Moments later Thami walks in, talking loudly. He startles Eric.

THAMI: (shouting) The door was open; is there anyone home?! Thuli! Thu– (Noticing Eric) Oh sorry Boo. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was … (Pauses.) But what are you doing here?

ERIC: (Shocked to see Thami standing in the living room. He quickly gets up.) No that’s okay. I’m also here to see Thuli, who, as you know, lives here presently. What are you doing here?

THAMI: Well Thuli called and said she needed to see me about getting her up to speed on clients. But oooh … I am glad I have you here to distract me first, though. (Walking towards him.) You look sexy in a tie.

ERIC: Thuli wants to catch up on work? Why?

Thami steps forward and caresses Eric’s jawline. Eric pushes his hand away hastily and quickly scans the room.

ERIC: (hisses) What are you doing!? Anyone could walk in on us! My wife could walk in on us!

THAMI: Eric, stop being so paranoid. (Pulling him by his shirt so they are nose to nose.) You know, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. I thought we were going to make this thing we got going a regular thing, but I haven’t seen you in three days.

ERIC: Speaking of which, (prying Thami’s hands off him) I’m not sure this thing between us can keep going. I have a wife. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m confused.

THAMI: (annoyed) Does Thuli know that you hang out at gay bars picking up men in your free time? Probably not – and she doesn’t have to know. I can keep a secret. What I would like to do right now is pick up where we left off three days ago. I mean, you left in such a hurry the next morning …

ERIC: No Thami! We can’t do that. Someone might walk in … I love my wife. We can’t keep doing this. I can’t be an ‘after nine’ and keep my marriage.

THAMI: (Wrapping his arms around his neck.) Isn’t that a little exciting though? The possibility of having someone catch us in the act is such a turn on … don’t you think? Or … we could just duck out the back and into the side alley …

ERIC: Not if my wife walks in on us! That would be the end of my marriage.

THAMI: (Insistent. Pushing Eric towards the kitchen and unbuttoning his shirt.) Oh live a little Eric!

Eric and Thami are soon both shirtless and kissing, edging towards the kitchen, Eric trying to resist and failing, getting more and more passionate. Then Thuli absent-mindedly walks into the living room, as usual distracted and searching for the toy. She does not notice a thing – and they don’t notice her – until she hears a sexual moan.

THULI: Thami?! (Thami jumps away from the embrace.) Eric?! What the hell is going on here?

ERIC: (shocked) Oh shit. Listen honey, this is not what it looks like … I … well …

THULI: Well what? If it’s not what it looks like, then what is it? Am I not looking at my half naked husband who was a moment ago passionately kissing another man?

THAMI: (regaining his cool) I think I should go and … uhm … leave you two to talk.

THULI: Yes, maybe you should go. (shouting) You. Are. Fired! Get the hell out.

Thami grabs a shirt and rushes out, leaving Thuli glaring at Eric. A few seconds later Thami is back holding a shirt.

THAMI: (Clears throat) Uhm … I think this is your shirt Eric … (Grabbing his shirt he rushes out again.)

ERIC: Listen Thuli … I can explain.

THULI: How long has this been going on?

ERIC: Not long … I didn’t mean for it to happen … it just … did.

THULI: So what – you’re interested in men now?

ERIC: I can’t explain it. I don’t know if it’s just Thami or … I don’t know … I love you … I was just in a bar one night, feeling rejected by you. You wouldn’t talk to me or even let me touch you. One thing led to another and well … I’m so sorry baby. I love you.

THULI: (angry) So it’s my fault that you cheated on me with a man? (Holding up a hand to stop Eric from responding.) No Eric. How could you do this to me? I can’t believe this … after everything we … (getting emotional) You know what, I can’t do this. I can’t deal with this. (She walks out.)

ERIC: Thuli … Thuli please let’s talk about this. (Watches her walk off then dejectedly leaves the house.)

***

Tell us what you think: Is this the end for this couple’s relationship?