Chapter 7: Strawberry Secrets

At the mall, Derek looked sour, like someone owed him money.

He slouched against the railing, scowling at every happy couple that passed by. I nudged him in the ribs, refusing to let his mood ruin mine.

I nudged him. “Relax, I just want your help picking a gift. I’m not making you pay.”

I stuck out my tongue at him, tossing a pack of gum into his hand.

I’d always been reluctant to spend the money Caleb gave me, so I’d saved it up.

My wallet was thin, but I counted every dollar twice, determined to make it stretch for something meaningful.

Thinking this would probably be the last birthday I’d spend with him, I had to pick out something really nice.

I wandered through the aisles, touching shirts and watches, imagining Caleb’s smile. I wanted him to remember this birthday, even after I was gone.

Derek turned away, his tone odd.

He picked up a blue sweater, then set it back down, avoiding my eyes.

“Your boyfriend isn’t my boyfriend. How would I know what he likes?”

His voice was gruff, but there was a hint of jealousy underneath.

“You’re both men, aren’t you? You probably like the same stuff.”

I grinned, nudging him playfully. “Come on, help me out here.”

“I’m nothing like him. Besides, my birthday’s in a couple days too. How come you’re not this thoughtful for me?”

He pouted, crossing his arms like a kid denied dessert.

I leaned in, surprised.

I reached for my phone, pretending to check my calendar. “Your birthday’s coming up too? Pick something for yourself, and I’ll pay.”

After thinking, I added, “Just don’t pick anything too expensive, okay?”

I wagged a finger at him, laughing. “My credit card’s already sweating.”

Otherwise, I was worried I wouldn’t have enough left on my card.

I mentally calculated what I had left, determined not to disappoint either of them.

Only then did Derek’s expression lighten.

He cracked a smile, the first real one all day. “Deal.”

After picking out the gifts, Derek said he wanted ice cream.

He pointed at the Cold Stone stand, eyes brightening like a little kid.

I looked at him, unimpressed. “Why are you acting like a little kid?”

He grinned, already halfway to the counter. “Hey, shopping’s hard work.”

“Who says men can’t eat ice cream? I’m your boss now. Can’t I at least get an ice cream out of you?”

He flashed his company badge, smirking. I rolled my eyes but smiled.

Thinking about how he’d paid my medical bills without a second thought lately, I sighed. “I owe you.”

My voice was soft, gratitude slipping through.

I bought two flavors—vanilla and strawberry.

The cold hit my tongue, sweet and sharp. I watched people stream past, feeling almost normal for a moment.

But Derek insisted on having my strawberry one.

He leaned over, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let me try yours.”

“I already took a bite of this.”

I raised an eyebrow, holding it out of reach.

“I don’t mind.”

He shrugged, like it was no big deal. I rolled my eyes, handing it over.

Derek lowered his head and took a bite from the ice cream in my hand.

His lips brushed my fingers. I felt my cheeks flush, but pretended not to notice.

I frowned and shoved both ice creams at him.

“Eat them, you big baby.”

I tried to sound annoyed, but there was laughter in my voice. He grinned, licking both cones triumphantly.

When I looked up, I met a pair of familiar eyes.

It was Caleb.

He stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a shopping bag in one hand. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were fixed on me—and Derek.

Kids shrieked at the Build-A-Bear store, and the smell of cinnamon pretzels made my stomach grumble. I froze, strawberry ice cream dripping onto my shoe. Caleb’s stare was cold enough to make the whole mall feel like January.