Caroline

Chapter 27

As she had said she would, Caroline had called Derek to let him know that she had spoken to Michael and that the situation was in hand. She did not elaborate on anything beyond that, but she did tell him of her planned trip to see Terrence. Derek had stated that he was needed back in Charlotte as well. He did offer to stay behind if she wanted him, but didn't argue when she told him to see after his business.

Since he was back in his work environment, she was expecting to leave a voice message when she called him after breakfast. Hearing his voice after the first ring startled her.

"Babe? What is it? Is something wrong?"

She'd had the message she'd planned to leave running through her head, and was not prepared for an actual conversation. "Uh... no... I'm fine..."

"You just called to talk?" She could hear the smile in his voice.

"Actually," she said, shifting gears in her head as quickly as she could, "I'm still in Charlotte, and I was wondering if we could get together to talk. If you're not too busy, of course..."

"I..." She heard a rustle as he spoke to someone away from the phone. "Tell you what." He spoke into the phone again. "I have to lead a meeting in half an hour. There's a lot to go over, but I'll let them know they have me for two hours, tops. Then I'm all yours. Will that work?"

For a moment, she just sat there, saying nothing. Where was this Derek when she'd needed him before?

"Babe? You still there?"

"Yeah.... um..... yeah. That sounds good."

"Great! Where are you staying?"

"Terrence let me use his guest room. He even cooked me a beautiful omelette this morning."

Derek chuckled. "I'll meet you over there, then. Unless you needed to go out for something...?"

"No, here is fine. I'll let him know that I'm taking over his house for the day."

"Good. I'll give you a heads-up call before I leave. Cara?"

She hesitated again. "Yes?"

"I love you."

The words clutched at her throat, but she managed to murmur, "I'll see you then," before she disconnected.

Terrence entered the room, dressed in a suit and tie, once again emanating an air of gentlemanly professionalism. Feeling the need for some levity, she gave him a slow whistle.

"Manners," he said sternly, without looking at her, as he gathered up what he would be taking into the office.

"Would you mind if I stayed one more day?"

"That depends. Will I need to lock up my wine and chocolate?"

"They're probably safe."

He turned to look at her with a smirk. "Probably?"

"Derek is coming by later. To talk."

"I see." His face became serious again. "This is a good thing?"

"Right now, I honestly don't know."

He stepped over to where she was sitting and lifted her chin up. "Hmmm...." he mused as he studied her face. "Perhaps I should bring reinforcements when I come home."

"Reinforcements?"

"Wine and chocolate. By the look on your face, we both may need them tonight."

"Go to work, Terry," she said, stifling her smile.

"On my way, Baby Girl. There's a spare key in the.."

"I know," she interrupted.

"Of course you do. And the security code for the alarm.."

"...is my birthday. Go to work, Terry."

He gave her a quick peck on the top of her head. "When did you become such a smartass?"

"Still your humble apprentice," she answered, which earned her his laughter going out the door.

********************

To pass the time while waiting for Derek's call, Caroline had chosen a book from Terrence's collection to read. Curled up in a chair beside a sunny window, she was so engrossed in the story that the ring tone startled her.

"Hi."

"Hey, babe. I'm sorry this has been so long, but I'm headed out right now."

She glanced at the time. It had been more than three hours since she had spoken to him.

"It's fine," she assured him. "Had my nose in a book."

He chuckled into the phone. "Of course you did."

There was the familiarity again. He knew her. The ease with which they could fall back into old patterns was too alluring.

"Would you like to go to lunch?" he added.

"You know Terry has something good here. We'll just raid his fridge." Quieter, she continued, "I'd rather not go out right now."

Several seconds of silence passed before he said, "Oh. All right, then. See you in a few minutes." Before ending the call, he added, "I love you, Caroline." He disconnected before she could reply.

She set the book aside and closed her eyes. Her heart felt like a stone weight in her chest. Derek was trying; that much was obvious. But for how long? And how long would it take for her to be able to trust him again? Would she ever? A part of her wished she could turn it all back, return to a time when she was naive and happy. But she knew there was no point she could arrive where Derek's betrayal would not be real. Her father had seen to that.

The ingredients for a salad and sandwiches were spread out on the kitchen counter when the doorbell rang. Caroline nervously checked her appearance in the foyer mirror before she realized what she was doing, then shrugged before adjusting a few strands of hair. Then, drawing in courage with a deep breath, she opened the door.

Instead of Derek's face, she was greeted by a large bouquet of flowers.

"Delivery for Miss Davidson," Derek's voice announced before his eyes appeared over the flower heads. "With deepest apologies for making her wait."

"Goof," she said with a smirk, before stepping back to let him in. The fragrance from the bouquet was strong and sweet, bringing to mind the funeral home that she had chosen for her father. She pushed the thought away quickly. Keeping her focus on the conversation to come was too important to allow such distractions. Thinking to deal with the flowers first, she reached for them. But Derek set them on the entry table with one hand and reached for her with the other, drawing her against him. Tensing for an expected lunge for her mouth, she was surprised when he fluttered small kisses on her face instead.

"Derek..."

"Shhhh." He stopped his kisses and pulled her in closer, resting his cheek on the top of her head. "Just let me hold you. Please? Let me feel this?" He squeezed her just a little more before gently swaying with her, as if dancing to music that only he could hear. This was not at all what she had anticipated from him, and all she could do was close her eyes and allow him to lead her in the dance.