“I ran into the deliveryman downstairs,” she said before entering.
“I hope you didn’t give him another tip. I added one on the app.”
“No, I didn’t think of it.”
She placed the bag on the counter and went to the sink to wash her hands. I stood behind her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and kissed her neck.
“Rough day?” I asked.
She finished washing her hands and tore a paper towel off the roll to dry them before facing me.
“One of my students threw up all over me toward the end of the day. They couldn’t find a sub for me to go home, so I had to clean myself up the best I could and finish my day.”
“That’s nasty as fuck.”
“Tell me about it. I couldn’t get home to shower fast enough. I was pissed but couldn’t be mad at him for being sick.”
“Shit. I probably would’ve choked him up.”
“Breeze! He’s only seven. If anything, his parents need to be choked up for sending him to school sick.”
“True. It still couldn’t be me. Sit down and I’ll get your food ready.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“Tia, go sit your ass down.”
She didn’t resist again and did as I asked. Usually, when we dined at OC Grill, Tia would get a Chicken Cobb salad, so I ordered one for her. The salad was huge, so I transferred some to a bowl.
After placing her food on the table in front of her, I got the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and fries I’d ordered for myself, grabbed two bottles of water, and sat at the table in the chair next to her.
“Thank you for being flexible and having dinner delivered.”
“We had to eat. No thanks necessary.”
“I know, but I appreciate your thoughtfulness and flexibility with my change in plans.”
“It’s never a problem. What are your plans tomorrow?”
“It depends on whether or not I’m covered in a kid’s vomit.”
Tia was a second-grade teacher, and those kids wore her out many days.
“Two days in a row would be legitimate grounds to put in your resignation.”
“Only if you plan to take care of me.”
Her statement shocked me because we weren’t even in an official relationship. Not knowing what to say, I ignored what she’d said.
“If you don’t have plans, I want to treat you to an evening of pampering.”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice how you ignored what I said, but I’ll save that conversation for another time. An evening of pampering sounds amazing. What time do I need to be there?”
“I need to make sure we have some openings. I’ll text you a time tomorrow morning.”
“You got me all excited now, so I hope they can squeeze me in.”
“If they can’t, I’ll give you a—” A knock on the door interrupted me. “Hold on. Let me see who this is.”
