Page 62 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Baba it is.” I nod in agreement with him, squeezing his hand.

“Good night, Baba. See you soon.”

“Good night, Dele.” I leave, feeling good. I’m happy I visited him.

I drive home, smiling at some of the things we laughed about together. As soon as I get into our home, it’s too quiet without Luke. I already ate at Baba’s place. I smile just thinking about his new name. I shower and change into my PJs. My phone rings as soon as I tuck myself in. It’s Luke, and I think about telling him Ivisited his dad. I immediately decide not to—I agreed not to with Baba. I hope it’s okay.

“Hello.”

“Hi.” His voice is deep and cool, and it caresses my body. I take a deep breath. “How are you and how was work?” I know he’s asking me to make sure I didn’t pick up extra hours.

“I’m good, in bed. Work was quiet, which is a good thing whenever the ER is quiet.”

“Good, and school?”

“Still kicking my butt. Can’t wait to be done.”

“You’re almost at the finish line.”

“I know, and I can’t wait. How’s work in Singapore?”

“Crazy and kicking my butt.” I laugh.

“Nothing you can’t handle, right?”

He sighs. “Yeah, I’ve got it. Just wish it were a bit easier so I could head home,” he says, and we both fall quiet.

“I miss you, Dele.” My heart smiles. I can’t believe he just said that.

“I miss you too. The unit lacks warmth without you here,” I reply, putting a pillow between my legs.

“Just the unit lacks my warmth?” he teases.

“My bed lacks it too,” I whisper.

“Good, I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Okay, good night, Luke.”

“Good night, Dele. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Night.” I hang up and turn to sleep with a warm feeling in my heart.

Waking up the next morning, I’m out the door to school quickly and spend the day studying and then working. I talk to Osei a few times. He’s floating in bliss with his new girl. I’m on the back burner. I speak with my mom; we try to stay positive as my dad shows some improvement. I call Amaka, who makes me laugh with all the madness of LA. She’s enjoying it way toomuch. I’m burnt out by the time I clock out. Jax certainly has enough energy; she thinks we should go out for drinks. I can barely stand, let alone party. I tell her I’m heading home.

I leave my car parked in the perfect spot I found when I arrived today, knowing I won’t find a spot when I come in at seven in the morning. No point in moving it. Kai agreed to give me a ride home; he’ll be doing the afternoon shift, so he can take my parking spot when I leave tomorrow. It’s something we try to do because finding a parking spot here is a bit of a treasure hunt. I’ll take a cab home or ask Martin to drop me off—he comes in every day, and I’m sure Luke told him to be there for me.

Kai pulls up in front of the building.

“Wait, you live here?” he asks in surprise. He probably didn’t put it together when I gave him the address, telling him I’d recently moved. I don’t wear that very expensive ring at work. I just mentioned to Jax and Kai that I married someone for my papers and didn’t go into details.

“Yes,” I answer. “Thank you for the ride, much appreciated.”

“Girl! You and I will talk about this, your bougie crib.”

“Later, Kai,” I respond, and to make matters worse, the doorman greets me.

“Good evening, Mrs. Blythe,” which Kai hears.

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