Page 53 of Why Not Forever?

“I know. But this is the first time I’ve come over since you moved in,” he says as he follows me into the kitchen. “I wanted to respect your space.”

I snort. “None of you guys respect each others’ spaces. That’s how you like it.”

“Are you saying you want to be included in the extreme nosiness that is the Blue Vista crew and our significant others?”

I glance over my shoulder at him as I set the bag down. “Maybe.”

“I thought this arrangement was supposed to be temporary.”

I arch an eyebrow as I watch him. “What are you trying to say, Derek?”

He shrugs. “I kinda want you and Vic to stay together, that’s all. You’re good for her, I think. I shipped Adalie and Nate before they got together. Now I’m shipping you and Vic.”

I huff a laugh as I pull out the containers from the bag, setting them on the counter, recalling the rambling Vic had done right before I’d told her to rest. I’m not sure she knew she was saying the words out loud.

I was excited to go, spend the time alone with you. Maybe renegotiate our agreement regarding sex.

It left me wondering if she wants us to stay together, too. I’ve been distracted by the words ever since she went to sleep—and the naked breasts I’d seen when I took off her bra which has now been added to the memory of how she’d kissed me last week at dinner. Of course, she also has a fever of 103°F and is somewhat delirious. I called my doctor after I’d taken her temperature, and he said to monitor her and if it lasts longer than 24 hours or gets higher to bring her to a hospital. So far, it hasn’t.

In the meantime, I don’t know what to say to Derek. He’s standing here, waiting for me to say something, though, so I clear my throat.

“What are these? They’re still warm.”

Derek allows me to change the subject and comes closer, pointing to the first container. “Lis said she made chicken noodle soup and separated it into three containers. The first is broth only. It’ll be good for today when she’s having trouble keeping things down. The second has some of the noodles and vegetables and stuff, but less than the third. She said to put the third one in the freezer, the second one in the fridge for tomorrow. They’re warm because she finished cooking it all about twenty minutes ago.”

I do as he says, putting the containers away. I leave the one that’s just broth out so I can get her a bowl in a few minutes.

“How did you get roped into bringing it over?” I ask. “Didn’t you get back from your trip like yesterday?”

He’s leaning against the counter as he watches me move around the kitchen, getting a few things ready. I’ll make her some peppermint tea I found in the cupboard, so I pull her favourite mug from the dishwasher.

“Yeah. But Vic said she didn’t want anyone around her while she’s sick, since Lis and Adalie are pregnant. Ava isn’t, so I offered to come. Plus, I’m nosy. Wanted to see how you’re settling in here. I won’t be checking on her myself, obviously. I’ll leave that to you. Working from home today?” He tilts his head toward where I have everything set up.

“Today and tomorrow,” I tell him, setting the kettle on to boil and taking a small pot from the cupboard. The soup is still warm, but I’ll heat it a little before bringing it to her.

“How did Richard feel about that?” Derek asks.

“I don’t fucking care,” I say. “It’s his daughter that’s sick.”

Derek holds up his hands in surrender. “I know. I also know what kind of dick Vic’s father is. It’s a shame no one calls him that to his face.”

I nod, not looking at him. “I’ve tried to quit four times.”

“Really? Why haven’t you?”

I lift a shoulder in a half shrug. “He always seems to know and makes it difficult. Offering me raises, promotions, the whole business.” I roll my eyes.

“Do you… notwantthe business?” Derek asks.

Suddenly I realize I’ve said too much. Derek has always been easy to talk to. He’s open and amiable. But I can’t let him know that I’ve been in love with Vic since before we got married. I don’t want it getting back to her. I don’t need things to become awkward between us because she knows how I feel and she doesn’t feel the same. My feelings are my problem, not hers.

Then again… I consider her delirious words once more, then shake my head. “It’s a great opportunity,” I say.

“That’s not saying you want it, though.” Derek straightens. “Anyway, I’ll get going. Let us know if you need anything at all. One of us can bring it by.”

He heads out and I bring the soup, tea, and a refill of her water to Vic’s bedroom on a tray. I set it on her dresser, sitting next to her on the bed.

“Vic, baby, can you wake up for me?” I say softly, running a hand over her shoulder.

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