The Intern: Tyler, The Creator

12. The Intruder

One Week Later: Sunday

I did a full three mile run at the park in front of Tyler's home.

I'd been coming over to run mornings whenever I could at this park; turned out my Dad did too, since his work was about five minutes away from this neighborhood.
It was huge, the landscape was beautiful, and I got to pretend like I was some rich lady.

Every five minutes you passed a rare bred dog, you could tell these people had money.

It was quieter than usual.

I came up to his street—it was 11am, not early but not yet the afternoon. It was a gated home; it was huge from what I could see. I walked closer, trying to get a glimpse inside. Just as I stepped closer into the lawn, the gates began to open.

I was startled, quickly turning around to see a vintage car pulling into the driveway. It stopped next me, I couldn't see through the dark windows.

I stepped back as the windows rolled down.

"Did you need something?" She asked, her sunglasses blocking her eyes.

"Oh, I um..." I looked around, quickly thinking of an excuse. "My dog—I was walking my dog and he went running over here somewhere, I was just checking to see if he tried to get in or something," I replied.

"Oh no! why don't you come in and check?" She smiled.

"Um, you could just let me know if you find—,"

"Don't be weird! C'mon. I'll leave the gate open."

She rolled up the windows as she drove inside the gate, and I hesitantly walked in.

Maybe he didn't live here, I probably got it wrong?

I made my way in, watching as the tall, slender woman walked out of the car. The door of the house opened, and the familiar face walked out. It was Tyler.

He hadn't noticed me yet.

He looked completely different than what I was used to seeing him in. Some simple pajama pants; he was completely shirtless.

I watched as she went over, hugging him and placing a kiss on his lips as she told him something. She pointed over to me.

Fuck.

He turned to look at me, squinting at me from the doorway. They began to walk over.

"I don't see him! He probably went into the next house—," I shouted, beginning to step back.

"Are you sure? We have a huge yard...you should try checking around," She replied, now a few feet away from me as Tyler walked closer.

"Babe, why don't you show her the back?" She asked him, turning to look at his expression.

I bit my lip, looking around to try and make sure he didn't get my face. The sun was beaming on their eyes—making it harder to take a good look at me.

"What did you say your name was?" She questioned me.

"I—," I looked behind them. "Oh! I think I saw something—," I distracted, jogging over to the back.

I heard her tell him to follow behind me.

I cursed under my breath.

I made my way to the back end of the house, stopping as I realized how big the yard was. There was a huge pool—a gorgeous garden too.

A huge tennis court that I wasn't expecting, too.

"You see it?" Tyler caught up behind me.

"Um, no. I thought I saw something."

He touched my arm, making me look up at him.

He furrowed his eyebrows.

"Nia?"

I looked down.

"You don't live around here?"

I shook my head no.

"No, my dad works around here."

He nodded, turning his head to look at the yard.

Phew. Good save.

"I'll let you know if I see it around—,"

Just before he could finish his thought, the lady opened the sliding door next to us, which led to the yard from inside the house.

"Any luck?" she asked.

I shook my head no. I walked over to her.

"Thanks for letting me look," I smiled gently.

"Why don't you sit for a while and I'll call my neighbor and see if they've seen it. What did you say the breed was?" She asked.

"Um, small dog. White."

"Like a poodle?"

"Mhmm." I nodded.

She smiled, handing me a glass of water.

"Here. It's hot out," she smiled.

She was so giddy and sweet; it made me wonder what had attracted Tyler to her. 
I guess opposites did attract?

I leaned on one of the columns as Tyler walked over.

"She was an assistant vet before she modeled," he broke the silence, signaling her love for animals.

"She's really nice..." I took a sip. "I didn't know you were with someone."

"Yeah, we've been together for like, 3 years. She was one of the models at this shoot we were advertising."

Model. Made sense.

"You look good." I stumbled on my words. "I mean, like you both look good together."

Tyler chuckled, crossing his arms in front of him.

He watched me fidget with my fingers. I always felt so tense around him; he made me feel like I had to impress him some kind of way. Especially since he was technically my boss.

He walked closer, turning to see if she was anywhere near.

"Why are you really here?" He half whispered, closer than he had ever been to me.

I looked up at him—although my face didn't show it; I was shocked. My heart was beating in my throat.

"I told you," I smiled, "My dog ran over
here—,"

"Mhmm. You not stalking me?" He asked, sternly.

I didn't say anything.

He let out a small chuckle, which broke the tension. I followed along, confused.

"I'm playing," he replied, backing up.

"I mean, I don't blame you, it is a huge coincidence." I took a sip of my water, relieved.

"They said they haven't seen a dog around," she walked out. "But I told them to let me know if they do!"

I nodded.

"Thank you, sorry for...the whole thing," I half smiled.

"Leave your number so I can call you in
case—,"

"I got it already." Tyler interrupted her.

I looked at him momentarily. He never told her we worked together.

"Oh, okay! perfect." She had a huge smile.