“I know they did,” Tonya said in agreement, “because now it’s official. I’m going into business with Hannah.”
“Congratulations. I know you’ve been talking about running your own restaurant, and now that’s possible.”
“It’s not going to happen for a while, but at least I know it’s going to become a reality before the end of next year.”
Nydia’s eyelids fluttered wildly. “Are you saying you’re not going to move in January?”
Tonya rested an arm over Nydia’s shoulders. “I’m still moving. I’ve paid the rent through the end of January, so the increase won’t go into effect until February’s rent.” She removed her arm, walked to the desk, picked up a letter, and then handed it to Nydia. “Here’s what I’m currently paying. The other two figures are what I’d pay if I were to renew for one or two years.”
Nydia quickly did the computations in her head. Renewing for one year would almost triple what she was currently paying for her current apartment, but then she would have so much more for her money. And she could also write off a home office expense for the smaller bedroom. “Renew it for one year, and I’ll give you a bank check for the entire year.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do,” she argued softly. “I’d feel more confident knowing that it is one expense I don’t have to concern myself with.”
Tonya nodded. “I pay my rent online, so the first of every month I’ll send in the payment. Before you leave I’m going to introduce you to the building superintendent as my niece, so he won’t call the police when he sees you using keys to get into my apartment. If after a year you still want to live here, then I’ll have management put your name on the lease and the apartment will be yours. There’s talk of the building going co-op, so if you’re a current tenant then you’ll have the advantage of first preference when it comes to purchasing the unit.”
Nydia angled her head. Tonya had always wanted to run her own restaurant, while she always wanted to own property. “That’s something I’ll consider when the time comes.”
“Are you ready to eat and raise a toast to seal our deal?”
She hugged Tonya, while struggling not to get too emotional. It was the first time she would be in complete control of her life and her future. She had lived at home while attending college, and it wasn’t until she passed the CPA examination and secured the position at the investment bank that she was able to pay off her student loans. After that, she moved out of her parents’ apartment and into the three-family house. The rent for the studio wasn’t prohibitive, which had allowed her to save most of her salary. She had sacrificed by not going on vacation because her goal was to own property.
“Thanks, Titi Tonya.”
“There’s no need to thank me.”
Nydia blinked back tears. “You don’t know how my life will change once I move here.”
Tonya nodded. “I have an idea that it will be very good for you.”
“I have a favor to ask you, but if you don’t want to do it, then I’ll understand.”
Tonya’s brow furrowed. “What is it?”
“Would you mind if I move in earlier than January? Right now I’m paying my landlord month to month, and the woman is truly a witch. She clocks my every move, and I suspect she goes through my things when I’m not there.”
“You don’t have to tell me about folks clocking you, because I went through the same thing when I lived with my ex-husband’s aunt and uncle. You can move in anytime you want. It’ll be nice having someone to cook for other than myself.”
“And I’ll show you how to make some of the Puerto Rican dishes I picked up from my relatives who live on the island.”
“I just happened to make a few dishes you would be familiar with. But you’re going to have let me know if I get a passing grade with the rice and peas. When you made them when we were in New Orleans, I knew I had to try and make it myself.”
Nydia leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest. “If you can make goodarroz con gandules,then you’re a badass.”
“We’ll find out, won’t we?” Tonya teased.
“Let me wash my hands, and then I’ll join you.”
Nydia walked into the bathroom and closed the door. She bit down on her hand to keep from screaming with joy. She had not lied to Tonya when she told her she was through with the man to whom she had given too many chances. Even if she had not secured a position in which she could utilize her education and skills, she was still grateful to be earning some money. After washing and drying her hands, she joined Tonya in the kitchen. Once the chef lifted the lid on the pot of rice and pigeon peas, she knew Tonya had hit the jackpot. The mouthwatering aromas wafting from the pot reminded her of Christmas when her extended family gathered together to celebrate the holiday wherearroz con gandules,pernil, andpasteleswere always on the menu.
“Myabuelaused to say once a woman could cook, then she was ready for marriage.”
Tonya made a sucking sound with her tongue and teeth. “Yeah, right. Been there, done that. Now it’s your turn.”
“I don’t see that happening for a while,” Nydia stated. “I’m going to listen to Jasmine’s advice and take the time to find out who I am and what I want. And right now that’s not a man.”
Tonya opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of chilled white wine. She handed Nydia a corkscrew. “You can open the wine while I put the first course on the table.”
