Chapter 4: Secrets, Lies, and Group Chats

After dinner, I made sure the women had rides home, pairing them with the guys who lived nearby. Our company covered the Ubers—a little safety perk, and the younger guys were happy to play the gentleman.

Suddenly, Derek hurried out and grabbed Aubrey’s wrist, face plastered with flattery. He stammered, "Aubrey, I’ll take you home."

Aubrey raised an eyebrow. "On a Lime scooter?"

Derek’s smile froze. "My, uh, Tesla—I didn’t drive it today."

Aubrey laughed, warm but distant. "Then wait until you actually drive it and invite me for a ride."

She slipped her wrist free and got in my car without a word. Derek stood there, jaw set, watching us leave—his pride shriveling by the second.

I hated these scenes, but he’d made his own mess. I patted the designated driver, signaled him to go, and turned to ask Aubrey where she lived.

She rolled her eyes. "Where do I live? You went there eight times a day before—don’t you remember?"

I surrendered, raising my hands. Aubrey and I had a history, the kind you bury under polite emails. Seeing her at work was complicated enough.

The ride was quiet. When we reached her place, she just nodded and slipped away into the night.

By the time I got home, the house was silent. I crashed on the couch, grateful for the dark. My phone buzzed—Derek.

[Marcus, I thought about it. I was wrong today. Let’s just split the bill as usual. Can you collect the ladies’ money for me and send it to me? Thanks.]

I laughed—he couldn’t stick to his own rules for more than an hour.

[So what should I tell everyone?]

[Just say you think it’s not good for me to treat, it’ll make future dinners hard to organize, for team harmony let’s split. Oh, don’t tell Aubrey—I’m happy to spend on her.]

Gross. I posted the whole chat in the team group, adding: [Please transfer the money yourselves.]

The chat blew up with eye emojis and GIFs, Caleb dropping a popcorn meme before anyone else could. Derek’s status kept showing "typing…" then nothing. Radio silence, until finally:

[Marcus, you misunderstood. Actually, there’s something I never told everyone. My family… sigh, anyway, I call Uncle Big Cat uncle. Family friends. Mainly, I’m afraid if this treating thing gets out, my dad will find out. He’s always told me to keep a low profile. Once I drink, I forget. What I spent today isn’t even a day’s pocket money. But I’m afraid my dad will scold me, so I wanted to talk to Marcus. Didn’t expect him to take it seriously. Everyone, please don’t transfer money, I’d feel too embarrassed, haha.]

I stared at my phone, not sure whether to laugh or cry. I’d seen Derek’s file—he’s from a tiny town in rural Ohio. Trust fund? Not likely.

A little vanity’s fine, but when it turns to lying, it’s just insecurity run wild. The group chat was dead silent—collective secondhand embarrassment thick enough to cut with a knife.

Caleb pinged me privately. [Cousin, does our family have ties to Derek’s family? How come I never heard of it?]

[Caleb, didn’t I tell you not to call me cousin at work? What do you mean our family? That’s the company. Don’t blow your cover!]

He sent a facepalm emoji, then: [Don’t worry, cousin, I’m hiding it well. By the way, work is really fun—I even get to see rare idiots. I’m looking forward to coming to work, hahaha.]

I couldn’t help but smile. At least someone was enjoying the circus.