A call from Brian.

A buzz in Beth's pocket brought her a little jolt. She pulled out her phone to see that Brian was calling.
"Sorry..." Beth made an apologetic gesture, but Derek was already pulling out his own phone to look at something. "Hey, baby."
"Hey. You done working out?"
"Yeah, I'm just-"
"That's great. I'm picking up breakfast sandwiches and coffee on my way home for you and Kyle. What would you like."
Beth took a breath. This was not going to be pleasant. She stood up and walked briskly towards the bathrooms.
"I'm actually at Bagels4U! right now, so I'm okay. Thanks though."
"You're at the bagel place by your gym." It wasn't a question, and Brian's voice was flat. "By yourself?"
Beth pinched her eyes shut, pushing her way into the ladies room. There was no sense in lying. "No, Brian. Derek invited me to a quick bite after our workout."
"Your workout?"
"My workout." It had been an unfortunate slip of the tongue.
"So you're having breakfast with Derek." Still flat.
"Brian... don't be like that. It's not a big deal."
"How's he doing, then?" Brian's voice was tight now, as if he was gritting his teeth.
"He's fine." Beth decided that this would be a bad time to let Brian know about Derek and Lindsay. He wouldn't take it well, and she didn't want to sit through a tantrum. "Same as always."
"Well, you'd better get back to him, then. I wouldn't want to ruin your date." Brian was definitely annoyed.
"Brian, you can't be like this. He's my friend and I'm not wild about you trying to control me like that."
"I'm not...!" the yelling didn't endear her to Brian right then. He stopped himself, and she could hear him take a deep breath. "He's a creep and a bully, and I'd rather you respected how I feel and not spend time with him, but I can't tell you what to do."
"That's right. You can't, Brian. You have to grow up a little. When you react like this, it's not a good look for you."
"Whatever... I'll see you at home. Remember we have a meeting with the planner today."
"Brian? Brian!" but he had already hung up. "God damn it..." Why does he have to be such a baby? I'm not doing anything. {if KyleBJ = 1
}Well, not with Derek, anyway. {elseif KyleFuck = 1
}Well, not with Derek, anyway. {endif
}
Beth emerged from the bathroom to find Derek standing right outside.
"I..."
"Let me guess? Baby threw his toys?" Derek chuckled. "Doesn't like that you're here with me?"
"Derek..."
"Some people never change. This is what you're signing up for, you know?"
"Please just let it go."
"Only because you asked so nicely." He smiled. "I've got to get going. Walk me back to the gym?"
Beth sighed. "Sure."