Page 32 of Derek
“Yeah,” Atlas states slowly. “I also know that you have never shown an interest in being friends with anyone, ever.”
“I have friends!” I snap, becoming annoyed. “Just because it’s not you idiots doesn’t mean I don’t have any.”
“Well,” Atlas says weakly. “If you’re wondering where you left your knife, it’s firmly plunged into my heart, Virginia.” He whispers, and I flip him off.
“Derek!” I hear Janie call. “Need you to do a verification!” The guys groan as I walk up to the front counter, where the redhead stands with a young man. He doesn’t look familiar, but I see too many faces to remember them all.
“Let me see.” The guy looks nervous, but pulls up his sleeve and shows me the black and grey shattered skull tattoo with roses around it.
“Yep, that’s mine,” I state before walking away while listening to the man complain.
“You are such a diva.” Ash grumbles, and I shrug.
“The old man gave me the right.”
“It’s bullshit.” Atlas whines.
“Leave it alone,” Fox states, and I look up at him to see him staring in my direction. I look away and grab my bag, throwing it over my shoulder.
“I’m out,” I say as I turn off my station light before heading outside.
Once I got into my vehicle, I let out a long breath before turning on the engine. Such a diva. Right, if only that were the case. It amazes me the sheer ignorance of people. Someone will look at you and see a quiet man that sets strict boundaries and think, “Oh, he’s a cold, heartless prick.” No one stops to think about why that person wants to be left alone. That maybe, just maybe, he’s gone through enough in his life that he doesn’t want to have to feel that way again.
“Going to have to stop using me as an excuse eventually.”
My heart stutters at my ex-wife’s voice. Goddamn it, not now. Leave me the fuck alone. I don’t need to think about her, or why I don’t trust friends, family, or anything.
My phone buzzes, both startling and further overwhelming me. I cock my fist back, ready to drive it into my steering wheel but freeze.
“Stop hurting your beautiful hands.”
Indy’s sweet voice fills my head, drowning out the other. I feel warmth on my knuckles where her lips were. I can’t hurt the spot that her lips were. Something about that just feels wrong. I look at my phone and do a double-take when I see the name.
Indy: Heyyy
Furrowing my brows, I hit her name on the screen to call her. The phone connects to my Bluetooth, and I pull out of the parking lot.
“Oh my god,” she groans. “Did you have to call? I know you’re like… a senior citizen and all but learn to text.”
I let her snarky comment slide for the time being. “You don’t ever text me. I wanted to see what was going on. Plus, I’m driving.”
“Ohhh okay Mr. Safety. Well, Reegan is in recovery.” It wasn’t until now that I realized how tense I had been all day. I didn’t even know the girl, but knowing she was special to Indy meant that I needed her to be alright.
“That’s great,” I breathe out, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
“It is! That’s obviously not why I called you, though. Listen, you can totally say no, and I won’t be mad, but do you care if I stay in your spare bedroom tonight? I am so tired, and Luca is back home, and I–”
“Yes.” I blurt out, way too eager, I’m sure. “Are you still at the hospital? I can come and get you.”
“Oh! No! Go home, my Uber is, like, right outside. I’ll be over soon.” Before I can say anything else, the line disconnects. Sighing, I race home to take care of a few things I don’t need her to see.
* * *
There isa knock on the door just as I hide her candle under my sink. I walk to the door and see Indy leaning against the door frame, looking very exhausted. She smiles appreciatively at me when I let her in.
“One last thing,” she winces. “Can I borrow a shirt to sleep in and get a shower?”
“Oh yeah, go ahead,” I say as she walks by me.
