4. Derek’s Destiny

DESTINY

“Who the hell is at my door at this hour?” I screamed at the ceiling.

The sound of my doorbell jolted me out of sleep, an unwelcome intrusion of my peaceful morning routine. Normally, it was the sun peeking through my window and the gentle chirping of birds that coaxed me awake, so this was unexpected. I’m not an alarm clock kind of girl. Being woken up so forcefully always felt too harsh. Living alone now, I was truly at peace, going to bed at a reasonable hour, so waking up to get to the office on time wasn’t hard.

The doorbell sounded again. Groggily, I glanced at my phone—it was thirty minutes earlier than my usual wake-up time, which made me very unhappy. Who could be at my door at this hour?

I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed, stomping to the front door with a grumble, swinging it open without even checking who it was, assuming it was somebody I knew, probably my mother. Instead, I was greeted by five people in matching uniforms holding massive bouquets of flowers, the biggest and most beautiful I’d ever seen, their faces adorned with bright smiles. These were not flowers from Gloria’s, our local florist; that much I knew for sure.

“What is this?” I asked, my voice tinged with shock and sleepiness.

“Delivery for Ms. Destiny Boseman,” one of the women said, her tone professional yet cheerful.

“From who?” As soon as the question left my lips, my intuition answered it for me. Derek. “Actually, never mind. Please come in and put them on my dining table,” I said after letting out a deep sigh, gesturing toward the small table for four.

They filed in like a well-rehearsed team, placing the grand bouquets down. Only three fit on the table, so I directed them to put the remaining two on my kitchen counter. They bid me goodbye, and I closed the door behind them, the sweet scent of the flowers already permeating the room. I stood there for a moment, staring at the extravagant display, my mind racing. Dammit, Derek Harris.

The man sure knew how to make a statement with his dramatic self. Despite the frustration bubbling within me, I couldn't help but feel a tiny pang of nostalgia. Derek had always known how much I loved flowers.

I remembered the times he would steal them from Mrs. Tyler’s garden, just because he knew how much I admired them. She had the best flowers in town, and every time we walked by her house, I'd stop to say how pretty they were. Unbeknownst to me, Derek started swiping them from her yard, making impromptu arrangements for me until he got caught one summer. She made him help plant new seeds and fix what he had ruined, a lesson that made him miss out on a lot of video game time with his brother.

Looking at the bouquets now, I realized he still remembered my favorite flowers. They were sprinkled throughout the various vases, each arrangement more beautiful than the last. Perhaps it just happened to be by chance, but it made me smile. I picked up the card from the first arrangement, my fingers trembling slightly as I opened it, the sweet scent of the flowers enveloping me.

It was a stunning display of deep red roses interspersed with delicate baby's breath. The roses were velvety and lush, their rich color a stark contrast against the soft white of the baby's breath. The arrangement was classic, elegant, and exuded a timeless romance.

"Destiny, you’ve always been the light in my life, even from afar. I dream of the day we can rekindle our connection, and I’ll wait as long as it takes to earn your trust again. Always thinking of you, - Derek"

I rolled my eyes and reached for the second bouquet. This one was a vibrant explosion of sunflowers and daisies, radiating warmth and cheerfulness. The sunflowers were large and bold, their golden petals reaching out like rays of the sun, while the daisies added a touch of simplicity and purity. The bright yellow and white combination was uplifting and full of life, a reminder of happier, sunnier days.

The card attached read, “Destiny, I deeply regret my actions yesterday. My excitement at seeing you again clouded my judgment. I’m truly sorry if I made you uncomfortable. - Derek”

I sighed, moving to the third bouquet, a mix of exotic orchids and lilies. The orchids were in shades of purple and white, their intricate patterns and delicate petals almost otherworldly. The lilies, in pristine white and soft pink, added a layer of elegance and fragrance that was both intoxicating and soothing. This bouquet felt like a piece of art, each flower a carefully chosen brushstroke.

“Destiny, I deeply respect the beautiful life you’ve built without me and am incredibly proud of all you’ve achieved. I’m truly sorry for disrupting it, but I can’t hide my longing to be a part of it once more. - Derek”

My heart skipped a beat as I read his words. The sincerity and vulnerability in his message were undeniable. Derek was laying it all out, admitting his feelings while promising to respect my space.

I turned to the fourth bouquet, an array of peonies and tulips, a romantic blend that exuded grace and femininity. The peonies were lush and full, their soft pink petals unfolding like layers of a delicate gown. The tulips, in shades of pink and white, stood tall and proud, their simple beauty adding to the overall charm of the arrangement. It was a bouquet that felt tender and sweet, evoking feelings of gentle affection and admiration.

The card read, “Destiny, I can’t hide the depth of my feelings for you, and I love you now as much as I ever have. My heart has always belonged to you, but I understand that I am not entitled to your love, your heart, or your mind. I will respect your boundaries and stay away, except for Jubilee business, unless you call for me. Always yours, - Derek”

My heart felt heavy as I placed the card back among the flowers. The final bouquet caught my eye—a wild, untamed mix of wildflowers and greenery, bursting with colors and textures. There were bright blue cornflowers, cheerful yellow buttercups, and soft purple lavender sprigs, all nestled among a bed of lush green leaves and ferns. This arrangement had a natural, effortless beauty to it, as if it had been plucked straight from a meadow. It felt carefree and spontaneous, a bouquet that whispered of adventure and a love that was free-spirited and boundless.

The last card read, “Destiny, my deepest hope is that one day I can earn the privilege of calling you my friend again. Until then, I will strive to be worthy of your trust. - Derek”

I stood there, surrounded by the beauty and complexity of his gestures, feeling a swirl of emotions. The weight of his words hung in the air, mingling with the fragrance of the flowers.

Seeing Derek at the Community Center yesterday was so unexpected; the feelings that came up were so complicated. I was shocked, yet happy to see him, but also furious. And damn, he looked so good. But also, fuck him. I had spent my evening into the night fuming. I paced around my house, crying, hating myself for feeling anything when I saw him. I felt so unprepared with him popping up like that. I thought I had weeks to gather myself before I saw him again.

We were done. I had literally said the meanest thing to him ever to make sure he got the message. Something I would never say today. I actually wished I could take it back, but I didn’t want him back. And then professing his love for me? What? Derek could have any woman in the world, and he stood there and told me that he came back home for me? It felt like I was in the Twilight Zone.

Him being a big celebrity and all, I’m sure he was used to getting anything he wanted, whenever he wanted. But he wasn’t going to have me. I would never give Derek the opportunity to hurt me like that again.

Even if he was a different man today than the boy he was back then, he was still in the same industry, the same lifestyle, the same temptations. I wasn’t built for that life. I was a small-town girl who planned on getting married one day and raising my children in Juniper. There was no other place I’d rather be. Everywhere outside this town was terrible. Jubilee was safe, tight-knit, and a fun place to grow up. I had no idea why Derek wanted to leave so damn bad to go to some big city filled with crime and girls throwing their coochies in his face.

But seeing him again brought back so many memories, all those feelings. The way he looked at me, the way he spoke to me, it was like no time had passed at all. I hated that he still had that effect on me. I hated that a part of me still cared. But I couldn’t let myself get swept up in that again. I had to stay strong, had to remember why we broke up in the first place.

Derek might have changed, but I wasn’t willing to risk my heart on him again. Not now, not ever. I had to protect myself, had to guard my heart. Even if it meant feeling a little hollow inside, it was better than being broken all over again.

Just then, my phone began to ring, and the familiar ringtone told me it was my mother.

“Derek is in town?” she asked before I could even say anything.

“Well, good morning to you too, Mama,” I replied, heading back to my rom.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Why did I have to find out about this from Helen and The Shade Room?”

“The Shade Room? Mama, what are you doing on there?”

“Helen showed me a picture of you and Derek leaving the community center. He had his arm around you, protecting you like a good man should.”

“Mama, please,” I rolled my eyes, rummaging through my closet for clothes. “He came to town early for some reason, and everyone lost their minds. I’m actually about to see him in a little bit, I think. The meeting is supposed to be with his manager, but I think he’s coming too,” I said as I went to Instagram to see if she was right about The Shade Room, and sure enough, there I was on video, tucked under Derek’s big, muscular tattooed arms as he moved me out of the crowd before holding my hand and getting me into Ant’s car. Seeing it from the outside, it very much looked like he was my protector and I was someone he deeply valued and wanted to keep safe. Ugh!

“Probably wants to see you again.”

“Girl…”, I said clicking off the post, making sure I didn’t subject myself to the comments section.

“Don’t girl me!”

“Sorry, ma’am,” I apologized, quickly remembering I was talking to my mother, not one of my little friends.

“You know, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Derek’s back in the day,” she reminded me, as if I could ever forget.

“I know, Mama,” I said, turning on the shower.

She once told me I couldn’t be with him anymore, which only made me more determined to be with him. Since he was no longer allowed over, I began lying about being at the library and would sneak over to his house instead. All of this started after she saw him fighting in the middle of the street at seven in the morning one day at the bus stop when she was on her way to work. She said anyone who had that type of anger at that hour needed their head checked.

I wanted to explain back then that Derek wasn’t like that with me, but like Dr. Phillips and nearly every other adult around here, her mind was made up about him. I got the speech about him not being good enough for me and how he wouldn’t turn out to be anything in life. But it never stopped me from loving and being with Derek, even if it had to be in secret, though she, of course, found out later and I was grounded for a month.

“And I know he did some immature things,” she continued.

“He was sleeping around,” I said bluntly, cringing as the words left my mouth.

“But maybe,” she continued, “maybe he’s a different man now. Y'all have spent half a lifetime apart. I’m sure he’s wiser.”

“Maybe,” I replied, my voice tinged with skepticism as the steam from the shower began to fill the room. “But people don’t always change, Mama. Sometimes they just get older.”

“True,” she conceded, “but time has a way of maturing some people. Look at you—you’ve grown into a remarkable woman. Maybe Derek’s done some growing up too. You know, sometimes life gives second chances. Maybe this is yours with Derek. Just keep an open mind, Destiny.”

I couldn’t believe these words were coming out of her mouth. This was the woman who had drilled into me the importance of having zero tolerance for cheating. What part of the game was this? I wouldn’t dare tell her that Derek had burst into my meeting yesterday, talking about how he wasn’t leaving Juniper without me, sounding completely unhinged.

I sighed, knowing she meant well but feeling the weight of her words. Derek had always been a complicated part of my life, a blend of intense passion and equally intense frustration. Could he really have changed?

“Are you just saying this 'cause he’s rich and famous now?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Now you know that stuff means nothing to me, Destiny. I’m just saying... I have a feeling that if you worked through what happened when you were 17 and 18 and all this time in between, perhaps you two can start something new as you enter your 30s. That’s all.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Mama,” I said, stepping into the shower and hoping to hurry this conversation along.

“No matter what happens, you deserve happiness.”

“I know. Thanks, Mama. I gotta go, I’m in the shower.” I hung up once she said her goodbye and took a shower before staring at my reflection in the mirror, my damp hair framing my face. The steam clouded the glass, and for a moment, I saw a younger version of myself, full of hope and dreams about a future with Derek.

As I dried off and dressed, I couldn’t shake the image of Derek from my mind. He had always had a way of making me feel everything so deeply—love, anger, passion, frustration. I knew better than to let myself get swept up in his charm again, but the thought of a second chance, of finding out if we could be something more, tugged at my heart.

I pulled on a pair of jeans and a soft sweater, something comfortable yet presentable for the meeting. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as I applied a light layer of makeup, hoping to cover the signs of my restless night.

My email dinged, notifying me that the meeting had been moved to my office instead of the community center to ensure more privacy for Derek than the community center could provide. I called Eden to alert her, and she was there before me, getting everything ready 30 minutes before our scheduled time despite the last-minute change. She loved to steal things from my closet, but she was a damn good assistant.

“They’re here!” she announced at 10 a.m. on the dot.

From the window, I looked downstairs to see Mayor Phillips, Derek, and a petite woman piling out of a big black SUV. Damn, even from up here, Derek looked good as hell. I took a gulp of my water and went to sit at the head of my small conference table while Eden waited at the door for them to come in. When they did, everyone was all smiles, including Derek, who looked at me like he was seeing an angel.

He walked in with that confident stride, his eyes locking onto mine as if I were the only person in the room. His presence was electrifying, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I straightened my back, trying to maintain my composure.

“Destiny, it’s good to see you,” Mayor Phillips said, shaking my hand warmly.

“Good to see you too, Mayor,” I replied, glancing briefly at Derek, who hadn’t taken his eyes off me.

“Destiny, this is Marcy, Derek’s manager,” the mayor introduced.

Marcy extended her hand with a professional smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Destiny. I’ve heard great things about your work.”

“Thank you, Marcy. It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” I said, shaking her hand.

Derek, standing just a step behind her, finally spoke. “Thanks for having us, Destiny.”

His voice was smooth, tinged with an intimacy that made my heart skip a beat. “Of course, Derek. Please, everyone, have a seat.”

As they settled in, I couldn’t help but steal a glance at Derek. He was dressed impeccably, his usual flashy style toned down to a simple yet elegant look. He wore a sleek black button-down shirt and tailored black slacks that, despite having no visible labels, exuded quality that likely cost more than my mortgage payment. Gone were the big chains and rings; today, his only accessory was an elegant Rolex watch that gleamed subtly under the conference room lights. The understated elegance of his outfit highlighted a maturity that was as captivating as it was surprising.

“Shall we get started?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I launched into the meeting agenda.

Marcy wasted no time getting down to business with me. “We’re really excited about this Juniper Juneteenth Jubilee performance. Derek has explained it’s significance to me not only for the African American community, but for Juniper especially. He’s excited to be back in his hometown and see how he can positively contribute to his community beyond the hefty donations he’s been sending over the years. He’s ready for a more hands-on approach, and we believe this is a great way for him to kick off his homecoming.”

I nodded, glancing at Derek, who was watching me intently. “Thank you, Marcy. We’re equally excited to work with Derek. The Jubilee is an event that means so much to everyone in Juniper. Everyone is buzzing about this year’s event. Having D-Truth here is going to drive up revenue in our town and increase exposure for the many other initiatives and events we host throughout the year.”

Derek leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. “I’ve missed being here, Des. This performance is just the start. I want to truly be a part of this community again, not just in name, but hands-on, like Marcy said. I want to show up for my people, make a real difference.”

His sincerity was palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for him. He had come a long way from the troubled boy I once knew.

“We appreciate that, Derek,” I said, my voice warm. “Your involvement means a lot, not just to the event but to the community as a whole. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about the message it sends—that you care and that you’re invested in our future. And it shows all the kids here what could be possible for them too.”

Marcy nodded in agreement.

Marcy adjusted her glasses and opened a sleek black folder, pulling out a series of documents. “Alright, let’s talk logistics for Derek’s—sorry, D-Truth’s—performance at the Juniper Juneteenth Jubilee. We want to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

I nodded, leaning forward with my pen ready. “Absolutely. This performance is a big deal for the town. Unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”

Marcy glanced at Derek, then back at me. “First, we need to discuss the stage setup. Derek, do you have any specific requirements for your performance?”

Derek leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “I’d like the stage to be close to the crowd, to keep that intimate feel. But it needs to be elevated enough so everyone can see. Lighting is crucial; I want it to be vibrant but not blinding. Also, we’ll need high-quality sound equipment. No cutting corners there.”

I jotted down notes. “Got it. We’ll ensure the stage is set up to your specifications. We’ll also have a tech rehearsal the day before to make sure everything is perfect.”

“I might actually bring in some of my crew for this,” he added, his voice full of determination. “And don’t worry, I’ll cover those costs. I want to make sure that my involvement doesn’t affect your budget. The stage, set design, and lighting are things I’m very particular about. I’m not willing to take any risk there. I’ve been working with my team for years, and they know exactly how to deliver what I need and more.”

“Alright,” I nodded, feeling both relief and admiration.

Throughout the discussion, Derek’s attention never wavered, and I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate with him watching me so intently. It was as if he were silently communicating, reminding me of our history and the undeniable chemistry that still lingered between us.

Marcy continued, “Next, security. With Derek’s profile, we need to ensure his safety as well as the safety of the attendees. We’ll bring in his team of professional security guards, and we’ll coordinate with local law enforcement.”

“Agreed,” I said. “We’ll need crowd control measures too, especially if the turnout is as high as we expect. We will have barriers to create clear pathways and ensure emergency exits are accessible.”

Derek nodded. “I also want to make sure there’s security backstage. It’s important to have a secure area where I can prep and relax before the performance.”

“Of course,” Marcy said, making a note. “We’ll have designated security personnel backstage and a secure entrance and exit route for you.”

I looked at my list. “What about your team, Derek? How many people will you have with you, and what are their needs?”

Derek thought for a moment. “I’ll have my manager, Marcy, my assistant, my sound technician, and a couple of friends. We’ll need a green room stocked with water, healthy snacks, and maybe some light refreshments. Nothing too fancy.”

“Consider it done,” I said, smiling. “We’ll also arrange for transportation to and from the venue to ensure you’re comfortable and punctual.”

As we delved into the details, Derek occasionally chimed in with sharp, thoughtful insights. This mature, focused version of him was a side I hadn’t seen before. He was meticulous and precise, each comment reflecting a deep understanding of the project. Every now and then, I caught him stealing glances at me, his expression softening whenever our eyes met, and I felt a flutter in my chest that was hard to ignore.

Eden brought in coffee and pastries, and the meeting continued smoothly. Marcy was professional and efficient, and even Mayor Phillips seemed impressed with the plans we laid out.

Marcy flipped to another page. “Promotion and media coverage. We’ll need to coordinate with local media for interviews and coverage. Derek, are you comfortable with doing some promotional activities leading up to the event?”

“Definitely,” Derek replied. “I’m happy to do interviews, a couple of meet-and-greets, and maybe even a radio spot. Anything to get the word out and build excitement.”

I nodded enthusiastically. “That would be fantastic. We can set up a schedule for those activities and make sure you have breaks in between.”

Marcy tapped her pen on the folder. “Lastly, we need to talk about contingency plans. Weather can be unpredictable. Do we have a backup plan in case of rain?”

“We do,” I confirmed. “We’ve secured an indoor venue nearby that can accommodate the same number of people. It’s not ideal, but it ensures the event goes on no matter what.”

“Great,” Marcy said, closing her folder. “I think we’ve covered everything. Derek, anything else you want to add?”

Derek shook his head, a smile spreading across his face. “No, I think we’re good. I’m excited. This is going to be a great event.”

I felt a surge of excitement and relief. “Thank you both. Let’s make this Jubilee the best one yet.”

As the meeting wrapped up, Marcy extended her hand again. “Thank you, Destiny. We’re looking forward to working closely with you on this.”

“Likewise,” I replied, shaking her hand firmly.

Derek lingered as the others started to leave, turning to me with that familiar, disarming smile. “I love seeing you bossed up like this, Des. You’re not that shy girl anymore.”

I blushed, feeling a warmth spread through me.

“I’m proud of you, for real,” he said sincerely. “I know this event means everything to you. I’m happy to be a part of your first year taking the reins. Crazy how that worked out, huh?”

I narrowed my eyes. “And how did that work out exactly, Derek?” I asked, wanting to know exactly how this had come together because his performing came out of nowhere.

“Like I said, Princess,” he said, moving closer to me, “I always see about you.”

My heart began to race.

“Not on some stalker shit, though,” he clarified quickly.

“Very much on some stalker shit,” I chuckled with attitude.

He looked slightly embarrassed. “Want me to call it off?”

“So the people of Juniper can hate me? No thanks!”

We laughed together, and it felt nice, a brief moment of normalcy between us after yesterdays madness.

“Did you like the flowers?” Derek asked, a hint of shyness creeping into his voice. It reminded me of when he first asked me out back in the day, and it was kind of cute.

“I did. They’re beautiful,” I replied.

“I wanted to get you peonies too, I know you love those,” he said, his tone sincere. “But I couldn’t find any nearby, and I didn’t have enough time to fly them in before this morning.”

I had to stop my mouth from flying open. “Fly them in? You would have flown flowers in?”

“For you, absolutely,” he said nonchalantly.

So he did remember all my favorite flowers.

“Guess it’s better than stealing them,” I teased, thinking about the past. We both laughed.

“Mrs. Tyler didn’t have to do me like that, snitching me out to my folks and all,” he chuckled at the memory.

“Well, I appreciated the flowers then, and I appreciate them now,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me.

He looked down for a moment, then back up at me, his eyes sincere. “I’m sorry for yesterday, for everything before, and I hope you can forgive me enough to just be my friend.”

The vulnerability in his voice tugged at my heart. “We’ll see, Derek. It’s a lot to process.”

“I understand,” he said softly. “But I’m here, and I want to be part of your life again if you’ll let me, even if it’s just as friends.”

I could see he was trying, and the sincerity in his eyes was hard to ignore.

“Alright, let’s start with that,” I said, my voice almost a whisper. “Friends.”

He smiled, a slow, genuine smile that made my heart flutter. “Friends.”

He nodded, his eyes lingering on me a moment longer before he began following Marcy and the Mayor out the door. Although I wanted to hold on to all the hate I still had, I found myself taking a deep breath and reaching out.

“Derek,” I called out. He stood just outside the open door, ready to hit the pavement. “Friends hang out, right? Miss Ruby's, tonight at 7. We can talk.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly shocked at the offer. “I’ll be there,” he smiled. “Need a ride?”

“I’m good. I’ll see you there.”

With that, he smiled at me and left. As the door closed behind him, I couldn’t help but feel more excited than I wanted to. Meeting Derek at Miss Ruby's, our old hangout spot, felt like stepping back in time. If nothing else, we could hash out our feelings and move on.

Eden walked back in, her eyebrows raised in amusement. “Well, that went well. And did you see the way he was looking at you? Girl, he’s still got it bad.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Let’s just focus on the project, Eden.”

But as I watched Derek hop into the Escalade from our second-floor window, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was room for more than just business in our future.

Thanks for reading Urban Love Stories ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Subscribed

The rest of the day passed in a blur. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, bouncing between the preparations for the Jubilee and the impending meeting with Derek. Miss Ruby's was a place filled with memories—both good and bad. It was where we had our first date, shared countless laughs, and where we had some of our most intense arguments.

Arriving at Miss Ruby's a few minutes before 7, I took a deep breath and walked in. The familiar scent of comfort food and the sound of soft jazz playing in the background instantly calmed my nerves. I spotted Derek tucked into a corner booth as if he could be low-key, looking as handsome as ever in a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. He stood up as I approached, a warm smile spreading across his face.

“Hey,” he said softly, his eyes locking onto mine.

“Hey,” I replied, sliding into the booth opposite him.

For a moment, we just looked at each other, the weight of the past hanging in the air. I think he wanted to hug me, but I sat down, so he did too. Finally, Derek broke the silence.

“Thank you for this, Destiny. I know this isn’t easy.”

“It’s not,” I admitted, “but we need to talk and clear the air since we’ll be working together over the next few weeks.”

He nodded, leaning forward. “I meant everything I said. I want to make things right.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. “Derek, we’ve been through a lot. You hurt me in ways I never thought possible. It’s not something I can just forget.”

“I know,” he said, his voice filled with regret. “And I don’t expect you to. I just want a chance to show you who I am today.”

I looked into his eyes, searching for the truth. “Why now, Derek? Why come back and stir everything up?”

“Because I still love you,” he said simply. “I’ve never stopped loving you. And I stayed away from you as long as I could because I never wanted to hurt you again. I couldn’t face you until I knew I was the man who was ready to be with you in every way you need me.”

His words hung in the air, filled with sincerity and vulnerability. I wanted to believe him, but the wounds of the past were still raw.

“We’ll see,” I said softly. “What I really came here for is closure. I thought maybe yesterday was just—”

He reached across the table, gently taking my hand. “No, I meant everything I said yesterday. I don’t want closure; I want us to see if maybe we can try this again as adults. As mature people. No more of those petty, immature arguments we had as kids, no me losing my way like when I got into the rap game. We had a dream about what our life would be like together, and I still feel like it’s possible.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle and shake my head. “I can’t promise all that,” I said.

“You don’t have to,” he said, still holding my hand but leaning back. “Like I said earlier, I just want to earn your friendship right now, Des. I just want to be around you, talk to you, without you looking like you want to murder me. Even though you cursed me out yesterday, I got the best sleep I’ve had in years last night,” he laughed. “Just because I was in your presence. You don’t know how badly I’ve been suffering not having you in my life, but I deserved it. If I could have, I would have given you that knife myself that night I called you from Berlin.”

I felt a flush of embarrassment thinking about what I said that night. “I’m sorry I said that.”

“I deserved it,” he said plainly. “I shouldn’t have made that threat to try to manipulate you into staying with me. I was an immature piece of shit. Although, fuck, it didn’t even work,” he chuckled.

We both laughed, a shared moment of levity breaking the tension.

I looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the changes. The boyish charm was still there, but there was a steadiness, a maturity in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. He had grown, and for the first time, I could see the possibility of a future where we could be together—not as the reckless kids we once were, but as adults who had learned and grown from their past mistakes.

Althea came to our table and dropped off menus.

“Like old times, huh?” she asked with a smile. “Same booth and all.”

It dawned on me. Oh my goodness, she was right. Althea had been working here since forever, including when we came here on dates. I thought Derek was just trying to be low-key; I’d forgotten that we always used to sit here. The fact that he remembered was touching.

“It’s good seeing you, D. Same cool guy, well, calmer,” she joked.

“Yeah, had to grow up, you know?” Derek smiled at her. “There’s only one thing I’m fighting for these days,” he said, looking at me and offering a quick wink that made my heart flutter.

Ugh, I couldn’t stand his charming ass. He always knew how to get under my skin.

“Good for you,” Althea smiled. “Should I get your usuals for old times' sake?”

Derek and I both looked at each other and then back at Althea.

“Ain’t no way you remember our orders from all the way back then,” he challenged.

“Bet I do! I don’t even know why I brought these menus,” Althea said as she snatched them up and walked away.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Some things never change.”

Derek leaned back, a relaxed expression on his face. “It’s comforting, in a way. Being back here, seeing familiar faces. It feels good to be home. Feels even better to be here with you.”

This man wasn’t letting up at all, his intentions crystal clear.

I nodded, feeling a similar wave of nostalgia wash over me. “Yeah, it is. I guess some parts of the past weren’t so bad.”

Althea returned a few minutes later with two plates, setting them down in front of us with a triumphant smile. “There you go. Derek, your bacon cheeseburger with extra pickles and Destiny, your grilled chicken club sandwich with sweet potato fries.”

We both looked at the plates, then at each other, bursting into laughter.

“You win, Althea,” Derek said, shaking his head. “I don’t know how you do it.”

“Just good memory,” she said with a wink. “Enjoy, you two.”

As Althea walked away, a warm sense of familiarity spread through me. The food, the place, and even Derek’s presence felt comforting. As we started eating, the conversation flowed more easily, the initial tension melting away. We talked about our plans for the Jubilee, shared a few laughs about old times, and slowly but surely, the walls between us began to come down.

“Since we’re friends now, can we exchange numbers, so we can keep in touch? Text each other funny TikToks and shit like that?” Derek asked.

I giggled. “You aren’t scared I’m gonna leak your number to the press or something?”

“Nah, you’re a good girl, Princess,” he smirked.

Something about the way he said that, all low and smooth, had me squirming in my seat and swallowing hard as he looked at me. There was an undeniable electricity between us, and I could feel it intensifying with every word, every glance.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, feeling like testing the waters a bit.

“You don’t wanna know,” he said, taking a slow sip of his vanilla milkshake.

“I do. Tell me.”

“You sure, friend?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Just say it.”

He shrugged, his eyes never leaving mine. “Drinking this shake…I just keep wondering if your pussy tastes as good as I remember,” he said, then casually went back to drinking his milkshake as he sat back in his seat.

“Jesus!” I exclaimed, wanting to sink into my seat in embarrassment.

“You said you wanted to know, and we’re friends. We have to be honest with one another, right?” he said, laughing, one of his hands gesturing wildly.

“Not that honest. You’re so annoying,” I said, trying not to laugh.

“Des, we were some horny ass teenagers. We used to have sex all the time. Are you embarrassed about it?” he quizzed, narrowing his brow.

“No, it’s just… it feels like I’m getting to know you all over again. We’ve only been friends again for like three minutes. I’m not ready to talk to you about sex yet.”

Derek looked at me like I had three heads. “Des, you used to jerk me off in the movie theatre and now you can’t even talk about—”

“Derek, stop!” I laughed, covering my face at the memory.

He was right, we were insatiable back then. Hormones all over the place, causing me to do a lot of things in places I wouldn’t even do today as a responsible adult. It was, in fact, a little embarrassing to think about now that I was wiser. I didn’t regret any of it, but having him remind me was a lot.

“Oh, you’re really shy about this stuff now,” he chuckled.

“I’ve been celibate for like five years,” I said, feeling a sense of freedom as I laughed, but suddenly stopped when I realized what I said and who I said it to.

Derek nearly dropped his shake. “Des, you serious?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I nodded, biting my lip. “It just felt right for me.”

He looked at me with a mix of surprise and admiration. “Wow. That’s... impressive. I didn’t expect that.”

I took a deep breath and let my guard down a bit. “After we broke up, I was out here doing too much, trying to heal my broken heart with anybody who would give me some attention.” Derek looked a little uncomfortable, but I kept going. “I just wanted the pain to stop, but it didn’t. Eventually, I realized giving myself away to men who weren’t right for me was pointless, so I just decided to have more discipline since sex wasn’t going to fix anything. Turns out you can’t sex away a broken heart.”

Derek shook his head, processing my words, though he didn’t look at me.

“You judging me?” I asked with a smirk.

He looked back at me, his eyes soft. “Not at all, Destiny. I would never judge you,” he said, reaching for my free hand and holding it. “Even though I caused everything to go south between us and broke my own heart in the process, I was hurting too. I tried to fill the space you left in my life in destructive ways. The entertainment industry is perfect for that,” he scoffed. “I drank a lot, trying to numb the pain of hurting you and losing you.”

His honesty was palpable, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a deep connection with him that went beyond our past. The pain, the mistakes, the growth—it all seemed to culminate in this moment.

“I saw that one time…you got a DUI,” I admitted.

Though I tried not to keep up with Derek, it was hard not to hear about everything he did via the rumor mill in this little town.

I could instantly see the regret on his face. “I missed you real bad that night, Des.”

My heart sank as our eyes locked.

“I was on top of the world. Number 1 album, five singles in the top 10 on the Billboard charts, had just signed a multimillion-dollar endorsement, and was having this big ass party to celebrate this milestone birthday. I was surrounded by all these people, but the one person I wanted to be there wasn’t, because I messed everything up.”

I fought to keep my tears in place as he spoke, as we held hands.

“I was definitely on some self-sabotaging shit that night. I thought maybe I didn’t deserve all the success. I wasn’t supposed to have it without you,” he said, still holding my hands but sitting back now. “And the thought of how bad I hurt you was killing me. That night, I didn’t want to feel anymore pain. Didn’t want to hear you crying inside my head anymore. Sexing away a broken heart didn’t work for me either, but drinking it away also didn’t work,” he smirked, and I could feel the disappointment in himself.

I couldn’t stop my tears from falling now as we sat there, holding on to each other, spilling our guts.

“I know you called and called, but I couldn’t talk to you because I would have taken you back…and I couldn’t do that because you’d just keep hurting me. I couldn’t risk it,” I admitted.

“I didn’t deserve you, Des. You did the right thing,” he said, and I could tell it was hard for him to admit that. “I fucked everything up. I deserved that pain, you didn’t. I wish I could have taken it from you.”

I pulled one hand away to grab one of the hard napkins off the table and dry my eyes. This was too much, but a conversation I knew was necessary.

“God damn it, I set us back almost ten years, Des,” Derek said, his own emotions breaking free. “We were supposed to be married by now, with a bunch of spoiled, smart ass kids driving us crazy.”

The visual almost unraveled me. We used to talk all the time about starting a family together, and with Derek signing his deal right out of high school, my young mind assumed we could get started even earlier than we originally planned. But that dream went up in smoke, leaving only ashes of what could have been.

My next words came out like vomit, “Johnathon and I broke up because he wanted to get married.”

It felt like Derek stopped breathing for a second.

“He was so nice, you know? Unlike all the other guys. And with him being from Juniper and saying that he never planned on leaving, it seemed like he was on the same path as me. Not to mention, he was saving himself for marriage, so it was perfect. He felt safe.”

“He treated you right?” Derek asked as calmly as he could through gritted teeth.

“Yeah. I have nothing bad to say about him. Three years, barely an argument. I got to know him without my judgment being clouded by us being physical with one another. But once he started talking marriage…” I started shaking my head. “And I realized that could possibly be the rest of my life.” I looked up at Derek. “I realized that while I loved him, I wasn’t in love with him.”

Derek took it all in, his expression unreadable.

“I realized I never loved him like I loved you,” I admitted.

Derek’s eyes locked onto mine, the intensity between us palpable as we sat in silence for a minute or so.

“Do you still love me, Des?” he asked, his voice tinged with nervous hope.

I looked into those deep brown eyes of his, where our past, present, and future seemed to intertwine. I thought about all we’d been through, everything I wanted to say over the years, all the time lost, and though I wanted to swallow the truth, it came out.

“I still love you, Derek,” I said softly.

We just stared at each other for a while before I pulled my hands away and sat back, wiping my tears with the back of my hand, feeling like a big ass baby.

“We’re still in love with each other, Des. What do we do now?” he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

I ate a fry to distract myself as I avoided his gaze.

“You know I wouldn’t be who I am without you. Remember we came up with my rap name together?” he asked, leaning into the table.

I smiled at the memory of us scribbling different names on a looseleaf piece of paper in his bedroom in 10th grade, eliminating each name till we got to D-Truth, as I pretended to be a Grammy announcer introducing him so we could really hear how it would sound.

“You gave me confidence. Listening to me rap, telling me how to improve,” he continued.

“Miss Bia’s dance class came in handy, huh?” I giggled. “It’s all about stage presence, dahhling,” I said, imitating her voice with an exaggerated flourish making Derek laugh.

“You were rocking the stage long before me. I used to love going to your dance performances.”

“You loved watching me in those little tight costumes,” I teased.

“That too,” he admitted with a laugh.

I ate another fry, realizing this was not supposed to get so real tonight. This was supposed to be a meetup to see if he was serious about all those things he said at the community center, to see if maybe he’d cool down today, but things only heated up as we sat there being honest and open.

“Des, you know we’ve always been each other’s biggest supporters,” he said softly, his eyes locking onto mine. “You were my muse, my inspiration. Everything I did, I did it thinking about you.”

I felt my heart flutter, the sincerity in his words cutting through the layers of doubt and fear. “I never stopped believing in you, Derek. Even when we were apart, I always knew you’d make it big.”

He reached across the table, taking my hand in his again. “And now that we’re here, after everything we’ve been through, I can’t help but think maybe we can find our way back to each other. What do you think, Des?”

I squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of his touch. “I think… maybe… it’s possible,” I whispered, the possibility of a new beginning blossoming between us.

“Good,” Derek said, relieved. “Because I always thought I’d have you with me. Not having you to share all this with, it feels hollow sometimes. I don’t go home to anyone but staff,” Derek confessed.

I cleared my throat, trying not to get swept up in his words.

“Really? But you’ve had your share of high-profile relationships. I tried not to keep up with you, but it’s hard not hearing at least some of your business in this town,” I said with a grin.

He chuckled softly. “Those relationships were mostly for show, crafted by our publicists. They never felt real, you know? Not like what we had. I’ve realized that I can’t find what we had anywhere else. You’re the only one for me, Des.”

I nodded, feeling a pang of nostalgia. “I always wondered if you were happy, though. If you found what you were looking for.”

Derek leaned forward, his gaze intense. “I found success, but happiness, real love? I thought the fame and money would fill the void, but they didn’t. Not entirely. What I’ve been searching for, I had to come back home to get it. It’s you, Des. You’re the missing piece in my life.”

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his words settling between us. It was strange hearing him talk like this, so openly and vulnerably. The Derek I knew had always been confident, almost to the point of arrogance. This new side of him was both astonishing and utterly disarming.

“I guess we both learned a lot over the years,” I said softly. “About what really matters.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, his voice equally soft. “And I’ve realized I want more than just the trappings of success. I want something real, something meaningful. I want you, Destiny. I need you.”

He looked at me, and suddenly it was like the old days when I just knew what he was thinking without him saying it. His eyes held a familiar intensity, a silent communication that spoke volumes.

“It’s like no time has passed,” I murmured, feeling the weight of our shared history pressing in on me.

Derek nodded, his gaze unwavering, a tender smile playing on his lips. “I’m willing to put in the time, Des. I want to show you that I’ve changed, that I’m here for the right reasons. I’m ready to build something new with you, not just pick up where we left off, but create something even more beautiful. Give me the chance, and we can start anew.”

“You’re serious about us,” I said, the realization hitting me like a tidal wave.

The sincerity in his eyes was undeniable, and in that moment, I saw a man who genuinely wanted a real chance, a fresh start. All the walls I had built around my heart began to crumble as I understood that the Derek sitting before me was earnest, committed, and ready to rebuild our future. The grown up versions of Derek and Destiny deserved another chance.

“I’ve never been more serious about anything, Des,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “I put my entire life on hold to come back here, just to see if you’d give us another chance and take me back. Because you are worth everything to me. You always have been.”

I was struck by the profound realization that a man who was desired by so many, who could have anyone in the world, wanted nothing more than little ol’ me. In that moment, I saw not just the man he had become, but the future we could create together. It took my breath away and filled me with a newfound courage.

I started to nervously twiddle my fingers under the table. “Derek, ummm,” I looked up at him as he finished off his burger. “Remember what you said about wondering about the milkshake… about me…how I taste…”

He stopped chewing and slowly put his shake back down, his eyes fixed on mine.

“Do you want to…come to my house…and find out?” I asked sheepishly.

Derek’s eyes widened in surprise as he swallowed his food in a loud gulp, though he probably should have chewed it more.

“When I said I wanted you, that’s not—” he began.

“I know,” I cut him off.

“Sex isn’t my priority. I don’t want you doing anything you’re not comfortable with.”

“It’s been five years, Derek. I want it. With you,” I said, my voice soft but resolute.