Pete
Today was my first day of relaxation I've had since the day of Toni's "death." I had stayed at her flat but we had gotten home so late last night and I hadn't completely slept off my jet lag as yet so by the time I showered, I was already struggling to talk to her without yawning every few words. She shooed me off to bed after making me a cup of Horlicks like she always used to. I really wanted her to sleep next to me but I would have to be happy with a guest bedroom in her flat.
All of these things floated through my head as I got coffee and breakfast ready for us. She had said "Christina" had a modelling job for the next two days so I wanted to be considerate and show her that what she wanted mattered to me and I supported her fully.
Toni came out of her room in a pair of high-waisted black pants, a white blouse and white heels with her hair straightened to perfection. This was the woman I had fallen in love with without a doubt. "Good morning honey. I knew you had work today and I thought I would make you some breakfast before you left."
She smiled at me and sat across the counter from me. I slid a plate of her favourite, toast, an egg and grilled mushrooms across to her. "That's so sweet of you. I've missed your breakfasts."
I couldn't help but laugh, "only because you aren't a morning person and you would always skip breakfast."
She ended up laughing too and put some food in her mouth. "Hmm this is delicious Pete!"
I smiled, "thank you honey."
She ate her food the same way she did everything, quickly and neatly. Some old habits died hard. I think she didn't realise she didn't have the firm or anything but her modelling gig to worry about anymore. I went over to her and took a chance on wrapping my arms around her waist from behind and resting my head on her shoulder. I fully expected her to tense up but instead she melted into my arms and lay her head against mine, breathing my scent in deeply. "So, Toni, when you faked your death did you want us to take a break or split or what?"
She sighed sadly, "no baby. I just didn't want to hurt you or Patrick. You are both good men who may have their flaws but neither of you deserved getting hurt or having your friendship torn apart over a woman."
I could see that her intentions were good, and I wanted her in my life. Patrick and I had had a long talk last night and he and Andy had left for home this morning with the intentions of checking into rehab for his alcohol problem. Andy needed to be back for label issues at Fuck City so travelling together worked out. Marie and Ruby were currently on their way down to Venezuela for a vacation and to spend some time with Joe and us. I couldn't help but ask Toni if she still wanted to be with me.
She turned around to face me, "I think the question should be, do you still want to be with me?"
"Of course honey. I wouldn't have scoured the world and faced off Radovic Peridonski if I didn't. When I said I loved you, I meant it. I figured that out when we thought you were dead. So, let's just pick up where we left off and when we get to the point where you want to come home, I'll figure out how to explain this to Bronx."
She looked even sadder when I mentioned Bronx and I realised how much she must have cared about all of us to feel the amount of remorse that she did. I tried to change the subject. "How long are you going to be at work honey?"
She seemed glad to have the subject changed, "just for two or three hours. It's a lingerie shoot and I thought you and Joe would want to come along."
I grinned mischievously and dug my phone out of my pocket, "Joe, get dressed buddy. We're going to a lingerie shoot!"
