Life With Dasey (A Life With Derek Fanfic)

Chapter Eighteen

The holidays officially came to an end, and Casey and Derek returned to college rejuvenated and ready to finish the year.

George called on Derek's off-day, suggesting he get a job instead of sitting at the apartment complaining about Casey. The only reason Derek complained about his stepsister to George so much was to make his father think everything was status-quo, but honestly, they were getting along very well. Regardless of the situation, Derek searched (not very hard) for a kitchen staff position so he could report back to his dad that he tried but ultimately came up short. Derek had enough cash saved up from his jobs in the past, including his D-tunes sales, to need a job. Plus, hockey took up most of his free time.

Upon returning to the apartment that evening, Casey was, of course, on her couch studying.

"Sup," he greeted, tossing his leather jacket on the coat rack.

"Hey, guess what!?" She smiled, eager to give him the good news.

"You painted your nails blue instead of pink?" Derek knocked some of her study cards away so he could sit down.

"I'm on the dean's list!" She exclaimed.

"Who the hell is Dean?" Derek shot her a look.

"It's not a guy, Derek. It's a list for those doing exceptionally well academically."

"Oh, so it's a nerd thing? Why would I care about a list you knew you were going to be on?" He asked.

Casey's smiled faded, and she turned back to look at her notes.

"No reason. I just thought you'd be happy for me. My mistake."

Oh, damn. She appeared to be really hurt by his callous dismissal, and Derek kicked himself for being such a jerk. Personally, he was struggling with school, and hockey practice was kicking his butt, but that didn't give him the right to be unsupportive.

He wanted to tell Casey he was sorry and that he wanted to hear more about her success, but he didn't. Why? Because he's an idiot.

Instead, Derek attempted to change the topic altogether.

"I've got some free time. Do you want to watch a movie?" He asked, hoping she would accept his offer.

"No, I need to get ready for my date."

"A date? With?" 

Oh, so that peaked his interest.

"I don't know. Gabbi set me up with one of her friends. I guess you could call it a blind date. All I know is his name is Jimmy."

Jimmy. Jimmy. Jimmy. Derek didn't know any Jimmys other than Jimmy Dean. Wait.. dean's list... Jimmy Dean... was she messing with him?! Apparently not, considering she capped her pastel highlighters and saved her study material, a telltale sign she was going out.

"A blind date? Don't you think that's a little dangerous?" If only he could freak her out enough not to go. He missed the Casey that thought spontaneity was appalling.

"We'll be out in public. George met Nora on a blind date, so who knows?"

Derek knows! He knows this is a bad idea! The thought of Casey falling in love with someone on a blind date made his blood boil.