Page 128 of Something Tattered
"Cheer up," Derek said. "Maybe the guy got lost." He lowered his voice as if sharing a secret. "Just between you and me, he didn't seem too bright."
I stared at him.What a condescending prick.
At something in my face, Derek took a small step backward. "Oh, c'mon, chill. I was just kidding."
"No, you weren't." I crossed my arms. "That's what everyone says when they're caught being an asshole."
Now,hewas staring. "What'd you say?"
"You heard me."
"Yeah. I did." He frowned. "And that's a new word for you."
It was true. I hardly ever used language like that. And even when I did, I was usually alone. But what had all of that politeness gotten me? Nothing.
I gave a weary sigh. "Is there a reason you stopped by?"
"Yes. As a matter of fact, there is. I wanted to remind you of next month's meeting."
He didn't need to remind me. He meant, of course, the final meeting to select recipients of this year's art endowment.
This meant that in three weeks or so, I'd be spending the whole day meeting with the finalists in the boardroom while a parade of strangers traipsed through the house and ogled my parents' things.
In my current mood, I wanted no part of it.
Unfortunately, skipping wasn't really an option – since the meeting was taking place literally where I lived.
"I don't need a reminder," I told him. "And even if I did, why would you remind me now? That's weeks away."
"I'll get to that later," he said. "But youareplanning to be there, right?"
"Of course."
He gave my clothes a quick glance. "And you're gonna be presentable?"
Oh, for God's sake."No," I snapped. "I'm wearing this." I made a show of looking confused. "Don't tell me that's a problem?"
"Very funny."
Was it? I didn't think so, but then again, my funny bone had taken a serious beating since Joel's abrupt departure.
I told Derek, "Next time, just call, okay? Or text. I don't need a personal visit for these little reminders."
"It's not little," he said. "It's important that you be there, because I can't."
"What? You're skipping it?"
If only that were an option for me.
"Yeah," he said. "My dad's got me doing some research on the other side of the state, so you'll be pulling double duty."
I wasn't the least bit concerned. When it came to the actual decision-making process, I had nearly nothing to do with it. Mostly, my role consisted of being introduced as my dad's daughter and saying something nice to whoever came in.
Even in my current state-of-mind, I could pull that off with my eyes closed. In fact, I was kind of wishing my eyes were closed now.
I gave Derek an annoyed look. "Alright, fine. You told me. Is there anything else?"
His gaze narrowed. "Hey, if you want me to go, I'll go."
