"Is it good?" Alex asked
Avery flinched, she hadn't even chewed the food. She swallowed it in one go. She cleared her throat and swallowed the one in her mouth before saying.
" It, it's amazing." she complimented with a tight smile.
Alex felt giddy inside. She loved it. That was what he could think about. He was making progress.
Avery cluched tightly on the fork. Guilt crawled into her heart.
" God, why did she even have to lie. She could just tell him the truth." she thought to herself.
Her throat was burning from the saltiness and she felt nauseous.
But she couldn't. She couldn't tell him. The look on his face was overwhelming. He looked happy. The look gave her hope, it was filled with pride. She could crack it if she told him.
" What are you doing?" Avery shrieked.
" I want to taste," Alex said with a doe look.
He wanted to taste the food for himself. Since his wife had complimented it. He even thought of cooking for her every day.
" Put the fork down, Alexander. Why will you eat what you cooked for me?"Avery snapped.
Alex stared at her for a long moment. The fork was hanging loosely between his fingers. His brows pulled together, not in anger- just confusion, and a slight disappointment.
" Ok," he said quietly placing the fork beside the plate. " I won't"
The room felt smaller. Like the air was holding its breath.
Avery looked away.
" I just didn't want you to waste it," she mumbled, clutching the napkin in her hands like it owed her money.
Alex gave her a short nod. He didn't smile.
" I was excited, you know?" he said not looking at her.
" I thought I had done something right, for once."
Her throat clenched. She had to tell him. She can't lie anymore.
" About the food," she murmured.
She stared straight into his eyes and said;
" I lied. It's not a chef kiss. It is too salty and a little slimy. I'm sorry I lied to you. But you know now. So please don't touch it."
She pulled the chair back and stood up.
" I need to use the bathroom."
She didn't wait for permission. Just walked- fast. She slapped the wall for balance. The nausea hasn't left, nor has the guilt.
Inside the bathroom, she collapsed against the sink. She stared at herself in the mirror. Her chest rising and falling- her eyes red.
" This wasn't scripted. Why would he cook if he couldn't?" she said.
A sigh left her lips. She lowered herself and splashed cold water on her face.
The lie had been small. But the look on his face? It hurts. He looked broken and a part of her felt it.