“The other party can enforce whatever reasonable breach they see fit.”
“Okay, as long as it’s reasonable, right?” I nod. “So, I will be your standby date, and you will be my standby date and my”—she airs quote—“live in boyfriend.”
My heart is pounding. “Agreed. Anything else?” I ask as the waiter brings our food, which was quite fast. She ordered a variety of meat with salads, hummus, pita bread and rice. Everything looks good. I nod to the waiter in approval.
“What happens when you meet someone you want to go on a date with or vice versa? I don’t want to block your chances,” she says as I chuckle.
“My chances?” She really can’t be serious that she doesn’t see how beautiful she is and the only chance I want is with her.
“Once I nip my dad’s usual set up, there won’t be that many guys. I’m usually busy and with this program, I will be busier. Besides, most guys run once I say sickle cell.”Good, they should.“You are an eligible bachelor and I’m sure most ladies want your attention,” she says with a sheepish smile.Only, I have attention for you.
“Remember you are my live-in girlfriend, so those ladies can stay away.”
“I know, how about you give me heads up when you meet someone?” I nod.I already did.
“What’s the rent cost?”
“It’s free, you are doing me a favor.”
“I can’t live with you and pay nothing.” I volley.
“Then you can’t be my roommate.” Her tone was firm.
I don’t like that thought, but I’m not about to lose the opportunity of getting close to her. “Whatever makes you comfortable is fine.”
“Okay.”
I take a long breath, “Anything else?”
She shakes her head. We eat and talk about her program; she’s looking through bids for instruments and good teachers. I find myself telling her about why I became a lawyer and few memorable cases that feel good to win. I also detail how often I travel for work and how demanding my work can sometimes be. I like my coffee black without sugar but lots of cream. Her brow rises at that.
Her phone rings.
“Sorry, it’s my dad,” she says before answering.
“Hello, daddy,” she says, smiling. I sit back and watch her talking to her dad and she starts to speak Yoruba. I know that’s the language because of Dele and Anne. They speak it. She smiles and laughs a few times and I know right there that hersmile has left a permanent imprint on my heart. She hangs up and turns to me.
“Sorry about that, I’m going to London at the end of the week for my dad’s birthday, and he still thinks he has to detail my trip.” All I hear is she will be gone for a while and my heart races at the possible thought of her not coming back.
“For how long?” I ask, managing to control my tone.
“Six days. You can move in while I’m gone, if we sign the agreement before I leave.”
“It will be ready tomorrow.”
“You will come back, right?” I ask.
“I better, since I’m signing this agreement with you,” she jokes.
“So, is your dad arranging your travel plans?”
She nods.
“Yes, Dad likes to do it. It makes him feel I’m still his little girl.”
I smile
“Daddy’s little girl, uh?” I tease.
