Rendezvous Part 5

A few weeks later, Natalie was going through her purse, she came across Derrick’s business card and decided to send an email. The content was pretty generic asking how he’d been, what he was working on, and what she’d been up to since the conference. Soon thereafter, Natalie received a reply and their communication grew. They began to confer a few times a week discussing work and on occasion their home lives. When the opportunity presented itself, they spoke on the phone and it was during one of those conversations Natalie became a sounding board for some of Derrick’s home issues. Derrick helped Natalie with some work problems and helped her prepare for her promotion interview. Just when the two were enjoying their communication, it was cut short when Derrick was assigned to help with a gruesome case, which took up almost all of his time and it was almost a month before Natalie heard from Derrick again. It wasn’t until Derrick was up late one night and received an email that he realized how much he’d missed talking to her. He replied, but it was days before he was able to hear from her again due to his schedule. Luck couldn’t have been any more on Derrick’s side when he received a call from his boss informing him that he had to take a trip to Natalie’s home state to meet with a noted Professor of Entomology at the College of Scientific Medicine.

“Natalie, it’s Derrick. I just found out that I’ll be in Dallas in two days and was wondering if you’d be free for dinner when my work is done? Well, that’s if you and Lloyd don’t have plans already, I realize it’s short notice,” Derrick paused. "Well, call me back when you get this message," clicked end and put it on his desk as he gathered his papers for the trip.

Derrick raced home to pack and catch the evening flight. He’d already spoken with his children to let them know he’d be traveling again. Naturally they were disappointed, but knew it was a part of his job. His wife took the information with her usual nonchalance and had a bag prepared for him when he arrived at home. Derrick had enough time to spend an hour with the twins and promised them a trip to Water World upon his return in addition to souvenirs from Texas.

As Derrick entered the awaiting chauffeured car, his cell rang. It was Natalie. He smiled and lifted the privacy guard between he and the driver.

“Hey there,” Derrick chirped. “Get my message?”

Natalie felt Derrick’s energy and smiled. “Yes, I did. That’s great news. What time do you get in?”

“9:50”

“Where are they putting you up? Somewhere good I’d hope?” Natalie teased.

“At the Doubletree. I love those cookies,” Derrick laughed.

“Yeah, they are some good cookies,” Natalie agreed. “Listen, I won’t keep you, but I wanted to say I can take you up on your offer for dinner.”

Derrick mouthed “yes” and smiled brightly. He was hoping her schedule would allow for a little time to see each other. “Lloyd’s okay with you being out with me right? I’m not trying to cause problems,” Derrick cautioned.

“Yes, of course. He knows all about you. He would have joined us, but has to work late on a special detailing job. He gets his hands dirty sometimes,” Natalie joked.

As much as Derrick didn’t mind the idea of Lloyd joining them, he was glad he wasn’t. Natalie was the closest Derrick had gotten to letting his guard down and being intimate with a woman; and he’d rather have her time and attention all to himself even if it were only platonic between them.

Rendezvous Part 4

“Sorry about that,” Natalie sat back down. “Kind of a habit,” she explained.

“No problem. I understand,” Derrick suppressed his malaise. “It’s getting late,” Derrick looked at his watch. “I hope you’re not staying up on my account?”

“No, not at all,” Natalie quickly replied. “I’m enjoying your company and picking your brain. You’re a wealth of knowledge,” she complimented.

Derrick blushed. “That’s a one eighty, from what you originally thought of me,” Derrick grinned.

“What can I say, you’ve proven me wrong.”

“Glad to hear that. Maybe now you’ll wanna be a part of my group tomorrow,” Derrick implied.

“I think I’d enjoy that actually. I could learn a lot from you.”

And that was the beginning of things to come. Natalie participated in Derrick’s group and learned a lot of career enhancing tricks of the trade from him. For the remaining two days, Natalie and Derrick met at the end of the day to review notes, discuss the day’s events, and relax in each other’s company. Derrick finally let down his guard and told Natalie about the conditions of his home life and why a divorce would be near impossible. He explained his relationship with his family and how hard it would be for him to turn his back on everything he’s worked so hard for. Natalie felt an unexpected closeness to Derrick and at the end of the conference, found it a little difficult to want to leave. They’d shared nothing intimate other than Derrick’s home life, but yet there was still a connection that was more than work related. Derrick suppressed his desire to get to know Natalie on a personal level and was content with accepting her card to share shoptalk when the times called for it.

“Well Natalie,” Derrick extended his hand, “it’s been a real pleasure meeting and working with you. Knock ‘em dead when you get back home.”

Instead of receiving Derrick’s hand, Natalie hugged him, catching Derrick completely off guard. After getting over the initial shock, Derrick reciprocated the hug before Natalie could sense his reluctance.

“Handshakes for acquaintances, I’d like to think we’re a little more than that now,” Natalie said in a near whisper.

“Uh, sure,” Derrick hesitantly answered. “I guess we are,” Derrick felt himself get lost in Natalie’s eyes.

“Good,” Natalie beamed. “Have a safe flight home and we’ll be in touch.”

“Y-yeah…Okay…you too,” Derrick stuttered.

Derrick and Natalie parted ways.

Rendezvous Part 3

Natalie blushed and looked away. She felt terrible for prying and bringing up an obviously painful subject. She looked at Derrick’s hand and noticed no signs of a ring, but many in their profession didn’t wear jewelry for risk of contamination or injury. Derrick sipped his drink and looked around the lobby.

“I’m sorry Derrick. I feel bad for being nosy,” Natalie softly touched the back of Derrick’s hand.

The warmth of Natalie’s touch ran through him. He missed being touched, held, or even feeling loved. His wife was almost void of emotions in terms of their intimacy unless it was to front for the children and family. Derrick wanted out, but knew it would be a tough and very expensive fight. To make matters worse, neither of their families would condone a divorce. Coming from old money didn’t allow for such privileges especially when children were involved.

“It’s okay,” Derrick said in a near whisper. “Not your fault. Hopefully your life isn’t filled with such issues?”

Natalie couldn’t mask her smile. Lloyd was a great guy. He owned a detailing company, which turned a profit every quarter. He’d branched out and set up two additional stores out of state. One is another part of the state and the other out of state. He’d just completed an expansion of the original storefront to accommodate his booming business. They’d met when she was adding new features to her car and in spite of their very different backgrounds; they hit it off very well. Lloyd was not intimidated by Natalie’s career or ambition. Their lives balanced in practically every way.

“I have to admit that my personal life is actually healthy. My boyfriend and I have been together for about three years now and things are pretty good,” her smile grew.

Derrick smiled back. “Don’t be ashamed of that; its’ a good thing to have someone you can be close to and close with. I’ve almost forgotten what that’s like,” Derrick made a face. “Anyway, let’s change the subject to something more interesting. Say, the new enhancement cameras we’ll be using soon,” he chuckled.

Natalie was curious, but didn’t want to make Derrick uncomfortable again, so she went with the change. They talked shop, traded college stories, and anything that didn’t have to do with their emotional lives. It was almost 11 o’ clock when Natalie’s cell rang and interrupted their conversation.

“Excuse me,” Natalie stood up, “I need to take this call”.

Natalie walked away, but it was obvious that she was speaking with Lloyd. Derrick watched Natalie’s body language and smiled and could see she was into the conversation. For a brief moment he lived vicariously through her although it was almost too much for Derrick to bear, especially knowing that in spite of his respect for her relationship, he found himself too taken with her to wait out her call. After a few minutes, Natalie turned to Derrick and raised her index finger indicating that he should wait. Reluctantly Derrick obliged the silent request.

Rendezvous Part 2

“Well, Natalie,” Derrick began, “I’ve earned the right to feel a little superior. I graduated second in my class in high school while taking college classes at the local community college. In addition, I completed college in two years instead of four, earned my Masters in less than two years, and have almost completed my PhD.” Derrick paused. “So, if that’s offensive to you, I can apologize, though I don’t think it’s necessary. I’m a man of action and achievement. I see nothing wrong with that,” he concluded.

Natalie was speechless. She wished she’d simply Googled the information instead of having to hear it flow so eloquently out his mouth. Natalie felt slightly embarrassed; however, not enough to make her concede completely.

“Oh! Then I suppose you’re not as unnecessarily arrogant as I initially thought,” she smiled content in making a backhanded compliment.” Derrick laughed noting her comeuppance. “Well, I guess you’re right,” was all Natalie could manage at the moment. Derrick’s once noted personality flaw now seemed a little more understandable. “I guess I should be the one apologizing then,” she added, “though I’m not going to. You know what they say about first impressions?” She smirked. "Although I am rather impressed with your academic excellence and ability to juggle so many things at once. And I thought only woman could multi task so well," Natalie chuckled.

"Academics came easy for me and I think I chose this profession as a means of challenge to myself," Derrick smiled. “And as for first impressions, and they’re sometimes wrong.” Derrick leaned forward, “and no, it’s not necessary to apologize; I’m actually happy you challenged it and me,” he admitted.

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Well, even though we’re in 2005, there are still many who think I’m a recipient of AA or have been given some kind of preferential treatment. Like my father and grandfather, I’ve earned everything I’ve gotten in life and intend to live up to that tradition…at least some of it. Some things should be,” Derrick withdrew, “nevermind”.

Natalie caught the dismissal and it naturally peaked her curiosity. “Why did you stop abruptly?” Natalie asked in a forthright manner.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” Derrick downplayed his comment.

“What were you going to say? Really.” Natalie probed.

Derrick became uncomfortable. He didn’t want to bring up his personal life. He was enjoying his time away from home and away from his wife even though he missed the twins. Derrick tried to regroup to deflect the attention, but he knew Natalie wasn’t going to give up easily.

“I guess beating around the bush isn’t going to fly with you,” Natalie shook her head, “so I’ll tell you,” Derrick sighed. “I’m the product of a terrible home life. Like my mother, I remain in a marriage for all the wrong reasons,” Derrick paused. “Tradition. And it’s killing me. It’s great for my kids, but terrible for me,” Derrick painfully admitted.

Rendezvous Part 1

“Meeeee aaaand, Mr. Mr. P, Mr. P, Mr. P, Mr. P; we got a thing going on. We both know that it’s wrong, but it’s much too late to turn back now.” Natalie sung as she dressed for her bimonthly engagement with Derrick, whom she had a committed understanding in effect for going on four years now.

Natalie; happily attached at the time, and Derrick unhappily married, met at a Forensics Conference in Tennessee. Natalie was not impressed with Derrick’s arrogance and avoided him whenever possible while Derrick on the other hand, was completely taken with Natalie’s intelligence, strong, yet disarming demeanor, and of course her looks. Standing a stunning five foot nine, about one hundred and fifty pounds, of athletic build was more than appealing for Derrick who looked every bit the football player he used to be. His large frame and dark complexion gave him a very imposing presence, though he was really a big softy. Natalie was yet to see that side of him

Over the next couple of days, Natalie saw past Derrick’s arrogance after realizing how very talented he was. Derrick’s ability to create mental images and sketch them out was what landed him head of his classes in college and beyond. He possessed an almost supernatural ability to become a part of the crime scene and present scenarios that surpassed the obvious. By the end of the third day, she was anxious to have a meeting of the minds with him. Derrick was very receptive to the idea.

“So, how is it being the assistant head of a CSU at such a young age?” Natalie inquired.

“Naturally, it’s great, but it’s not without its problems,” Derrick replied, although he wished they weren’t talking shop.

“Care to elaborate?”

“Sure. But may I ask you something first?”

“Yes.” Natalie quickly replied, but regretted it as soon as the word came out.

“Why were you so mean to me days one and two? Am I that offensive?” Derrick’s tone was soft.

Natalie thought before answering this time. She knew she’d probably never see him again after the seminar, so she didn’t mind being a little insulting if necessary.

“Well, you have to admit you’re very arrogant and that in itself is enough reason to pull away from you,” Natalie confessed. “Also, you seemed to dominate everything and everyone around you,” she went on.

Derrick removed his jacket and relaxed in the seat.