Whiskey & Vows

E L E V E N

C H A P T E R  E L E V E N || NOTHING LASTS FOREVER BUT THIS IS GETTING GOOD NOW

 

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                I pursed my lips in the mirror, staring at my and Derek’s reflection in our large mirror. Unknowingly, we both matched. Derek managed to slip on a pair of skinny khakis and a light blue dress shirt that brought out his eyes. I slipped on one of my navy above the knee-length dress that had a sweetheart neckline. I pulled my blonde hair into a bun and managed to slip a cute flat next to my ugly boot.

                We looked good.

                Derek and I stared at each other through the reflection, both confused on how we managed to coordinated clothing. I didn’t want to think about how close we were getting over the past couple days; I just needed to think about bringing Andy in and figuring out our marriage.

                After we stayed up night talking, we set our plan into motion. Surprisingly, I support Derek’s decision without a second thought, especially when it came to Andy. We both wanted to get our marriage annulled, or whatever our option was, but Andy seemed to take priority. A small voice in the back of my head told me I didn’t know how I felt about our marriage, and I knew I needed to stop listening to it.

                We became a team. Honestly, it would have been hard to do if we didn’t get to know each other and agree to move on from our past, but it happened. Derek and I got along and actually enjoyed each other’s company. Charlie’s comments lingered in the back of my head, but I couldn’t hope for some fairy tale ending; I just needed to do the right thing.

                Derek fumbled with his collar, looking at himself once again. Once I saw I didn’t have bad makeup marks or my dress tucked into my thong, I left the mirror. I smiled at Derek’s awkwardness, undeniably adoring how nervous he was to meet my mother. I put it off for a while, but suddenly Derek wanted to know her, and she’s been ecstatic ever since.

                “Ready?” I smiled, loving the way he bit his nip nervously.

                “I think so.” He mumbled. “Are you sure I shouldn’t bring anything?” He asked curiously. I shook my head, still surprised at how nervous he was.

                “No, she’s happy that you’re coming. Plus, she might think you’re trying to kiss her ass.”

                “Is she exactly like you?” He asked eyes wide in nervousness. I shrugged, wondering how much I resembled my mother.

                “Slightly.”

                “Aw, hell.”

***

                “I’m in the kitchen!” My mother hollered as soon as we walked in the door. Derek followed behind me nervously as I strode through my home, appreciating how small it was. My mother and I weren’t poor, but we didn’t live has lavishly as Derek did. My mom managed to stay in middle class, somehow making good money at her job. Sure, I had to work and take out some loans, but my mother and I did fine on our own. My house was small and cozy-something I learned to appreciate living on campus and in Derek’s house.

                Derek followed me into the large kitchen where my mother was setting the dining room table. My mother had outdone herself-a giant pasta pan sat on the stove and a small cake. She had placed her vegetables and salad already on the table. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing my mother probably planned this dinner for days.