Against the clock

31.

I had a great night's sleep, undisturbed and deep. To my surprise, I woke up to the enticing smell of pancakes wafting through the air. Derek, apparently the breakfast master, was in the kitchen, flipping pancakes with a grin on his face. It turned out to be a pleasant morning surprise, and I happily enjoyed the delicious pancakes he made.

After breakfast, we headed to Derek's car, ready to collect some belongings from my previous place– George's place. 'I might hire you as my personale chef' I said laughing while stepping into the car. He laughed, a sound that echoed through the car. 'Maybe a side gig, who knows?' I joined in the laughter, enjoying the easy banter. 'Well, if neurosurgery ever gets old, you have a backup plan,' I said while putting my seatbelt on.

As he eased the car into motion, Derek turned to me and inquired, 'What stuff are you going to bring from your old place?' I glanced at him, considering the question. 'Well, I haven't been living there for very long, so not much. Just a few clothes, some personal stuff. My dog of course as well,' Derek nodded, his eyes briefly meeting mine. After a moment, he continued, 'What are you going to say to George when we get there?'

I leaned back in the seat, thinking about George and how to approach the situation. 'I'll probably just tell him I'm gathering my stuff. Keep it simple, you know?' Derek chuckled, glancing at me with a playful smile. 'Simple is good. Even though I could give George a lecture if you want.' I smirked, imagining Derek lecturing George. 'As tempting as that sounds, that will definitely make it worse. Thanks for the offer, though.' Derek chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. 'Anytime you need a lecture, I'm your guy.' We shared a lighthearted moment before arriving at George's place.

The familiar apartment building stood before us, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia mixed with anticipation. We headed towards George's door, and as I raised my hand to knock, Derek quipped, 'Ready for the grand entrance?' I rolled my eyes, 'Always.' George opened the door, and his eyes widened with surprise as he saw Derek standing beside me. 'Meredith?' I took a deep breath, attempting to keep the situation light, 'Hey, George. I am - I am going to collect my stuff.' Derek added with a friendly nod and a smile on his face, 'Hope you don't mind us barging in.'

I playfully slapped him on the arm and mumbled under my breath, 'Shut up.' Derek grinned, clearly unfazed, 'Shutting up,' he said, placing a hand over his heart in mock sincerity. 'What is he doing here Meredith?' George asked. I glanced at George, trying to find the right words. 'He's just helping me collect my things. It's a-' Derek smoothly interjected, his voice laced with a mischievous tone, 'Actually, George. She's my new roommate.'

I shot Derek a surprised look, why would he say that to him? George looked at me and said, 'Why did you bring him with you?' Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, Derek turned to George and added, 'Can I come in or are you planning to kick me out? I promise I am not pregnant.' George looked at the floor, a hint of awkwardness in his expression. Meredith, trying to diffuse the tension, shot a quick glance at Derek with a subtle smile. Derek, ever the provocateur, leaned casually against the doorway, waiting for George's response. 'Come on in' George said and I let Derek go first.

I followed Derek inside, George gesturing for us to enter. As I walked behind Derek, George stopped me abruptly, gripping my arm forcefully. 'What the hell are you doing, Meredith?' he demanded, his tone a mixture of confusion and frustration. I winced, feeling the intensity of George's grip. 'George, let go,' I urged, trying to free my arm. 'Derek is just helping me out.'

George's expression hardened, his eyes searching mine for an explanation. 'You disappear for days, and then you show up with him, saying he's your roommate now? What's wrong with you?' Before George could react further, Derek swiftly intervened. He stepped towards us and pulled my arm away from George's grasp. 'Easy there,' Derek said, his tone calm yet assertive. 'We're just here to collect some stuff, that's all.'