Page 27 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“I’m sorry. I went straight to class yesterday morning. After classes, I went to work at three. I didn’t leave until one a.m. I had my finals this morning, so after I clocked out, I went to the library. I usually turn my phone off at work and at the library. I slept for about two hours at the library, then went to class to take my exams.

“I just came home to shower and sleep for four hours before going back to work. I didn’t think you would notice I wasn’t around. I’ll text you next time.” I watch as she takes her phone out and turns it back on. All my texts and several notifications ping at once. I want to yell at her for working so much, but instead, I ask,

“Have you eaten? Do you need anything?” She looks bewildered at me and shakes her head.

“Thanks for asking, but I ate after my exams. I just need to shower and get some sleep before going back to work.” I nod and watch her head to her bedroom. I hear the shower and all the rustling. An hour later, I go in to check on her; she’s asleep. I kiss her forehead and leave the room. I should leave for work, but I stayed. She might need me, I tell myself.

She comes out at about 2:30 pm, dressed and ready for work with her backpack. Honestly, I want her to stop working these many hours and just concentrate on school and us.

“Hi, I’m heading out. I won’t be back until midnight, and I’ll text you if my plans change about returning.”What the fuckdid she just say? Her ass is returning to me, noifsabout that.

“Okay, I’m home all day today.” She nods and leaves. I let out a heavy sigh, at a loss on how I’m going to get through to her. I’m still in the same spot when she returns ten minutes later.

“What’s wrong?” I ask as soon as I see her.

“My car won’t start. I’m saving up to buy a new one. Do you mind giving me a ride to work?” I get up, put on my shoes, and call my driver on our way down to get the car out front.

“Give me your keys,” I say to her. She hands them over without saying anything.

“I’ll have Martin check out your car,” I say, but I’m buying her a new car today. I don’t want to imagine her at one a.m. trying to get home and her car not starting.

When we get out front, Martin is waiting. “Keys,” I say to him as he hands me the keys with a questionable look. I hand him Dele’s keys. “See if you can get my wife’s car to start. I’ll call you with next the steps.” He nods as I get in the driver’s seat and Dele gets in next to me.

“Thank you for giving me a ride. Jax or Kai can give me a ride back home tonight,” she says, as if it’s settled, not realizing it annoys me that she would rather ask them than me.

“Text me when you’re getting ready to leave. I’ll come pick you up.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you. It’s on Kai’s way, and I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“No, call me.” I turn a stern look at her. “You are a Blythe now.” My voice rises. I need to control my frustration at the distance she keeps from me.

“Okay,” she says, turning away from me.

“Martin is going to drive you everywhere until I decide what to do about your car.”

“No need. I prefer to drive myself. I was saving money to buy a certified used one, but Ramsey spent all my money. Osei already agreed to co-sign for me once I save up some more money. I’ll keep Jace happy until I can replace him.” At least now I know that Jace is her freaking car, not some guy. That had my mind going crazy. Once I heard Osei asking her about Jace, I wondered who the hell that was.

“Jace is getting replaced this week. I’m buying you a new car or Martin will drive you everywhere. Quite frankly, the latter is my preference.”

“You don’t need to get me a new car or inconvenience your driver. I’ll be fine.” I pull the car to a stop in front of the ER Dept of the hospital.

“Go to work, Dele, and call me when you’re ready for pickup.” I say to end the conversation. I’m not going to keep arguing with her. I’m buying her a car today.

“Thanks for the ride,” she says, getting out. I watch her go in and then drive off. I called my brother.

“Hey.”

“How long has Dele’s car been dying on her?”

“Jace dies and wakes up whenever he sees fit. She was trying to get a new one, but her ex-roommate stole her money. I told her I’d help her get a new one and she can pay in installments, but she said no, she would save up and call me when she needs me.”

“And you didn’t think to mention this to me?” I want to yell at him, but I’m starting to realize how stubborn my wife is.

“I didn’t think you cared,” he mocks. Now isn’t the time for his mockery.

“As far as the world is concerned, she’s my wife. So how would it look that she’s married to me and drives a beat-up car that dies at any time? I. Fucking. Care,” I yell at Osei.

“Fine, buy her a new one. Just know that Dele won’t take it and kiss you thank you. Her uncle and Ramsey did a number on her. She doesn’t take gifts from men.”

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