"You taught me how to shoot straight. I taught you how to aim for the heart."
Toni Topaz (pov)
I walked through the front door, the new paper crumping slightly in my hand. Cheryl was already in the kitchen, her back was to me so I had enough time to look at her.
She had on a sleek red outfit that complemented her hair.
She was preparing breakfast with her usual precision. It was clear she was absorbed in her task. She moved with the most effortless grace of someone who always in control, but today felt different.
TONI
Smells good
I was trying to sound casual as possible
Cheryl replied not even looking at me
CHERYL
I thought you'd be gone by now
Her tone made me pause. It was sharp almost like she intended for it to happen. I set the newspaper down on the counter, the headline about another bastard criminal has died. It caught my eye.
TONI
Had a late start. You know how it is
Cheryl finally turned around, her eyes scanned mine. She handed me a plate of eggs and toast, our fingers brushing for a moment.
It was a brief contact, but it reminded me of the love we used to have for each other.
CHERYL
Busy day ahead for you
Her gaze penetrating
TONI
Just the usual. Meetings, and some errands to run. You
Cheryl's response was vague, with a hint of something unsaid
CHERYL
Few things to take care of
After breakfast we made our way to the front door. As we reached the front door, Cheryl and I exchanged a quick glance, a silent challenge hanging between us.
As she moved to open the door, I was faster, my head reaching for the handle before hers. Our finger brushed again, and this time, I caught a faint smirk on her lips. It was a game we'd been playing for years. And usually she will win.
But it ended today
I pulled back, a calculated move
TONI
After you
Cheryl arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my sudden chivalry. She just walked through the door, her heels clicking on the stone steps outside.
CHERYL
Don't forget about dinner it's at 7
She said over her shoulder as she made her way to her car
TONI
gotcha
I replied as I got in my own car and started the engine. Once I put my car into drive Cheryl was already out the drive way. I followed her and made my way to the warehouse.
Once I got to the warehouse, I didn't waste and got straight to working.
After work I meet up with someone whose company felt perfect. She was always waiting for me when I texted her. And I spent some time with her until it was time for me to go back home.
As I got dressed after my little fun, my eyes fell on the small stain of lipstick on white shirt collar.
TONI
fuck
I tried to run it off, but it only got worse. I just sighed and made my way to my car. When I got to the house, I backed into the garage. I slipped my wedding ring back onto my finger and made my way inside the house.
Cheryl Blossom (pov)
Dinner was nearly ready, I glanced at the clock, noting the Toni was late like usual. I knew he had a job but he today he didn't tell me he was working late.
I wasn't naive though. Toni had secrets, just like I did. As a pair of headlight cut through the darkness outside, drawing my attention. I step closer to the window, watching as Toni's car slowly pulling in the driveway.
He was finally home. But I couldn't shake the nagging feelings something was off.
My thought stopped once I heard the garage door closing, and a few moments later, I heard the familiar sound of his footsteps approaching. I quickly moved away from the window and went back to cutting the peppers.
When Toni finally walked through the kitchen door. I looked at him to see that he was soaked from the rain, his dark hair cling to his head, but he carried himself with that usual, confident air.
He always had that charm, even when I knew he was up to something. He sat a small paper bag on the counter beside me and leaned in to kiss me. I return the kiss, feeling the coolness from his lips, and caught a faint whiff of something different.
A scent that wasn't mine
TONI
it's raining really hard out there
He voice was casual, almost too casual
CHERYL
Yes, I noticed
My tone was light as I glanced at him. But my eyes were drawn to the collar of his white shirt, where the faint smudge of lipstick stood out like a sore fucking thumb. I felt a flare of angry, but quickly suppressed it. This wasn't the time.
Toni didn't seem to notice, or maybe he did and didn't care. He walked over to his mini bar, busting himself with making a drink, as if he could drown whatever it was he had been doing before he came home.
