Page 41 of Always Right

He nodded and Nathan smiled. “That’s great, man. Lisa must be fucking ecstatic.”

I shifted on my feet uncomfortably, thankful when Evie appeared back in the kitchen. Nathan went on to tell her the news of Derek’s restaurant and Evie beamed with pride.

“That’s so exciting,” she exclaimed, hugging him.

“I’d love to have you there,” Derek said, his gaze lingering on Evie for a few seconds before turning to me. “You are welcome to be there, too.”

I couldn’t help it when I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t help when anger and resentment took over.

“And what? Hear everyone’s hushed whispers as they talk about me behind me back. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

A heavy silence took over the room.

Nathan winced, as if the words were directed to him…but it was all for Derek.

And Evie, Evie just glared at me from where she stood.

I felt the sting of my words deep in my bones, and it hurt me almost as much as it hurt him…

Almost.

Derek stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Did you ever find out who did it? Who took the money? Who framed me?”

Derek’s jaw clenched. He didn’t want to have this conversation. Not in front of everyone. But I couldn’t help it, and neither of them moved, so I waited.

“We have our suspicions, yes. But we know it wasn’t you.”

He was keeping it civil. He was showing restraint. But I couldn’t do it.

“It’s great that you know that now.”

Derek let out a breath, holding my gaze…his eyes full of pain, and acceptance. As if I’d just put a nail in our coffin.

I didn’t think I’d ever see that in his eyes again…the finality.

I couldn’t let go of my anger, and he could see it.

“This is bullshit,” he said, quiet…firm. “I’m fucking trying, Hannah. His jaw ticked and he ran a hand over his face. “But something’s gotta give. I’m not going to spend the rest of my life fighting you—fighting this. I made a fucking mistake. If you have questions to ask, I’m here. I’m fucking here. But you need to let it go because if not, you’ll never be happy, and I won’t be to blame.”

He left, without giving me the chance to say anything else.

Evie sighed and Nathan stared at me and he shook his head with disappointment. I glanced at my girls who obliviously stared up at me and felt it, too.

I didn’t want to be angry, but Derek was right. I couldn’t let it go.

***

“Do you think there’s a way to be friends with benefits with someone you have history with?”

Two days had passed.

Two days where Derek had limited his conversations with me. He didn’t seek me out. He didn’t try to talk to me. He would only text me when it was something related to our daughters but otherwise, he was completely silent.

And I wasn’t sure what hurt more—his silence, or being near him.

Blake tilted his head to the side. “Do I want to know why you’re asking?”

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