Thank You, Tyler

Chapter 11

"Hey Kelly," Tyler says over the phone line.

    "Yeah?"

    "When you come over later, my friend, Derek, is gonna be over here for a little bit. Is that okay?"

    "Yeah, that's fine, honey."

    "Okay cool, I really want you guys to get along. 'Cause he's my best friend and you're my girlfriend."

    "Are you still gonna show me how to parallel park later?"

    "Yes, after Derek goes home."

    "Alright, I'll be over in an hour."

    "Love you."

    "Love you, too," I hang up.

--

    Derek comes back with Tessa from the other side of the store, I don't mention my run-in with Tyler.

    "We found the grapes!" Derek smiles big as he hands one to Tessa to eat. "She really loves 'em."

    "How cute," I say. But Tyler's still on my mind.

    I guess he's still off his meds. God, I hate his episodes.

    Derek can tell something's on my mind. My face can never hide my emotions.

    "You okay, babe?" He puts his hand on my lower back as we walk down the aisle towards the check out.

    "Yeah, I just--I'll just tell you later. It's nothing."

    "You sure?" He scans my eyes for an answer.

    "Yeah, it's nothing."

    When we get home, I let Derek put up the few groceries we bought and I sneak to our room with Tessa. I take the money Tyler threw into my life and hide it in one of my drawers on our shared dresser.

    What am I gonna tell Derek?

    I change Tessa's diaper and take her back into the kitchen where Derek has just finished putting everything away.

    Derek's back is to me as I enter. I stand in the doorway and just watch him for a moment.

    I decide I won't tell him about seeing Tyler yet, or the mysterious wad of cash that's now hidden in our room. I don't want to hide anything from him, but my instinct tells me to wait.

    Derek turns around.

    "Hey, baby," he kisses my cheek.

    I smile and hand him Tessa.

    "I'm gonna get a little nap in. Will you watch her?"

    "Of course."

--

    Tyler's mom greets me at the door.

    "Hi Kelly! The boys are in the den."

    "Thanks, Mrs. Jones."

    Tyler and assumedly Derek are playing a videogame when I walk in.

    "Woohoo! I win! I crushed you, bro!" Derek jumps up from the couch.

    He sees me and time slows, he's staring at me softly.

    "Hey, baby girl," Tyler wraps his arm around my waist and kisses my lips. "This is Derek."

    "Hi," is all I can get out, his friend is attractive.

    "Derek, this is my girl, Kelly," he waves to me.

    "Nice to meet you," Derek smiles to me.

    "You too."