"Mom..." Derek hurriedly stepped out of his car, fumbling to straighten his rumpled shirt. "I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. I got an urgent call that took me out for a bit."
"I'm not interested in any of your excuses," Donna cut him off sharply, her voice low but seething. She glanced around at a few of Derek's neighbors going about their morning routines. The last thing she wanted was to create a scene and embarrass her son. "Just grab my bags and open the door."
She marched toward his porch, her right foot tapping impatiently, arms folded tight across her chest.
Derek swallowed hard and picked up her luggage, his fingers trembling as he fumbled with the keys while silently cursing Elena under his breath.
The moment they stepped inside and shut the door behind them, Donna's restraint snapped.
She delivered a fierce slap across his cheek, the sound echoing through the living room.
"What was that for?!" Derek cried, clutching his stinging face.
