One mistake.There’s that word again. The word slices through me, sharp as any knife. I look away and stare out the window, willing the sting in my eyes to fade.
“I’m sorry,” Derek says. “I shouldn’t have taken adv—”
“It’s fine.” I suck in a breath. “We’re friends. I get it.”
He relaxes, returning my smile with obvious relief. And I suppose that, more than anything, tells me where I stand.
Chapter Eight
Derek
There’s excitement in the air when I arrive at Jayne and Phillip’s house. Laughter and music fill my ears, and the backyard is a mass of festive decorations for Lily’s Valentine’s birthday party. Bunches of red and pink helium balloons float overhead, while a heart-shaped piñata dangles from a tree branch, and there are kids everywhere I look.
“Uncle Derek!” Lily runs up to me with a wide smile. She wraps her arms around my waist, and I hug her back.
“Happy birthday, kiddo,” I say, handing her a wrapped gift—pink, of course.
“Thank you!” Her face lights up with anticipation, and she reaches for the ribbon.
“I think you’re supposed to wait to open the presents,” I whisper, gesturing to a table bearing a pile of gifts.
She gives a sheepish look and stops tugging at the wrapping. “Did you see there’s a piñata?”
“I did! You’re a lucky girl.”
“We’re going to make our own pizzas and there’s a photo booth too!” She points to where a group of girls are posing in heart-shaped sunglasses and feather boas with Lily’s dad taking photos.
I can tell she’s itching to join in. I chuckle before nudging her towards the group of kids. “Go on, have fun.”
As I walk further into the party, I’m greeted by familiar faces—family members, adult friends, and more kids, all gathered to celebrate Lily’s special day. Jayne catches my eye and waves me over.
“Hey, Derek,” she says, giving me a quick embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“It’s nice to see you too,” I reply, dropping a kiss to her cheek. “You guys really went all out.”
“Mum and Dad came over early and gave us a hand with the decorating so I can’t take all the credit,” she says.
“Where’s Mum?”
She laughs. “In the kitchen. Where else?”
Just then, my gaze shifts across the garden, and I spot him.Ryan. He’s standing near a table loaded with snacks, chatting with a few people. The sunlight catches his blond hair, and he has a healthy glow as he throws his head back in laughter. My heart skips a beat as our eyes meet, and a surge of emotion washes over me. I can’t see him without him stirring up all kinds of feelings.
“Hey, uh, I hope you don’t mind that invited Ryan,” I say to Jayne, trying to sound casual. “I thought it’d be nice to have him here, and he’d appreciate being included now he’s back in town.”
“Of course,” she replies. “Nathan’s practically family, so that includes Ryan. I’m glad you invited him.”
“Derek!”
There’s a hearty clap on my back and I turn to find Uncle Gerald at my side. “Hey.”
“Glad you’re here, Derek. Your dad seems to think he’s the master of the pizza oven, but I’m sure we could show him a thing or two.”
“Oh, leave the poor boy alone,” my Aunt Trudy replies as she approaches. “He just got here and doesn’t even have a drink yet. Here you go, darling.”
I take the plastic cup she offers. It’s filled with something red, with little chunks of fruit floating amongst the ice cubes. I look at it dubiously but take a sip, pleasantly surprised at the fizzy concoction. The family chat around me. The scent of pizza fills the air and children’s laughter echoes around the backyard. My eyes drift to Ryan again. He’s deep in conversation with Claudia, Jayne’s best friend. I tear my gaze away and try to focus on the small talk.
“Did you see the piñata Lily picked out?” Aunt Grace asks me with a chuckle. “She insisted it had to be a heart for Valentine’s Day.”
