[ WP ] You wear a watch that does not work .

``... and that's why he does n't eat salmon!'' 
 
 I laughed at the dumb story, not because it was really that funny but because it felt good to laugh. I was usually eating some packed lunch at my cubicle during this hour, and it was great to get out of the office for a change. Don and I were sitting at a small cafe across town. Nice atmosphere, good coffee, cute barista; hell there was n't even a cloud in the sky. It was a good day. However, he could tell I was holding back still. 
 
 `` Cmon John'' he asked `` Relax a little! You've been working your ass for the last year. I do n't think you've taken one of your vacation days since August when they forced you to take a week off.'' 
 
 He leaned forward `` How about this. Take the rest of the day off and enjoy yourself a little with your pal'' 
 
 I smiled `` I appreciate it, but no thanks Don. I have too much to do.'' 
 
 But I did lean back and relax a bit. Lately my life had really only been business business business. I had thrown myself at my job with a gusto, and while it sucked it was starting to pay off. My bosses were noticing, and so was Don. Well, not that it mattered what he thought of my work but he noticed the fact that I was overworking myself. Don was a good friend like that. While I was reluctant to get out of the office at first, I was here now and was definitely enjoying it. 
 
 He sighed. `` Suit yourself. Do you know what time it is?'' 
 
 I pulled out my phone and checked. `` 12:30. We still have time.'' 
 
 `` What he was that?'' he inquired 
 
 `` What was what?'' 
 
 `` Checking your phone; you've got that fancy watch on your wrist, so why do n't you use it?'' 
 
 My smile faded. `` Don... Emily gave me this watch, and it no longer works'' 
 
 His smiled faded as well, and he gave me a nod but stayed silent. Emily had been my girlfriend of four years. It was a match made in heaven, and I knew she was the girl I would marry. But, tragedy changed my plans. One night we went to a lovely dinner with family, and came back home late. We drove through an intersection and our sedan was t-boned by a drunk driver in a truck... She did n't make it. The last year had been difficult, but Don and being busy at worked had helped. 
 
 `` Well'' I said after a moment of silence `` We have enough time for another cup. I'll grab us both some.'' 
 
 He patted me on the shoulder as I got up'' Thanks bud'' 
 
 I walked up to the register and ordered our drinks. With a smile, the barista whipped them up and handed them off to me. 
 
 `` Have a nice day John'' she smiled across the counter. I politely smiled back and began walking to our table. I lifted up my cup and noticed something on the side. A phone number. I turned back, and she gave me a wink before going back to work. I looked back at the cup for a second, and a smile broke over me. 
 
 `` You know Don'' I started `` Maybe I can take the afternoon off.''
