“You knew your pants weren’t going to fit you forever,” Olivia laughed.
“I was able to wear them for a long time. But this week they just don’t fit anymore.” Rachel turned to her, her eyes narrowed. “Have I gained a lot of weight this past week?”
Olivia fixed a pointed look on her friend. “No.”
Rachel sighed heavily. “I’ll be glad when I can wear pants that button again. These extended and high waistbands are so awkward.”
“You don’t have too much longer.”
“Thank goodness.” Rachel pulled into their parking lot and put the car in park, then turned it off. “One bad thing about living with Marc…” she paused as she got out, “is I won’t live so close to the mall anymore.”
“I’m sure you’ll manage,” Olivia grinned. She pulled out her cell phone and sent Derrick a quick text letting him know she was home and he could pick her up when he was ready.
“I don’t know,” Rachel joked. “You know how I like to shop.”
Olivia opened the glass door for Rachel, letting her friend in first. Rachel froze mid-step as the elevator doors opened and a group of people stepped off.
"What the hell is this?" Rachel hissed, glaring at the two couples. One pair looked to be in their early thirties, the other in their fifties. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?"
"Come now, Rachel, is that anyway to greet your family?" the older man asked with a frown.
Olivia shifted awkwardly as Rachel glared at the people in front of them. This was Rachel’s family. It was Derrick’s, too. Her eyes traveled to the younger couple taking them in. The man wore a perfectly pressed suit and the woman a strappy silk sundress. Elliott and Brandy—Derrick’s brother and ex.
"Why are you here?" Rachel repeated after a long moment.
"You're our daughter. Did you think we wouldn't come when we learned we had a grandchild on the way?” her father asked with a frown.
Rachel gaped as her boiling blood heated her cheeks.
Olivia clutched her purse tighter and chewed on her lower lip. What should she say? Or do?
"My sister forgets her manners," the tall brunette man said, stepping forward and extending his hand. "I am Elliott, her eldest brother." He gave a polite smile as she shook his hand.
"Olivia, I’m Rachel’s roommate and," Rachel cleared her throat loudly and she paused mid-sentence. Rachel shook her head no once. “And it’s nice to meet you,” she finished hesitantly. I’m shaking the hand of the man who has caused Derrick so much hurt and grief. Her eyes shifted to the blonde woman. Her long locks flowed around her round face and her dress fit snugly against her perfect body. This is Derrick’s ex? She could be a supermodel.
"This is my lovely wife, Brandy," Elliott continued, pulling his wife forward with a smile. "My mother, Patrice…" he motioned toward a woman with graying brown hair. "And my father, Arnold."
"It's nice to meet you," she forced out. It wasn't nice to meet them at all. These people had hurt Derrick—and Jace for choosing to follow their dreams. Not to mention, Elliott and Brandy’s betrayal was, she couldn’t even think of a word to describe it. What was Derrick going to do now that they were here?
“Are we just going to stand in the lobby? Invite us up,” Patrice laughed.
Rachel swallowed and looked at Olivia. Olivia shrugged, wishing there was something she could do to help her friend.
“Well, come on, Rachel, we flew all the way from L.A. It’d be nice to sit down for a minute,” Arnold exclaimed, walking to the elevator.
Rachel forced a smile. “I might have been better prepared if you’d have informed me you were coming.”
“We might have come to your baby shower had we of known you were pregnant,” Patrice reprimanded. “Imagine my displeasure when I heard from Paisley Pearl’s mom that you’re pregnant.”
“I was going to tell you,” Rachel growled.
“Before the baby was born?” Patrice asked icily.
“Now, now, let’s take this upstairs where it is a little more private,” Arnold instructed. “We’ll have plenty of time to discuss this over the next few weeks.”
“Weeks?” Rachel asked staring at her father.
He nodded with a smile. “We took some time off and left the firm in the hands of the junior VP for a few weeks. Your mother and I thought it was best that we spend some time together as a family.”
“Fantastic,” Rachel muttered sarcastically.
Patrice looked around the lobby. “Where are Jace and Derrick?” Patrice asked. “They are in the city too, aren’t they?”
“They are,” Rachel grimaced. “Let’s go upstairs.”
Olivia followed Rachel’s family onto the elevator. As the door slid closed, a sinking feeling pitted in her gut. Derrick was on his way to pick her up. Crap. She fumbled through her purse in search of her phone. Hurriedly she typed another text and hit send. She swallowed and prayed he got it so he would have some warning about what he was walking into.
***
Derrick stomped into the elevator, Jace right behind him. He fisted his shaking hands at his sides. Olivia’s text haunted him, her warning playing over and over in his head. Why were his parents here? He knew the answer: to cause havoc for Rachel—probably for him and Jace, too. Derrick hadn’t spoken to his parents or older brother since leaving home five years ago. In an ideal world, he would never speak to them again, but it appeared that wasn’t going to happen.
Leaving Rachel alone with their snooty, stuck up, and judgmental parents wasn’t an option. And he most definitely didn’t want Olivia subjected to them either. He tapped his foot impatiently on the elevator floor as they made their slow climb up to Rachel and Olivia’s floor.
“Why do you think they’re here?” Jace asked breaking the silence.
His parents wouldn’t just come without reason. Something had happened.
“I don’t know. I’m sure whatever their reason, it’s not good. Do you think they know about Rachel?” Derrick asked quietly.
“Probably not. We’d have heard her talking about it.”
The elevator lurched to a stop and the doors slid open. “Let’s just get this over with as peacefully as possible.” He marched off the elevator and trudged to the door, not bothering to knock before swinging it open.
The front room quieted as he and Jace entered. Derrick looked at his parents first. Though they had smiles plastered on their faces, he knew they weren’t real. They were too prideful to show their true colors with Olivia in the room. He turned his attention to Elliott and Brandy. Brandy pulled Elliott closer and rested her head on his shoulder as she met his eyes. He didn’t care what they did. He paused as he replayed his last thought. He didn’t care.
Olivia meant more to him than anyone else ever had. He loved her—not that they’d said the words yet. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to tell her—he did. The time just wasn’t right. But now that Jace was finally in his own apartment, even if it was next door, they would have more time to themselves.
"Jace, Derrick. I didn’t realize the two of you were coming," his father greeted, drawing him out of his thoughts.
“We were invited,” Derrick replied simply. His eyes flicked to Olivia who was sitting on the edge of the couch, her knees were drawn up into her chest and she stared vacantly at the wooden floor. Rachel sat next to her a supportive hand on Olivia’s knee, the other on her own swollen belly.
“Good,” his mother spoke up. “We were just discussing good places to eat.” She turned to Arnold. “Won’t it be nice to go out as a family?”
Jace snorted as he went to the kitchen and hopped up onto one of the bar stools. “The restaurant better have a bar,” he mumbled under his breath.
“We had a big lunch at the mall. I’m not hungry,” Rachel replied.
“Oh, nonsense,” Arnold waved them off. “We are going to dinner. Olivia, would you like to join us?” He turned to Olivia with a grin.
“Oh, um…” Olivia started and then
trailed off. She shifted on the couch, quietly clasping and unclasping her hands. Her eyes darted between Rachel and Derrick.
Derrick racked his brain, wishing he could think of something to say, but he kept drawing a blank.
“She can’t,” Rachel spoke up. Olivia turned to Rachel. “She has work tonight. I was supposed to take her in a bit.”
Derrick frowned. Olivia doesn’t have a job. What exactly is Rachel doing? Was she giving them all an out? I really hope so. But he doubted his parents would let them off the hook without a fight.
“That’s too bad. I was hoping to get to know your friend better,” Patrice pouted. “But we can still all go out together,” she said quickly turning her frown into a smile.
“But I was supposed to take her to work,” Rachel reiterated.
“Don’t think you’re getting out of dinner that easily,” Patrice argued.
Derrick gritted his teeth as Rachel spoke up once again meeting his gaze with sad eyes.
“Fine. I’ll go to dinner. Derrick, Jace, do you mind taking Olivia to work for me?”
Patrice shook her head. “We’ll go after you—”
“Can’t. I have plans and no car, so Derrick has to chauffer me too,” Jace interrupted.
“You should get going, Olivia. I don’t want you to be late,” Rachel said as she nudged her friend.
Olivia sent Rachel a questioning look. Derrick’s own mind raced. Does Rachel know what she’s getting into? His parents had probably been cordial because Olivia was there. Once she was gone, all hell would break loose. He didn’t want to leave his little sister at their mercy. But as Olivia stood up, Rachel met his gaze, giving him a silent nod.
Olivia took a step forward. “It was nice meeting everyone,” she stammered.
“The pleasure was ours,” Patrice smiled. “Hopefully we’ll see you again soon.”
Olivia dipped her head down in acknowledgment before retreating to the door. Jace hopped down from his chair and fled. Derrick shared another look with his sister.
“Go,” she mouthed.
With a sigh, he left, praying he was doing the right thing. He knew all too well what his parents wrath felt like and he didn’t wish it on anyone.
***
“I’ll see you later,” Jace said as he went into his own apartment—yes, he’d managed to lease the apartment next door to Derrick’s. At least he was out of Derrick’s house now and they could finally have some privacy. They continued the few steps to the next door silently, and she waited as he unlocked and opened the door.
Derrick hadn’t spoke since they’d left Rachel. The silence was killing her. There were so many questions she wanted answers to and she was worried about Rachel.
“You want me to call and order pizza?” Derrick asked, setting his keys down on the kitchen counter.
Olivia sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. Rachel wasn’t the only person she was concerned about. What is going on with him? This couldn’t be easy on him.
"Are you okay?" she asked instead of answering his question.
He closed his eyes and ran a hand down his face. "I don't want to talk about it."
“But you know you can talk to me if you want to,” she whispered.
Derrick ground his teeth as he walked to the fridge and pulled out a beer. “Thanks. But I’m fine.”
"Okay," Olivia sighed. He clearly wasn’t fine, and it stung that he wouldn’t talk to her. "Just if you want to…I'm here."
Derrick set his bottle down on the counter a tick forming in his jaw. "Pizza?”
Olivia bit her lip and nodded. "So what do you want to do tonight?" Hopefully his mood would pass once they settled in for the evening.
"Let's just relax and watch a movie," he said, placing a chaste kiss to her forehead.
Olivia gave him a weak smile and followed him to the couch. Together they sank down onto a cushion. Derrick grabbed the remote and turned the TV on. He dug his cellphone out and quickly dialed the pizzeria’s number.
“What did you want to watch?” Olivia asked after he hung up.
“I think it’s your night to choose,” he said, giving her another kiss on the head. Derrick’s lips lingered on her hair and he sighed heavily. For a brief moment, she wondered if he would talk to her. “I haven’t seen my family in a long time. There is a lot of bad blood between us and I don’t want to ruin our night by talking about it.”
“I’m sorry,” Olivia whispered. He might not want to talk about it, but something told her that he probably needed to let his frustration and anger out. Hopefully, if she was patient, he would confide in her.
“It’s okay.” He smiled genuinely for the first time. “Everything worked out. I’m working towards a career I love and…I found a wonderful, intelligent woman.” Derrick lightly trailed his thumb down her cheek and across her lips as he held her gaze. But he didn’t say anything else.
“Do you think Rachel is all right?” she asked, trying not to dwell on the fact that he hadn’t said he loved her. Why hadn’t he said it yet? You haven’t said it either. They spent every night together and almost never fought. They were happy. She was in love with him, but hadn’t found the right time to tell him. It was probably the same for him.
“They’ve always gone easier on her than me or Jace. But if we haven’t heard from her by nine I’m going to call to check in,” he explained. “Enough about that. Let’s find something to watch.”
Olivia leaned into him and rested her head against his chest, finding comfort in the steady thrum of his heart. Tonight they would relax. Tomorrow they would start to work through this new obstacle.
***
Olivia jumped at the knock at the door. Derrick didn't get very many visitors and she wasn't really sure if she should answer the door or not. Technically, this wasn't her place—even if she did have a key and slept here every night. Whoever was at the door knocked again.
Sighing, she paused her TV show and got off the couch, walking to the door. Derrick would be home any minute; he went to meet with someone about a project. During their fight before Christmas, he’d worked hard to get some freelance contracts, and he was beginning to make a name for himself in Patterson. She paused as she reached the door. Now what? The person knocked again. Mumbling under her breath, she stood on her tiptoes and looked through the peephole. Elliott. Why is he here? There was only one way she’d find out.
Closing her eyes and shaking her head, she opened the door. Elliott’s eyes widened as his lips parted. He quickly composed himself, offering her a smile.
"Olivia."
"Hi," she squeaked, nervously leaning against the door.
He pointed to the apartment. "I wasn't aware you and Derrick were…involved."
Olivia cleared her throat. "We’ve been dating for several months.”
"I see. Is he here?" Elliott asked as his gaze shifted to the apartment.
"No, he should be back soon. Can I help you with something?" she asked shifting back and forth on her feet.
"I just wanted to clear the air between us. My parents, Brandy, and I plan on staying in town for a few weeks. I don't want things to be awkward."
So they really were going to stay for weeks. Great. "Oh. Well, I can tell him you stopped by," Olivia replied uneasily. Knowing Derrick, he wouldn’t be thrilled by Elliott’s presence. Not that she could blame him.
"Actually, I would prefer to wait." Elliott stated.
Olivia bit her lip. What can I do? Slam the door in his face? Derrick probably wouldn’t mind, but she wasn’t sure she had it in her to be rude to a man she barely knew. A part of her wished she hadn't opened the door to begin with. Olivia was certain Derrick wouldn't want Elliott in his apartment.
"Elliott," Derrick said startling them both. He marched toward the open door and stepped in between her and Elliott. "Sweetheart," he greeted, his voice softening as he kissed her forehead. "What are you doing here, brother?"
"I came to talk to you. I was hoping we could make things a little
less awkward. I was just telling Olivia we plan on staying in town for a few weeks," Elliott explained.
"And Rachel wants you here that long? Or you still don't care about other people’s feelings?" Derrick retorted pulling Olivia a little bit closer. Olivia rested her hands on his chest, wanting to give him any comfort she could.
"We are here to support Rachel and ensure she is okay. And I would like to make amends with you, Derrick. We are a family. It is time we start behaving as one," Elliott sighed.
"A family? Perhaps you should talk to mom and dad about that. After all, they are the ones kicking everyone out of the home," he snapped and felt Olivia tense against him at his outburst.
Elliott bowed his head as he took a deep breath. "I can’t speak for mom and dad, but I only want to make amends, Derrick, please. Brandy and I would like to take you…and Olivia to dinner, to put the past behind us."
Derrick laughed. "It is in the past. We have all moved on. However, you will have to forgive me if I don't want to go on a double date with my brother and my ex with my new girlfriend."
Olivia closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. She didn’t want to do a double date either.
"Then perhaps you and I—"
"Elliott," Derrick growled cutting his brother off. "I will think about it. I've had a long day. Please leave."
"Of course, Derrick. Just please think about it," Elliott pleaded, taking a step back.
Derrick pulled Olivia into the apartment and closed the door as soon as Elliott turned around to leave.
"Talk to me Derrick," Olivia offered, kissing him on the lips. She ran her tongue across his mouth until he parted his lips to her.
"Olivia," he sighed and pulled away. "I wouldn't even know where to begin…" he trailed off.
"Derrick," she bit her lip nervously. He needed to know that she was here for him. That she loved him and would do anything for him. She placed both hands on the sides of his face and caressed his cheeks with her thumbs. "I love you, and I'm here for you. Please don't shut me out."
Pretty Young Thing: a new adult romance box set Page 45