Page 80 of Derek
“Alright Virginia!” Ash says as he glares at Derek, “What did you get my sister and so help me god–”
Derek waves his hand to shut my brother up. “I didn’t get her anything like that, and if I did, you would be the last person I would let know.” I watch Derek grab a small purple gift bag off the table. His hands seem to have a death grip on it as he looks at me.
“I,” he clears his throat before glancing at the group, then back at me. My eyes soften, knowing this is hard for him. I place my hand on his and notice the slight tremble.
“We can do this later,” I say softly, but he shakes his head before all but shoving the bag into my hand.
“If you hate it, I can get you something else. It’s not a big deal.” He mutters before looking away.
I open the bag and find a really pretty envelope that Derek has drawn all over. I know the scene, it’s from the lake in Virginia where we skinny dipped; he’s written on the envelope in beautiful scrollwork -
Ready to check off another?
My heart races as I open the envelope and find two sets of tickets. The first are airline tickets to… Kansas? What in the fuck is in Kansas? The next set of tickets made me sob out loud. The printed tickets say “Wildlife Park” and “Penguin Swim for Two.”
I look from the tickets to Derek, who focuses intently on the tabletop grain pattern.
“What is it?” Stevie asks from her spot across from me.
“Tickets,” I manage through the sob working its way up. “To swim with penguins.”
“Oh shit,” Ash mutters. “Damn Virginia, you really went to the next level.”
Derek shifts uncomfortably. “It’s not that big of a deal. I’m going to head out. I need some air.” I blink back my surprise as I watch Derek stand and, without another word, heads down the stairs. I look back at the group and Janie gives me a sympathetic smile.
“I think he’s really overwhelmed.” She offers and Ash nods.
“I know that look,” he says, almost with pity. “He’s about to have a panic attack.”
“Thank you guys for this,” I smile as I stand up, still clutching my gift from him.
Sunday waves me off. “Go take care of him, we got this!” I thank them before heading to the elevator, hoping I can get to Derek before he drives off.
Walking outside, I look and see Derek’s Yukon pulling out of a parking spot. Without thinking, I step off the curb and walk in front of the vehicle. Derek slams on his brake before throwing the vehicle in park and jerking himself out of the driver’s seat.
“Are you fucking insane?” He yells as walks up to me.
“Possibly, not the point.” I shrug as I look at his wild eyes and tense jaw. “I want one more thing for my birthday.” I state as his body deflates.
“Indy,” he sighs, obviously exhausted. “Darlin’ I don’t–” Holding up my hand, I silence him before reaching up and cupping his cheek. I watch as he closes his eyes and leans into my touch; it’s so sweet and raw that my heart aches.
“All you have to do is drive where I tell you.”
* * *
The thirty-minute ride is silent.Derek is beyond anxious and I hate that forcing him to go to the club has caused him this pain.
“Turn here,” I say softly as his headlights illuminate the sign to turn into the park. Once inside, I have him park the vehicle, and I take my seatbelt off as I open his panoramic sunroof.
“What is happening?” He asks as I get out of my seat and start lowering the back seats to give us a spot to lie.
“Come here,” I state as I get into the back. Derek is unsure but does as he’s told, and when he does, I hear the sharp intake of air.
“Wow,” he breathes, looking at the starry sky. I nuzzle closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder.
“It’s definitely not Virginia, but I know a few places to stargaze.” I smile softly as we lie in silence, just staring at the dark, twinkling sky.
“I’m sorry,” Derek grunts out after several minutes. “For freaking out. I didn’t mean to ruin your birthday.” Leaning up, I look down at him and smile.
