Chapter 33 About Derick

( JASMIN POV's )

The talk about Derick coming in to our house last night has surely spread throughout the slums, ignited by the assumptions of Ma and Nadine. I went to work early to avoid their attention. I least expected it at work but it turned out to be the same. Heartshaped balloons and bouquets littered the place as if someone was holding a Valentine party at the entire premise of the fast food chain.

"What's with this decoration?" I asked a colleague, Diane, as she cheerfully mopped the floor.

"Go ask the manager," she chuckled back.

"An expression of love," asserted the manager as she leaned in at the counter" from your suitor! You didn't tell us Mr. Brundon was courting you."

Diane gently jabbed my side with an elbow to tease me, "If I were you I'd say 'yes'."

"I don't like him," I replied in disgust.

"So that's a no?"

"Yes."

"Yes?" she teased again.

"Yes, it's a no." How annoying this matchmaking has become.

"Why not? Isn't his father the governor?" the manager inquired as she reviewed the papers she was holding. "They were also major shareholders at Cryzastic Corporation and I heard Derick's the Vice President."

"I know he's rich alright," I argued. "At some point I was being a hypocrite since I wished to be rich but I want to marry for love, not for money. I just don't feel anything for him."

The manager suddenly lifted her eyes from the paper to mine, "You're refusing an offer of a lifetime, girl."

"You've set your standard too high that no bachelor would attempt to climb," Diane reprimanded then smiled mockingly "But if Derick falls in love with me then you suddenly want him back, it wouldn't be his fault."

I averted my attention back to work to avoid being bugged by continuous teasing. My hands were usually full at work all day so my mind was kept clear of other things I worry about. Everything I do, I do it with passion.