The Marriage Contract Read Free Page A

me—“
                  “Normal is overrated,” he shrugged. “Besides, like I said before, I really have been searching all over for you—“
                  “I don’t want to talk to you. And you know what? Take back your stupid tip!”
                  Zipping open my black bag, I took out the stack of bills placed around a rubber band, thrusting it within the front pocket of his expensive shirt.
                  He smiled.
                  “See? This is why we’re perfect for each other. I’m a nice guy, and you’re a crazy, wild, poor woman—“
                  I stepped to the side, as a crowd of people walked down the subway steps. The tapping of their feet clattered through the air, as I exhaled a deep breath- wanting to go down with them. But it was as though cement had plastered my legs against the hot cement ground, for a part of me- just a small part, wanted to hear his say.
    The sun rushed down, simmering against my neck, as I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him.
                  “You aren’t a nice guy!” I said. “In fact, you’re the least nice guy I’ve ever met. And I don’t care what you think about me. I’d rather you think ill of me, because I wouldn’t want to be in your good books—“
                  “Are you always this defensive?” he asked.
                  I opened my mouth, and then closed it.
                  What kind of question was that? For some reason, it stumped me, as I stared at him, not knowing how to reply.
                  There was that light smile across his face again, and it confused the crap out of me, because I had no idea what it was that made him so cheerful.
                  “Alright,” I said. “You know what? Crazy people like you are a once in a life time encounter, so I’ll spare myself the entertainment. What do you want?”
                  My voice was on edge, as an invisible brick wall had been built between us- keeping me on guard. He stood straight, and stretched his long, muscular arms over his head, yawning as though returning home from a long day’s work.
                  “Let’s talk elsewhere,” he whispered, leaning his face towards me. “I wouldn’t want others listening in.”
                  My eyes narrowed, as I leaned against the edge of the subway wall. The back of my t-shirt grazed against the harsh material- my heart suddenly skipping a beat.
                  Stupid heart.
                  “There’s a pizza shop a few blocks from here,” I said. “We could sit there—“
                  “Oh, no way. Not happening. People know me there. People know me everywhere actually. I’m pretty famous—“
                  “I’m sure,” I interjected, my eyes rolling.
                  “I have a better place,” he continued. “Somewhere where we won’t get disturbed.”
                  I sighed, shaking my head.
                  “I don’t know you. You don’t know me. If I know anything about safety, it’s that I shouldn’t go to a stranger’s house—“
                  “You’re scared,” he said. “Here I thought you were fearless—“
                  I stared defiantly at him. “I’m not fearless. But I’m not a fool either.”
                  He sighed, running a hand through his thick brown locks.
                  “Alright, how about this,” he bargained. “We go to your place—“
                  “Oh, get real—“
                  “Just hear me out,” he insisted.
                  Digging into his pocket, he took out a five inch, rectangular tube, waving it in my face like a flag. As the sunlight hit the center of his dark pupils, he