The In-Between Girl

by Michelle Maris

  Derrick did not intend to contact Erica about the party. He'd only reach out to her to apologize for being such a jackass and tell her he planned on fixing things but he needed time.

  Unfortunately, Julie took his phone when he walked out of the room and sent the invite to Erica via text. Erica responded a few hours later. She'd try to be there- no promises then punctuated the message with a smiley face.

  The whole week past and by the end of it, Derrick wished he could cancel the party. Julie made all the preparations because his heart was not in it. Being in the same city as Erica and running into her so soon after arriving in the States made a single -minded pre-pubescent boy out of him.

  One night during his first week back, Julie tried initiating sex, but Derrick couldn't get hard. He blamed it on jet lag, but after Julie had left, he laid in bed staring up at the ceiling. His thoughts went to Erica, and he became hard as a rock. He jerked off then fell asleep dreaming of Erica all night.

  While Derrick dreamt of Erica, Julie dreamt of her new life with her fabulous lawyer boyfriend. Julie hosting a party established her relationship with Derrick in New York City. She wanted to rub her relationship with one of the most prestigious lawyers in the city in everyone's face.

  Derrick couldn't care less. He learned from his first engagement to take things slow. Julie kept hinting at marriage until she gave up and hinted at moving in with him, but Derrick avoided that conversation. He stuck to his new rules, no marriage, no living together.

  Julie insisted on having the party, though premature, he wanted to shut her up, so he agreed to it. The convenience of it played into the present state of the relationship while Julie played party planner she had no time to notice that Derrick's thoughts were on someone else.

  He only hoped Erica would not show up. Derrick knew Julie would make it miserable for Erica, or, maybe, he knew deep down seeing Erica would make it miserable for him.

  He loved her and he wanted to be with her. Thinking their relationship existed only for sexual gratification was wrong but how could Erica fit into his life?

  With her short tight dresses and her long wild mane and that body barely covered in clothes leaving little to the imagination, Erica could not fit into his stodgy lawyer's life. The men wore suits and had mistresses that looked like Erica, and their wives turned a blind eye wearing sweater sets and skirts that fell at their knees or pants suits with boring short stringy hair.

  Erica was mistress material, not marrying material. They could carry on a satisfying sexual relationship filled with passion and love, but he couldn't marry her. His peers and their wives would ridicule her. If marriage wasn't on the table, he could pick where he took her. He remembered marriage wasn’t important to Erica. She might not want to marry Derrick and then he could be with her the way he wanted.

  Now stuck with Julie for the second time proved he should have followed his instinct from the first time he broke it off. Julie loved Derrick. Her future dreams included Derrick. He'll be the father of her children one day she asserted often into conversations. But Derrick knew the inevitable would happen, their relationship would end, but it became a matter of timing. When he broke it off everything had to line up accordingly. He needed neither drama, nor scandal because the opportunity for him to make partner was upon him, and he couldn't afford to screw it up.

  Derrick shut down all his obsessive thoughts. He had to slow it down because he knew everything would fall into place at the right time. Erica taught him to trust life. He loved her for that, and he only hoped she still felt the same way about him.

  The guests arrived about half past the expected time. Most of them were Julie's friends and many of Derrick's work colleagues. The partners all showed and the owner of the firm, Mr. Adler attended as well.

  Two years back, Mr. Adler met Derrick at a bar in Chicago. They got along so well over drinks that Mr. Adler invited Derrick to play golf the next day. Neither of them revealed what they did for a living, though his years of experience told Mr. Adler that Derrick was a lawyer, most likely a good one and that he was a man of great integrity. After eighteen holes and dinner at the country club, Mr. Adler offered Derrick a job.

  A job that took him to new levels in his career, a job that brought Derrick to New York and had him seated in the bar Erica walked into that night, and the same job that brought him back here a little over a year later.

  Derrick ambled around the room greeting guests while contemplating the twists and turns his life took. Every few feet he glanced at the door. No Erica in sight.

  Derrick relaxed when he realized she probably wouldn't show. He wanted to see her, but he knew Julie's offensive behavior would ruin the night. Just as the thought crossed his mind, she came through the door. Every head turned. The women looked because they were most likely jealous or they wished they could look like her. Men looked because she was the most beautiful woman in the room.

  She wore a pale peach, chiffon, spaghetti strap dress. The soft, flouncy material draped over the tops of her plump breasts and cinched at her waist and stopped mid thigh revealing toned bare legs and strappy nude four-inch heels. A soft black leather jacket slung over her arm.

  Her long black hair curled and dropped past her shoulders. Erica perfected the soft and hard edges of everything. Her stellar taste in fashion made her company successful. She knew how to be feminine and edgy at the same time. No one dressed like she did at the party and a moment like this worried Derrick even though his cock said otherwise. His cock wanted to throw a private party with him and Erica as the only guests.

  Derrick wouldn't survive tonight with her here looking like she did. He stood off to the back and watched as she worked her way through the room. Derrick knew it was rude not to greet her, but he couldn't be that close to her, yet. He also worried that his feelings for her would be obvious to anyone in a three- mile radius. As always, Erica seemed comfortable in a room of strangers. She smiled at the guests as she made her way through the crowd.

  As Derrick hid in the corner, his colleague approached him and began small talk. He bantered with Derrick about football versus soccer, but Derrick tuned him out as he continued to watch Erica move through his apartment.

  Derrick turned his body away from his colleague towards Erica and watched as she walked over to the bar. The bartender leaned in close to Erica as she ordered her drink. He smiled and must have said something funny because Erica laughed. A second later Erica turned her back to the bartender as she sipped her drink and scanned the room.

  Derrick decided now he'd be able to greet her. Controlling his urge to run to her, he drifted towards her. From the corner of his eye, he saw Daniel Bogart making a beeline towards Erica.

  Daniel Bogart's reputation in his firm when it came to the ladies was less than stellar. Known as a player, Derrick did not want Erica giving Daniel the time of day. Derrick quickened his pace and arrived the same time as Daniel.

  "Erica, you made it," Derrick said as he embraced her. He watched from his peripheral vision as Daniel retreated.

  "I did. I wasn't going to, but we were friends, and that means something. Right?" Erica squeezed Derrick. "I missed you." Erica had a week to contemplate her relationship with Derrick. His friendship meant something to her, and she wasn't ready to throw it away. If he accepted Erica's gesture than his girlfriend, being the right girl would have to respect his decision.

  Derrick and Erica stood together, and no one else existed. "I miss you." Derrick said as he held her until someone behind him cleared her throat.

  Derrick released Erica and turned to see Julie staring at him with daggers. "Julie thanks for thinking to invite Erica. I'm glad she's here." He said as he straightened his shoulders pulling them back. He missed Erica. It felt good to say.

  "I'm glad she made it." The icy tone of Julie's voice spoke volumes. She wanted Erica out of the picture, yet, Julie invited her. Her plan to show Erica her perfect life with her perfect boyfriend backfired because she didn't account for one thing -
Derrick loved Erica.

  Julie misinterpreted their relationship. It was more than a crush. Julie could see it all over Derrick's face. Erica was no ordinary girl. She would not be easy to get rid of and inviting her into their life made Julie's relationship with Derrick vulnerable.

  "Derrick, honey, I want to introduce you to my friend Liam. Erica, you look like a girl that can hold her own at a party." Julie hooked her arm into Derrick's pulling him away from Erica.

  "I'll talk to you later." Erica gave a small wave and walked in the opposite direction. For a moment, Erica witnessed the old Derrick. She craved him but couldn't have him. Coming here was a mistake. A friendship would be impossible. They were more than friends, at one time, they were lovers and more than that she fell in love with him. Erica put down her glass and headed for the door.

  Freedom was a few feet away when an older portly man stopped her. "Leaving so soon?"

  Erica turned to face the voice behind her. "I must."

  "Stay. Have a drink with me. I hate these parties since my wife passed away.

  She played the role as my buffer and a good one at that." He looked dapper with his with white beard trimmed to perfection, his strong chin, and his rosy cheeks. He reminded Erica of Santa Claus.

  Under her breath, she whispered, "Santa Clause." She caught herself. "I'm sorry about your wife." She offered her sympathy.

  "I get mistaken for him often, especially around this time of year. As for my wife, I miss her every day. You remind me of her." He picked up the glass that Erica left as she hurried for the door. "Here, finish your drink with me."

  Erica accepted the glass and smiled. "You look like him. I look like your wife?" Erica's voice brightened.

  "Yes. She was beautiful and bold and not afraid to be looked at." He raised his eyebrows at her. "All these women here hate to be looked at. That's why they dress the way they do and stare you down because you remind them of what they are missing out on."

  "I'm always the black sheep in the crowd. Sometimes I wish they'd let me in. I have a lot to add to the conversation... any conversation."

  "My wife felt the same way, and she was thankful she had a strong man on her arm and vice versa. Her love made me believe I could do anything."

  "That sounds lovely. I must admit I'm envious." Erica glanced over at Derrick on Julie's arm.

  "What do you do?" Santa Claus asked.

  Erica held out her hand, "My name is Erica Grant, I design and sell yoga apparel."

  Santa Claus took her hand in his. "You can call me Teddy, and I am pleased to meet you."

  "Likewise."

  "Now tell me why you were leaving so soon."

  "I shouldn't have come. It was a mistake."

  "Do you think he thought it was a mistake?"

  "I'm sorry, I'm not following you." Erica needed clarification. This old man seemed cute but possibly crazy or psychic.

  He nodded his head towards Derrick. "Him."

  "Derrick?" Erica believed this man not only looked like Santa but also was the all- knowing Santa Claus.

  "Yes, Derrick." He took a sip of the golden liquid in his glass. "He's in love with you."

  Erica stared straight ahead. "How do you...?"

  Santa Claus cut her off before she could finish asking her question. "It's obvious. I could be blind and know it. It's a love that a person can feel. The kind I had with my wife."

  From across the room, Derrick watched as Erica talked with the older man standing next to her. He tried to be discreet as he watched the woman he loved chatting it up with the most powerful man in his company - His boss, Mr. Adler.

  It hit him hard like a pile driver pounding him into the floor, his engagement to Jennifer thrown in his face all over again: The party, seeing Erica across the room, being with a woman he didn't respect and didn't love, watching Erica enjoy someone else's company, and feeling jealous.

  He knew he loved Erica, not the girl standing next to him. It was Erica. It was always Erica. But once again, he resorted to the fallback girl; the girl that looked like every other girl, the girl that acted like every other girl, and the girl that was not Erica.

  The universe hit replay giving him a second chance to do this right. This time he wouldn't fuck it up.

  The surrounding voices became indistinguishable. They faded to murmurs somewhere off in the distance. He focused on Erica alone. He watched as she laughed and touched her bosses arm. Mr. Adler's arm circled her waist as he laughed at something she said. Erica turned towards him, kissed his cheek and hugged him. When she pulled away, Mr. Adler took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. She smiled and sashayed towards the door.

  Derrick advanced towards Erica. He needed to speak to her before she left. Her hand gripped the doorknob when he reached her. "Erica, wait."

  Erica turned flashing him a big smile. "Derrick, I'm sorry I was sneaking out, but you seemed preoccupied. I didn't want to bother you."

  "I'm sorry." The only words Derrick could say.

  Erica looked confused. "For what? I had a lovely time. I met a very nice older man."

  "I mean..." He released a long held breath. "Can I call you?"

  Erica stepped closer to him. She touched his cheek with her hand, leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his mouth. Erica didn't care who watched. She loved this man, and she knew he loved her. She stepped back and stared into his eyes. "Whether it's now, a month from now, or a year from now, you can always call me. Goodnight Derrick." Then she left.

  Derrick stood with his back to the party. Though he stood in his apartment, he wanted to leave the party and follow Erica home. Derrick stood frozen; the voices still sounding like far off murmurs. Not until a firm hand landed on his shoulder did he come back to reality.

  "She's a fantastic girl."

  Derrick whipped around to face Mr. Adler. Derrick searched Mr. Adler's face for answers.

  Mr. Adler patted Derrick on the back. "Don't worry son; you'll figure it out."

  Chapter 8

  Tis The Season

  Derrick didn't call Erica that night. He didn't call her a week later. He didn't call her a month later. Derrick didn't call Erica.

  Julie did.

  Erica looked down at her cell phone. She didn't recognize the number. Normally, she'd let it go to voicemail, but today she picked up.

  "Hello," Erica said.

  "Erica."

  Erica heard that voice and wished she'd let the call go to voicemail. "Speaking.". Erica stood up from her chair and braced herself against the desk.

  "Erica, this is Julie, Derrick's Julie."

  Gross. "Hi, Julie. How can I help you?" Erica no longer felt polite. She kept her response clipped and icy.

  "Erica, Derrick and I are throwing a New Year's Eve party and want to invite you."

  "Why?"

  There was a long silence before Julie responded. "Well, you are a friend of Derrick's, and this is a big moment in his life." Julie's speech sounded rehearsed.

  "He made partner?" Erica asked.

  "No, he's asking me to marry him."

  Erica dropped in the seat behind her. Shocked by what she heard. She pulled it together trying to act nonchalant. "He's asking you on New Year's Eve?"

  "Well, it's not official, but I saw the receipt for the ring in his dresser draw, and then Derrick asked me to gather all our friends for a New Years Eve party." Her voice went up ten octaves. Erica swore she heard a squeal.

  "That's very nice, Julie, I'm happy for you." Erica collected her thoughts. "Did Derrick ask you to call me?"

  "No, but I want you there." Of course she wanted Erica there. Julie could rub her relationship in Erica's face. "I'll send you the invite."

  "Sounds good, Julie." Erica placed her finger over the button about to disconnect when Julie spoke, again.

  "Erica, I hope you're able to move on. From what Derrick shared with me, you sounded like his go to girl in- between relationships. You're fun and free, but he wants stable. That's why he chose me, so try to
move on. I'm coming from a place of friendship; I hope you understand that."

  Friendship her ass, Erica had to cover the phone, so Julie couldn't hear her laughing. "So what you're saying is that I've been his in-between girl." Erica pondered that description. She hadn't thought about it, but maybe Julie was correct. "Thanks, Julie, you are looking out for me, and I appreciate it," Erica said though she meant none of it. "I have to get back to work. See you on New Year's."

  Erica paced around her office. Her thoughts scrambled. Erica thought she might go into a full-blown panic attack. Just as she was about to lose her shit, Rebecca peeked in her office.

  "Erica, you have a call."

  "Who is it?" She barked out.

  "God, what the hell got into you?" Rebecca's face twisted.

  "I'm sorry. Who is on the phone?" Erica reeled in her emotions.

  "A Mr. Adler."

  Erica cried. Rebecca ran over to console her. Erica waved her away. "Don't worry. I'm okay. Let me take this call."

  Rebecca walked out of the office though looked back at her friend multiple times before she was out of sight. Erica wiped her face and took in a deep breath before she picked up line one.

  "This is Erica Grant."

  "Erica Grant, It's Teddy Adler." Santa Claus. The one person Erica needed at this moment.

  "Mr. Adler, I can't tell you how happy I am to hear your voice."

  "Erica, what's wrong?" He asked with concern in his voice. "And call me Teddy."

  "Okay, Teddy. Derrick's girlfriend Julie just called me to invite me to their New Years Eve party. She said Derrick might propose to her that night."

  "I got invited to that party by Derrick. He said no such thing. Don't believe it and don't get yourself worked up over nothing. The man loves you, Erica, trust me, you don't get to seventy- nine without knowing a few things." Teddy made everything right. "We'll go together."

  "I'll be your date." Erica smiled as she thought about walking into the party with Santa Claus.