Just as Ivy had suspected the day was excuricatingly long day. Distracted by Derek's nonchalant attitude towards her as a woman, it took everything she had to make sure she didn't lash out. Ever since her fight with Karen, she promised herself to be better at hiding her feelings but at no point did she promise anyone she was going stop her attempts to drive home her point that Derek still has feelings for her. She just needs to be more subtle in her strategy.
So after finding she enjoys Kevin's company, Ivy decides she will use the traditional theory of jealousy. She'll get Kevin to go out with her and once dating, she can flaunt their relationship. Motivation, that's what Ivy needs she decides; plus, Kevin in bed is an added bonus. Seeing Kevin causally talking to Derek, Ivy decides game on.
"Hey Kevin," she says looping her arm through his "I was wondering if you want to grab a bite to eat with me?" she asks in a flirty voice.
Kevin who had been in mid-sentence when Ivy interrupted; is a little taken aback or maybe shocked is a better word. Whatever the case, his expression makes Derek chuckle and Ivy fume. Taking a deep breathe she apologizes "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were in the middle of something" she offers.
"No worries," Derek answers "Kev, just come up when you're done; Ivy, have a good night."
Left alone, Kevin turns to Ivy. "I was kind of in the middle of a conversation, Ivy," he tells her.
"I said I was sorry," she replies
"I know but you're missing the point," he tells her "but, I really don't have time for this so to answer you; I appreciate the invitation but already have plans."
"Really, you have plans better than being with me?" she seductively smirks
"As hard as it may be for you to believe, yes," he answers "I'm going to the basketball game with Derek and his family and Julia and hers along with Sam; they got a suite."
"Oh," Ivy replies "I bet they can't bring your evening to end the way I can," she giggles; while slightly grazing her fingers along his arm.
"Woe there Ivy," Kevin moves his arm away, "I like you and I'm sure you're loads of fun but you are just too much to handle and it's not worth risking this part."
Livid with Kevin's statement she can't help herself "It's Derek isn't it? He told you to stay away from me."
"What are you talking about Ivy? What is it with you and Derek. I know the two of you dated for couple of months;but, I also know that was over eight years ago. I mean seriously do you think Derek even thinks your short lived relationship; look who he's married too and his beautiful family," The moment the words left his mouth he regretted saying them but Ivy's intentions were suddenly becoming very clear to him.
"Are you saying I'm not as desirable Iowa?" hurt now creeping in her voice
"First of all Ivy, if you haven't noticed; no one calls her Iowa anymore except you. And no, that's not what I meant." he explains "Look, you are sexy and attractive and I meant what I said, I think we could have fun together. But fun with you is a risk from what I've seen and that's not what I'm looking for."
"Your loss," she told him as she turned to gather her things.
"I'm sure it is," Kevin responds as he walks out the door.
Although Ivy's original intention was to use Kevin to make Derek jealous, the comments he made hurt. What's wrong with her that no one wants to enter or stay in a relationship with her. Since her time with Derek, she's dated but nothing serious. After the initial excitement wears off the men always seem to distance themselves until they just stopped calling or coming around. Derek was the only man she truly felt understood her demanding and ambitious ways. They had so much in common and both were frank and honest about their opinions. What did she do to push him away and into Karen's arms. Karen, Karen, Karen; damn her, to this day she still manages to one up Ivy without even trying. Without warning, Ivy feel tears starting to fall. She doesn't want to go home to an empty apartment just yet, so she decides to practice for an hour more.
Suddenly the door opens and Ivy tries desperately to wipe her face before the person appears. A few seconds pass and running into the room comes Dustin dressed in a baseball uniform. Startled to see anyone in the room his face quickly becomes serious when he sees it's Ivy.
"Hello Ms. Ivy, I'm sorry to interrupt you. I didn't know anyone was still here," he timidly states.
Seeing the change in his demeanor Ivy immediately feels guilty as she remembers the scene made two months ago. "It's alright Dustin, I was working on some steps. Did you need something?"
Dustin looks at her and for a minute just stares before he finally answers "Uncle Kevin for got his bag."
Those mesmerizing eyes Ivy, thinks to herself. They are so much like his father its frightening the affect they have on her. Its as if the young boy can see behind the mask she wears when he looks at her. When he is around she feels guilty for the anger and resentment she feels towards his mother and guilty for the love she still desires from his father. Yes, love. Despite the lecture Tom gave to her, there is no other way to describe the affect Derek still has on her other than love.
"Are you okay?" Ivy hears Dustin ask "You look like you've been crying."
"I'm fine, I just got something in my eye," Ivy replies "Why are you dressed up in your baseball uniform?" she asks, trying to change subjects.
A wide smile appears on the young boys face. "We took pictures today after school and tonight at the game my team is going to get to go on the court because we won first place in the city." he answers.
"Wow, that's great. What position do you play?"
"I play shortstop because my coach says I'm fast on my feet and good reaction." he beams with pride.
"That's a hard position to play. Who practices with you?" she asks out of curiosity.
"My dad, he use to play when he was little back in London. My grandma showed me pictures."
"So you do you visit your grandparents a lot?" Ivy inquires trying to gain more information.
"Yup, we go Iowa and stay at our house for spring break to visit Grandma, Liz, and Grandpa,Roger,; and we go to our house in London during the summer before my baseball, to visit Grandma, Rose, and Aunt, Carol. I like going to London because I get to practice my French." he smiles.
Before Ivy can answer Dustin, the studio door opens. "Dustin, what's taking you so long son?" Derek asks looking down at his phone.
"I was talking to Ms. Ivy," he replies
Instantly raising his eyes to greet the two, Derek's relaxed expression changes. "Uncle, Kevin needs his clothes to change, Buddy. Say goodbye to Ivy and head back upstairs, okay."
"Bye Ms. Ivy and I hope whatever made you cry gets better," he tells her on his way out the door.
Dreading a confrontation with Derek yet unable to stop her heart from beating faster at his presence; Ivy braces herself.
"What are still doing here, Ivy?" Derek questions
"I was going to work on a few steps, but I can leave." she offers
"No, need," he answers "Is everything alright, Dustin said you were crying?"
"I'm sorry about that, I didn't expect anyone to come back. I'm fine, just had a bad ending to my day." she answers trying hard not to look at his face.
"Does it have to do with Kevin turning you down?" he bluntly asks
"He told you that?" anger creeping into her voice again
"No, he didn't have too. I knew by the look on your face and the infliction you used in your voice what you were after when you came up to him; and, I knew he had plans already."
"Are you making it a point to study my every movement, Mr. Wills. Is there something I should know?"
Derek laughs "Not at all, Ms. Lynn, it's not as though you were being subtle. But, subtle is a trait I would suggest you use in the future when trying to get laid. Men don't want a one night stand with someone who is going to make it public the next morning. That would defeat the purpose of meaningless sex." he suggests with sarcasm.
Anger coursing through her veins at having been called out Ivy responds "And how do you know I only wanted a one night stand with Kevin?"
"Because there is only one reason you would have approached Kevin when you did and that is to gain a reaction."
"And pray tell, Mr. Wills, what reaction was I hoping to gain by asking Kevin out?"
"Jealousy with the added bonus of sex."
"Jealousy?" Ivy asks trying to act surprise "Don't flatter yourself, Derek."
"Who said you were trying to make me jealous," he inquired "I know I didn't."
"You're so smug" she says through gritted teeth. "I should be the one gloating, apparently asking Kevin out was enough for you to be here discussing my sex life."
"Ivy, I'm here talking to you because you were crying, or did you forget. I could care less about your sex life. Trust me, Karen can do things that keep me more than satisfied. But more than that I love her Ivy and nothing you do will change that. You can ask out as many men as you want, you can strip naked in front of me, hell you can even have sex in front of me and it is not going to make me want you."
Shocked at the harshness of his words, Ivy feels tears fall again from her eyes. "What's wrong with me," she whispers. "Why doesn't anyone want to be with me."
Softened by her tears Derek answers, "nothing is wrong with you, Ivy, but if you want to be in a relationship you have to change your approach. Your biggest fault is that you are an actress through and through. And it's a fault because even outside the theater, you calculate and manipulate your actions in hope of getting the the reaction you want. There is nothing natural or unguarded in the way you interact. You make your relationships into a play and no wants to feel like they are constantly performing for an audience."
"Is that what happened with us?" she asks
"Part of it I guess, but even if you could have managed to keep our personal life out of the theater, I wasn't in love with you Ivy. I can't explain what I feel when I'm with Karen all I know is that I can't imagine my life without her, Dustin and Rose."
As if on cue, the studio door opens startling both of them. "Hey," Karen says "I'm sorry to interrupt but everyone is here and we need to get going."
Derek smiles as he gets up. "If you ever need to talk Ivy, I'm here and I'll try not to be so smug."
"Thanks," Ivy replies
"You know, surprisingly he really is a good listener," Karen interjects "And everyone can use one of those from time to time, especially someone they can trust."
Ivy understands Karen's implied permission to talk to Derek and responds "Yeah, I guess we can, thanks."
"Bye Ivy, and have a good night," she says as they both walk out the door.
"I don't
that I could care less about yf you must know the truth Ivy, I find our actions rather
"