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Dina did the same. “Though you’ve certainly faltered on that part.” The comment wiped the smile off Alina’s face while Dina maintained hers. When she noticed Alina’s wide eyes and creased forehead, she added, “Not that I’m holding it against you. Everyone makes mistakes and in relationships, there are always ups and downs.” She then mumbled under her breath, “Some more than others.”
Alina shook her head but remained quiet until Dereck rejoined the table. “OK,” He said. “I have my two favorite women with me and I am ready to have some fun. Ladies, let’s make this a night we never forget.”
Dina and Alina both held each other’s gaze, the expression on their faces equally pleasant.
24
Alina stared past the large tree at the couple walking side by side, their hands linked. It was only recently that the mere sight of this created an embarrassing outburst. Now it only made her smile. “Yes, Bailey. I completely trust you. Do whatever you need to do,” Alina said through her phone.
“This is not my exhibition Alina,” her friend said on the other end. “It should reflect you and your personality.”
“Come on, Bailey, you’ve known me for years. I’m certain that you can do this in your sleep.” Alina flicked her head right around.
“I could,” Bailey said after a heavy sigh. “But there are certain things I need your ok on.” Then she said in a demanding voice. “Stop being difficult and tell me which one of the two pamphlet designs you prefer?”
“Fine,” Alina pushed out her lips. “The blue one.”
Bailey breathed out hard, and Alina could just picture her friend grinding her teeth.
“There is no blue design,” Bailey said as Alina squinted her eyes and spread her lips. “Alina. Did you even look at the samples I sent you?”
Alina dropped her shoulders. “I was running late for dinner, so I didn’t have time.”
Bailey’s voice was loud. “Well, you better make time. Alina, this is the most important exhibition of your career yet. I am working my ass off to get everything ready and perfect. I would really appreciate it if you act a little interested.”
Her friend was dropping the guilt on thick. She must be under more pressure than Alina realized, especially after her recent surgery. Alina converted her voice into a sympathetic tone. “I’m sorry Bailey. I promise to look at it as soon as I get home.”
“Please do,” her friend said with some finality. “Where are you anyway?”
“I’m at the park,” Alina said with a frown. “Dereck told me to meet him here, but I haven’t seen him as yet.”
“He’s probably just running late,” Bailey said. “You know how it is with doctors.”
“But he’s off today,” Alina told Bailey, tugging some hair behind her ears.
“I’m sure he would turn up soon enough,” Bailey encouraged. “Have a little patience.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Alina was dismissive.
“Just remember to choose a design for the pamphlets when you return home, ok,” her friend reiterated before putting down the phone.
Alina released a sound that derived from between her teeth before probing the area again. A man ran past inactive attire and a woman scurried nearby with a cup of coffee in her hand, but there was no sign of Dereck.
Was it possible that he had forgotten? Or worse yet, did something happen to him on his way there?
Alina’s heart picked up a few paces and she searched the area again, squeezing the cellular phone in her hand before turning it over and dialing a number. The phone was still ringing in her ear when a horse-drawn carriage pulled up in front of her, obstructing her view.
The horse had a beautiful white coat with dark brown reins which were attached to a white carriage with golden trims. Alina tilted her head around the carriage for a better view, but the constant ringing of a cell from the passenger seat drew her attention there.
Dereck was seated there, composed and smiling at her.
Alina’s eyes brightened, and she dropped her hand. “Dereck. What is this?”
“I believe my princess deserves a fairytale ride,” he said, stretching his hand to her. Alina took it and climbed aboard the carriage before the driver signaled for the horses to move on.
Alina cuddled in Dereck’s arms as the couple enjoyed their ride in silence. When the sun began to disappear, Dereck held her hand, linking her fingers with his.
“This is amazing,” Alina said, her heart glowing wide as her eyes.
