Michael's Conflicted Heart

Michael stood on the dock at Percy Priest Lake in Tennessee, glancing at his watch. It was almost time for Emma to arrive. He had planned this boat trip meticulously, wanting it to be perfect. The boat was elegantly decorated with fairy lights, a table set for two, and soft music playing in the background. He wanted to make this night unforgettable.

His mind wandered back to the phone call with Jessica. He hadn’t gone to meet her that night, despite every fiber of his being yearning to see and touch her. He didn’t want to look cheap, and there was also a part of him that felt guilty about Emma. Ever since that rendezvous, they hadn’t spoken.

Emma arrived, looking stunning in a flowing summer dress. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and Michael felt a pang of guilt for what he was about to do. He pushed the thought aside, determined to focus on the evening ahead.

“Wow, Michael, this is amazing,” Emma said, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.

“I’m glad you like it,” Michael replied