17
Though Nick narrowly missed a very awkward and uncomfortable conversation at the hospital, Melissa threw herself into one at the gym.
The personal trainer stared Derek down. Her nostrils flared and her heartbeat ticked like a time bomb. Tension trembled in the air.
“I don’t understand what the big deal is,” Derek said.
“You don’t understand what the.... Are you crazy?”
“Derek, don’t tell Mel-i-ssa…” Cynthia skated into view. When she spotted her friend, her face paled. “Oh, hi Melissa.”
“You knew about this?”
“Well—”
“Don’t take it out on her,” Derek said. “I spoke without thinking.”
“You took over my Rump Shaking classes.”
“I didn’t know it was that important to you,” Derek said.
“That’s right. You didn’t know! You didn’t know because you’re new here and nobody asked you to
