SHAWN’S POV
“I will have to go and stay with my dad until your return…” Tiffany said after he broke the news of his travel to her.
“That will be fine. It’s a win-win situation. You get to stay with him while I’m away and at the same time take care of him. You didn’t have to say it but I knew you were not really satisfied with the maid being the only one to take care of your dad.”
She turned to look at him in bewilderment. “How did you know?”
“Well, I can read your body language and facial expressions most times.”
She gave him a weird look before returning her eyes to the window.
“You don’t believe me?”
“I do. It just feels weird, knowing someone else can do that asides my dad and friends.”
“What do you expect? We have been cohabiting for months and I have come to know you to an extent.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I think I should let you be. You are getting uncomfortable.” And with that, they stayed silent all through the ride home.
“When are you leaving?” She suddenly asked as they got home.
“At noon tomorrow. I will be going from work” He said and walked into the kitchen, and returned afterward with two bottles of water.
“Here you go.” He said and threw a bottle at her.
“Thank you.”
“You should Park your things tonight. I will drop you off at school then take your things to your father’s place before leaving for work. Your driver will pick you up after school.”
“Won’t that be hectic? Dropping me off at school and going to drop my things at my Dad’s place. You will be late for work.”
“It is not. I have to ensure you are safe. And please, don’t argue with me.”
“Fine. If you say so.”
“I’m going upstairs to rest. You should do the same.” Shawn said and walked upstairs.
He got to his room and stripped off his clothes before going to the bathroom and getting under the shower. After freshening up, he wore a pair of shorts and singlet before slumping on the bed.
He would sleep and park his bag when he woke up. With that thought in mind, he drifted off to sleep.
The knock on the door roused him up from sleep. He looked up at the clock on the wall and immediately jerked off from bed.
“I brought you dinner. You have been sleeping for hours.” Tiffany said when opened the door.
“That was thoughtful of you.” He made way for her and she walked into the room with the tray of food.
“Have you parked your bag?”
“Not yet. I was going to do it when I woke up. Gosh! I can’t believe I overslept.” Shawn said and palmed his face.
“You don’t have to beat yourself up. I can help you park.”
“You will? Have you parked yours?”
“Yes, I have.”
“What did you make?” Shawn asked and uncovered the plate.
“Noodles and veggies.”
“This smells nice and I hope it tastes nice too.”
“Why don’t you dig in and see.”
Shawn took a spoonful and was impressed by the taste but he was not going to admit it, so he stayed silent and ate. A few minutes later he was done and Tiffany took out the plates.
She joined him later, and by then he was already parking his bag.
“Do you like going with your toiletries or do you prefer the one provided by the hotel?” Tiffany asked, as she helped him fold his ties.
“I prefer mine, and I will be going with them.”
“That makes it the two of us. I like traveling with my toiletries”
“That’s good to know.” Shawn said, closing the bag. “And we are done!” He exclaimed, spreading his hands dramatically.
“I will leave for my room now. Good night.”
“Good night and thank you for your help.” Shawn replied.
She nodded and walked out.
Shawn sighed as he slumped on the bed. For a moment, he wanted to ask her to stay a little longer, but he stopped himself. He could still smell the fragrance of her mild perfume in his room and on everything she touched. And it kept filling his nose until he fell asleep.
TIFFANY’S POV
She got inside her room and got on the bed, her heart fluttering. She almost felt like asking Shawn if she could stay a little longer with him in his room. His masculine fragrance kept infiltrating her nose and sending signals to her brain.
It felt silly but she loved being in a close range with him. And it felt right helping him pack his bag for his trip. She sighed involuntarily and put on her face mask before turning off the bedside lamp.
Lights out, Tiff!
She woke up the next morning and hurriedly got into the bathroom to perform her morning rituals. After she got out, she dressed up in her school uniform and hurried downstairs with her packed bag.
Her intention was to make dinner, but Shawn beat her to it as he was setting the table when she got to the dinning room.
“Good morning.”
He turned to look at her. “Good morning. Hope you slept well.”
“Yes, I did. How about you?” She asked.
“I did too. Take a seat as breakfast is served.” Shawn said and gestured to the plates on the table.
“Thank you.” Tiffany said and uncovered the plate in front of her.
Breakfast was made of pancakes, eggs and coffee and Tiffany enjoyed every bit of it.
“Okay, it’s time to go.” Shawn said after Tiffany cleared the table.
She nodded and carried her bag and he carried his, before they headed out.
The drive to her school was masked with silence as they both were lost in their different worlds.
A few minutes later, they arrived at her school and he parked the car before alighting and opening the door for her.
“Stay safe while I’m away. If you need my attention, don’t hesitate to call me.” Shawn said as she got out. “Here is my credit card, get yourself whatever you want while I’m away. I will see you when I’m back.” He added l and handed her his credit card.
Tiffany stood like a statue as she watched him get back into the car. It was when he was almost out of the school compound she was able to wave at him.
“I see your fiance is beginning to perform his duties.” Mary said behind her back, bringing her out of her reverie.
“Not today, Mary.”
“And who are you to tell me what to do?”
“Back off, Mary!” Timothy ordered, getting in front of Tiffany.
“And here comes the stooge. Stay out of this, errands boy.”
“I guess an errand boy is more Noble a title than a bully.”
“Did you just call me a bully?”
“I don’t know, maybe you should tell me if you are one.”
“It’s okay, Tim. Let her be.” Tiffany said, trying to pacify Timothy.
“Who asked for your intervention, Miss goody two shoes?” Mary asked scornfully.
“I am not intervening on your behalf. Unlike you, some of us have classes to attend. Come on, Tim. Let’s go.” Tiffany said and pulled Timothy away.
They walked away ignoring Mary’s cusses.