The Broken Road

Chapter Nine

I rolled off Nathan's bed, and slipped my dress up over my body. It's not that I was trying to sneak out, but my parents would freak if they knew I left the house unattended all night. I can't for the life of me find my panties; so I leave them, looking at Nathan one last time before walking downstairs. I grab my heels and my purse before walking outside. I climb in the truck, turning it on and check my phone.

21 Text Messages
13 Missed Calls

Most of the text messages were from Bentley, which I expected considering the way we left things last night. They were mostly the same thing, so I spare those details. I knew that he would want to talk about everything but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that right now, especially after last night with Nathan. Before you get to ahead of yourself, no I don't have those feelings for Nathan, but I also don't regret what happened last night either; so I'm not sure what that means or where it leaves me.

The missed calls were from my mom, some from my dad, and then one from Derick, which I didn't understand why he was calling me; I haven't spoken to him in years. Usually when he calls me he's either in jail, needs money, or well I guess both. I put the truck in drive and take off, on my way back home.

Once I arrive home, I'm shocked to see my house, more so the person sitting on the front step. I couldn't make it out at first but once I pulled in further, he stood out to be clear as day. I parked my truck and got out, walking towards my house. I'm freezing at this point, and regretting my choice in outfit for last night. I make eye contact with him before reaching for my keys.

"Haven't seen you in a while. Look what the cat decided to drag literally to my front step." I say, full of sarcasm before unlocking my door and walking in. I didn't give him the okay to enter but that didn't stop him.
"I tried calling." He says, quietly while rubbing the back of his neck. I set my purse and keys down on the kitchen island and put my heels on the stool, before turning around to finish whatever this conversation is.
"What do you want, Derick?" I ask, eyeing him. By now he can probably tell I'm frustrated but that's what happens when he  hasn't called or texted in almost five years. I was literally just a hook up to him; after years of friendship, I shouldn't have even gone there with him anyways.
"I wanted to talk, which is why I called you." He says taking a seat at the island. I'm standing a step away from him. He looks good, very well dressed for once. It's nice to see he found some proper clothing. Derick has his dirty blond hair brushed back, wavy, under his ball cap; the way I always liked it. However; he could definitely use a hair cut. He moves his hand closer to my dress, plucking a sequent off the bottom.
"Nice outfit." He smirks. I step back, rolling my eyes and headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee, and a pop tart.
"What do you want?" I ask again
"I'm in town for a couple of days and need a place to crash." He says. I turn around to look at him, sometimes I don't know if he's serious or not-most of the time he's not. This time is different though, he's serious; and he looks sober. I turned back around pouring milk into my coffee.
"Hotel; down the street." I say and mix my coffee
"I'm a little short on cash right now, I have a job interview on Monday; and was hoping maybe I could crash here?" He asks
"No." I say bluntly. Sitting down with my cup of coffee. He's staring at me and I almost feel bad.
"Look I'm happy for you, you look great; that's nice. Seems like you're sober, good for you. But, I can't go there again, and you being here would do that." I say sipping at my coffee
"I am sober, almost six months. It's been hard but my daughter needed me." He says, still staring at me.
I almost spit my coffee out, I didn't even know he had a girlfriend; let alone a daughter.
"Your daughter?" I ask, shocked
"It was a one night stand, but she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. She saved my life and she doesn't even talk or walk yet." He says, showing his phone screen. It shows a beautiful baby girl, very light hair on her head, wearing a pink snowsuit. I smile at him before taking another sip of my coffee.
"I've been trying my best Kate. I really have. I just need a little help right now." He says, with a crooked smile. I hate how easy it is to give in to him.
"Fine. One week." I say, before getting up and walking to the stairs with my coffee cup.
"There's food, help yourself; coffee too." I smile and walk up the stairs.