LILY
Arlo smiled at me as we entered the bungalow house. Inside, there were two women who looked like they had just finished cleaning, holding rags in their hands.
“Good afternoon, son,” said the older woman, who seemed to be around my mom’s age. The other woman appeared to be about my age.
“ Edna, how are you? Eve, how have you been?” Arlo asked the two women.
“We’re fine. How about you?” Eve asked Arlo, her eyes glancing at me.
“Edna, this is my girlfriend, Lily. Lily, meet Edna and her daughter, Eve,” Arlo introduced us.
“Your girlfriend is beautiful. I thought marriage was no longer in your vocabulary,” Eve teased Arlo.
“That was before, Eve. My perspective has changed now,” Arlo replied.
“Hmmm, I’m happy for you. Edna and I won’t stay long since I left my child with Dad. Thankfully, I don’t have work at the hospital today, so I could help Edna. But this isn’t free—it comes with a fee,” Eve joked.
“Alright, you’re persistent,” Arlo said, winking at Eve to show he knew she was only kidding.
After a while, they excused themselves, saying to call them if we needed anything.
Arlo opened the door to the bedroom. The room was huge, clean, and clearly a man’s room, with its predominantly black furnishings.
“This is our room,” Arlo said.
“Our room!?” I exclaimed in surprise.
Arlo placed the shopping bags we bought earlier on the bed.
“Yes, babe. Don’t you like it?” he asked, looking like a child seeking approval.
“I prefer that we have separate rooms, Arlo,” I replied.
“Babe, this house only has two rooms. The other one hasn’t been renovated yet because no one stays here. I use it as storage for paint and wood supplies,” he explained.
“Sounds like an excuse, Arlo,” I said.
“I’m telling the truth!” he quickly replied.
I didn’t argue further and just sighed. Arlo held my arms gently and kissed my forehead.
“I need to take a call,” he said softly before stepping outside.
While he was out, I started organizing the items we had bought. Arlo had bought mostly women’s items. I felt embarrassed by my simple purchases because he had chosen such elegant and sexy things, including four pieces of nightwear that looked like they were meant for a honeymoon and four bikinis. I couldn’t help but smile, impressed by Arlo’s taste in women’s clothing.
I thought it was more than enough for a four-day trip. When I opened the two large paper bags, I found three party dresses.
I opened the closet, which was full of Arlo’s clothes. I searched for an empty cabinet to store my things.
After a few minutes, I stepped out of the room. I looked for Arlo but didn’t see him. Then, I heard his loud voice outside and clutched my chest in surprise.
It sounded like he was arguing with someone on the phone. Eventually, his tone calmed down. I went into the kitchen, not wanting him to think I was eavesdropping on his conversation.
I didn’t have to organize anything in the kitchen because everything was already in place. The women had even prepared lunch for us. The fridge was stocked with food and a variety of fruits. I grabbed some red grapes because they looked tempting.
“Lily,” I heard Arlo call my name.
“You look like I’m leaving,” I teased.
“I just didn’t see you in the room,” he said.
“After organizing the things we bought, I came out. When I saw you outside talking on the phone, I came here to the kitchen. Are you hungry?” I asked.
“A little bit. How about you?”
