Is This Real Love?

{ 1 : Falling For You }

- Nicole -

"Oh my God!" I screamed and dropped the bag I had in my hand.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Derrick said as he laughed and picked up the bag I dropped.

"It's fine." I said and took out the contents of the bag.

"What are these for?" He asked as he sat next to me.

"You said you wanted these made... You don't want them?" I asked and sighed. "I'm sorry-"

"Nicole relax, they're what I asked for. I just like messing with you." He said and smiled before grabbing one of the cards.

"It makes me love my job so much more." I said sarcastically as he read over the cards.

"I know you do because I gave you a raise last week." He said and turned his chair towards me.

"I know." I said softly and messed with my bracelet.

"Don't you start getting all quiet on me. Let's go get some lunch." He said and stood up before offering me his hand.

"Derrick I'm not-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer. I'm tired of talking about clothes and work all day, let's go. That's an order." He said and grabbed my hand.

"Okay." I said and sighed before standing up and following him out to the car.

"After you, my lady." He said and laughed as he opened the door for me.

"Thank you." I said softly as I got in the car.

Derrick seems to do this a lot, he takes me to lunch and dinner. He basically likes seeing me outside of work. He's a sweet guy but my husband just died two years ago in a hit and run. I just don't know if I'm ready to start dating again. I still wear my ring on my bracelet but my dad says I need to get rid of it before it's too late. He's been trying to get me to date since last year but I just don't think I'm ready yet. Also the photographers following me everywhere doesn't help.

"Ready?" Derrick asked as he put on his shades.

"Sure." I said and sighed before putting on mine and taking off my seatbelt. "Thanks." I said once he opened my door and helped me out of the car.

"Welcome." He said and put his arm around me as we walked inside.

"Why do you always do that?" I asked and looked up at him.

"Because I like you close." He said and smiled as we found a booth and sat down.

"Have you ever missed someone so much that you can see them when you stare into space?" I asked and rested my chin in my hand.

"No, why? You missing someone that much?" He asked as he looked over the menu.

"Yeah. The process of letting go is like taking your heart through a tour of hell." I expressed and sighed.

"Letting go of who exactly?" He asked, now interested.

"Do you really need to know who?" I asked and put my hands in my lap after sitting up straight.

"Yeah, let's talk about it. After we order though."

"Okay." I said and handed him a twenty dollar bill.

"Thanks for the tip, let me guess, the ham and turkey on toasted bread with little mayo, pickles, lettuce, tomato and little oil. Also the American cheese." He recited with a smile on his face.

"Wow, did I ask for that before?" I asked as I looked at him confused on whether to be happy or scared.

"No, you left a receipt in my car." He said and smiled before putting the twenty back on the table and going to order.