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How could that possibly be fair?
Unlike their trip to Washington D.C., the return trip was a noisy burst of laughter and animated storytelling. Lucas created an atmosphere that was light and worry-free, so Alina flourished from it.
“You know I can’t remember you being this funny,” Alina said, almost unable to speak through her laughter.
“Are you kidding me?” Lucas was animated, using his hands to express himself even though he was driving. “They voted me class clown.”
Alina blocked her mouth with her hand. Her eyes opened wide. “Oh yeah. How could I forget? You were voted most likely to become a failed comedian.”
“Well, they weren’t completely wrong,” Lucas added after shrugging. “I performed at a café once.” He dropped his shoulders. “They booed me off the stage.”
“Oh, poor thing.” Alina massaged his shoulders as the laughter exploded from her. “How about this? The next time you have to perform, call me and I’ll cheer for you even if you stink.” The laughter had died into a slight smile on her lips and a glint in her eyes.
“I knew I could count on you,” He said. “You always have my back.”
While Alina gazed at Lucas, her smile remained in place, but the moment she turned towards her parents’ house, it disappeared immediately.
“Do you know him?” Lucas asked, observing the stranger who sat in the car parked outside Alina’s house and her expression on seeing him.
“It’s my ex,” she said and shifted uncomfortably in her seat as her friend parked behind Dereck’s car.
“Do you want me to get rid of him?” Lucas asked as Alina undid her seatbelt.
“No, I should take care of it.” She flashed him a smile. Before Alina left, she said, “Thank you for today. I had a wonderful time.”
“You’re welcome,” Lucas said, wishing he could do more for the woman he cared so deeply for.
Alina crossed to the back of Dereck’s car and knocked on his window. He rolled down the glass and peered at her.
“How did you know where to find me?” Alina waited for Dereck’s answer, but he seemed incapable of finding the words. Dereck simply stared into her eyes, his eyes flashing from left to right. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter anyway,” she said and turned away, taking the walkway that led to her house.
Dereck hurriedly opened his car door then and sprinted behind Alina to stop her. Lucas watched intently, ready to jump in if his friend needed his help.
“Just hear me out for a minute,” Dereck said after stopping her.
Alina dropped her hands, her eyes wide. “What do you want, Dereck?”
“I want you, Alina.” He breathed hard. “I know I made some mistakes and I will change if you take me back. I’m willing to do anything.” There was a desperation in his eyes, something Alina hadn’t seen before.
Her shoulders dropped. “Listen, I’m just coming back from a long day. I’m tired. I don’t have time to deal with this.”
“Well, tomorrow then,” Dereck was quick to suggest. “I’m staying at a guesthouse nearby, so I’m available whenever you’re free.”
“Well, I can’t tomorrow. I already have plans with my friend,” Alina said, her hand gripping her bag.
“Do you mean that friend?” Dereck swung around to get a better look at Lucas who just dropped off his girlfriend. “How about if I join you? I’ve never been to Maryland before and I’d love to get to know the place.”
Alina stared at Dereck for a while. She knew what he was thinking, but she was just too tired to argue. “Fine. We’re going to the Baltimore Museum of the arts. I’ll text you the specifics.”
Dereck said nothing more. He simply shook his head and went back to his vehicle after Alina strolled into her house. Inside, her mother and father were watching a movie in the sitting room. “Do you want something to eat?” her mother asked as she passed behind them.
“No. I’m good,” she said and went to her room, locking the door behind her. Alina then took out her phone and quickly dialed a number.
“You are so dead,” Alina said after Taylor answered the phone.
“I’m sorry,” the other woman screamed out, her voice in a screeching tone. “But he came by your apartment late at night and caught me off guard.”
Alina was waving her hand in the air. “Why were you at my apartment, Taylor? I gave you that key for emergencies.”
