Page 38 of Something Cheeky

“Once you finalize your fabric choices, I can color them into your sketches on your tablet,” TJ offered.

“That’d be great. Once those are done, we can send them to the copy shop.”

The brown craft paper covering the table rustled as she slid the device and stylus across the table. Zoe was disappointed and relieved that TJ had dropped the subject. But now she had more questions than answers.

She’d never even considered that Derek had romantic feelings for her. No. No way. He would’ve told her. How could he not? They told each other everything during college. Unless this was a new development.

TJ didn’t know Derek as well as she did. He was misreading Derek’s intentions. Zoe should be the one bringing him coffee after cutting all contact with him when they were supposed to move to New York together. He’d forgiven her, and now they were mending their friendship.

She promised herself that she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize their friendship ever again. They’d survived together as the only two Asian Americans in their theater program for their entire four years of college. She couldn’t throw that away.

“Hey, beautiful costume shop! Sorry I’m late.” Derek’s voice boomed from the double doors.

Zoe looked up from her work. The room grew brighter with hisappearance. She couldn’t stop the giant, goofy smile breaking out on her face.

“You’re here!” She hopped off her stool to meet him at the door.

“Girl,” TJ muttered, loud enough for only her to hear.

Zoe’s cheeks grew warm. Was this what TJ meant about her crushing on Derek?

“I thought my favorite costume designer could use a pick-me-up.” Derek set the cardboard tray of drinks on the costume shop’s kitchenette counter before hugging her.

“The afternoon slump was hitting me hard. Until now.” She grabbed her Vietnamese coffee boba—extra sweet—as Derek passed along TJ’s matcha boba.

“This sexy body needs some sunlight. I’m heading outside for some fresh air. Thanks for the boba, Derek.” TJ blew a kiss at the two of them before heading upstairs.

“Wait for me,” called Shawn, the costume shop manager, from his office. He grabbed his iced coffee and ran after TJ.

“It’s the two of us. Finally,” said Derek as he bumped her arm with his.

Wait, did TJ and Shawn leave them alone on purpose?

“What does that mean?” Zoe asked, trying for an even tone as she stabbed a straw through the top plastic.

She stepped around Derek to grab a coaster. Most costume shops didn’t allow food or drink because a spill could ruin a costume. But they were still in the preliminary stage, so a coaster would keep the condensation from damaging the paper covering the cutting table.

“It means you’ve been extremely busy and we haven’t had any quality BFF time,” he replied as he followed her to the table.

“You’ve been busy, too. Did you and Th?o figure out the opening number?”

“We got enough of it to rehearse. Once we hear it and see it in action, we can smooth out the rough spots.”

“That’s great! I’m looking forward to the first read through.” Zoe had read the script and new pages as they were written, but she was excited to see the musical come to life once the actors arrived.

“How are things working out with TJ?”

“He can be a lot for some people, but his energy keeps me motivated.” She laughed. “Like today he said that you have a crush on me.”

Zoe sucked in a breath. She had not meant to blurt that out.

Derek’s eyes widened and he pressed his lips together in an uncomfortable smile. He seemed as surprised as she’d been when TJ told her.

“What?!” Derek finally replied in disbelief. He shook his head and laughed.

“That’s what I said, too.” Her shoulders slumped in relief. “It’s funny, isn’t it? I mean, we’ve been best friends since college. If there had been anything, why wait so long to say something?”

“Exactly. I mean, that’s absurd.” He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

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