All I knew was that he didn't come home all night.
Early the next morning, Sid's voice was full of apology. "My car broke down last night, so I just made do and crashed somewhere out there."
But later, when I went over to my best friend's place, I happened to catch a few photos that the smart display had grabbed at random.
The timestamp was that very night.
Lena was curled up barefoot on the couch, binge-watching a show.
And the man cooking soup in the kitchen looked exactly like Sid.
Ten years of friendship, and Lena had always been single, never once close with any man.
She was forever telling me, in so many words, that she couldn't stand men.
Yet behind my back, she'd been sneaking around with my boyfriend for years.
I was about to step forward when, right then, my phone suddenly buzzed.
A message from Sid.
"Working late at the office, won't be back until nine tonight."
"Be good, eat dinner without me, don't wait up."
I looked up at Sid. He was carrying Lena's clogs in one hand, the other arm around her waist, the two of them heading toward the seaside bed-and-breakfast.
It was only six in the evening.
What they planned to do over the next three hours needed no spelling out.
But I didn't want to dig into it anymore.
I calmly typed back, "Sure, I've got something to take care of myself anyway."
Right after, another message from Sid popped up.
"Don't wear yourself out, baby."
"When I get back, I'll bring you your favorite mango cake."
Looking at those two words, mango cake, I couldn't help a bitter smile.
Five years.
He still didn't remember I was allergic to mango.
The one who loved mango cake was Lena.
Or maybe he'd just told so many lies.
Since this marriage wasn't going to happen, there was no point decorating the wedding home either.
I turned and flagged down a cab at the curb, and went to the apartment.
On the way I saw someone selling strawberry cake, so I stopped and bought one, eating it as I strolled unhurriedly toward the new place.
Mm. So good.
The sweet scent spread from the tip of my tongue, and even though it was sweet, my nose stung before I could stop it.
Strawberry cake, because Lena didn't like this flavor.
Every time she smelled it, she'd pinch her nose, even going so far, dramatically, as to run to the bathroom like she might be sick.
After that, Sid never bought me strawberry cake again.
He always patted my head and said, "Strawberry, blueberry, mango, it's just a different flavor, they're all pretty much the same."
"Be good. Lena's your best friend. If the smell makes her sick, we should be considerate of her."
So one line about being considerate of her.
And strawberry cake never appeared in our home again.
By the time I was nearly at the new place, the strawberry cake in my hand was nearly gone. I tossed the box away and pushed the door open.
Only to hear a faint rustling coming from inside.
My guard went up at once. I thought a thief had gotten in.
But the next second, to my surprise, Sid and Lena came walking in from the balcony, looking somewhat flustered.
"Penelope?"
Sid's eyes flickered with guilt the moment he saw me.
"Weren't you busy? What are you doing here at this hour?"
"I happened to be free, thought I'd come check on the apartment."
I pretended not to see the lipstick mark on his collar.
"Didn't you say you'd be working late till nine?"
Sid's face went slightly pale.
"Penelope, you've really got to admit your boyfriend loves you. I'd barely gotten off work when Sid called me over to help set up your new place."
"We wanted to surprise you. Didn't think you'd catch us in the act!"
Her clothes a little disheveled, Lena came over anyway and looped her arm warmly through mine.
"But it's just as well. Take a look and see what else needs decorating."
