Page 65 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

He doesn’t say anything or try to stop me. As soon as I get to my car, I drive fast to my dad’s place. Luckily, traffic is light, and I get there in record time. I go straight to his bedroom and findher right where Dad said she was—asleep at the foot of his bed. He motions “shh” to me the moment I brisk in.

“She must be tired today; could barely stay awake. That’s why I called you.”

“What do you mean by today?”

“She has been coming to visit me since you traveled,” he snaps, like I’m asking stupid questions.

“What?! You have a nurse, Dad. She doesn’t need to work here.” His words sound senile to me, but Dad is coherent.

“She visits, not works, and her visit is appreciated. I enjoy her company.” The reformed asshole is back again.

“Fine, I’m taking her home. You and I will discuss this later.”

I lean close and gently tap her, whispering, “Ayo mi.” She slowly opens her eyes and looks around like she’s unaware of her surroundings. “You fell asleep. Dad was worried,” I say in a low tone. I know she clams at the sound of noise when she wakes.

“I’m sorry, Baba,” she says to Dad.

“It’s okay, dear. I was worried you would fall and hit your head hard and I can’t help you.” She smiles at him and rises to her feet, saying “Thank you,” but her sudden rise causes her to lose her balance, and I quickly grab her to prevent a fall.

“Whoa, thanks for catching me,” she slurs.

“Come on, let’s get you home.”

“My car is at work,” she mumbles. “I walked here,” she says. “It’s sunny out today.”

“Go home and rest, Dele. Luke will take care of your car.” She nods and lets me guide her out. I grab her backpack, which feels like a mountain is sitting in it. I bid my dad goodnight and inform his housekeeper that we are leaving.

I guide Dele to the car. She doesn’t argue with me, which tells me she’s burnt out. I know she’s off work tomorrow. I’m staying home with her. As soon as we get into our unit, she takes off her clothing, like it’s stinging her, as she staggers to her bedroom. Ipick up the clothes as she tosses them on the floor. A good thing Osei didn’t go with me to my dad’s. She goes to bed, tucks herself in. I kiss her forehead and turn the light out.

I call Bruce to loop him in.

“Hey, please tell me you didn’t beat up your brother.” I exhale.

“Can’t say I wasn’t close, but I didn’t. Dele is home now.”

“Where was she?”

“Turns out she’s been visiting my dad since I traveled and didn’t want anyone to know. She fell asleep there today, and he called me to come and get her home.”

“Only an angel can see good in a man like your dad. She’s a keeper.”

“She certainly is a keeper. Just wanted to update you. Talk later, bro.”

“Sure,” I hang up with Bruce. I suck it up and call Osei, before I talk myself out of what I must do. Just this once, I appreciate our code.Your brother calls, you answer.

“Is she okay?” Of course, that’s the first thing he asks.

“She’s fine, tired, and now in bed.”

“Good, and since you asked: no, I’m not fucking my bestie.” Guess he can’t bring himself to call her my wife; he’s poking me, but I know better.

“I know, and I’m sorry,” I state genuinely to him.

“Good, because it’s going to cost you an expensive dinner tomorrow.” And Osei is back.

“Fine, you just have to make me pay for your dinner.”

“Yes, and I’m bringing a friend.”

---