Valerie
I looked at my phone a dozen times, not knowing what to write back to Derek. Your employees hurt my feelings? Your employees had the pot-luck, but I wasn't invited? No one likes me? Nothing seemed to fit the bill so I just didn't respond.
My phone started to ring, Dereks' name popping up. I let it ring until it went to voicemail, but once he tried calling again, I answered it.
"Hey Derek," I said, trying not to let my voice give me away.
"Hey, are you okay?" He asked.
"I guess." I shrugged, even though my cat was the only witness there.
"Are you home?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Open the front door."
I reluctantly got up off the couch and shuffled over to the front door. When I opened the door, Derek was standing there with a cooler bag and still had his phone to his ear. He en
