I was about to respond when Becky spoke up, her voice cutting through the tension. “Don’t worry, Derick. She’s probably just got cold feet. This is when you’re supposed to comfort her. You don’t want her to change mind, would you? What if she backed out—wouldn’t that drive you nuts?”
“Back out? She’s almost thirty. Who else would want to marry a leftover woman like her if not me? ” Derick’s expression hardened, and his tone dripped with disdain.
Becky feigned surprise, playfully slapping his arm. “Hey! I’m almost thirty too. Do you call me leftover?”
Derick’s face softened instantly, trying to backtrack. “Of course not. You’re different. Guys are lining up for you. But Penny? She’s not exactly in demand. She should be grateful to have me. While you, you get to pick and choose. But if you don’t take any them there’s still…”
He trailed off, leaving the suggestion hanging in the air. I tightened my grip on my purse, the familiar sensation of heartbreak barely stinging this time. For once, my heart didn’t ache. I had finally learned to let go, to detach myself from the pain.