Page 93 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Ugh!” I grunt in anger, my fist clenched. Osei is a fucking pain in my ass. I let out another exhale just as my mom’s ringtone comes through.Fuck!I control my frustration and answer the call.

“Hello.”

“Hi, darling. How are you?”

“I’m fine, and actually busy right now, Mom.”

“I won’t take too much of your time,” she says. If only that were true.

“Your brother just told me—” Here we go. “—that he’s going out with Dele tonight. I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I’m going to fucking punch Osei. “Danso doesn’t think it’s a good idea,right, dear?” She calls my stepdad, who’s probably next to her. “Yes, dear.” I hear him answer in the background.

“Mom, Dele needs to go out and get some air. She’s been inside for over a week now.”

“Yes, get some air and take a walk, but not clubbing with Osei. You and I know Dele can’t match his energy right now.”

“I know, but she has promised not to overexert herself.”

“She still needs to rest. She’s a strong woman, but even strong women need pampering and rest.”

“Mom, I’ll go with her and bring her home after a few hours.”

“Good idea, Luke. Dele needs her rest.”

“Yes, boss.” I say in a snarky tone.

“Don’t get sassy with me, and call me when you two get home.” Great, now I’m required to text my mom and dad that I’m home safe with my wife. Why did the universe have to punish me with a younger brother like Osei?

“I gotta go, Mom. Bye, Mom,” I say quickly and hang up before she starts talking about something else. I take a moment to rest my head on my desk and get my focus back to work. I received the location text from Osei and forwarded it to Bruce. It’s after nine when I feel accomplished. I race home to my wife. I want to see her before she leaves with Osei.

I get home, and she isn’t there. I call her phone.

“Hello.”

“Where are you?”

“Jax came to pick me up early. I’m at her place. We’ll meet up with Osei.”

“Okay, text me when you get to the place.”

“Will do, talk later.” She hangs up fast before I can say anything. I sit for a while. The house is too quiet. I decide to call Declan; he might be willing to go out tonight.

Declan and I meet at the corner. We talk, and I ask about his French lessons.

“Not quite there yet,” which surprises me.

“You sounded good last time at the restaurant.”

“Apparently, I’m not that good when my wife speaks French rapidly whenever she’s upset.” I burst into laughter.

“So French is Anne’s go-to language when upset?”

“Unfortunately for me, yes. And when she’s super upset, it’s Arabic, and no, I have no plans to learn Arabic. I just have to make sure she’s not super upset.” I laugh out loud.

“At least Anne yells at you in French. Dele tunes me out and disappears on me, which I fucking hate.” He’s now laughing at me. Such is our lives now.

“Speaking of Dele, how’s she feeling?” he asks.

“Much better. She’s out tonight with my annoying brother.”

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