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“You don’t know that. For all you know, this baby might be the reason he stays,” Taylor rationalized. Her friend was emotional at the moment. She had to be the one to think clearly.
“If he can’t stay for me, then I don’t want him staying at all.” Alina allowed her body to drop backward on the couch.
“Alina,” Taylor said in her most calm voice. “This baby is as much Dereck’s as it is yours. He has a right to know. It makes no sense we’re here speculating when you do not know how he would react to the news.” Then she asked, “Did you two ever speak about having children?”
“No.” Alina brushed her nose with her hand.
“Well, I think it’s time that you did.” Taylor gave her friend a reassuring smile. “You never know. He might be thrilled.”
Taylor was right. She shouldn’t assume to know how Dereck would react. She needed to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Alina took her phone and invited Dereck to her house for dinner that night. He accepted without hesitation. Taylor stayed and helped her with the preparations. She wanted to order in, but Alina thought it would be more personal if she and Dereck had a home-cooked meal, and since Alina felt sick from the smell of a lot of the ingredients, Taylor had to do most of the work. She was being a great friend but mumbled under her breath the entire time.
“There,” Taylor said, placing the two plates on the table and covering them. “Don’t you dare say I do nothing for you.”
Alina grabbed her friend in an embrace. “I will never say that. You are the world’s best friend.”
“Remember that when you’re choosing godmothers.” Alina laughed, and a smile spread across Taylor’s lips. She clapped her hands together. “Now for the outfit.”
Taylor helped Alina pick out the sexiest dress in her wardrobe. It was short and lacy, with an extremely low back and plunging neckline. “Now you’re ready to seduce,” Taylor said.
Alina smiled. “Isn’t this how I got into this situation in the first place?”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Taylor was gathering her belongings. “But since you’re already pregnant, you might as well milk it.”
Before Taylor left the apartment, Alina said, “Taylor. I love you.”
“Aww.” Taylor placed her hands on her chest. “I love you too, Alina.” Then ruined the mood by adding. “Hormonal Alina is the best.”
Alina slammed the door in her friend’s face then and Taylor yelled through the door, “I still love you!”
There were heels receding then, and Alina knew her friend was gone. She went into the sitting area and looked at the clock. Dereck should be there in thirty minutes. Alina took two candles out of storage and rest them on the table to set the mood. Then she found some soft background music.
She was smoothing down her dress again when the loud ringing informed her of an incoming call. “Dereck, are you close?” Alina was in a much better mood now than the last time they spoke.
“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. The guys just called me and Martin had a huge promotion. We’re headed to a bar now to celebrate. Can we have dinner another night?”
Alina’s face grew grim and her heart ached. Then she brushed all the negative thoughts from her mind. Dereck didn’t know how important tonight was. If he did, he would never cancel.
“Dereck, I was really looking forward to tonight,” Alina said, her voice low.
“Me too, darling, and I promise I will make it up to you. I’ve got to go now. Talk later, okay?” Alina didn’t answer before Dereck cut off the phone, then she allowed her body to fall onto the couch.
When she set down the phone, her eyes went to the meal for two on the table. “Taylor will be furious when she finds out about this.”
29
“It’s been a while since we were all out together like this,” Martin was still on his second beer while the others were on their fourth.
“I’m just surprised to see Dereck here,” Lee scoffed. “He’s been missing in action lately. I’ve been wondering if his girlfriend would let him out tonight.”
The table erupted in laughter. Even Dereck had a hint of enjoyment on his face. “Laugh it up guys, but you can’t remain single forever. Sooner or later, some woman is going to steal your hearts, and then you’ll understand.”
“Oh, he even speaks like a wimp now,” Martin was sporting a frown. “Enough of this romance crap.” He raised his glass in the air. “Let’s get drunk.”
The three friends all raised their glasses and knocked them in a circle. Then Martin looked around. “The only thing missing is some fine women to keep us company.”
“Minus one,” Lee put in while giving Dereck a light tap on his shoulder. “Our boy here can’t fraternize with the opposite sex.”
