Derek

by Dawn Martens

  “What’s his name?” I ask. Not really sure I want to know the answer.

  “Derek, he’s my son. He talks about you all the time.”

  I stop what I’m doing and look at her. She’s sitting there smiling in front of the mirror. Looking at me. What the fuck is going on? “Um. I’m sorry I don’t mean to be rude, but this is kind of weird.”

  Elizabeth laughs, “I wanted to come meet you my dear. Why don’t you get started and then I can take you out for lunch.”

  I nod and do as she says. I feel nervous all of a sudden, and I really do not want to mess up. I’m careful with making sure each strand is perfect while Elizabeth in her chair calmly reading a fashion magazine. I still cannot believe she is here. I’m going to kill Derek, but I also want to know why is he talking about me? We’re friends, but what else does he have to say? I am not his girlfriend and we are not best friends. What gives? This whole situation with Derek makes me anxious. I don’t think he’ll hurt me the way Caleb did, but a part of me, a big part of me, is nervous. Can you blame me? I have been through hell and back. People are always leaving my life. I do not have anyone really. Erika’s great and Melody is my bitch, but something’s missing from my life. I hate going home alone. The house is too quiet. I want to fill the void, but I need to be careful.

  After almost forty-five minutes, I finish up Elizabeth’s hair. I added in some layers and side bangs to her strawberry blonde hair. She was absolutely gorgeous to begin with, but with the volume that she’s rocking now she looks amazing. I add in some soft curls and spray her hair then double check to make sure everything is perfect. After humming my approval, I remove her cloak, and start to sweep up her sheared locks. Elizabeth quietly watches me until I’m done then gets up and gives me a hug, “Thank you beautiful girl. Now come on. Let’s grab some lunch.”

  She loops her arm through mine and we walk out together. Just like with her son, I feel comfortable with Elizabeth. There is something about her that makes me feel safe. I listen to her talk about how great it is that I have my own business. She tells me how talented I am and that she sees great things in the future for me. I’m hesitant to say much, but I do listen. She goes on to tell me that Derek speaks highly of me and now she sees why. We get to an Italian restaurant and are seated immediately.

  The restaurant is beautifully decorated. There are paintings all over and the restaurant has a contemporary feel. The linens are all crisp white and the walls are painted a soft beige. People are staring at us as we walk through. “Snobby noses.” Elizabeth mumbles out. I always get stares everywhere I go. How many women look like me? It’s rare. Full of tattoos and dreads, but Elizabeth doesn’t seem to give a shit at all.

  When we’re finally seated at a booth, I open a menu and am shocked by the prices. Holy shit. This place is expensive! Elizabeth must realize my shock, “Don’t worry dear just order what you feel like.”

  “Ok,” is all I can say.

  When I was a little girl, I used to dream of having a Mum just like Derek’s. Elizabeth is just so... well, I guess the word would be motherly. She’s so caring and her voice is soft. I like being around her.

  Growing up was tough. I hated everything about my life. Nothing was ever easy and I had to fight for everything I had. I was an independent child, since my parents cared more about their alcohol than the safety of their fucking daughter. I remember waking up and getting myself ready for school all of the time. Life just really sucked for me, and I had to do everything on my own until I met Caleb. He took care of me. I loved that feeling, but then my life just sucked anyways.

  I take a look at the menu and notice every single item on here is seafood. Looks like I’m going to starve. Elizabeth must notice the look on my face. She reaches over and puts her hand on mine. “What’s wrong dear?”

  “Um, I don’t like seafood.”

  With that she throws down her menu. I start to shake and have tears streaming down my face. Is she going to hit me like Mum used to? “Rylie hun, are you ok dear?” Elizabeth says full of concern.

  “You’re not, you’re not mad at me?” I say in shock.

  She looks at me and her face pales. Almost as if she knows. “Of course not dear. I was going to say the same thing. I’ve never been one for seafood. I was relieved that you felt the same way. So we could get out of this snobby stuffy place and go get some Burger King at the mall.”

  She pulls me out of my chair and gives me a hug. “Are you free for the rest of the day?”

  “Yes, you were my last appointment.”

  She smiles. “Great, you can come shopping with me. First, let’s go and get a greasy burger from the mall.”

  ~***~

  “I always have trouble deciding on what to get Derek for his birthday.” She says as she pulls me into another store. “I try to buy him something special every year, but it gets harder and harder as he gets older. I mean really? What does a 27 year old want, other that a woman.” She finishes with a laugh. We’ve been going store to store for almost two hours now, and this woman still hasn’t seemed to calm down. During our lunch, burgers and fries, she told me that Derek told her everything. I didn’t realize that Derek knew about what happened to me. But it makes me feel better knowing that he doesn’t treat me like glass, even though he knows. I learned from here that she is very different from the rich people I’ve met before. She isn’t snobby, she doesn’t care what class a person is from. She also shared with me that her and her husband William adopted Derek when he was just a few days old. The parents were only fifteen years old and just did not think they could raise a child at that age. Elizabeth told me that when Derek was eighteen he wanted to find them, meet them. Elizabeth and William agreed and even helped find them. Mary and Peter Fleming became a part of their lives a few weeks later. They never had any more children. Derek doesn’t call them Mum or Dad, he calls them Auntie and Uncle. But, apparently they are at every family function and every holiday. Elizabeth said Mary would just love me. It was nice hearing all about Derek and his family. He seems to have such a wonderful family life. It also lets me know that Derek isn’t for me. I’m so fucked up, Derek doesn’t need that.

  “I told you. Just get him a gift card. He can get whatever he wants, and you won't have to worry about it.” I reply.

  “Yes, but what kind of Mum would that make me? Giving my baby a gift card.” She looks completely disgusted at the idea.

  “When is his birthday?” I ask.

  “Oh, not for another couple months, but you can never be too early with these things.”

  I watch her as she digs through a stack of video games. I want to laugh at how out of place she looks. But, instead I start to tear up. It’s just too much. Here is Elizabeth going from store to store looking for a silly game that Derek mentioned months ago, and my Mum never even made me a cake.

  I try to turn away before she sees, but I swear the woman has eagle eyes.

  “Rylie, what’s wrong dear?” she says and comes forward to grab my hand.

  “Just got something in my eye.” I do my best to wipe my eyes and pretend that everything is fine.

  “Now child, you cannot lie to me. I have been a mother for too long. I can read bull shit from a mile away.”

  I take a breath and make the decision to let this wonderful woman in.

  “I was just thinking about how great of a Mum you were.”

  “Your Mum wasn’t?” she asks, concern filling her voice. I laugh at the thought of anyone considering my Mum great.

  “No! She was about as far from great as you can get. She was a lot like my ex. Someone, I would like to forget.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll be your Mum from now on. I always wanted a daughter.” She says with a big smile. She hugs me tight.

  Chapter 13

  Rylie

  Derek is different from the guy he was at Layla’s baby shower. He doesn’t push me for anything, he’s just there. Over the last few months our friendship has been amazing. Better than any friendshi
p I’ve had with anyone. We even have a routine. He picks me up every day from work and we go out for supper. Sometimes I’ll even cook for him, or he’ll cook for me. His Mum even invites me over and calls me up regularly. Next week is Derek’s birthday party, and Elizabeth wants me over a few hours early so that I can help decorate.

  Last week while we were out, he noticed me getting fidgety after his phone call. I’m not sure who he was talking to, but he was pissed and yelling. When he saw the look on my face he let the person on the phone go and apologized to me right away. He said he was so sorry, and explained that a co-worker screwed things up at work. I’m glad that he took the time to tell me what was wrong and how he took care of me when he noticed I get scared, when someone around me was started to argue. You would think after three years I wouldn’t get so jumpy or nervous when people are yelling or arguing.

  I’m at home getting ready to head out, I’m meeting up with Derek tonight at the local seafood place. I don’t know why I agreed to go there, I hate seafood, but tonight is different. I’m bringing my friend Mel, one of the stylist that works for me, and he’s bringing a co-worker of his.

  Before I can get out the door, my phone rings. I go to the table by the couch and pick it up. Unknown number. I frown, my phone is unlisted. “Hello?”

  “Is this Ms. Sullivan?” a female voice asks.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m detective Pinson, I’m calling to inform you that one of our prisoners was killed yesterday in a cafeteria brawl. I’m sorry Ms. Sullivan, but you know him. His name is Caleb Wilson.”

  I freeze. Caleb is dead? Why do I not feel bad in the slightest? “Dead?” I ask. Just to confirm.

  “Yes ma’am. We were told to notify you of anything related to Mr. Wilson. According to the file, I’m sure you are relieved by this.” She says.

  “Thank you for calling.”

  “Welcome Ms. Sullivan. I’m sorry if I bothered you, but its policy that we let you know what had happened. Take care.” She hangs up without even saying goodbye.

  Holy shit, he’s dead!

  “The Jury finds the defendant guilty.” Guilty! I breathe out a sigh of relief.

  “You fucking cunt!” Caleb screams out as he’s being lifted out of his seat by police. “You’ll fucking pay for this Rylie! You hear me? When I get out of this fucking place, I’m coming after you. The next time, you will be dead!” I barely hear the last word as he’s already out the side door.

  Officer Connors comes over to me and places a hand on my shoulder. “Sweetie, don’t worry. He won’t come near you when he gets out of prison.” I don’t feel sure of her words. She doesn’t know Caleb.

  Snapping out of my flashback, I sit back on my bed and smile. Caleb is out of my life forever. A sense of relief and wanting to move on surges through my body. I know that I should feel bad but I don’t. That fucker had it coming. He fucked me up emotionally, physically, and mentally. Pay back and karma is a bitch, and I’m glad that he’s gone. I’m glad that he cannot hurt anyone ever again. I’m glad that he won’t be able to ever, ever touch me. I get up and smile.

  I pick Mel up around seven, and she looks amazing with her long brownish hair curled and hanging down her back. She’s wearing the little black dress that she borrowed from my closet a few weeks back and she classy as hell. I’m just wearing my hot pink converse shoes with a dark purple mid-thigh length halter dress. I’ve never been a fan of heals or any of those dressy shoes. Mel always says my style is epic because I always have my tats on display and my dreads are to die for.

  “Hey bitch, let’s roll.” Mel says as she hops in my car.

  “Yeah...but Mel...I got a phone call about twenty minutes ago, you’ll never believe what it was about.” I tell her.

  “Tell me!” she demands.

  “Caleb is dead.” I say with excitement.

  She lets out a giant scream that has me wincing. “Fucker got what was coming to him! Hells yeah.”

  After the heavy burden of telling Mel the news lifts, we make small talk on our way to the restaurant. She knows that I’m starting to get feelings for Derek, so she keeps talking about him and asking questions. I always tell her it’s not going to happen, but she keeps saying that it will. Whatever. She can think what she wants.

  I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, and spot Derek next to the door with a light brown skinned guy. He’s handsome, but not as good looking as Derek. He’s a bit lankier while Derek is thick, all muscle. He is also a few inches shorter than Derek. I also notice he looks slightly familiar, but I can’t place it. What I wouldn’t give to see Derek’s muscles budge out while he’s moving inside me. Fuck! Where did that thought come from? I shake my head and Mel chuckles, as if she knew what I was thinking.

  Derek comes over to me, and gives me a giant hug with a soft smile on his face. “You made it. Hey Melody.” He says sticking his hand out to shake hers.

  “Hey there big guy.” Mel says grinning at him.

  “This is Conner, a buddy of mine from work. Conner this is Rylie and Melody.” Derek says.

  “Ladies.” He says with a chin lift. “Shall we go in? I put our name down for a table, it should be ready by now.”

  As we make our way inside I take note that this place looks extremely elegant.

  The hostess maneuvers us through the dimly lit restaurant to a plush corner booth towards the back of the room. Our small nook looks as if it’s wrapped in a blanket of silky red satin and complements the black flooring and walls that cover the romantic interior. I slide in first and notice Derek sliding in next to me, not Melody. Instead she slides in across from me and Conner slides in next to her.

  As I’m looking at the menu I notice a few things that aren’t seafood. Thank God! I let out a sigh of relief, and Mel giggles knowingly.

  “Are we missing something?” Derek asks.

  “Rylie hates seafood. Even gags over the smell of it.” Melody says chuckling.

  Derek frowns and turns to me. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  I shrug. “You wanted to come here. And hey, it’s fine. I found a few items that aren’t seafood on this menu.”

  “So Rylie.” Conner says interrupting what Derek was about to say. “I heard you own a salon here. How’s business?”

  “It’s good. Our waiting list is six months out. I’m shocked. I didn’t think the place would be such a big hit so soon.”

  He just smiles and continues looking over the menu. The waitress comes over a few minutes later. “Can I start you all with something to drink?” she says cheerily.

  “I’ll have a vodka martini no olives.” I don’t pay attention to what the others order and go back to scanning the menu. I’m limited on what I can have, considering everything but three items is seafood.

  I decide on the Chicken Alfredo and Derek orders the seafood lover’s platter. I giggle. “What’s so funny?” He kisses my forehead.

  “Why did you order a huge platter?”

  “Maybe we can share and I can feed you?” His voice gets soft. My heart beats faster again. Am I dreaming? I have to be.

  “Um no, you can keep the seafood to yourself.” I say as I pretend to gag. Derek just chuckles.

  “So Rylie, how long have you been in Melbourne?” Conner asks.

  “Three years now.” I shift in my seat to get comfortable. I don’t want him asking me a million questions. Derek rubs my thigh and I start to feel a little better.

  “What made you decide to move here?”

  “Needed a change.” I say quietly. Derek moves his hand, and squeezes my thigh lightly then takes it off. I wish he’d put it back. .

  Connor’s body stiffens. What’s his deal? Can’t he see I’m obviously am not interested in him and I have my eyes on Derek? “Would you like to go out this weekend? Catch a movie?” Connor asks me.

  Derek stiffens beside me. “No, she can’t, her and Derek are doing something.” Mel speaks up for me. Derek relaxes instantly and I notice him grinning at Mel.
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  Conner looks disappointed. “Oh, maybe some other time.”

  “I’m sorry Conner, but didn’t Derek tell you? He and I are together.” I blurt out, hoping he’ll get the hint and not ask me again. Derek moves his arm around my shoulders and moves into me a little more.

  “Oh, no he didn’t. I just thought you were friends.” Conner says looking uncomfortable.

  “Nope, made it official last week.” Derek says smiling down at me.

  I lean over and whisper in his ear. “Thank you.” He gives me a reassuring squeeze.

  About half way through our meal, I excuse myself and go to the restroom. After I finish drying off my hands, I walk out into the hall. Connor is standing there waiting for me. For some reason, I feel uncomfortable around him. I try to walk by him, flashing a quick smile, but he grabs my arm. “Too bad, you’re dating Derek now. We would have been good together. When he dumps your ass, you come find me.”

  “Get out of my way,” I push Connor against the wall. He looks surprised. I leave without letting him say anything else. What the fuck is his problem?

  I get back to the table and snuggle up against Derek. I close my eyes and hold on to his hand as tightly as possible. I know he can tell something is wrong. Derek asks what’s wrong, but I just shake my head and smile. I’m not going to tell him that his friend is a douche bag. He will have to find that out on his own.

  Chapter 14

  Rylie

  We finish up eating and the guys take care of the bill. Derek and I are still acting like a couple, because Conner keeps staring at me, and it is really freaking me out. We get outside, and the guys walk us to my car.

  Connor is looking at his phone. “Kiss your woman goodbye already, I need to get to the office. Stupid Anderson fucked something up.”

  I freeze, Derek really isn’t going to kiss me is he? Derek looks at me and softly and brings his head down to mine. When his lips touch me I let out a soft moan. The kiss deepens and I feel his tongue invade my mouth. Holy fuck. My hands find themselves wrapped around his neck and my body presses into his.