“Send her up, Roberto.”
Within seconds, I’d hatched the perfect plan of introduction. I flew into the closet and pulled on my short peach silk robe and the matching slippers. I ran to the door, unclicked the lock, and left it ajar before cantering into the kitchen to prepare the dinner Boyd had cooked earlier, which coincidentally would have been my normal routine had she not shown.
In minutes, I heard the door push open and a little strange noise from that end of the apartment. I was sure to slam a counter drawer or two to indicate that someone was in the kitchen.
“Wow! This is some place,” Tara shrilled excited in her valley girl twang. “Damn, Mir. Is this the type of swanky bachelor you’ve turned into? I mean, you’ve always done well, but this is fancy as shit!” she tittered as she admired the contemporary decor of the apartment. I could appreciate her reaction, the apartment was really something to behold.
The place was enormous, but I could sense she was making her way to the kitchen. I could also hear a squeak as she neared. I just kept hitting pans and clicking the cabinet doors to lure her into my direction. I adjusted the top of my robe to expose my cleavage. I wanted to appear as at home and informal as possible. My heart pounded from my jumpy nerves, hoping my plan would work.
Stay in the shower for a few more minutes, Mr. Jacobs. I knew after late day workouts he liked to sit on the shower bench at home, under the parching cascade, and it seemed like today was one of those days. Perfect!
“Is this a Claude Monet?” she gasped. I could still hear those odd noises that grew louder and sharper as she drew closer. I could now hear that she was rounding the doorway of the kitchen, “This place is magnificent! I can’t believe you did this—” her speech was halted at the sight of me. I couldn’t hold my suspense any longer, the noise was killing me, so I took a few steps closer until we met. And I froze once I caught a glimpse of her as well. But it made sense at first sight of her. Tara had her baby with her in a stroller. Why would she tote her baby here for a surprise visit to Azmir’s? I quickly regained myself. Baby or no baby present, I was prepared to play ball.
“Surprised?” I asked with wide eyes and a Cheshire cat’s smile. “I was prepared to offer you a glass of wine, but I see you’re...with child.” I carried a sardonic tone with a matching faux smile as I held a tray topped with three glasses of wine.
Tara’s feet looked as though they were nailed to the floor. Score! She was clearly knocked off balance by my presence.
“Azmir must have forgotten to mention you coming by this evening or else I could have prepared for you and your baby,” I threw the infant a smile of acknowledgement as I referenced her. “Are you planning to stay long…because I can throw something together?”
Tara, suddenly, had a sway in her neck, “Azmir didn’t tell me you spent so much time over here. Had I known, I would have been sure not to show during your assigned time.” Tara’s wit was always on point.
“That would have been a little difficult for you to do considering I live here.” At the raise of my eyebrows, I conspicuously whispered my last three words.
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head at my words. Second score! To say she was taken aback wouldn’t properly describe her reaction.
“Don’t worry, Tara, you’re in good company with not being up to date with Azmir’s world. Apparently your father knows very little about the inner workings of his life as well. But I’m here and I’ll be glad to acquaint you with every detail necessary to illustrate that you have no place in it,” I maintained my smile.