The Laws of Attraction

6

The early soft orange rays of the evening sun shone through the floor to ceiling windows of the loft and reflected on the page of the book I was reading, Moby d**k—a classic. Riley was sound asleep on Jacob’s lap. He must have dozed off too, when he was reading something off his tablet, he had one hand holding his tablet, the other hand on Riley’s tiny back. 

The two had gotten pretty comfortable in a span of hours, considering the fact that the only male figure that Riley had in his life was John, Madison’s boyfriend. Madison met him in a fashion show in Milan 8 months ago when she was modelling for Vera Wang and they instantly clicked. Madison blurted out that she had a year old kid which John had come to accept as his own since the man who impregnated my sister ran off with another woman.

I sat up and stretched my sore back and moved my legs around for a bit, stifling a yawn and shutting the book, placing it back into the book shelf. I smiled and watched the two sleeping boys on the couch in silence, it was a different view altogether. A fleeting thought went past my mind when I imagined someday having a little family of my own, in the very same position as of right now. Sighing, I picked up the wooden blocks and toy cars Riley had played with earlier and placed them back in a storage box I had for him whenever he came over.

It was a Sunday and frankly, Sundays are meant for lazing around and doing absolutely nothing, having the longest naps of your life and soaking in hot baths. Looking at the clock on the wall, it was already 5:15PM, perfect timing to start dinner. I usually loved putting on music while doing chores and cooking but right now, I decided not to since the boys were sleeping.

Peering into the freezer, I thought of my options. There were the steak pieces we bought yesterday, lamb chops, chicken tenders. Opening the bottom of the fridge, I saw there was butter and evaporated milk that I used two days ago. Hmm.. Should I whip up some butter chicken? But I needed curry leaves to do that.

Thinking for a bit, I remember Mrs. Kaur from a few floors down who grew her own herbs in her balcony. We were good friends and we still hung out for tea every now and then, her masala tea was to die for. 

Within a couple minutes, I came back to the loft with a bunch of curry leaves and chilies and a flask of masala tea. I wasted no time in coating the tenders in flour and eggs, frying them after while I got ready the ingredients to make the gravy. 

“Hey.” Jacob greeted me as he walked into the kitchen yawning while drawing himself a tall glass of water. “What are you making?” he asked. “Butter chicken and rice.” I answered while melting the butter in a pot. 

“Where does the garlic go?” he asked. “Into the sauce, I’m about to fry them now.”

“Can I help?” he asked as he stood next to me. I realized that he was at least a head taller than me and his broad shoulders casted a light shadow. 

“Did we buy curry leaves yesterday?” He asked, moving away from where he stood briefly to grab the ingredients. “I have a Punjabi neighbour who lives a few floors down and she grows all sorts of herbs and plants, so I just asked her for some.”

He placed the ingredients down and leaned backwards, looking outside the balcony. “Is he awake?” I asked, following his gaze. “Nope, but I figured your balcony has more than enough space to grow some herbs too.” 

“I used to grow a couple of plants but they all died since I keep forgetting to water them, also because I was home late almost every night, the last thing I want to do is water plants.” I said as I mixed the melted butter with the evaporated milk and curry leaves. Jacob took over the stirring once he caught a whiff of what to do.

“I could help you with that. My mom has her own vegetable garden back home in her nursery.” He said absentmindedly. Nursery? I thought. He makes it sound like it's normal for anyone to have a nursery in their backyard. 

“Shit.” I exclaimed in surprise as a flicker of hot oil splattered on my wrist. “What happened? Are you alright?” He asked, looking right back at me. “It’s alright, this happens all the time”. I waved my hand quickly but wincing at the sore spot on my wrist. “Hold on.” He says as he disappeared out into the lounge. 

I ran my wrist under cold water after fishing the crispy chicken tenders out of the pan. He made a hand gesture towards me while I was still rinsing out my wrist, now that the bruise was more evident. “Wha..?” I asked before he pulled me towards him gently. I gasped out of surprise when he observed my wrist and squeezed a dollop of toothpaste on his finger and tapped his fingers gently on my wrist. “Why are you putting toothpaste on my wrist?” I glanced at my wrist then at him. His brows furrowed in concentration while he did what he did.

“It soothes the burn so it won’t form that boil thing much later.” He said, grinning. “Don’t get your wrist wet, I’ll do the dishes later.” He said. Riley stirred in his sleep and sat up. “I’ll finish up here in the kitchen, you go rest.”

“It’s alright, it's’ just a small burn, I’m totally fine.” I waved at him while I made my way back to the stove. 

“Doctor’s orders, now rest.”

“Do you even know what to do?” I looked at him with my brows raised. 

“Don’t think a man doesn't know his way around the kitchen, Rosie.” My name rolled off his tongue easily and that made me shut up immediately. “Now go.”

“Hey Riley, you had a good nap?” I asked, caressing his cheek when he extended both his arms, signalling me to pick him up and I did. “Uncle Jacob?” He asked, his lips pouting.

“I’m right here kid.” Jacob answered, waving the ladle at him. “There.” Riley pointed in the direction towards Jacob. This kid was already attached to my new roommate and honestly, it melts my heart when Jacob returns the same affections. Watching them play earlier despite him having a big interview coming up tomorrow..

“Aunt Rosie, that smells good!” Riley said when I brought him into the kitchen to watch Jacob stir the gravy. “Are you hungry Riley?” I asked, bouncing him in my arms. He nodded enthusiastically. “Here, taste this.” Jacob took a spoon and filled it with gravy and brought it to my lips. I tasted it, smacking my lips while he waited for my reply. “I think the gravy is really good, I’ve not had butter chicken in ages.” 

And I’ve not had a man feed me in like, forever. 

“I think it's fine too.” I smiled when Riley opened and closed his hands real quick. “Uncle Jacob, I want some too, pwease.” Riley said and Jacob looked at me, waiting for an answer.

“The gravy isn’t spicy, it should be fine.” I nodded and Jacob turned around to fill the spoon again and fed Riley which he gave Jacob a thumbs up.

Once I sat Riley on one of the dining chairs, I proceeded to dish out the rice while Jacob cut up the chicken tenders into tiny bits with a fork and a spoon. I noticed the little gesture that Jacob was doing for Riley and smiled unknowingly. Jacob looked up briefly and caught me staring. “Why? Do you want me to peel it for you too?” He asked, grinning as he placed the tender bits on Riley’s bowl. I felt my ears grow hot and I cleared my throat, “I think I’m old enough to do that myself.” I said while I busied myself with placing some gravy on Riley’s plate, biting down my lip to suppress a smile. 

“Gee I was just asking, no need to remind me you’re old enough.”

“That sounded sarcastic.” I narrowed my eyes at him, watching him fumble around with his fork and spoon with more chicken tenders. 

“Riley, does Aunt Rosie look old to you?” Jacob asked the toddler who was now stuffing himself with a mouthful of rice. Riley looked at me while I placed my hands on my hips and nodded. “How old do you think Aunt Rosie is?” 

Riley thought for a bit, counting his tiny chubby fingers, “A hundred years old!” He suddenly exclaimed and Jacob let out a deep rich laughter while he watched me scowl at him. “Riley, did you know deep sea turtles can live up to more than a hundred years?” He asked the boy.

Riley looked at Jacob and then to me quickly, playing with his fingers while he chewed. “Does that mean..” Riley chewed more and stopped and he tilted his head, looking at Jacob. “Does that mean Aunt Rosie is a sea turdle?”

“God I love this kid.” Jacob laughed harder while he placed the cut up chicken tenders onto my plate.

“Just how old do you think I am, Jacob?” I raised my brow. “I don’t know? Maybe 35, 36?” He guessed. “A hundred!” Riley cried. 

“I’m 29 for crying out loud.” 

“You are?” Jacob raised his brows to look at me. “And why does that surprise you?” I asked, taking my seat finally. He rubbed the back of his head, which I thought was kind of sexy when he did that. “I’m not really sure either. Is it because you have all this…makes you a full blown adult?” He pointed to the ceiling around him. God, Rosie, what were you thinking?

“I’m guessing you also think that I’m way too young to have just lost my job considering I may or may not have just started working?” I offered.

“That too.” He said sheepishly. 

“I think working late all those years must have sucked the youth out of me too.” I merely shrugged and took a ladle filled with gravy.

“Anyway, what does your sister do? I mean, leaving her kid with you on a Sunday?” He asked, taking a first bite of his food.

“She’s a model. Worked for the biggest brands, perhaps you’ve seen Madison Sterling on the covers of Vogue?” 

“Doesn’t ring a bell.” Jacob shook his head. “I can’t even tell the difference between the two Jimmys’ on television.”

“By the way, this butter chicken,” he pointed to his plate. “The best I’ve ever tasted.”

“Aunt Rosie makes the best chocolate cake ever.” Riley suddenly exclaimed, throwing both his little arms up in the air. “Oh really? Do you think Aunt Rosie made any tonight?” Jacob asked, looking wryly. “But you pwomised, the last time you pwomised me chocolate cake.”

“Oh dear, I must’ve forgotten.” I passed Riley his sippy cup and he pouted, sucking the nozzle. “Maybe the next time you come visit?” I tried. 

“Maybe…”Jacob said, noticing the pout on Riley, “We could make some after we finish our food.” Jacob coaxed the toddler. Riley pulled the cup away from him and looked at Jacob in anticipation. “Really Uncle Jacob?”

“Jacob..” I said in a warning tone. “This kid takes you very seriously.”

“Don’t worry about it, I know a little trick or two in baking.” He winked and bit my bottom lip, trying not to smile at the little gesture. 

“Can we Aunt Rosie? Pwease?” Riley asked, tugging at my arm. 

“I guess we could...” I trailed, eyeing Jacob warily. “Thank you.” I mouthed to Jacob and he nodded in reply, glancing at Riley’s face which lit up like a Christmas tree.

Jacob was true to his word, although, tonight we made chocolate cake a little differently. “Okay so we put in two tablespoons of flour into the cup.” Jacob said to the little toddler who was kneeling on a chair I brought him. I was close by watching them while I scrolled on my laptop, reading the steps to make a chocolate cake in a cup.

“And then we break an egg, and add some sugar.” Jacob said, demonstrating everything for the little boy who was squealing in delight. “Do you want to break the egg kid?” Jacob asked while showing Riley the egg and he nodded like his life depended on it. I smiled as I watched them interact while I continued scrolling. At the corner of my eyes, I took a quick glance at the weather notification, an icon of an umbrella with raindrops displayed on the computer screen. 

Guess Madison had seen this coming, hence Riley’s overnight bag and the excuse that she would be working late. A crackle rumbled in the sky and the winds were howling in a distance, taking the curtains into a frenzy along with it. 

I walked over to the balcony while I watched the spread of Washington’s building lights peppered on every inch of the geography. I breathed in the pleasant, earthy scent of the beginnings of a rain shower, the cold air tickled my skin as I watched the dark night sky above.

“Rawrr!” Riley exclaimed as his chubby hands grabbed my head, causing me to jump. Jacob had Riley seated on his shoulders, holding his body tightly.” You two rascals.” I giggled as I pinched Riley’s cheeks gently. 

“Did we scare you?” Jacob asked and I replied to him with a wry smile. He suddenly was all too silent as he observed the skyscrapers that were beyond us and blew a low whistle. “I don't get view like this every day.” He said quietly. 

“I know, that’s why I can’t sell this place even if that means I’m broke.” I took in the magnificent view, digesting it slowly and sighed in content. “Thank god I’m paying rent then.” Jacob whispered.

That night, we had the best chocolate cake in a cup, Riley was so happy he clung onto Jacob for the rest of the night. The two were watching something on TV while I made some milk for Riley, getting him ready for bed. Jacob gave him a quick rinse earlier and got him into his pajamas, and usually that was a difficult task for me since Riley didn’t like bedtime and he would always find his way around in sleeping much later. But Jacob had done all of that with ease. 

“Riley, here. After you finish this, you’re coming to bed with me alright? Uncle Jacob needs to work.” I held the milk bottle in hand. 

“I want to stay here with you two.” Riley grumbled, rubbing his eyes. “Riley, kids sleep early so they grow up faster, and when you’re older, you can sleep at any time you want.” I said, coaxing him. “Really?” Riley asked.

“Really.” Jacob answered. “But I’ll tell you what, you can finish your milk here and I’ll take you to Aunt Rosie’s room later alright?” Jacob said. “Okay Uncle Jacob.” Riley beamed and I handed him his milk bottle. 

“You sure he won’t keep you from working?” I asked.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll take him to your room later. You, sit and finish your series.” He pointed to the TV where SpongeBob was playing. I groaned as I watched the yellow sponge dance around his starfish friend, singing the campfire song. Riley had both his hands on his milk bottle while his head was turned, facing towards the TV, his eyelids were growing heavier but then again, so was mine. 

“Hey can I ask you something?” Jacob looked up from his table to look at me.  I hummed in reply. 

“You said earlier you couldn’t sell this place. Were you planning to?” he asked quietly with Riley in the middle of the both of us. “This loft is the first place I bought for myself.” I grinned, recalling the feeling when I got the keys to my new place in hand. “But then there was that time I lost my job for 2 years now. I still needed to pay the bills and stuff and building maintenance here isn’t exactly cheap..” I said sheepishly. Jacob listened in silence.

“I didn’t think that far yet you know, never planned on my future since I took whatever came my way , I never thought the day I ever lost my job would be so soon. Hence I wasn’t a big fan of saving but always spending. By then 2 years had gone by and I felt my accounts were draining up and since my only source of income was my job. Silly of me, I know. Hence why I posted the notice needing a roommate.”

“What about your parents?” He asked quietly, as if treading on careful waters. “All I knew was that my dad passed away in a car accident and my mom never came back on a Sunday afternoon after doing groceries. So that left my sister and I, working our way all throughout high school and college.” I watched Riley’s eyes shut and the bottle still in his mouth. 

“He’s asleep.” I heard Jacob say and I nodded as I pat Riley’s small bum, it usually works putting him into a deeper sleep.