Chapter 4: The Cost of Loyalty

Half a month later, Rachel scraped together $120,000 and wired it to Zeta Tech.

Lillian kept her word, issuing a receipt and a letter of forgiveness in the format I requested.

I submitted everything to the prosecutor and filed a non-prosecution application.

Sure enough, the prosecutor agreed not to prosecute. Marcus was released from detention.

Rachel and I went to pick him up.

When Marcus came out, he hugged me. "Good man! I got out without a sentence—all thanks to you."

I kept a straight face. "Don’t thank me—thank your wife."

He turned to Rachel, choked up. "Babe, I was wrong. Thank you for handling everything. I’ll never mess up again."

Rachel didn’t scold him. She leaned on his shoulder and burst into tears.

Marcus cried too, snot and tears everywhere.

I watched, unsure if he was truly remorseful or just putting on a show.

Why was I worrying about someone else’s family?

Rachel told Marcus, "Your friend is really reliable—professional, trustworthy, and a good person. But he’s still single. I want to introduce someone to him."

Marcus said, "Of course, leave it to me."

The next day was Saturday. Marcus invited me, Caleb, and Noah to dinner, then to karaoke.

The four of us were college roommates and close friends.

Marcus and Caleb were married; Noah and I were single. But Noah had just broken up with his ex and was between relationships. I’d never dated.

We piled into Marcus’s old Ford Explorer, Noah cranking up the classic rock on the way, Caleb complaining about missing bedtime stories with his toddler.

At the bar, Marcus belted out Bon Jovi, off-key but with heart, while Caleb waved a chicken wing like a conductor’s baton. We were loud, ridiculous, and for a while, it felt like college all over again.

While singing, Marcus suddenly said, "A girl will come later—Aubrey. She’s Rachel’s friend, a real beauty, and single. Derek, Noah, whichever of you likes her, go for it."

Just then, I got a message from Rachel: "Derek, I was going to bring my friend to meet you today, but something urgent came up at work, so she’ll come by herself. Her name is Aubrey. You two should get to know each other."

I replied, "Thanks, Rachel."

Soon, Aubrey arrived. She really was beautiful, with a great figure.

Noah’s eyes lit up. He sat next to her, chatting nonstop. When we left, the two of them walked out together.

I felt awkward—couldn’t get a word in.

Two weeks later, Marcus invited me to his house for dinner.

At the table, Rachel asked, "Derek, how are things with Aubrey? I asked her, but she was vague."

I said, "Thanks, Rachel. I haven’t really contacted her. She probably isn’t interested in me."

Marcus took a sip of beer. "Aubrey’s with Noah."

"What?"

Rachel stood up and glared at Marcus. "Didn’t I tell you to introduce her to Derek? How did Noah get in the middle? What did you say to her?"

"Hey... honey, it’s all fate."

"Nonsense! Didn’t you tell Noah that Aubrey was for Derek?"

Marcus put down his glass and said nothing.

I quickly tried to smooth things over. "Rachel, Marcus is right. It’s fate. You can’t force these things."

She huffed, "I’m just upset. Aubrey is so unreliable... Forget it, I’ll keep looking for you."

I quickly toasted her in thanks.

Rachel still seemed annoyed, but as dinner went on, she softened, even laughing at one of Caleb’s corny dad jokes.