Page 46 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“I already put in our order.”

“Good, because I’m hungry.”

We talk about the last few days and how much I enjoyed Hawaii, leaving out the details of sleeping in Luke’s arms every night. He tells me more about his new girl, which is a new one every two weeks, no surprise there. He shows me pictures of them, but I know Osei. She’s going to have a flaw he can’t stand in a few days.

“Luke paid my tuition,” I blurt out.

“That’s good.” He stares at my face. “Right?” He says with a questioning look.

“I don’t know why he would do that.”

“Other than the fact it helps you work less and focus on school more. It will also look bad if you’re working so hard while you’re Mrs. Blythe. You do know, that wouldn’t help you guys, right, ifsome idiots think it’s his god-given right to poke his nose in your business?” He’s right, I’m slowly dying at the rate at which I’m going in this rinse and repeat cycle of work and school. Maybe I can reduce the hours and focus on school more. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can leave and not have to worry about Luke and Lily.

“True, I didn’t think of it that way.”

“I’d say accept the helping hand. Besides, he can afford it and then some.” He snickers.

“Thanks, Osei.” I feel better after speaking with him. I’ll thank Luke when I see him. But that tiny side of me that can’t help itself has to ask: “What’s the story with Luke and Lily?” I ask in a calm tone, even as jealousy tears into me. He shrugs.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I thought he was going to marry her when his dad started pushing him to get married. I was surprised he didn’t and wanted to marry you. What I know is she’s the only one who has lasted longer with him. Maybe his plan is to marry her once he gets his inheritance.”

“Maybe.” I smile to hide my sadness. “She called him a lot while we were in Hawaii.”

“No surprise there. He can’t let go of her.” I nod my understanding as my heart dies within me. It was too good to be true. Osei wouldn’t lie to me. Luke just wanted to fuck me, and that’s what he did. No need to think it was anything more than that. I just need to plan around seeing him, so I don’t make a fool of myself. “Hey, now that you might stop this vicious cycle of work and school, maybe I can introduce you to Trey. He won’t stop asking about you.” I smile.Oh, Osei, you are a godsend.

“Sure, it’s time I get out there.” I happily replied, maybe dating can help me stop thinking of Luke.

“For real?” He rubs his hands, excited, grinning like my yes is winning the lottery.

“Yes, for real. He and I can be on the down-low, so it doesn’t ruin my best laid plans with Luke.” I state.

“Good, don’t tell Luke or his mind might work overtime on how everything could go wrong.” Osei reminds, I nod my understanding. He doesn’t need to worry about that. Luke and I aren’t talking, and he doesn’t care who I date.

“Good, because I signed us up for a rap battle this Friday.” Now my eyes widen in surprise.

“Think about it. We can show our talent.”

“We can try, but are you sure?” I ask, still flabbergasted. He nods. I see his ‘why not’ look, and I might as well join. After all, nothing is holding me back. “Okay, why not?!” I happily exclaimed.

“Perfect. We can meet at my place and practice our lyrics.” He puts his hand out. I smile and shake his hand.

“Deal.”

“Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about.” I laugh. We spend the next hours talking about everything. He tells me more about Trey and shows me a picture. Cute. I see potential. My mind starts to chantI can do this.

Osei and I part ways after lunch, and I go home to change and get ready for work. Luckily, Luke isn’t home, but a side of me is disappointed he’s not. I shake it off and change, remove my ring, and place it in the drawer. I add extra clothes to my backpack, then head to work. Jax welcomes me back with open arms. Kai squeezes the life out of me with a bear hug.

“We missed you,” they both say in unison.

“No, you didn’t. You both didn’t have anyone to cover your asses.” I smirk.

“Exactly why we missed you,” Kai says with a duh look, making me laugh.

I return to work with my two best buddies, and my phone shut off. It’s the only way I can concentrate despite how much Luketries to linger. When asked if I could stay extra hours, I jump at it without question. Once I signed up, I turned my phone on to see the text from Luke.

Luke: What time are you getting home?

Me: I picked up a shift. I won’t be home tonight.

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