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“See you there,” Alina responded before ending the call.
Due to traffic, it took longer than Dereck expected to get to the hospital, but there were no other setbacks until he was cleared to his boss’ office. Apparently, his boss was eager to have this conversation with Dereck as much as Dereck wanted to end it. So, the head of the department informed his secretary to allow Dereck’s entry as soon as he arrived.
“As soon as Dereck stepped into the office, he was greeted with, “Dr. Johnson. I’ve delayed as much as I could but the hospital is demanding an answer today.”
Dereck suspected as much once he received the call from his boss. He knew this was coming. In fact, he should have dealt with this a long time ago. Nonetheless, he would handle it now.
“This is the best opportunity I will probably get in my career,” he began. “And I know you have done a lot to ensure that I was given this opportunity.” He took a deep breath. “But I am sorry. I cannot accept the position.”
It took a while before he responded, folding his arms across his chest and keeping his head low. “You know there will be no second chances with this. Once you leave here, the opportunity will be gone.”
“I understand that, sir.” Dereck kept his fingers linked together in his lap. “For the past few months, I’ve been re-examining what’s most important to me. And although being a doctor and helping others are extremely important, I can’t deny that Alina and the new family we’re starting together takes priority. If I take this job, I’m giving up on that family, so I can’t do that. I can’t separate from my family because the truth is, I need them as much as they need me.”
“I admire your family values, Dr. Johnson,” his boss stood up to shake Dereck’s hand. “And I wish you all the best in the future.”
Dereck took his hand in a firm embrace, his head nodding in appreciation as their linked eyes spoke the words, “Thank you.”
Dereck was pleased his boss understood the situation, but he couldn’t help feeling as if he had lost a part of himself. For so long, Dereck had wanted an opportunity like this and now that he had it, he had given it up. He took out his phone and dialed a familiar number.
“I’m just finishing up. I’m headed there now,” Lee answered, assuming Dereck’s call was because he was not yet at the venue.
“I’m not even there yet?” Dereck said, his voice dreary.
“Wait. Why not? Did something happen?”
Dereck took a deep breath, and when he released it, his shoulders dropped. “My boss called me into his office.”
“Dereck no,” Lee exclaimed, assuming Dereck was called into work.
“He just wanted to speak to me about the job offer.” He paused and Lee remained silent for his friend to continue. “I turned it down. I need to be here for Alina and the baby.”
“You made a wise decision, man. I’m proud of you.”
“I know I did, but I can’t help but feel that I’ve lost something.” Dereck stood and leaned against the wall.
“Because you did. But you’ve gained something even better,” Lee said, regenerating the spark in his friend’s heart again. “It’s okay to be sad about losing this opportunity but always remember what you gained; the love of a wonderful woman and the opportunity to be there every day of your child’s life.”
“Thanks, man. “I’ll see you there then. Don’t be late.”
“Leaving now, man,” Lee informed right before he cut off the phone and Dereck jumped in his car, ready for whatever the future may bring.
48
It was hard dressing for an event when she felt as if there was a massive ball attached to her stomach, although Alina was determined to look her best for the party. Since her weight gain there were few clothes in her closet she could wear, so the blonde bought a dress, especially for this occasion.
With taupe tones matching her hair, Alina pulled the delicate fabric around her body. The body of her evening dress was embroidered and the skirt, which started below her bustline, flowed effortlessly around her.
Alina wrapped her hair loose to the back and dusted the last layer of makeup onto her face. She kept her face neutral with a little glitter on the eyelids and shine on the lips. To match her dress Alina settled for a piece of dazzling gold jewelry set Dereck had bought her after returning from Maryland. Alina’s gold pumps usually sported thin heels, so she bought a chunky heel for the occasion.
“You look gorgeous. Now try to have some fun tonight,” she said to the woman eyeing her in the mirror as her hand found her stomach. The baby was especially active, sensing the event of the day.
Alina was about to retrieve her sparkling purse when Dina came through the door. She held her phone to her ear and kept her face grim. “I said I’m coming. I just came back to change.”
Dina was standing on the walkway, her phone loud enough for Alina to hear what Dereck told his sister. “Is Alina still there?”
“I’m not your spy,” Dina blurted, and Alina’s face grew into a smile. If there was ever a place she could hide from Dereck, Dina’s would be it. Assuming she would let her in.
“Just answer the question.” Alina could hear the frustration in Dereck’s voice.
