Page 46 of Always Right

It bubbled up in my stomach, sending a tingle to every pore in my body as I realized that not even my anger could keep it contained. I ran a hand through the soft waves in my hair, watching it fall over my shoulders before I took a deep breath and walked down the hallway and to the living room, where Deborah waited.

I wasn’t sure if this was worth it.

Derek had been avoiding me like the plague—our conversations short. He barely even said hi to me and despite my anger and resentment and pain, I couldn't handle the idea of him distancing himself from me.

Deborah’s eyes filled with pride when she saw me appear and my heart, it almost burst. My mother had never looked at me with such adoration.

“What do you think?”

She cupped my face in her hands, running her thumbs over my cheeks, the motherly action forming tears in my eyes. It was genuine, sincere.

Everything I never had as a child.

“I think this is the best choice you have made in a long time.”

I sniffled, keeping the tears at bay because I was not about to ruin my makeup. “What? The dress?”

Deborah shook her head. “No. Going to the restaurant. Showing him your support. Of course, the dress is a great second best.”

I laughed, embracing her. She ran her hand up and down my back, her comforting touch easing all my worries. It would have been nice to have it growing up, but I had it now and all I could do was appreciate it.

“Now,” she pulled away, running her hands down my arms, “go. Have a great night. Don’t think too much. Don’t worry too much. I’ll take care of your girls, okay? Lily and Noah will have fun with them.”

“Full house, huh? I’ll pick them up afterwards.”

She waved me off. “If you need them to spend the night just let me know.”

I gasped, feigning my surprise as I kissed my girls goodbye. “I will do no such thing. Thank you, Deborah. Let me know if you need anything and—"

“And I’ll lock up before I leave. Go.”

***

The place was packed.

I held on to the pendant, running my thumb over it as I walked inside, my gaze immediately landing on the chandelier at the entrance. I smiled.

I knew Lisa chose the decor—but the chandelier, it was all Derek. Its simplicity gave it away.

“May I take your coat?” An attendant extended his hand and I nodded, sliding the coat from my body before I continued walking inside.

I felt out of place.

These types of events were a constant when my mother was alive, but this...this was different. I wasn’t there to sell anything; I wasn’t there for anyone to sign a contract. This was all for him.

And maybe for me, too.

My lips turned up when I saw him from a distance, his face covered in frustration as Lisa tightened the tie around his neck. He always did hate them. His fingers tinkered with the cufflinks on his sleeves.

Anyone else would think that he was just adjusting his clothing, but to me, it was obvious. He was nervous. It was the little details such as the way his hair was just slightly disheveled. Not enough for him to look undone, but enough for me to know he’d been running his hands through it. It was the way his fingers would move from his cufflinks to the buttons, the way I was sure Lisa scolded him for loosening his tie once again, because he felt like it was suffocating.

I love him.

The thought made my throat dry but as he lifted his gaze, his eyes meeting mine—those eyes showing his nervousness turning to surprise and then relief, I knew Deborah was right.

This was the best choice I could have made.

When I left I wasn’t sure he would even acknowledge me, but my being there told him everything he needed to know.

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