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He looked at the people gathered around the table. “I’m just going to see if Alina is up to joining us at breakfast.”
“Who could sleep with the coffee aroma through the apartment?” Alina strolled through the kitchen, tying the robe around her waist. Her eyelids were bulging, an aftereffect of her restless night, but there was a smile on her face and, in turn, created one on Dereck’s face.
“Sorry about that. I thought your parents might enjoy a cup this morning.” Since Alina’s pregnancy, Dereck had restrained himself from consuming food and drinks in her presence, for which she was banned. That included alcohol and coffee.
“That was very thoughtful of you.” Alina walked up to Dereck and placed a light kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”
Dereck handed her a plate, and she took a seat at the table. With everyone seated, Dereck requested their attention. “Now that everyone’s here, I would like to make an announcement.” Four pairs of eyes pierced him and he gulped before continuing. “ I would like to host a baby shower for Alina on Saturday.” He raised his hands. ‘I know it’s short notice, but my sister is scheduled to be back in Connecticut next week, so I prefer to do it while she’s here.” He was speaking more to Alina’s parents than the other women.
“We understand.” Laura was the first to speak. “We understand that you’ll want your sister there. It’s not a problem for us.” She looked at her husband before continuing. “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I would love to be a part of my daughter’s first baby shower.” Laura was excited, and it showed on her face.
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to let you know.” Dereck said to the wide-eyed woman, then turned his attention to his sister. “What about you, Dina? What do you say?”
“I don’t know. I have a tight schedule while I’m here.” She scrunched her nose and pouted her lip with a raised chin in an expression that was uniquely Dina’s.
Laura’s words were sharp, and she spoke with authority. “You realize that he’s having it this weekend to accommodate you, right? The least you can do is show up.” Her voice sounded like a mother scolding her child.
Dereck was surprised Dina didn’t fire back one of her snappy comments and appeared to be thinking it over. Then she retrieved her phone and typed a few keys before examining the screen, no doubt looking at her schedule. “Well, if I work late today and reschedule a few things, I should be able to make it after my meeting.”
“Great.” Dereck clapped his hands and bounced on his heel. “I will start with the arrangements.” Then he turned to Alina, “can you see if your friends can make it? I’m sure they will if you ask them.”
Alina smiled and relinquished her glass of orange juice. “I’ll go call them now,” she said, leaving the dining table for the bedroom where her phone lay on the nightstand.
“Bailey,” Alina said into the phone a few moments later, easing herself onto the bed.
“And Peyton,” a distant voice on the other line said.
“Peyton’s there with you?” Alina questioned her publicist and friend about her half-sister.
“Yes,” Bailey said, her tone grim. “She showed up last night and hasn’t left.”
“That’s actually great. I have something to ask you both.”
There was some shuffling in the background, then Bailey said. “Okay, go ahead. You’re on speaker.”
“Dereck’s having a baby shower for me on Saturday and I would love it if you both can make it.” Alina couldn’t believe the entire situation. Months before, she hadn’t even thought about children and now she was getting ready for her first child.
“Well, since my number one client is taking a break from painting, I have nothing to do. Don’t worry Alina, I will definitely be there.”
“I’ll be there too. There’s no way I can miss this.” Peyton said before changing the subject. “By the way, how are you feeling? Are you any better?’
Alina sighed. “I am actually. I’m still having trouble sleeping, but I’m getting my energy back and I’m eating more.”
Peyton blew out hard. “I’m glad you’re feeling better now. I was so worried about you.”
Alina could hear Peyton’s relief through her speech and it touched Alina’s heart. “There’s no need to worry. Dereck’s taking very good care of me.”
“He better. Cause if he breaks your heart again Alina, this time I’m not giving him a pass.” Bailey spewed.
“And by the way. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but you haven’t been feeling well lately.” Bailey paused for dramatic effect. “The university you did that mural for sent a letter thanking you. I’ll bring it the next time I come over.”
Alina chuckled. “My mom would love that. She’s staying with us until the baby is born.”
There was a silence on the other end, then Peyton asked. “Won’t the atmosphere be tense?”
“Oh, it is,” Alina said. “But they seemed to have come to an understanding. My mother even volunteered to help Dereck with the baby shower this morning. And my dad lost his glare.”
“Wow,” Bailey exclaimed. “It seemed like I underestimated Dereck. I wonder what he did to get them on his side again.”
