Nerd Girl by Jemma Bell Page A

to feel like years. “You ready to go?” I nod, grab my purse, kiss Pops goodbye and give Clyde a quick pat on the head.
    We drive the short distance to the restaurant talking about Layla and Riven going on a date, his morning training session and my pole dancing class. I agree to continue going because Derrick says its great exercise and fun. I agree. It was fun, and I felt great doing it. I just need to focus on being less clumsy.
    We save the talk about his impending trip for after we’ve been seated. I’m nervous about this talk. I know Mitzi will most likely be going with him. She apparently is a poor loser and feels she has some claim on Derrick. I wonder if this trip is about a job or a play to win back Derricks attention. Derrick starts the conversation by telling me some details about this new dietary supplement and that if the promos go as expected he could be their new spokesperson. It’s a fabulous job for him and the paycheck would enable Derrick to do anything he wants. Even quit modeling and leaving the romance circuit. No more grabby hands and feeling like a piece of meat.
    I’m excited about this opportunity for him. It seems like something he’s proud of and he believes in helping people become more physically fit and healthy. I guess I’ve survived this long without Derrick in my life, I’m sure I can last until he comes back on Friday.
    “Why do you look so nervous when I say I’ll be gone until Friday?”
    “What? Oh, no reason.” Lie! “Um, is Mitzi going on this trip, too?” I already know the answer from the look on his face, but I need the confirmation from him.
    “Mitzi is my agent. So yes, she is required to go. Amy, I know what you’re thinking and you have nothing to worry about.”
    “Don’t I? Derrick, she’s gorgeous, ambitious where you’re concerned and wants you for herself. I can’t compete with her and I don’t want to get my heart broken.”
    “Amy, there is no competition with her for my feelings. You’ve already won. Sure, she’s a gorgeous woman but her beauty is only on the surface. Underneath that, there’s nothing.” Derrick takes my hand and starts playing with the pink bead and bracelet he gave me last night. “I’m looking for something more; something real. You’re as real as it gets and I’m not going to lose you.” With his other hand, Derrick reaches into his pocket and pulls out another velvet bag. He opens it and pours a gray colored bead into his palm. Unhooking my bracelet, he adds the bead and then re-clasps the bracelet to my wrist.
    “Loyalty. I promise you that while I’m away this week and every day that we are together, I will be loyal to you and only you. This is your reminder that you’re mine and I’m yours. I’m also going to call you daily to hear your sweet voice.” I can’t believe he's this sincere and honest with me. He cares about me and he plans on being loyal to me. What girl could ask for more? I lean across the table, giving him a sweet kiss, and thank him.
    We have a wonderful lunch, full of laughs and flirty conversation. All too soon it’s time to go and for him to head home and pack for his trip. Derrick leaves me with a kiss to last the week and a promise to either call or text me daily. I stroke the beads on my wrist and make a silent promise as he drives away. I won’t break your heart if you don't break mine.
    *****
    The week passes by in a blur of sleep, work, read, homework, repeat. Ok, well maybe I’ve thrown in the occasional pole class or three to keep me occupied and to try and boost my self-esteem. I know I’m a klutz to the tenth degree but in that class I can pretend to be graceful and sexy. Derrick’s sexy librarian. I can work with that. The highlights of my week are the phone calls and texts I receive throughout the day from Derrick, like: “Hey baby, I miss you” or “Thinking of you.” But my absolute favorites are the one’s when he calls me his girl.
    The shoot seems to be going