Page 80 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“He can’t. He knows my limit. Besides, the semester is still on. I won’t have that much time for him.”

“Good, and no extra hours.” She scrunches up her face, and I maintain a straight look.

“Fine,” she exclaims like she’s giving in.

“Come on, bedtime.”

Chapter 53

LUKE

I managed to push my travel plans out for a few more days, but I can’t push it past this weekend. So, I’ll leave on Sunday evening.

When I arrive home from work, Dele isn’t home, which surprises me. She’s usually on the sofa or studying at the kitchen table. I spoke with her when she got home but didn’t get any text from her saying she was leaving. Paula comes out of the laundry room, hauling a basket of our laundry.

“Mr. Blythe, you’re back.” She sounds surprised to see me.

“Where’s my wife?” I demand, causing her to startle.

“Dele was here, but she got a call and said she couldn’t miss the chance. I think the call was from her hairdresser. She left right away.”

“Okay, thanks.” I call Dele, and she sends a custom reply: ‘Call you back.’

I go in to change clothes. Dele calls while I’m changing.

“Hello.”

“Hey, sorry I didn’t text you. Vanessa called and said someone canceled, and she could take me if I made it over in twenty minutes. She was calling everyone—first come, first serve. So, I raced over.”

“Alright, just wanted to know you’re okay. I’ll see you when you get back.”

“It might be a few hours, about four hours.”

“Okay,” I reply, though I don’t like the idea of four fucking hours before she gets home.

“Talk later.” She hangs up, and I toss my phone, drop my weight on the bed, let out a few exhales, then roll off and head back to the kitchen.

Paula helps me warm my food. I’ve just finished eating when the doorbell rings. I’m not expecting anyone. Paula and I look at each other.

“I’ll get it,” I say to her.

I fling the door open to see a white male, about my age and height, with brown hair and a clean-shaven face. He’s well-dressed, holding a bouquet of flowers and a hamper basket of goodies.

“Hi, can I help you?” He’s probably lost, which is rare, but crazy things do happen.

“Hi, my name is Levi Grayson. I’m looking for Dele.” My frown is immediate.

“I’m Dele,” I answer, and his incredulous look is instant, followed by a subtle scoff.

“My mom said Dele is a beautiful black woman with gentle hands. Her words, not mine.” His tone is clear, but I detect a hint of mockery for catching me in an obvious lie.

“I’m Luke, Dele’s my wife. She isn’t home right now. What do you want with her?”

He hands the flowers and hamper basket, which is filled with nuts and chocolates. I’m hesitant to take anything from him.

“Dele saved my mom’s life last week. Mom got on the elevator with Dele, who noticed the distress on my mom. She helped her and stayed with her until the ambulance arrived. It turns out my mom was having a heart attack and happened to get on an elevator with a nurse. I just wanted to thank her, and my mom wanted to know if Dele would like to work with her.”

I take the items from him.

---