Unexpected Romance - 5 Romantic Short Stories Read Online Free

Cristina wanted to admit it but but she didn't want Sally to think the worst of her so she said nothing. Instead Cristina smiled as Sally delivered their caffeine fix to the table and took a seat.
    Covent Garden, Sally and coffee. A perfect London Sunday afternoon. There was something wonderful about London on a Sunday. The only day in the week when the people of this hectic town had time to talk, to walk in the park and to sit with a friend without a schedule chasing them.
    The two successful young professionals stood out from the crowd wherever they met. At 32, Cristina was a stunning tall blonde with a fit body toned by hours of dedication in the gym, while, Sally, 34, with her long black hair and fair complexion made every head turn. Together in their high fashion they never went unnoticed.
    Cristina reached across the table and held Sally's hand. "Sally, I do so enjoy this little weekly meet up of ours. It makes the madness of the week so much more bearable knowing I'll see you for a chat."
    "I know exactly what you mean. I've hardly had time to breathe let alone think these last few weeks. Since I got promoted and moved back from Manchester I've hardly caught up with anyone. Assuming we don't count online catch ups." Sally giggled and sipped her drink.
    Cristina pushed her hair back. "You've been local again for the last month isn't it? So, you were working away the whole two years I was with Greg."
    "Yes, somehow we three never managed to get together. Sorry, my workaholic ways do get the better of me. So how is Greg these days since you parted company?"
    "I've no idea. We've not spoken since the break up 2 months ago. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time and now I'm not so sure. Maybe I should have taken more control in the relationship for once in my life. I left all the decisions to him, I was quite passive now that I look back on it. Even towards the end I just let it slip away. I didn't fight for the relationship. I suppose I gave him no choice but to end it and put us both out of our misery. At least he had the nerve to do it. I didn't."
    "Don't be so hard on yourself Cristina. We all make mistakes. All you can do is learn from them and hopefully not do it again. And don't think you're going to get good relationship advice from me. I don't remember the last time I went on a date. I simply don't have time now that I'm married to the office. I do flirt a little with online dating but that doesn't count, does it?"
    "You've always been good with men Sally. You know how to handle them. You always have. I don't have your confidence. The last thing I feel like doing right now is going on a date with a complete stranger. I suppose it sounds cliched but maybe I am afraid to love again. I'll just drop by the pet store later and get myself two cuddly cats and call it a day. No more men for me."
    Sally giggled and squeezed Cristina's hand. "Oh, don't be so silly my little friend. You're lovely. You just need some time to recover. Trust me, before you know it, you'll be bumping into me on the high street with a handsome man on your arm. You always bounce back. I know you will again."
    Cristina sighed and wiped a tear from her eye. "Yes, I hope you're right. It's just that I don't feel so able anymore. It's like this balloon has had the air taken out of it one time too many. Seriously, the two cats option sounds fine by me."
    Sally raised her voice. "I am right, You will be ok, better than ok. And I'll make sure of it. In fact I have a surprise for you today but first I want to ask you something. I'm just curious that's all. I hope it's ok to ask."
    "Fire away, what do you want to know? Nothing too dark and personal I hope."
    "It's one thing I've always wondered about. How did you go from being so happy and content with Greg to it's all over? I know, at the time, I kept in touch by email because I was traveling so much. Still, I don't get it. How did something so good go from great to nothing so quickly?"
    Cristina