Chapter 21
Anu-Ms K
I feel happy and the tune of Pharrell’s ‘happy’ song is playing loudly in my head on repeat.
I pour the flour and begin to knead the dough.
I used to think that I bake when I’m sad, but I’m starting to think that the baking is done when I’m happy and carefree.
I already made a baker’s dozen beef patties now the chicken patties are on the way.
Daniel called earlier that he’s coming to see the unit. I’m thankful he called because the place was a mess. It still needs cleaning but it’s decent right now.
I lied to him that I have a date, so he can get here earlier. I chuckle, remembering my lie.
I detected a tone of annoyance from him, but it could be my imagination that he didn’t like the idea of me going on date.
Either way, I’ll be happy to see him. Deciding to play the actual song, my unit is full blast as I dance, sing and bake. Nkem, my real date will be spending the night today. She will do my laundry while I bake lemon cake for her tonight.
I have just tossed all the dirty utensils into the dishwasher when I hear my bell.
I check the ring device, and to my surprise it’s Daniel.
I take a quick glance at the mirror hung over the coat closet.
I’m a mess. I thought I had time. I take another quick glance at the clock.
He’s forty minutes early. The bell rings again.
I don’t have time to clean myself. I push the button to open the front door.
I only have a few seconds to pull my scarf off my head and wipe flour off my chin, take my batter covered apron off and quickly dash to my bathroom to add deodorant before racing back to the living room.
Here goes him seeing my messy self before he moves in.
Guess I might as well present the mess to him so he knows what he’s getting into.
I fling the door open after the third knock.
“Hi,” I say with a smile just as my heart races at the sight of him. Why does it always do that? He’s handsome but the annoying swirl in my stomach and heart racing keeps throwing me off.
“Hi, sorry for being early. I wanted us to discuss the agreement without rushing.”
“No worries, please come in.”
He walks in and I whiff that masculine scent of him. I can’t quite place the smell yet, but I like it.
“Do you mind taking your shoes off?” Without questioning my intentions, he slides them off.
I watch as he looks around my unit. I can’t read him.
No idea if he likes or dislikes it. My space is open with high ceiling, which I like.
It’s three bedrooms with two and half baths.
I’ve planned to give him the main bedroom so I can use the other two rooms, since it has a Jack and Jill bath.
I use the smallest room to drum and plan my music lessons.
“I have the agreement here with me,” he says once his eyes lie back on me.
“Do I need a lawyer to review it, or would it be straight forward without legal jargons that would have my head spinning?” I say and watch as a chuckle escapes him.
“It should be an easy read.”
“Okay, I’ll read it later, sign and wait for you to sign it.”
“I already signed it,” he answers, making me gasp.
“What if I change my mind?” I ask with a raised brow, challenging his not so smart mind of signing before me.
“Are you going to change your mind?”
“That’s not the point.”
“What then is the point?” The oven alarm goes off before I can answer.
I move briskly to the oven, grabbing the mittens and removing the tray of chicken pie from it. The pastry smell fills the room right away.
He moves closer to the island, pulling one of the three bar chairs.
“You cook?”
“I bake, big difference,” I snicker. “Would you like to try one?” I ask, watching his face.
“What is it?”
“Love potion number nine and number ten is over there.” I point to the beef patties that has cooled.
His brows rise with a sly smile of mischief.
“Just kidding. It’s Nigerian chicken pie and beef Pattie.
” I move to the cabinet and grab a plate for him.
I place one of each in front of him with a napkin.
He picks up the beef and takes a bite. I watch as he eats and takes another bite.
“Is the chicken this good as well?”
My reply is a shrug. He winks as he grabs the chicken and takes a bite, and another.
“I can’t decide which one I like more.” I laugh. “Do you make this every day?”
“No, only when I’m in baking mood or when my best friend agrees to do my laundry.” He smiles as he takes the last bite of the chicken pie.
“You don’t do your laundry?”
“I do, when I don’t have a choice, but Nkem, my best friend, can’t stand my overflowing laundry bin. So, whenever she comes to spend the night, I bake and she does my laundry.” I shrug. “Win-win.” He nods. “Would you like to take a look around? Maybe you might change your mind then.”
“I won’t,” he answers firmly. I nod and head towards the room.
“This is the main bedroom; it comes with full bath and walk in closet.” He checks out the shades of blue decoration. Good thing I cleaned the bathroom earlier. The soak tub looks small for his height.
I show him the second bedroom and walk through the Jack and Jill bath to the third room, which has my drum set and a desk and acoustic foam sound absorption on the walls in mix of lime green and black.
“How often do you play the drums?”
“As many times as I can. I love drums. I had to add the soundproof, so I won’t disturb neighbors or guests when they visit.” He nods. “I try to drum more during the day when most people are out anyway and bribe them with my pastries.” I smile.
“It’s nice. Where did you get your drum set from?”
“That was a gift from Jordan when I was whining about bringing my set from London.”
“You and Jordan are quite close?” he asks but it sounds more like an observation or confirmation.
“Two peas in a pod,” I say.
His scowl is immediate and just as quickly hidden. “Two peas.” His tight smile seems forced.
There’s a shift from our ease to something tense that I can’t quite place. “Let me show you the linen closet and the back door, but you can’t see the laundry.
“I’m guessing it’s overflowing,” he mocks.
I gasp but know he’s right. I shrug. “Pretty much.” I snicker.
“Should I feel bad for your friend?” he jokes.
“No, I’m going to bake a lemon cake for her and she’s taking some of the patties.” I say, stepping away from the viewed places. “She’s getting well paid.”
He laughs.
“I agree, those patties were amazing.” I wonder if he would like to take some home, but I keep quiet
“Thank you.” I say with a smile
We return to the kitchen, and I plate one of each pie for him.
“Do you mind if I go and read this quickly before I sign it?”
“No, go ahead. I’ll wait right here, enjoying the pastries.”
“Okay. Drinks are in the fridge and glasses are top left cabinet by the fridge.”
He nods, and I brisk walk to the office slash drum room. Turning the desk light on, I start to read.
It all looks pretty straight forward as we’ve discussed. Only, I see a part where he states he’ll pay me five thousand monthly rent. I cross it out and write zero over it.
Having a male presence is all I need to stop feeling like some psycho is going to break in and kill me in my sleep because I’m living alone. I hope Daniel moving in helps to elevate this feeling.
I return to the living room to find him on the sofa with bottled water.
“It looks good, except…” I stress.
“Except?”
“I crossed out the monthly payment, and I won’t sign until you initial it.”
“I can’t just freeload off of you.”
“My brother bought this place for me and my dad pays my utility bills. It won’t feel right taking money from you when you are doing me a favor.”
“Okay, but you must promise to tell me the moment you change your mind.”
I nod and hand the documents to him. He initials the zero and I sign. Our roommate agreement is official.
“I’ll have a copy emailed to you.” I nod. “When can I move in?”
Do I hear a bit of eagerness in there? I still can’t believe this guy wants to live with me.
“I’m travelling in two days to London to visit my dad and brother. You can move in when I’m gone. It gives you a chance to acclimate without me.”
If he’s surprised, about me not being around when he moves in, he schools his face perfectly.
“And your date tonight?” he asks, so out of topic.
“He canceled, but I’ll see him in London. He’s my date to my dad’s birthday dinner.”
He gulps.
“Well, I better get going,” he says, getting up and moving to the kitchen to drop the empty bottle. I open the small drawer and hand him the keys. He puts it in his pocket right away.
“I should be out of the main bedroom by the time you move in.”
“I thought I was getting the other room.”
“I think it’s best I get the rooms with the adjoining baths so I can move freely between both rooms.”
He brushes a finger down my face as he stares into my eyes. We stare at each other for a moment as my body response to his touch.
“Have a wonderful trip. Be sure to stay safe.” He says, his voice is breathy
My heart flutters and I turn away to break his stare. “Thank you.” I clear my throat. “I’ll send you the code to the main door once I receive a copy of the agreement.”
Sounds good." He turns and pauses at the door, his mouth opening slightly before closing again, shoulders dropping an inch.
"Good night," I say, closing the door behind him. I lean against it, eyes closed, heart still racing. My face feels hot where his gentle touch was earlier. I press my thighs together, trying to ignore the ache between them.
My phone vibrates against the counter, screen lighting up the dim room. Nkem's name flashes.
"Hey," I answer, voice still a little breathless.
“I’m on my way and should be there in about twenty minutes. A quick grocery stop, do you need anything?”
“No, get here quick,” I say. My body is still buzzing from the presence of Uncle Dan aka my new roommate.
“Okay, see you soon,” she says, hanging up.
I race to my room to remove my wet leggings and put on a new one, tossing the old one into my pile of overflowing laundry.