He shrugged before placing my tray on the floor next to the door.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
“Of course.”
I stepped to the side, opening the door wide enough for him to enter. I followed him to the couch, and we sat on opposite ends. The couch wasn’t that big, so we were still relatively close to each other.
“What’s on your mind?” I asked.
“For the first time in my life, I wish I didn’t live with my parents. After I dropped you off, I realized if I went home, I’d be forced to talk to them. They respect my privacy, but this situation has brought out a side of them I’ve never seen. My mother is determined to find a wife for me, and although my father and grandfather claim they don’t agree with her shenanigans, neither of them is trying to stop her. My feelings about it don’t mean shit. I’m still confused as to why my beingmarried is so damn important all of a sudden, but I refuse to marry anyone my mother chooses.”
“I’ll marry you.”
Confusion covered his face.
“What?”
“I said, I’ll marry you.”
“Malyah, I didn’t come here to manipulate or guilt you into changing your mind.”
“I know, but I’ve been thinking about your offer, and if you haven’t changed the terms, marrying you would really help me get back on my feet.”
I thought I saw a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but he recovered quickly.
“Are you sure?”
“I am, but will there be a contract of some sort?”
“I can have my lawyer draw up something tomorrow.”
“Okay. How soon do you want to do this?”
“As soon as possible. Are you sure, you’re sure?”
“This is a mutually beneficial arrangement between us. As long as you still promise to pay for my schooling and give me one hundred thousand dollars, I’m sure.”
“Do you feel like going ring shopping?” he asked.
“Now?”
“It’s as good a time as any. I want to be married by the end of the week.”
“That soon?”
“The sooner we get married, the sooner my parents will stop harassing me about this shit and leave me the fuck alone.”
“Let’s do it.”
“Anika, can I talk to you about something?” I asked as she prepared to leave for the day.
“Of course, girl. Your tone sounds serious, and you’re making me nervous.”
I shook my head.
“There’s no reason to be nervous. I just . . . I don’t have a lot of friends . . . Well, I don’t have any friends, and I really need someone to talk to.”
“First of all, I’m low-key offended because I thought we were friends. Granted, I don’t have your number, and we don’t talk outside of work or hang out, but I still thought we were friends.”
