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“You don’t have to walk me to the door, you know,” Alina complained, but there was a pleasant smile on her face. “I can do that much by myself.”
“I’m leaving nothing to chance,” Dereck defended. “From now on, all you have to do is take care of yourself and the little one. I’ll do the rest.”
Alina’s smile broadened, but it quickly died when her mother swung the door open, bursting out of the house. She stopped short when she noticed the handsome man on her doorstep.
“Alina, I didn’t realize you were back.” It was a lie. Her mother probably heard the moment the vehicle stopped in front of the yard. “Who is your friend?”
Alina ignored her mother’s intrusion. “This is Dereck.” Then she paused with a slight smile. “My boyfriend. He’s visiting from New York.”
“Your boyfriend?” Laura’s eyes grew wide. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in, both of you. I want to know my future son-in-law.”
Alina gave Dereck a sympathetic look as her mother guided them into the sitting room, where Casey and her father watched a documentary. Laura placed herself at the center of the screen. “Guys, this is Alina’s boyfriend, Dereck. From New York.” There was a telling tone to her voice that said she appreciated what she had said.
“This is my dad and my sister Casey,” Alina took the introduction away from her mother, who disappeared into the kitchen as soon as Dereck sat on the couch next to Casey. The younger sister kept her eyes on her brother-in-law, observing his every feature before giving Alina a look that says ‘What is going on?’ Alina shot back one that said, ‘I’ll tell you later.’ That was the end of the telepathic communication between the sister.
Meanwhile, Dereck offered his hand to the elderly man. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. Alina speaks very highly of you.”
Alina’s father greeted Dereck with a firm handshake, at the same time adding, “No need for such formalities. You’re a part of the family now.” Dereck gave a faint smile to acknowledge what Alina’s father had said, but in his heart, he was celebrating. It felt good to be welcomed by her family.
“So Dereck, what is it you do in New York?” Laura offered Dereck a cup of coffee, which he accepted graciously.
“I’m a doctor,” Dereck said, unaware of what that meant to Alina’s mother.
“A doctor,” Laura’s eyes widened as she eased closer to him. “You know, I wanted Alina to go to medical school, but she chose to paint instead.” She waved her hand as if to dismiss her daughter’s profession. Alina snorted and rolled her eyes.
“And it was a great decision.” Dereck placed his cup down and focused his attention on the older woman. “Alina is an amazing artist. The critics even praised her work from her last exhibition. I’m so proud of her.” Dereck turned to his woman and Alina smiled. “My mother said there was even an article about it in the Connecticut paper. Apparently, her biggest buyer is a collector opening his art to the public.”
“That’s my Alina,” Laura boasts. “She never does anything halfway.”
“Listen, Mom, Dereck has to get going.” Alina gave her mother her five minutes of interrogation.
“Already. Couldn’t he stay a little longer?” Alina couldn’t believe her mother was actually pouting. Not too long ago, she was trying to get her to reunite with Lucas.
Dereck was the epitome of a perfect boyfriend to her parents. He said a respectful farewell and followed Alina to the door. There Alina practically pushed him out, instructing him to run for his freedom. He thought the situation was funny and teased her before finally departing. “It’s too late for me, but you can still make it,” she said in an overly dramatic tone with her hand to her chest.
When Alina was headed back to the sitting room, Casey intercepted her and dragged her to the bedroom, securing the door behind her. “Are you really back with him?”
Alina nodded her head. “I decided to give it another chance. I know he loves me and I have a little one to consider now.”
Casey dropped herself on Alina’s bed. “You don’t have to settle because he is the father of your child.”
“I’m not,” Alina reassured her sister, joining her before putting her hand around her shoulders. “I love him too, and we’re going to make this work. You’ll see.”
“I hope so, sis,” Casey sighed. “I want you to be happy.”
Alina squeezed her sister in a comforting gesture. “I am happy. Dereck makes me happy.”
37
“Did you know about it?” Dereck was practically screaming through the phone.
“Good day to you too, Brother. And how have you been?” There was a light tone to Dina’s voice, and it infuriated Dereck. How could she be so nonchalant after almost destroying his relationship?
“Just answer the question, Dina,” he demanded. “Did you know Amanda lied to Alina?”
“Amanda met Alina?” His sister’s voice was filled with surprise, but she could just be attempting to fool him.
“Yes. She met Alina at a restaurant and told her we were in a relationship. She damn near destroyed me.” Dereck paced his room, his hand folded into a fist.
