Chapter 67 Derrick #2
“I’d love that. Thanks.” A smile beams across her face.
The sound of the other cars pulling up pulls my attention away from Stacey, and I see Charlie milling around as Jackson and Oscar catch up. Shit. I’m a bad boyfriend.
“Stacey, you remember Charlie.”
“I remember, welcome to the chaos.” She grins.
“Thanks for having me.” Charlie smiles, giving Stacey a hug.
“He’s moving to LA,” I tell her.
“You are? So, this means you two are official?” Stacey asks.
“Yep. I love him, and he loves me, and we are going to live happily ever after.” I gush. Stacey seems surprised.
“He’s stuck with me forever. I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Charlie adds.
“Aw. You two are adorable.” Stacey squeals.
“I’m pretty damn lucky.” Charlie looks over at me.
“Are you Derrick’s boyfriend?” Amelia asks Charlie.
“I am,” he answers her.
“Don’t hurt him or we will kick you in the shins,” Becca adds, which makes us all laugh.
“I promise I won’t hurt him,” Charlie says, holding up his hands, which seems to please the girls.
The rest of the crew arrives, and pure chaos ensues.
Because there are so many people staying here and Stacey wanted everyone on the farm, so did Jackson for security reasons, there wasn’t enough space inside the home, so Camryn organized gorgeous temporary cabins that are dotted around the farm for all of us to stay in.
She handed us our key and a map and off we went to explore.
“I can’t believe I’m in Australia,” Charlie says in awe as he looks around the bush.
There’s a flock of black cockatoos flying over causing a loud racket, the sounds of the cicadas add to the noise, and there are sheep dotted along the horizon, too.
“I have to call my family.” He pulls out his phone.
“Might not have the best reception here,” I warn him.
He looks down at his phone. “Two bars should be enough.” He presses the screen on his phone and I hear it dialing.
“Sweetheart, you made it.” I hear his mother’s voice.
“I have. It was a long ass flight. Here, look where we are in the middle of nowhere,” he says, turning the camera around.
“Oh wow. You really are in the middle of nowhere. It looks very dry,” His mother states.
“Derrick said they have been going through a decade-long drought. I don’t know how they are surviving. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like not having access to water for our animals.”
“Guess, they are used to that kind of weather. If we don’t have a good snow melt, we can have a tough summer,” she explains.
Charlie nods, then indicates for me to come over. “Mom, did you want to say hi to Derrick?” My heart leaps in my chest as my nerves suddenly take over.
“Yes, please,” she says excitedly, which makes me not feel so afraid. He turns the camera around and I wave at the screen. “Oh wow. You’re so handsome. Derrick, it’s so nice to finally meet you.”
“It’s really nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Nash.”
“It’s Caroline.” She giggles. “Charlie, when are we going to meet Derrick in the flesh? Your father will be very upset that he’s missed your call and meeting him.”
“When we get back from Australia, I was hoping we could catch up,” Charlie asks.
“You do? Oh, this is wonderful. Let me know the weekend and we can fly to you. Will you be in LA? It would be easier to get to than Midnight Falls.”
“Yes. We can meet in LA. Everly is there now, she’s looking for apartments,” Charlie tells her.
“To rent?”
“Yeah.”
“For just her?”
“No, for the two of us. Derrick did offer for us to move in with him, but I didn’t want to put that pressure on our relationship, not yet anyway,” Charlie explains to his mom.
“That is so kind of you, Derrick. Why don’t we look at apartments to buy when we are down catching up?”
“Mom. We don’t need you to buy us an apartment, we are happy to rent.” Charlie moans.
“Sweetie, please. Your father and I want you both to be safe.” Then she turns to me. “Where do you live, Derrick?”
“West Hollywood, I bought a bungalow there. It’s walking distance to my business,” I explain to her.
“Oh, that sounds fabulous. Maybe when I’m down I can come see your store,” she asks.
“Of course, you’re more than welcome any time.”
“He could give you some fashion advice,” Charlie teases.
“No. Your mum looks gorgeous as she is,” I tell him.
“Thank you, sweetheart, but Charlie’s right, I need help. I have this gala coming up, and I need something show-stopping. It’s a Carnivale-themed event, and I want to find something elegant.”
“I love a theme. My mind is already racing. I have a few dresses that might work in store and some that I can pull from a designer.”
“Seriously, oh my goodness, this is exciting. Maybe I’ll come down earlier and we can have a shopping day, if it doesn’t interrupt with your work.”
“I can make time for you, I live for shopping,” I tell her.
She seems truly excited. “This is perfect. I need you to help style Everly, because I love that girl, but she is so casual, they are going to eat her alive in LA.”
“Her job revolves around her being in activewear, Mom.” Charlie sighs. This is obviously a conversation they have frequently.
“I know, but there has to be professional activewear. Derrick would know what I mean,” she states.
“I’m sure I could find it,” I reassure her.
“See,” she says, poking her tongue out at her son, which makes me laugh. “Now I know why you fell for him, that accent.”
“It’s one of many reasons why I fell in love with him,” Charlie says, kissing my cheek.
“Aww,” his mum gushes through the phone, “you two look so happy. I can’t wait for us all to catch up. Have fun at the wedding, wishing them many blessings, and let me know dates so I can make sure your dad is not in meetings.”
“Will do. Love you,” Charlie says, signing off.
“Love you too, sweetheart. Bye, Derrick.” I wave my farewell, and she disappears.
“She seems lovely.”
“Yeah, I got lucky when it came to parents. It’s been a rocky road between us all since Lyle’s passing and my accident, but I think we are slowly getting back to the way we were. Mom loves shopping, so the two of you are going to get on so well.” He smiles.
“I can’t wait,” I tell him as I link my arm with his and we walk to our cabin.