You’ve been that busy ?
He shrugged. I probably could’ve found time to stock the kitchen, but it’s felt like my schedule has been changing on the daily, and it’s just me, so it’s been easier to get take-out, he admitted.
Not judging, I said, though- I dropped my gaze to the table, a small amount of guilt fizzing in my chest. -am I adding more to your already packed plate by being here ?
Not at all, Derrick was quick to refute, easing my worry as he reached across the table and rested his hand on top of mine. The only two things I care about this weekend are hockey and you. Everything else can wait, because when I said I wanted to try this thing, I wasn’t lying.
Me neither.
And since hockey can sit on the back burner until tomorrow’s pre-game, you’ve got the spotlight.
What an honor.
He laughed, leaning back in his chair after giving my hand one last squeeze. So, what have I missed these last couple weeks ? Any girls’ nights go awry, or new scientific discoveries made ?
Sadly, none of the above, I drawled, but I did end up finally submitting my application for the lecturing job at Harvard opening up for the May semester.
Derrick’s eyes widened, as did his grin. That’s great, Lia !
And, I bit my lip, trying to contain the flurry of excitement and nerves that coursed through me whenever I thought about it, they let me know my official interview will be on Wednesday.
This Wednesday ? he asked, and I nodded. Damn, congratulations.
Thanks, I said, a soft, shy smile blossoming on my lips. I know I’m likely the underdog, because of my experience, but I also have an edge on others because I think I’m the only one currently working with the department that applied.
They’d be idiots not to bring you on board, Derrick said reassuringly. And I know I can’t really be of much help with the knowledge side of things-Lord knows I don’t have a doctorate like you’re about to have, let alone a degree-but I don’t have a game on Tuesday. If you need help prepping for the interview, I could ask you questions over video chat and try to get you into the right mindset.
I might just take you up on that.
As my third helping of dumplings arrived at the table, Derrick took over the conversation, going into some of the team dynamics for the Royals that I wasn’t privy to, as well as listing off a bunch of spots his new teammates had introduced him to across the city.
It’s crazy, he said. I used to come down to Southern California a few times every year with my family when I was younger, and we’d hit up Los Angeles every now and then, but there are so many places that tourists don’t know about. I’ve literally got a list on my phone as long as my arm of places to scope out.
Anything good we could check out tonight ? I asked, finishing off the last of my food.
You’re not tired ?
I shook my head. I had a nap on the plane. Plus, it’s Friday night and I flew all the way out here to spend time with you.
Well, there’s this pop-up market tonight out in Malibu we could hit up if you’re up for a bit of a drive, he suggested. We can look through the stands, walk along the beach, maybe take a dip in the water.
No need to convince me, I said, grinning as I leaned across the table and pecked him on the lips. I’m in.
So, let me get this straight, Derrick started, brow quirked as he glanced back over his shoulder at me, this guy you work with-
Miles.
Yeah, whatever. He waved me off before flashing his fob in front of the entrance to his condo building. He tried asking you out the week I left Boston ?
He did, I confirmed. But I shut him down. Esme and Harper always thought he’d had a thing for me for years, but I never saw it. We were friends, you know.
And now that you’re both about to go your separate ways, he’s trying to get out of the friendzone ?
Exactly.
Well, he drawled with a smirk appearing on his lips, if he asks you out again, just make sure to mention your big and strong boyfriend while you let him down easy.
I think he’s realized you’re still in the picture, especially since you sent those flowers, I mused, though sincerity seeped into my tone as I reached out my hands and placed them on his lower back, leaning in to kiss the exposed skin on the back of his neck. Which, thank you for, again.
No need to thank me, he replied as we stepped on the elevator. Turning so that we were side by side, he threw his arm around my shoulder and dropped a quick kiss on my lips. You deserve to know I’m still thinking about you even when I can’t physically be there.
Not for the first time that night, I was both touched and pleasantly surprised at how thoughtful and attentive Derrick was as a boyfriend. Or just as a man, period. Yes, having dated for a few months already, I’d known he wasn’t an asshole, but he had an unassuming sweet side. Like he was a closet romantic.
On the drive out to Malibu, he’d held my hand. As we strolled through the market, subtly keeping an eye on the sunset, his palm never dropped from the base of my back. When the sun had finally begun to dip below the horizon, we’d found a spot to sit in the sand, and he’d cradled me between his thighs with my back against his chest. We’d spent the time murmuring to one another, listening to the waves roll in and watching the colors dance across the sky.
And that was only tonight.