Nerd Girl (17 page)

This has been a long day. Once the crowd thins out and people start to leave, Layla, Riven, and Barb come to collect me and we decide to go out for fajitas and margaritas to celebrate. Layla won’t shut up and keeps chattering on about how good I did and that I should listen to her more often. Riven lugs my heavy prize box out of the gym and tosses it into the back of “Dotty.” Just as I go to climb in this beast of a truck, I hear someone yelling my name.

Looking over my shoulder, I see Derrick approaching. He looks unsure. His hands are tucked inside the pockets of his jeans, and his shoulders are hunched over. He’s also sporting a few days’ worth of scruff on his face. The scruff looks good on him and makes him appear rough, instead of his normal pretty boy face.

“Hi.” He says stopping in front of me.

“Hi.” Is my cautious reply. He takes a deep breath and starts talking.

“I just wanted you to know how proud I am of you. I know it took a lot for you to do that today, and you knocked everyone on their ass.”

“Thanks, Derrick. I was surprised to see you here today. I figured you’d be away filming your commercial.”

“I leave in an hour for the airport and will be gone for a week. I just wanted to be here, to show my support.” He must be feeling guilty about something, because he can’t look me in the eyes, and he keeps kicking an imaginary rock with his shoe.

“Well, I hope you have a safe trip and a good shoot. Thanks again for being here today, I appreciate the support.” I pat him on the shoulder and turn to climb into the truck. Derrick wraps his arms around me from behind and pulls me into his chest. My back is flush to the front of his body, and he whispers in my ear.

“One week, Amy. I’ll be gone for one week. When I get back, you and I are going to have a serious conversation.” I feel him squeeze something into my hand and then he’s gone. I’m still taken aback by him grabbing me. He’s shaken me up with his declaration. Snapping out of my surprise, I open my hand to find my bracelet and all my beads sitting in the palm of my hand. Taking a deep breath, I look up to watch Derrick walk away. He must have had to hunt all five of them down. I wasn’t careful where I threw them that day. They must have taken him a long time to find. I look down once again and notice a sixth bead, a new bead. It’s a tranquil pink sitting between the gray and red beads. I need to remember to find out what that color means. I can’t wear the bracelet right now. It brings up too many feelings that I can’t deal with at the moment. I shove it in my pocket and climb in the truck so we can go get something to eat.

“You ok, Miss Kitty?” Riven asks.

“I’m fine, Riv. Derrick just wanted to congratulate me for doing such a good job today.”

“Right, I’m sure that was all he wanted. Don’t forget, I live with the guy. I’ve known him more than ten years. He can be an egotistical douche occasionally, but underneath all the arrogance is a good guy.”

“I know Riven.”

“You going to finally give him a chance? Hear him out?”

“I don’t know. He’ll be gone a week right? I’ve got time to decide.” Riven nods his head at my answer and pulls the seat back for me to climb in the back. I won’t think about it now. Tonight, I’m celebrating for me. Today I did something out of my comfort zone and did it well without any catastrophes. That in and of itself is a victory for me. There’s a margarita out there with my name on it. I’ll think about these other things tomorrow.

***Derrick***

Today is the last day of the Fitnexx commercial shoot. It’s been a long week. Up at the crack of dawn for make-up and costuming and then twelve hours in front of the camera, repeating the same phrases over and over and over again. Amy is the light at the end of this very long tunnel. The sooner I can get all this done and done right, the sooner I can hop a plane back home to be with her. If she’ll have me, that is. I continued to send her text messages, only two this week. I wanted her to know I’ve been thinking about her. She doesn’t respond, but I know she’s reading them, so that gives me a little hope.

The day of the competition, I couldn’t keep myself away from the gym. I know she wasn’t expecting to see me there from the shocked looked on her face. If only in secret, I wanted to be there for her. Amy is a very self-conscious person and for her to even agree to compete in that competition is a milestone for her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so confident or sexy. My pride in her knows no bounds. She was also the crowd favorite. Why wouldn’t she be? She’s my favorite. My stomach about dropped out when she spotted me in the crowd. I meant just to watch and leave, but those gray eyes, eyes that belong to the girl I adore, kept me from leaving.

When I saw her leaving with our friends, I had to congratulate her and declare my intentions toward her upon my return. She seemed indifferent at first, and I had a hard time looking her in the eyes. I know I didn’t do anything to feel guilty about, but I could have gone about a lot of things differently. We said our pleasantries and as she was going to leave I had to make my move. The raspberry scent of her hair and the feel of her body in my arms again made me never want to let go. It took all my will power not to flip her around and kiss her until she forgave me. I simply placed her bracelet in her hand and affirmed my objective of coming back to her.

I’m determined to do what it takes to get her back. Even if I have to crawl on the floor, walk through fire or slay a freaking dragon. I will make those walls she’s built around her heart crumble and win her back. I dare anyone to try and stop me. I know Riven is pulling for me to get my shit together and get my girl back, but Mitzi has her own agenda. She always has. I see her cozying up to Brett Hansen a lot. If she’s trying to make me jealous or get a rise out of me, she’s barking up the wrong tree. My girl is waiting back in New Jersey. I’ve come to the conclusion that Mitzi and I can’t work together anymore. She’s been the cause of too much pain for Amy, and the friction between us makes our working relationship difficult. It’s too bad really, she’s a great agent, just a selfish person. I’m determined this is our final trip together. If I have any chance of getting Amy back, Mitzi can’t be in the picture. I’d do anything for Amy.

As soon as filming is wrapped, I grab a cab back to my hotel, pick up my already packed suitcase and head off to the airport. There was supposed to be a wrap party at some club tonight, but I can’t wait to get home. They’ll be pissed when I don’t show up but whatever. I catch the red eye and land back home around 1:00 am. As I exit the boarding tunnel and turn my phone back on, I notice I have at least 25 text messages and ten voicemails from a very livid Mitzi. I can’t even be bothered to listen to any of them, let alone spend the time reading them. I pocket my phone and head out to short term parking to pick up my car.

I speed down the parkway and pull in the driveway around 2:15 am. I know it’s too early to call Amy, so I just plop down on the couch and watch whatever’s on the TV. The house is quiet. I didn’t notice Riven’s Jeep in the driveway, so I assume he’s at Layla’s. I sit mindlessly in the dark, watching late night television until the first rays of sunlight break through. It’s still way too early to go to Amy, so I grab my duffle bag and head out to the gym. I enter through the employee entrance and spend the next two hours trying to keep my mind off of my girl and doing some much needed physical training.

“Hey, when did you get back?” Cara asks while interrupting my second set of reps. She’s wearing a white T-shirt, with a picture of some TV nerd on it that says “I’m not crazy. My mother had me tested.” Huh, that’s new.

“Oh, late last night,” I answer, adding, “nice shirt,” and continue with my routine. Looking down at her shirt, she smiles.

“Yep, Sheldon is my new crush! Layla and Amy have me hooked on this show now, how was the commercial filming?” I guess we’re making small talk.

“It was monotonous and filled with long days.”

“Yeah, well, that’s how those things are done. Repeat, repeat, repeat until the perfect take is caught on film. What brings you in here so early?”

“I needed to work off a little steam and keep my mind focused before I go see Amy later.” Cara looks surprised by my answer and places her hand on the barbell so I can’t raise it again.

“You plan on seeing Amy? I don’t think that’s a good idea, Derrick. She’s just starting to bounce back from you. She’s looked like a zombie for the last month.” I’m glad Cara cares about Amy’s wellbeing, but our relationship is none of her business. I sit up on the bench, grabbing my towel to wipe off the sweat.

“Look, Cara, it’s been a rough month for me as well. Because of a stupid misunderstanding, I lost the only girl I ever gave a shit about. I’ll be damned if I lose any more time with her.” I throw the towel in the dirty laundry container, continuing my speech. “I’m grateful that you care about her and have her best interests at heart, but back off. I love her, and I’m getting her back.” I think I just shocked the hell out of her. Cara’s eyes are saucer sized and her mouth just fell open.

“You love her? Like, love her, love her or you just love the idea of her?” I roll my eyes. What more do I have to do to make these people believe I’m in love with Amy Jenkins?

“Cara, don’t be stupid. I’m in love with her. I need her like I need air to breathe; I can’t stand being without her and it kills me that she was hurt so badly.”

“Wow, I never thought I’d hear you say those words. If you’re serious, then I wish you all the luck in the world winning her back. I think you’re going to need it.” Cara gives me a quick hug and turns to leave.

“Oh, one more thing. Make sure you congratulate her on her new job.” She says turning back around.

“What job?” Did she get a promotion at the bookstore or something? I wonder.

“I hired her as my office manager. She has her degree now, so I thought I’d offer her the job. You know I hate office work and would rather be in the classroom teaching.” Cara is obviously happy with this new arrangement, the smile on her face tells me that.

“That’s great, Cara, I’ll be sure to do that.” Good for Amy, she deserves the chance to use her degree, and I know she’ll be fantastic at the job. Cara spins on her heel and leaves me to my own thoughts. I look up and catch the time on the clock and decide I’ve done enough wasting time. I snag my water bottle off the floor and head into the locker room to get cleaned up. I take the world’s quickest shower and laugh to myself when I think of the shower incident at my house with Amy and the thousand legger. That also reminds me I still need to repair that towel rack. It’s funny that ridiculous things always seem to happen when Amy is around, but I wouldn’t have her any other way.

Chapter #17

Nerd Girl Problem #117

Oh, you’re going to get me you wicked bitch? Well, looks like my dog got you first.

I
need to think, decide where to go from here. Now that I have my degree, and Cara has asked me to manage the gym for her, I at least have a career mapped out. My love life is a whole other long, dramatic story. I was right when I said book boyfriends were safer than the real thing. Safer, being the operative word. No worries about getting a broken heart, no worries about not feeling good enough, and certainly no worries about evil bitches out to sabotage my relationship. Who needs that shit? What I do need, is someone to love me unconditionally, faults and all, treat me like an equal, and put my feelings ahead of their own for a change.
Good luck
with that one, Amy.
The only men in my life I can truly depend on are Pops and Clyde. I’ve already cried my eyes out on Pops’ shoulder and rehashed everything for Clyde. He’s a super good listener and always has my back.

It’s a beautiful spring afternoon, so I decide to get outside for a bit today. Grabbing Clyde’s leash, I go in search of my furry friend.

“Clyde. Come on boy let’s get out of here and go for a walk.” Of course, the stubborn dog won’t come when called, so I have to track his furry butt down. Aha, just where I thought he’d be; in his blanket nest otherwise known as my bed. Popping up and tilting his head, he gives me a
“what do you want”
look. “Come on, lazy bones, it’s a beautiful day out and we need some sunshine.” Clipping the leash on to his collar, I turn to walk out of the room. The stubborn dog won’t budge. All he does is grunt at me when I try to pull him off the bed. “Please, Clyde, I know you feel neglected this week and I’m sorry for that.” Clyde is an extremely sensitive dog and I have been preoccupied this week. My mind has been full of what if’s for when Derrick comes home. I guess he was waiting for my apology. No sooner do the words leave my mouth, he’s up off the bed, both front paws on my chest, licking my face. “Thank you, boy, I love you, too.” Scratching behind his ears and letting him lick his fill, we’re best pals again. Urging him to get down, I ask again. “Want to go for a walk?” His answer is a single ‘woof’, and then he’s dragging me to the front door. “Hold on boy, you’re going to pull my arm out of its socket.”

Opening the door and trotting outside into the sunshine we walk up and down our street. Listening to the birds chirping, saying hello to the neighbors and being at peace. The smell of freshly mowed grass and the smokey scent of grills barbequing tells me summer is on its way. Since we’ve been walking for a while, I’m concerned about Clyde’s panting. Thinking he might be thirsty, I turn around and head back up the street. It’s then that I notice the black Challenger parked in my driveway and Derrick sitting on the hood staring at his lap. I stop in my tracks. Clyde, see’s him as well, and gives a small, low growl. What the hell is he doing here? He’s supposed to be away filming his commercial. I know he said he wanted to talk when he got back, but I wasn’t expecting him for a few more days. I’m not ready yet. Glancing up, he sees me and hops off the car jogging over to where we are. My feet feel like they’re cemented to the sidewalk.

“I was… I was hoping I’d find you home,” he stutters. Clyde doesn’t like Derrick being here. He knows Derrick is the reason for my tears lately. He strategically places himself between us, growling a warning for Derrick to keep his distance. Derrick’s concerned eyes bounce between me and Clyde. Ha, I’ve got nothing to worry about buddy, you, on the other hand, different story. “Can we talk? I miss you, Amy. I need to explain some things to you and apologize.”

“I think we’ve said all that needs to be said, Derrick.” I want to hear him out, but there’s no way I’m making it easy on him.

“No, please, I need to make things right with you.” His eyes are full of hope and determination.

“There’s nothing to explain, I figured everything out when Mitzi answered your front door in her underwear.” Starting to sniffle I continue, “what I don’t understand, is why? Why would you put all that time in, making me love you, making me feel significant to you if you were simply going to go back to being a man whore?” I’m still not entirely sure that’s what happened, but the whole scene was very incriminating. Clyde notices me getting more upset and loudly howls at Derrick.

“Amy, nothing happened with Mitzi that night.” Derrick seems very wary of Clyde at the moment. Keeping is voice soft and doing his best not to rile him up any further. “After your accident at the party, I went home and tried to call you, you didn’t answer, so I started doing shots with Riven and got drunk off my ass. I don’t even remember letting Mitzi in the house. I later passed out on the bathroom floor. That’s where I woke up when I heard you knocking.” He seems to be sincere with what he’s telling me. But I still have lots of questions. I guess I’m going to hear him out and decide where to go from there.

“Why was she in your house and why was she in her underwear? I’m not an idiot Derrick, although I know you think I am,” I say, cocking out my hip and crossing my arms. Clyde is still sitting between us glaring at Derrick. “Oh, and by the way I didn’t spill my drink on my dress that was all thanks to good old Mitzi.” He nods his head, finally understanding the fault lies with Mitzi.

“I don’t think you’re an idiot, I never have. Even though ridiculous things seem to happen when you’re around, I’ve never once thought that about you,” he pleads. “Amy, I don’t know what time she showed up that night, but I know I didn’t touch her, let alone fuck her.” His eyes are drilling into my own, imploring me to believe him.

“I want to believe you; you fucked up big time, you know that? I’m not sure if you’re worth the trouble or heartache that comes with being your girlfriend.” He looks tired and has bags under his eyes, I guess he hasn’t been sleeping well either. “If you weren’t going to take our relationship seriously, why did you pursue me? You knew I wasn’t that kind of girl.”

“Amy, I’m standing right here, begging you for another chance. I don’t want to live without you in my life; I can’t breathe without you next to me.” I can’t believe my ears and I can’t believe my eyes, is that a tear running down his cheek? Taking the three steps that separate us, Derrick grasps my shoulders in his hands, staring into my eyes.

“I lo-” his words are cut off by the screeching of tires as a bright red convertible comes speeding up to where we’re standing. Both of us look to see what the commotion is as Mitzi jams on her brakes, leaving tire tracks on my street and angrily hops out of the car.

“This is not happening! No way, there is no way I’m letting you walk out on me for this, this little twerp,” Mitzi says as her hand flaps up and down indicating me. Mitzi’s abrupt and rather violent arrival sends Clyde into full protection mode. He’s howling at her and lunging to the end of his leash, trying to get at her.

“Mitzi,” Derrick shouts over the barking dog.

“Derrick!” Mitzi shrieks.

“Clyde!” I yell, trying to calm him down and pulling him further away from this fight.

“Holy shit, well now that we’ve had Mousketeer roll call, can you please tell me why I tracked you across town, only to find you here with Little Miss Nerd Girl?” I guess Mitzi has been using her super sleuth stalker skills again. “I was under the impression this little joke was over. I mean, come on Derrick, look at her.” Derrick rolls his eyes at Mitzi’s words, but he looks at me. “Is that what you want? You can do so much better than her.” She says jerking her thumb in my direction. I’ve had enough of her bull shit; it’s time for me to tell her off once and for all.

“By better, I assume you mean yourself? I have bad news for you, you’re a cold hearted bitch. I have a feeling Derrick would rather cuddle up to a nerd girl at night than risk frostbite from an ice queen.”

“Mitzi, I’m trying to patch things up with Amy. I’m in love with her and you need to let go of whatever you think is or was between us. It was fucking, nothing more and it was a long time ago.” Wait a second did he just say that? I’m dreaming, I have to be dreaming. I guess Mitzi’s a sore loser. She ignores Derricks last statement and braves the wrath of Clyde to get in my face.

“You are nothing compared to me, you’re pathetic, I’ll always be beautiful and you’ll always be mediocre; plain and geeky.” She pokes me in the chest punctuating each word. “He deserves so much better than you,” she snarls at me, her venom dripping from every nasty word.

“Nothing, huh? Well, I think he just chose all the “pathetic” qualities I possess, over anything you’ve got to offer. I’m the real deal, Mitzi, I make him happy, and we’re better people when we’re together. What can you offer him?” I argue with her, going head to head.

“I promote his carreer and I don’t embarrass him.” Derrick looks like he’s about to jump in and say something, but I put a hand on his arm stopping him. I don’t need his help, this face off, between me and Mitzi, has been a long time coming.

“Do you love him? I mean, really love Derrick, the man, not Derrick, the sex symbol, model, or meal ticket that you’ve been using him for?” Mitzi looks confused and unsure how to answer. “Not a hard question, Mitzi, I can answer it without hesitation, I love him!” That sparks a fire in her eyes, and she attacks again.

“Whatever, I refuse to lose to some bookish geek. Anyone else would be better than you!”

“The thing is, Derrick wants me and theres nothing you can do about that. So go ahead, throw your tantrum, shreik to high heaven and damn me straight to hell.” Roaring in frustration she slaps me across the face. My cheek is stinging from the impact of her hand. Snapping myself back to attention, I lunge and push her off the curb. She loses her balance, her body flailing backwards in her super high heeled shoes and falls on her ass.

“How dare you put your hands on me! You’re nothing!” Continuing to insult me from where she landed on the ground, I lean down to quiet Clyde. He’s almost as worked up as Mitzi is. Petting his head and shushing him he settles. Derrick is hanging in the background with his hand covering his lips, trying to hide his smile. I guess some of this would be funny from his point of view.

“You’ll pay for that, you little bitch. I’ll sue you for assault.” Does this bitch ever shut up? “I hope he cheats on you and leaves you out in the cold.” That’s it! Time to bring out the bigs guns, because I’ve had enough of her bullshit! I shoot Derrick a quick devious smile and use the one and only command my dog understands.

“Right Turn Clyde.” Perking up his ears, wagging that happy tail, Clyde trots to the end of his leash close to Mitzi and lifts his leg. Enjoy your golden shower Mitzi, you nasty cunt! She starts squeeling in disgust and trying to wipe off the dog pee running down her legs. I’m sure those designer shoes are ruined now. Derrick loses the battle to hold in his laughter and bursts out in mirth. “I’m so sorry Mitzi, but Clyde has no manners.” I’m so full of shit, but she doesn’t know anything about my dog. She stands up and dusts off her rear end, eyes sparking fire. She’s really pissed off right now. Ironically she’s been pissed on as well.

“I’m gonna get you for this, you little geek, and your ugly dog, too,” she snarls at me with a scowl on her face. She almost reminds me of the wicked witch. All that’s missing is an evil cackle. Derrick comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. He kisses my cheek and yells to Mitzi as she gets ready to leave.

“Hey, Mitz? I just wanted to let you know, you’re fired!” I look over my shoulder at his face and he smiles back at me.

“Whatever, Derrick, you’re a fool. We’ll see about this.” Is her nasty reply as she gets in her car and peels out, leaving us in a cloud of dust. I unhook his arms from my waist and turn around to look at him.

“Were you serious? You just fired her?” I know I heard him say the words, but I can’t believe my ears.

“I did and I’m very serious. I can’t have her in my life, always trying to drive a wedge between us. I’m in love with you, Amy. I want you back.” He grasps both my hands in his and pulls me in for a hug. It feels so good to be in his arms again. I hold him tight and start to sniffle.

“I’m in love with you, too, Derrick. I have been from the very beginning. I’m sorry I believed the worst of you. If you promise always to be honest with me, I promise never to doubt you again.” With his fore finger, he tips my chin up to look him in the eyes. He leans down, placing a sweet kiss on my lips.

“I promise, baby. You’ll never have a reason to doubt me again. We belong to each other.” He kisses me again, only this time his kiss is filled with devotion, promises, and all the love in his heart. We’ll get past this hurdle and everything will work out fine.

*****

Needing some alone time, Derrick and I went back to his townhouse. I dropped Clyde off at home and treated him to a handful of Milkbones first. The damn dog deserves a steak for being my furry hero. I’ll be sure to reward him later. I kissed Pops on the cheek and told him to tell GG not to expect me for dinner. His response was a crooked grin. Derrick held my hand the entire way to his house and as soon as we were behind closed doors he had me pressed up against the nearest wall. His lips are devouring my own. His tongue is invading my mouth, dueling with mine. He’s hungry for me, that’s for sure.

“I’m sorry Amy, I’ve just missed you so much. I can’t seem to kiss you enough, touch you enough. I think I’m hopelessly addicted to you.” He whispers each of these sentences between kisses and soft bites to my neck. His words are causing my panties to get wet with my arousal and my core to clench with need. He’s right, it has been to long. I need him now.

“God, Derrick, shut up and fuck me already.” Ha, my need for him brings out my inner slut. Who would have thought? Derrick stops kissing my neck long enough to pull back and look at my face.

“Did you just say that?” His smile is a mile wide, and his eyes have a mischievious sparkle in them. “Say it again, because that was hot.” Reaching my arms up and around his neck I pull him down into my kiss.