Chapter 5: Next Session - Flirting Is Not a Bad Thing

In the dimly lit room, John sits across from Claire, his therapist, as she leans forward, her gaze penetrating.

“So, John, how was your weekend?” Claire inquires, her tone laced with subtle condescension.

John shifts uncomfortably, feeling the weight of Claire’s scrutiny. “It was pretty good, thanks for asking. We had some friends over for a pizza and it was nice to catch up with them.”

A faint smirk dances across Claire’s lips. “How quaint,” she remarks dryly. “Was there anything else on your mind this weekend?”

John hesitates, sensing the underlying challenge in Claire’s question. “Well, actually, there was one thing that was bothering me a bit. When we ordered pizza for our friends, the delivery guy was really flirty with Sarah. It kind of made me uncomfortable.”

Claire leans forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Tell me, John, spill all the tea. What exactly did you see when the pizza guy was flirting with Sarah?”

John shifts uncomfortably in his seat, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead. He clears his throat nervously before reluctantly recounting the scene in vivid detail.

“Okay, so, like, the delivery dude ... he had this mega cocky grin on his face as he handed Sarah the pizza box,” John begins, his voice wavering slightly. “And he ... he kept getting all up close to her, invading her space like he owned the whole place.”

Claire’s lips curl into a sly smirk as she urges him to dish the dirt. “Come on, John, don’t hold back. Give me all the deets.”

John gulps, his discomfort growing with each word. “He ... he was laying it on thick, telling Sarah how hot she looked in her pajamas,” he stammered, his cheeks turning crimson. “And then he ... he winked at her, like he was some kind of smooth operator.”

Claire’s eyes sparkle with amusement as she eggs him on for more. “And what was Sarah’s vibe during all of this?”

John hesitates, his mind replaying the scene of Sarah’s flirtatious banter with the delivery guy. “She ... she was totally eating it up, laughing and playing along,” he admits, his voice tinged with resentment. “It was like she didn’t even notice I was there.”

A triumphant grin spreads across Claire’s face as she savors every juicy detail. “How interesting,” she remarks, her voice dripping with satisfaction. “Thanks for spilling the tea, John. You’ve given me a real insight into your relationship.”

John slumps in his chair, feeling exposed and vulnerable under Claire’s gaze. But then, he remembers another detail that made his blood boil.

“Oh, and get this,” he blurted out, his frustration bubbling over. “Sarah even gave him a fat tip! Like, she handed him a wad of cash and thanked him for the compliments!”

Claire’s smirk widens as she absorbs this new piece of information. “Ah, I see. How generous of her,” she remarks, her tone laced with sarcasm. “It seems Sarah knows how to reward those who stroke her ego.” Her eyebrow arches in amusement as she prods for more details.

“Anyway, can you describe why did that make you uncomfortable?”

John swallows nervously, feeling the sting of Claire’s sarcasm. “I don’t know, I guess I just don’t like the idea of other guys hitting on my wife. It feels like a violation of our relationship.”

Claire leans back in her chair, a look of faux sympathy on her face. “How possessive of you, John,” she remarks, her tone dripping with disdain. “But let me ask you this - do you think it’s possible for someone to find your wife attractive and still respect your relationship?”