Page 31 of Krash & Bern

“I’m not picky. I can find something I like on any menu,” Toni answered.

“Same here.” Ralph agreed.

“I can get some BBQ. My personal chef can be here within the hour,” I offered.

“We don’t want a heavy meal because we want to be able to continue to work at a quick pace. The last thing we need is to stuff our stomach and catch the itis. Then we’ll end up curling up on that nice couch in the living room.” Bernice shook her head.

My laughter was louder than I intended. “I get what you’re saying. I can order Chinese. Chicken fried rice with some vegetable spring rolls?”

“That’s perfect.” Bernice nodded her confirmation.

“I’ll place the order and go pick it up. Since the cameras aren’t finished, I don’t want any delivery drivers finding out where I live today.” I grabbed my keys.

“We won’t touch anything while you’re gone,” Bernice explained.

“I know.” I winked at her.

It took about forty-five minutes for me to get the food and return. I pulled out plastic bowls and allowed everyone to help themselves to the food. Toni and Ralph went back outside to continue installing their cameras. Bernice opted to eating at the counter.

I took this as my opportunity to speak to her privately.

“Hey, Bern.”

“Hmm?” She glanced up at me before she returned to the crispy and seasoned vegetable roll in her hand.

“I’ve been on the fence about asking you how you’ve been since you stepped into my home. How have the last eight years been for you?” I asked.

She wiped her fingers on a napkin and then wiped her mouth. “It’s been a rollercoaster. I don’t regret putting my career first. I was able to graduate from the tech school with a 4.0 GPA. My degree got my name in rooms I didn’t even know existed. Because of that, I was able to get a grant to help fund the startup of my company… It was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

“What about you? How has life been?” she asked.

I shrugged. “It’s been something. I never would have imagined life would be so crazy. Life as a celebrity isn’t for the weak.”

“I can’t imagine. I know you have all types of eyes on your everyday life. I’ve seen you in a couple headlines.”

I smirked. “You’ve been keeping tabs on ya boy?”

“No. You’ve been in a couple of scandals, though. Those trending topics are usually saturating social media—especially someone with your credentials. The girls love a good drama.”

I scoffed. “This shit not entertaining to me. I hate when women think they can lie on me.”

“Well, stop giving so many people access to you.”

“You’re right.”

Our conversation fell into an awkward silence. She finished her meal and washed it down with her bottle of water. “We don’t have much left to do. I can estimate maybe another two or three hours in your space before we hand over the reins to you.”

“Okay. Thank you so much.”

“No problem.”

She stood from the seat and gathered her trash.

“You don’t have to clean up. I got it.” I grabbed the bowl out of her hand.

“Thank you,” she replied. She glanced up at me with those sparkling brown eyes.

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