It was the song that Derek, and I first danced to in middle school. Morgan could say what she wanted about him, but I knew that he was a safe choice. We shared something that I'd never have with anyone else. History. A history built on friendship, and a strong foundation. After twelve years, I knew that we were at least compatible. We had the same goals, and I knew that we could live an easy life together.
I wasn't naive. I knew that Derek and I would never have that all consuming, passionate love that I've read about in novels. But I also knew that he was it for me, so I made the best of it. I thought about what our kids would look like, and where we'd live. Our first real house together, and how we'd make it a home. There were so many firsts that I'd experienced with him, and I knew that there were more to come. I looked down at the ring on my finger, and wiggled it under the light. Derek was the first and only man that I've been with, and I was the same for him. We were firsts, and now we'd be lasts.
Sometimes wishing things were one way, when they were actually another was the only way to get through the day. I imagined going home to him, and he'd be happy to see me. That he'd welcome me with a kiss, and tell me that he loved me. Wishful thinking, but it made me smile any way.
When my Uber pulled up a few minutes later, I tucked my phone back into my purse and climbed into the backseat. After giving the driver my address, I laid my head back against the headrest and stared out the window. The stars were bright tonight, and the sky was littered with them. I was going to miss them when I moved to New York. Stars never seem to shine as bright near the city lights.
I thought about texting Derek to let him know that I was on my way, but then I thought I'd surprise him instead. The Uber driver was quiet, and I was grateful. Most of the time I wound up with a talker, and while small talk was part of every day life I often had nothing to say. My life was pretty boring compared to most people my age, and I always felt like I was an old soul. Even the music that I listened to was well before my time.
My favorite artist was Bonnie Raitt, and I even had all of her albums on record. I have my dad to blame for that though. He bought me a vintage record player for my tenth birthday, and I've never looked back. The clicks, and pops, and white noise made the music come alive for me. I became obsessed with vinyl then, and last time I checked I had over three hundred albums in total. It was something that Morgan, and Derek often teased me for but I never let it bother me.
When we finally pulled into my apartment complex it was a little after nine. Still early enough that Derek would be awake, but late enough that he'd be laying in bed by now. Probably laying with his back against the wall watching something on Netflix. Not that he'd be paying attention. He just needed the background noise to concentrate while he read.
I paid my driver, and slowly made my way up the stairs until I reached the second floor of the building. I dug my keys from my purse then, and as quietly as I could I slipped into my apartment. I set my purse, and keys down on the kitchen counter, before stepping out of my shoes. Suddenly a very naughty idea popped into my head. My bra was still in my bag, so I pulled my shirt over my head and left it on the back of the couch. I slid out of the leather leggings, and my panties next tossing them in the same direction.
I was feeling mischievous, and I knew that the only thing prying Derek away from his book tonight would be me. The bedroom door was shut, and I tried to keep myself from giggling as I opened it, and posed in the door frame.
“Honey, I'm home!” I said in a sexy, sing song voice.
When I saw the sheets move, and heard the shrill squeal of a feminine voice I thought that I was dreaming. I stood there. Stock still, in the buff, watching as a blonde sprang from my bed and scooped her clothing up from the floor in handfuls. I was frozen, as Derek pulled on his boxer shorts and rushed towards me. I could see his lips moving, and the fear in his eyes, but I couldn't hear a word he was saying.
I felt the woman brush past me, and faintly heard the familiar slam of my apartment door. Derek's hands were on my shoulders, and he was shaking me. Trying to make me look at him. I was in some kind of trance. I couldn't move. I had spent the last hour thinking about him, and our life together, and now it was over. All of it. New York, the house, kids, our entire future was just... gone.
“Dammit Ronnie, look at me!” He yelled in desperation. “Please.”
I blinked rapidly, before doing as he asked.
“Why?” I asked softly, as a tear slid down my face.
He reached up to wipe it away, and I took a step
