14. LUKE
Chapter 14
LUKE
We left my childhood home after lots of laughs and chatter. Osei and Dele kept us all engaged. As soon as we got in the car, she’s quiet. I want her to keep talking. I should come up with something.
“So, you like cooking?”
“Yes, my mom was a chef. She trained in the UK. She made cooking look fun and easy.”
“And your dad?”
“He loves to eat everything, like Osei.” I chuckle, though I wish the topic didn’t always keep coming back to my brother, who already knows too much about her, and I know nothing. I hold it all in, just like I’ve been doing all day.
“Osei says we’re the best match for friendship since I like to cook, and he likes to eat.”
“I’m sure he likes that.” I need to change topics.
“What does your dad do?”
“He was an architect, but since the accident, he’s home now, and my mom takes care of him.” Her voice is low. I hear the sadness in it.
“Does he have a caregiver?”
“No, the money my brother and I send to them every paycheck is how they get by.”
“Is that why you work so many hours?”
“Yes.” Her voice is barely a whisper. She’s lacing and unlacing her fingers.
“Why didn’t your lawyer negotiate for you to get half of the two million upfront?”
“He suggested it, and I said no. I didn’t want any delays,” she answers, and I nod, but I’m upset. She’s carrying this much burden and won’t fight for herself or ask for help.
“You know, you can use the money in the joint account I set up for us.” I remind her of the account. A smile curves the side of her lips.
“Thanks for the offer. You’ve already helped me out a lot. I’m not paying rent or any bills. Just my tuition. I think that’s plenty. I can take extra classes next term and be done faster with my program. Once I’m done, I can head to the UK.” Now she’s going to take on more school load, so she can leave. A chuckle escapes me at her laid-out plans. Good thing I have plans too.
“Did I say something funny?” Her question is a challenge. I turn to her.
“No, it just amazes me how you have so many plans.”
“I don’t have the luxury of not having a plan. A plan keeps me focused, and it gives me something to work towards and not derail from my path.” I nod, even as I plan to derail some part of her plans, especially the part of her leaving. She just doesn’t know it.
“Have you registered for your next classes?” I ask, wanting to know more about this plan.
“Yes, I signed up for next semester yesterday.” I nod.
“I mean it. Spending the money in the joint account is fine with me.”
“Are you serious that I can take some of the money?”
“Yes. Do you need something?”
“My dad needs some meds; I will put the money back once I get paid.”
“You don’t have to put it back. It’s yours to spend as you wish.”
“I’ll feel better putting it back.” Is she serious? The look on her face tells me she’s serious.
“Do you know how rich I am?” I had to ask.
“No.” I can’t believe it, but everything about her wide eyes and tone tells me she’s telling the truth.
“You didn’t google me to find out about me.”
“No.” Unbelievable!
“Why not?” I’m curious, though I like that she didn’t, because there are lots of pictures out there with me and several women.
“Osei told me everything I needed to know about you, and since I trust him, I decided not to google you. Isn’t he a reliable source?” The question hangs. I simply nodded. My fucking brother again. “Did he miss telling me something?” Her tone sounds skeptical.
“No, I’m sure he told you everything, but I still would prefer you get to know me without his opinion.”
“Okay, I will try to do that. So, how rich are you?” Her question surprises me. I smile.
“Let’s just say I have many zeros in my bank account.”
“Hmm, good for you.” Are you fucking kidding me? That’s all she has to say.
“Any plans to negotiate better now that you know?”
“No, I’m already getting what I need and want.” Dare I think, her want, is me?
“What’s that?” I ask. She turns my way, locking eyes with me, and the tension builds up—the honk behind us is loud, breaking our smoldering gaze.
“My legal papers and money. When this is over, I can start strong in London. Thank you.” I nod and grip the steering wheel tight. She doesn’t know it yet, but the mission I accepted is to make her fall in love with me.
“When are we meeting your dad, and what do I need to know to play my part and not mess things up for us?”
“Nothing, just be you. And if he asks any questions, just answer him truthfully. We’re meeting him tomorrow.”
“Thanks, I can do that. Osei told me he can be scary at times.” My grip gets tighter on the steering wheel. Fucking Osei again.
“Don’t believe everything Osei tells you. He sometimes exaggerates.”
“I hope he didn’t exaggerate about you.” I detect doubt in her tone. Now that has my attention.
“What did he tell you about me?”
“He said you are the best big brother; kindest, though you try to hide it; also annoying, grumpy, but still the best.” She says like she’d memorized it. I chuckle.
“You can believe everything but the grumpy.”
“Actually, that’s the one I truly believe. You’re always frowning or wearing a scowl on your face every time I see you.” If only you knew the reason for the scowl—because I couldn’t hold you or express my feelings.
“Let’s just say I’m done with my scowl phase,” I reply, and she smiles at me. Fuck, it feels good to have her smiling at me. I want to take her hand, but I know she’s not comfortable with me yet. I pull into the garage and put the car in park, and she’s out of the car fast. I quickly get out as well and meet her at the elevator. We ride in silence to our unit.
Once inside, she takes off her shoes. I’ve noticed she does that.
“Why do you always take off your shoes at the door?”
“It’s how I grew up. Plus, shoes that have roamed the street pick up germs. You shouldn’t wear them in your house. I work in a hospital. You don’t want shoes I wear in the hospital in your house, trust me.” Her ‘trust me’ is firm with wide eyes.
“Okay.” I take off my shoes as well and put them on the mat like she did.
“Thank you for that. What time are we meeting with your dad tomorrow?”
“Around two p.m.” I noticed a slight frown. “Do you have other arrangements?”
“Nothing important. Osei and I were going to see a movie. We can do that another day.”
“We can see my dad, and I’ll take you to the movies.”
“Actually, we don’t need to. It’s a sci-fi movie, and I don’t really like those kinds of movies, but I lost a bet, and I must go with him. Now I have a perfect excuse to bail on him.” I nod.
“What was the bet?” She smiles shyly.
“Promise not to laugh.” I return a straight face, but I’m already laughing inwardly.
“The bet was, I had to sit and watch Rocky Road ice cream glazed with caramel melt.” I didn’t expect that. By her looks, I can tell it was a bet she lost before it started, and I’m pretty sure my brother set her up to fail.
“You didn’t let it melt?” I ask with an amused smile.
“I don’t like waste.” She replies with a straight face.
“That’s your excuse?” I chuckle, trying not to laugh, but she laughs.
“Yes, and I’m sticking with it.” I nod, but it’s fun to see her laugh.
“Well, good night. I have a study group at ten. I should be back by one.” I want to keep talking with her, but I can sense she’s keeping me at arm’s length.
“Good night, Dele. And please, use the money for your dad’s medication.”
“Thank you very much. Night.” She turns and heads to her room. I go to the wine fridge cabinet and open a bottle. I fucking need a drink to get through the night. She has no idea what the faux leather pencil skirt is doing to me.