Page 70 of All In Good Time

“Why can’t I just take it to her myself?” Derek shook his head and huffed. It had taken even more bribery to get him to agree to take her to see Mal at home so she could drop off her gift in person.

The big fat elephant in the room was Mark. Derek didn’t need to mention that his father was going to be home for Becca to know that was exactly why he resisted her pleas. If they were lucky, Mark would have already wound down for the night and retired to his room, making any chance of crossing paths with him slim. Worst case scenario, she would end up having to exchange greetings with him before she gave Mal her gift and left.

It wasn’t ideal, but in order for her to get Mal her gift before her birthday was over, it was necessary.

“I want to see her reaction.” Becca rolled her eyes, exasperated from having to explain herself. Again. “And I don’t want you taking all the credit for it.”

“She’s not even gonna believe it’s from the both of us, much less just me.”

The closer they got to the house, the less relaxed Derek became. He lit a cigarette about halfway there, and Becca rolled down her window to help him clear his head. His rhythmic fingers slowed down, until both hands clutched the sides of the wheel, and his cigarette dangled from the side of his mouth.

When the house was in sight, Becca pretended not to notice the visible smoky exhale of relief he gave at the absence of any other cars parked on the street. They were lucky and got the best-case scenario.

Mark wasn’t even home.

Derek was much more compliant as he parked and flicked the butt to the ground. They both exited the car. He led the way up the stairs and into the house.

Becca clutched onto the skateboard and grinned as excitement fizzed in her. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Mal’s face.

“Mal,” Derek called, padding down the hallway toward her closed door. She didn’t respond right away. “Mal, get out here.” He pounded a closed fist on her door—loud, but not aggressive.

“I’m coming.” Mal’s exasperation was muffled behind her doorway, and after a few halting steps, her door opened. She glared up at Derek. “What the hell do you want, asshole?”

“Mallory!” Jennifer’s voice spoke up from the kitchen, chastising her daughter’s choice of words. “Language.”

Mal huffed but conceded. “What do you want?”

Derek turned to shake his head at Becca, who Mal hadn’t noticed standing off to the side. “I don’t really think she needs a birthday gift.” The teasing jeer on his face said otherwise.

Mal perked up upon seeing Becca standing there, and then her eyes widened when they slid down to the gift-tied board in Becca’s arms. “Is that for me?”

Grinning and giddy, Becca held out the board, presenting it with cheery theatrics. “Happy Birthday, Mal!”

“Oh my god.” Mal beamed, passing Derek to walk forward and look closer at it. She inhaled a long, elated gasp and accepted it from Becca, turning it over in her hands to look at the bottom design. “This is so cool.” She fiddled with the bits and bobbles on the board—spinning the wheels, brushing the sides. Her face was lit up the entire time, and Becca’s heart jumped in satisfaction. This was well worth making Derek bring her here.

“Derek chipped in too. It’s from both of us.”

Derek observed from the side, leaning against the wall. He wasn’t exactly smiling, but Becca could tell he was pleased by Mal’s reaction.

Mal turned to him, raising a brow and trying to see if Becca was being serious. Whatever she saw on Derek’s face must have convinced her she was. “Thanks.” Surprisingly, there was no sarcasm in her words.

Derek only nodded in response, but his lips turned up.

“I just wanted to bring that by myself, but I’ve got to go now,” Becca said.

“Okay,” Mal said. She pursed her lips and paused. After a brief moment of contemplating, she set down her new board and wrapped her arms around Becca in a tight hug. Becca froze in surprise. She’d never taken Mal for the physically affectionate type, but this was nice. She returned the hug.

Mal nodded, pleased. “Thank you, Becca. I love it.”

Over his stepsister’s shoulder, Becca caught Derek’s eye and mouthed the wordsI told you so.

She grinned, and for a simple moment everything was just right.

She and Mal let go of each other, and Mal picked up her board to look at it again.

“I’ll drive you home,” Derek said, walking past them.

Before he could reach the door, though, it swung open. They all jumped, and Becca knew she wasn’t the only one whose heart sank when she saw Mark standing there.

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