FOURTY SIX

Derek:

“Do you think she would’ve liked it?”

That question left my lips, as I played my turn on the chess board.

Benjamin was, I hated to admit it, kicking my ass.

And looking pretty bored while doing it too.

Damn it.

“Hmm? Oh you mean those flowers?” He hummed. “Yeah, girls like flowers, don’t they? At least most girls do.”

My eyes twitched.

He had been the one to recommend sending a bouquet to Alisha and now, he was being so indifferent about it!

Why had I depended on him again?

I put another pawn forward, only to see it demolished by Benjamin’s knight. Damn.

“I should have known,” I told my best friend who smirked at me tauntingly, knowing he was going to win this match. “How would you know when you’ve never courted a girl ever?”

“Oof, what a cheap shot, Derek. You haven’t courted one either, have you, Derek? All you know how to do is use your d-“

“Boy, boys,” the voice of my mother standing at the entrance of the courtyard, made us both shut our mouths and look at her with varying