Page 21 of Sin Wagon
“I’m done! It’s all yours!” I call to Derek as I close the door.
I wiggle into a dress that accommodates my bump and roll a pair of socks on my swollen feet. Not wanting to put my boots on yet, I sit on the bed against the headboard and read as I wait for Derek to finish up.
The room fills with a soft glow as the afternoon sun filters through the curtains, casting warm patterns on the plush carpet. Derek steps into my room, freshly showered and dressed in a crisp shirt that accentuates his shoulders. His eyes light up as they meet mine, a silent exchange of anticipation for the dinner ahead.
I set my book down as I take him in. "You look handsome."
He chuckles. "You always know how to make a guy feel good."
I pat the space next to me, gesturing for him to join me. "Come sit for a moment. Tonight is going to be a shit show."
He obliges, settling beside me. His presence is comforting, grounding me amidst the flurry of emotions I have about this dinner.
"How are you feeling about tonight?" he asks, his voice laced with curiosity.
I lean back against the headboard, considering his question. "Honestly? A bit nervous," I admit, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Claudia's plans always seem to involve a touch of chaos."
Derek nods knowingly. "But you always manage to gracefully maneuver hurricane Claudia."
I laugh. "Or stumble through, depending on the day. We should probably get a move on," I suggest reluctantly, knowing that the evening awaits.
Derek nods in agreement, rising from the bed and holding his hand out. "My lady and Boba," he offers, a playful glint in his eyes.
I take it and he pulls me from the bed.
"You look incredible," he tells me, holding my hand and leading me to the door of our suite.
A blush rises to my cheeks. "Thank you. I feel like a whale," I reply softly.
The anticipation mounts as we make our way downstairs, the hum of conversation and laughter greets us as we enter the lobby.
Claudia's meticulously planned event is happening on the beach. We pass the hotel’s ballroom as we head that way; another celebration happening inside. We navigate the crowd hand in hand, exchanging pleasantries with people as we pass.
Derek's hand rests protectively on my lower back, a silent reassurance amidst the chatter and activity.
“I don’t feel well all of a sudden,” I whisper.
Not missing a beat, Derek heads in the direction of a family bathroom and opens the door letting me in. The minute the door clicks behind me, I’m hiking my dress up and dropping to my knees in front of the toilet.
Derek grabs my hair and holds it away from my face as I empty the contents of my stomach.
“You okay, babe?” He rubs my back.
“Yeah. I think it’s the asparagus and nerves,” I admit, wiping my mouth with my hand.
“Don’t be nervous. You don’t owe these people anything. As soon as this is over, we fly back home and start our lives as Mommy and Uncle Derek.”
“I know. I just don’t like that I’m going in blind. It feels off. I don’t trust Claudia.”
“I got you, Delilah. It’s gonna be fine,” he reassures me.
Standing up, I move to the sink and wash my hands before taking a drink of water from the faucet. Derek, ever the prepared, pulls a mint from his pocket.
“Thank you.” I smile, shoving it in my mouth. “Let’s go. We’re late now and that’s gonna piss her off.”
Derek pulls me close, his arm draped protectively around my waist.
"Just a couple days. Then we’re out of here," he whispers against my hair, his voice soothing.
