Secret Sister Signs

2016: Bringing on the Heartbreak

One of the good things about living in a small town was Toni knew everything, everyone, and where everyone was going. She knew exactly where to accidently bump into "Luxa" or "Aluke." She was liking the name Luxa more, she planned on using it as her new F-bomb. The Reuben Nest was a hot spot Toni and Luke always hung out at after he got off work, she'd bet everything on him being there tonight.

"Thanks again for being down to chill," she smiled as Fernando got the door for her.

"Yeah, of course," he winked, Toni felt a blush of satisfaction blossom on her cheeks. Fernando was perfect, really. And so freakin' precious and understanding. She been all like, I really need some chill time and all my old buddies have turned on me and meh meh meh and he totally fell for it. Not that anything was a trap, because like, all her friends really did turn on her, the smooching, suck-balls that they were. Luxa you guys! She thought. "How's anger management working out?"

"It fuckin' sucks. But I'm learning a lot about how not to be a threat to society."

"Dude, we're bisexual. We're already a threat to society."

Toni laughed and shoved his arm. "God, I've missed hanging out with you."

"I'm here all week," he winked. "Actually, I'm here kinda permanently so don't ditch me again, alright?" He shoved her.

"Okay, I won't!" She laughed as they took their table.

The rustic insides of the game hall/diner/bar and grill were like a second home for Toni. She smiled as looked around fondly. As usual, the place was hopping, music was blaring from the box-speakers in the corners of the stained wood paneled walls, the scents of food and smoke filled the busy air, people's conversations and laughter blended in a loud rhythmic hum. Toni didn't see Luke in the thick of the crowd, the gaming hall in the back was too full of smoke for her to make out much.

She quickly shoved him from her mind and tried to focus on her date. She knew everything on the menu, all the music that played, and all the waitresses that passed by. Once or twice, Toni noticed the waitresses doing a double take when they seen she was not with Luke, but rather a stranger to town. She inwardly rolled her eyes when she noticed them all congealed together and whispering, one even pointed at their table with her empty tray. Luckily, Fernando didn't notice, and Toni promptly blocked them out, small town living anyway. Luxa you bitches, she thought.

"Hey, you wanna play some 8-Ball?" She asked as they finished their basket of wings.

"Hell yeah," he followed her through the crowds to the back where all the vending machines were, old arcade games, dart boards and pool tables.

She found them a table and adjusted the cue ball, looking around absently. She tried not to blush when she finally seen Luke. He already looking at her, standing just a few tables away, wrists balanced on the top of the pool stick as he watched her. She swiftly looked away and smile over her shoulder at Fernando. "I'll get thing going," she shot the cue ball into the rack with precision. "Just watch me and learn, kid, and you'll be fine." She made a big seductive display of leaning forward, and then punted. She briefly forgot about being sexy and suave and cheered when a solid ball clattered down the hole. "Bingo, bitches!" Then she laughed with embarrassment. "I mean, that's how it's done. Here, you take a shot."

"Don't judge, I'm a little rusty," he smirked and took his turn.

"Not bad!" She clapped when he sunk a striped ball. "Actually, how dare you say you're rusty! That was polished!" He laughed with a shrug. "Although, you'd probably do better if you had better posture," she grinned coyly as she pressed against him, sliding her hand down his arm to rest over his hand. "Does that feel any better?" She batted her eyelashes, their faces were inches apart, Fernando was smiling faintly as he gazed at her lips.

"Wanna bet?" Luke snapped. He was suddenly right across the table from them. He glanced at Toni before turning his attention back on Fernando. "Money, whatcha say? Let's put some money on this game."

"Pffht," Toni scoffed. "Gambling now, are we?" She shrugged. "Sure, I'll bite. How much?"

"We ain't playin' teams," Luke huffed. "One on one, just you n' me," he nodded at Fernando. Fernando just smirked as he looked him over.

Toni rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah? Well, where's Alexa?" she nearly snarled, then smiled sweetly. "Then we can all play together."

"How the hell would I know where she's at?" Luke gave her an incredulous look.

"You are on a date, aren't you?" She retorted, tightening her grip on her pool stick.

"What? No," he huffed, then shot Fernando a glare. "Well? Put up or shut up."

"I haven't said anything," he retorted suavely.

"Alexa told Bobby you guys were going on a date," Toni sniffed.

"I dunno why the hell she'd say that," Luke shook his head, his brow furrowed with aggravation. "I sure ain't said shit to that nature."

"Huh." Fascinating. "Whatever," she tossed her hair over her shoulder and bent again to hit another ball. "You're turn, Lucas."

"I'll put money on this," Fernando said, winking at Toni has he took a twenty from his wallet.

"Me too," Toni flipped through her purse and threw down a matching amount.

Luke scowled but riffed through his wallet, Toni was genuinely surprised his broke ass had money to throw around. He leaned forward and lined up a striped shot and took it. They went back and forth, Toni felt so smug and obviously had the Force on her side. She moved around the table and kept hitting the solids. Luke ignored her flirtatious taunts and banter, instead kept his intense dark eyes locked on the task at hand.

"I think you're winning," Fernando told Toni, she just smirked and shrugged. A crowd had gathered and cheered as they made plays. Toni's confidence surged when she finally landed the infamous 8-ball in her corner.

"Yass, queen!" She cheered. "In yo face!" She triumphantly held her pool stick above her head as everyone cheered.

Luke slowly exhaled and ran a hand through his hair before handing the cash over. Briefly Toni hesitated, she knew how hard he worked for his cash, and to lose it all in a stupid game against his ex? He wanted to out-show Fernando, but Toni had made a point to keep it personal. She struggled to crush her guilt. She frowned slightly as she took the bills. 

"Good game, Tone," Luke nodded slowly and glanced pointedly at Fernando before locking eyes with her again. "Really well played," she flinched at the implication and for the first time, she was too tongue-tied to anything, witty or truthful or anything.

She watched him leave, trying to pump the brakes on her pain.