Nerd Girl by Jemma Bell

some interesting news to share.”
    “Yeah, what’s that?” Huh, I guess Riven didn’t tell him about his upcoming date with Layla. That’s odd. I thought guys shared that kind of stuff with each other.
    “Riven called Layla to ask her out; they have a date for this Wednesday. He didn’t tell you?”
    “No, he didn’t say anything to me about it. Riv can be close-mouthed about certain things. He’s a good-time guy but keeps things close to his heart private. I guess she made an impression on him the other night.” Way to go, Layla. Riven struck me as a lovable jokester; I guess maybe there’s more to him than meets the eye.
    “So am I going to see you today?” I ask. I’d like to see him again.
    “Listen, I have something I need to tell you.” Uh oh, I knew this was too good to be true. What could have possibly happened between last night and now? “I’d love to see you today, but Mitzi booked me a shoot for a new dietary supplement designed by a company called, Fitnexx. It’s in Boston. We leave this evening. Can I take you for lunch? I will be away until Friday night and I want a goodbye kiss from my girl.”
    It completely sucks that he’s going to be gone all week Power Trip Barbie. This has got to be some play to get Derrick back in her bed. Do I bow out gracefully or keep my fingers crossed that Derrick isn’t just playing a game with me? What does he see in me? I’m no beauty queen; I’m just plain, geeky, clumsy me. Mitzi, well, she at least looks like she belongs to someone who looks like Derrick.
    “Sure, yeah, take me to lunch. This way I can say goodbye to you too.” My comment has a deeper meaning. It was fun and a dream come true while it lasted. I guess I should return the bracelet to him. Derrick says he’ll come and get me in about an hour and we’ll go for sushi at, yep, you guessed it, Benihana. How ironic. That reminds me, I still need to try out those balls Layla gave me. Another time perhaps.
    Derrick shows up an hour later and knocks on the door. I hear Clyde howling and Pops trying to move the over-excited pooch out of the way. Clyde loves being the welcoming committee. I change out of my green hoodie and throw on a peasant top to go with my black jeans and red chucks. Pushing my glasses further up my nose, I go to rescue Derrick from my family. He’s standing in the entryway, shaking hands with Pops and scratching Clyde behind the ears. Hmm, he seems to have won Clyde over in a short time and it looks like he’s doing pretty well with Pops. Too bad he won’t be coming around anymore.
    “Nice to meet you, sir, I’m Derrick Walker, Amy’s boyfriend.” Boyfriend? Really? Now I’m confused.
    “Well, good to meet you, Derrick. Amy has told us a little about you and what you do for a living. Interesting work.” Pops isn’t impressed by the modeling career and that’s plain to see.
    “Yes, sir I have a degree in fitness training; that’s my everyday job. Modeling is just extra income to help out my mom and sister back home.” Derrick explains.
    “That’s very noble of you, son; helping out family. Well then, oh, here she is…” Derrick blinks from Pops over to where I’m standing and the smile on his face is simply gorgeous. I’m still in shock he introduced himself as my boyfriend. “I’m sure my wife would love to meet you, but she’s running errands at the moment. I’ll leave you two young ones to your plans. Nice meeting you, Derrick.”
    “Likewise Mr. Jenkins.”
    “Please, call me, Ben,” Derrick answers with a head nod and now I’ve got his full attention. He quickly closes the short distance between us, takes me in his arms and plants a toe curling kiss on my lips.
    “Hey, baby, I missed you,” he informs me with soft pecks on my nose, cheeks and eyelids and then dives back in for another passionate kiss. It’s only been a few hours since we last saw each other, but it feels like weeks. The thought of him being away most of the week is going