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“Darling,” the woman said as she approached, hips swaying delicately as she moved. “You’re finally back. There’s an issue that needs to be handled.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure Dina can handle it,” Dereck told the woman, who frowned at his response.
“She doesn’t need to, now that you’re back,” the woman insisted.
“I’m not staying, Mother,” Dereck spoke firmly. “And Dina is fully capable of handling things on her own.”
This woman was Dereck’s mother? Alina straightened herself, knowing what she must look like with red-blotched eyes. Yet she still wanted to make a good impression. She was the mother of the man she loved and therefore impressing her would only benefit Alina.
Dereck’s mother opened her mouth to object to her son’s statement, but he did not allow her to speak.
“Mother, we have company.” Dereck’s hands were in his pocket now.
“Oh. Indeed, we do.” The woman looked at Alina and then at Taylor. “Excuse my manners, but my son rarely comes home. I guess… Well, who are you, young ladies?”
“Alina and Taylor from New York,” Dereck said as his mother’s eyes gleamed and her lips spread into a wide grin.
“Oh, Alina,” the woman took Taylor’s hand within her grasp. “It’s nice to finally meet you.” Then she leaned in. “I’ve never heard my son mention a woman as much as he speaks about you. Every time I call him, he’s rushing off to your side.”
Alina eyes the woman, and then Dereck simply shook his head. “Mom,” he interjected. “That’s Taylor, Alina’s best friend.” Then he turned to the other woman. “This is Alina.”
The elder woman’s free hand went to her abdomen, and a grimace flashed on her face before her face became pleasant again, though her enthusiasm had significantly declined. “So sorry,” she said before releasing Taylor’s hand and offering it to Alina. “Dereck didn’t tell me that you were coming,” she spoke more softly.
“That’s because he didn’t know I was coming.” Alina smiled as the woman released her hand.
“Oh, so you just showed up on a man visiting his family for the first time in ages.” The woman had a smile on her face, but her words were somewhat bitter, which made Alina wonder if she was misreading hostility in the situation.
“Well. I don’t intend to intrude. Taylor and I will just sightsee while we’re here.” Alina tucked some hair behind her ears.
“Nonsense,” the woman’s smile broadened, and her enthusiasm renewed. “My husband and I are celebrating our thirty-fifth anniversary tonight and would love for the both of you to join us.”
“We’d love to,” Taylor and Alina both said in unison.
“Great. Dereck will give you the specifics. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going.” Before the woman swayed in the same direction she came from, she addressed her son. “I’ll see you inside shortly.”
After his mother left, Dereck excused himself. “I have to go. Send me a text of where you’re staying and I’ll send a car for you.”
Although he appeared busy, Dereck still didn’t move. Then he muttered to Alina, although Taylor still heard every word. “I didn’t tell my parents about us breaking up,” he whispered. “I don’t want to dampen their anniversary, so I will really appreciate it if you pretended that we’re still together.” Then he added. “Just for tonight.”
Alina nodded her response. She didn’t mind pretending to be Dereck’s girlfriend because she had all intention of getting him back.
17
Dereck
“What’s up, man?” Lee greeted his friend after answering the phone. He had just finished at the gym and was gathering his belongings.
“Cut the crap, Lee. I know it was you,” Dereck accused, his mouth twisted as he clutched the phone.
“Hey,” his friend laughed. “I did you a favor. Why all the hostility?”
“You call having Alina ambush me in my hometown after we broke up, a favor?” Dereck pressed his hand against his forehead and sat on the table in the back office of the restaurant. “She’s now coming to my parent’s party, and I didn’t even have time to tell them we broke up.”
“Great,” Lee blurted out and swung his bag across his shoulder as he walked out of the gym.
“Have you finally lost it?” Dereck asked. “This is a disaster.”
“No, this is perfect,” Lee interjected. “You two need to talk this through.”
