Chapter 10

It had taken all of Jessica's effort to get through that dinner. By the time she and Derrick finished eating, she was full to the brim and had several extra glasses of the 1982 Lafite. When they reached the underground parking lot, Derrick insisted on driving her home. However, she refused. "No need. I'm going on a business trip tomorrow, and I have another appointment later. Remember—keep my car clean!" The way she said it was loaded, yet the words landed like a jab to her own chest. She bit back the sharper retorts on the tip of her tongue. She had drunk more than usual, but not enough to lose control. She still knew exactly why she was there that night. Derrick obediently took her car keys and got into the car. "Jess, I love you!" he yelled, peeking out of the window. The sincerity in his voice was so palpable that Jessica almost believed him. She pressed her lips together in a faint smile but didn't answer. Love was cheap—anyone could say it. She had to admit that they had