His appetite disappeared with Katie's diagnosis and never returned. The only upside was the loss of 25 pounds he didn't need. He was 51, and felt even older.

A pang of loneliness hit him unexpectedly, and ferociously. He missed Katie. But at this moment, he longed for human contact. Someone to talk to. Someone to touch him. Reflexively, he took out his phone. He Googled"dating apps for mature adults". After reading reviews for a few, he picked one that seemed the least intimidating and downloaded it.

Kevin looked at a few pictures of singles in his area. Then decided to pay for six months of access, and make a profile. He was still working on it when the outer office door opened. Standing up in his cubicle, Kevin watched a group of co-workers walk in. Leading the pack was Bethany, the newest member of the marketing team, fresh out of college. Carrying two pizza boxes, she was headed for the conference room. Of the group, he knew Bethany the least, but enjoyed her positivity and enthusiasm. She was still pumped over landing this job right after graduation.

Michael and Teresa followed next. Teresa was the team leader. She was about Kevin's age, and always wore high heels to compensate for her small stature, and a suit to cover her chunky form. Kevin got along well with Teresa, though they didn't work directly together. Michael was her right hand man, and as far as Kevin could tell, gay. Even if Michael was still in the closet, the closet was made of glass, and Michael was inside it wearing a feather boa, singing along with Barbra Streisand gay. Despite having little in common, he'd spent enough time with Michael to appreciate his wit and work ethic.

"After you," someone said from the hallway. Kevin recognized Jennifer's voice. The tall brunette had joined the company several years ago, when her youngest child went into first grade. But it wasn't Jennifer who appeared through the doorway first, it was Claire. Apparently Jennifer was the door holder for the group. Like Jennifer, Claire was nearly 6 feet tall. It was probably the reason the two had connected right away.

If Kevin were to guess, both women were in their mid-thirties. The similarities stopped there. Claire was blonde, fair, willowy, single, and on the quiet side. Jennifer's dark hair framed a sun tanned face, full lips and figure, with a bust as big as her personality. She also had two kids and a husband. And she was the one who noticed him peering over the cubicle.

"Hey Kevin. I thought everyone was long gone."

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