I know I promised to explain what’s happening, but until I have more to tell you, just know that I’m handling it.
Elliot:
With my help.
Cole:
Wait, Elliot gets to know but we don’t?
Elliot:
Family privileges, Evanson.
The texts keep coming as Cole argues that no one has known me longer than he has, and Bonnie brings up our fake relationship as a sign that she’s spent the most time with me, and Freya reminds everyone that she’s my sister-in-law. Kasey, Carissa, and Hank don’t defend their positions in my life, as they all married into the group, but they have as much of a place in my heart as anyone because they brought love and happiness to my friends. Without them, we would all be worse for wear.
“You good, Derek?” Hunter asks.
“All good,” I assure him. “And I was serious about that vacation. If you guys want to go, you should go.”
“Together?” His face turns scarlet as he glances at Janie, and I have to fight a grin when Janie looks up and blushes equally pink.
Is that a new thing? Or have I just been painfully unobservant and far too absorbed in my own life to notice what’s happening around me?
“That’s up to you,” I say with a chuckle and turn back to my phone as Hunter tentatively moves to the seat next to Janie’s.
Derek:
I keep a lot of things to myself that I shouldn’t. I’m working on that. For the record, I didn’t ask for Elliot’s help, though I’m grateful for it, and if there was an easy way for the rest of you to help, I would welcome it. But this is something that’s simply going to take time to fix.
Bonnie:
Derek, are you okay?
There are a lot of ways I could answer that question, and I try to decide what will calm my friends the most. I’m still reeling from my encounter with my mom and frustrated that I haven’t found the answers I need to stop her. I’m pretty sure I left most of my heart back in Moab and have no idea how I’m going to endure the next few months without thatmissing piece of me. But for the first time in a long time, maybe ever, Idofeel okay.
There’s a light at the end of a very long tunnel.
I can do this.
Derek:
I’m okay. I promise. As long as you all agree to be nice to Donovan when I bring her out to LA in a few months, I’ll keep being okay.
Liam:
NO WAY
Carissa:
Wait, so we weren’t reading into things between the Hot Scoop stories? You really went to Utah for a romantic liaison?
Bonnie:
Since when did you start dating Nova Tate???
Derek:
Since today.
