Against the clock

37.

Derek, George, and I found ourselves in the elevator, making our way to the lobby. Derek turned to us with an interesting revelation, 'Did you know this is an all-inclusive hotel?' I couldn't hide my surprise, 'Are you serious?' Derek nodded affirmatively, 'God, I am going to eat so much here.'

As the doors opened, George took the lead in exiting. In a swift move, I reached out and grabbed Derek's hand, signaling another concern. 'Okay, another problem,' I voiced. He met my gaze, 'That's a lot of problems for one day.' Looking at him with a sense of urgency, I explained, 'If this is an all-inclusive hotel; they'll never believe me if I say I'm not drinking.' Derek paused to consider the predicament. 'Well,' I pressed for a suggestion, 'well?'

'You could tell them we're having a competition about not drinking alcohol,' he proposed. I couldn't help but find the idea amusing, 'That sounds like we're 5-year-olds,' I remarked, rolling my eyes. Adding a touch of humor, I continued, 'Besides, that would mean that you couldn't drink as well.' Derek looked at the ground before finally stepping out of the elevator. 'Well... You could just say that you've changed—after...' I followed behind him, observing the rest seated at a table overlooking the sea. 'Isn't that the technique you used with the diet coke?' He inquired.

The evening breeze gently brushed against our faces as we walked toward the table overlooking the serene expanse of the sea. Laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that hinted at the countless adventures awaiting us in this all-inclusive paradise.

As we neared the table, Izzie beckoned us with a wave, her contagious excitement evident. I steeled myself, mentally preparing to conceal my pregnancy. Derek and I settled into our seats, exchanging brief glances. 'Have you checked out these menus?' Izzie exclaimed enthusiastically. 'Cocktails, shots, champagne, cava... it's like heaven.' She turned to me, placing her hands on my arm, and declared, 'Mer, we're going to have a wild night and get drunk!'

My eyes darted to Derek, who adopted a tight-lipped expression. 'Well... Izzie,' I began, meeting her gaze. 'I've actually decided to stop drinking,' I admitted, and she released her grip on my arm. 'You've what?' She laughed incredulously. 'Meredith Grey – not drinking? How is that possible?' She chuckled, treating my statement as if it were a joke. 'A lot happened – a lot happened back there, and I decided to change my life.'

Alex chimed in with laughter, saying, 'First the celibacy, now this.' Izzie joined in, adding, 'Mer, yeah, this doesn't seem like you,' and she pressed further, asking, 'Are you sure everything's okay?' I shifted my gaze to the ground and replied, 'I am... I am fine. Things have just changed, but I am good... I am great.' As the waiter approached, breaking the momentarily serious tone, I took advantage of the interruption to divert attention from the personal inquiries. 'I'll have a virgin mojito, please,' I said, trying to sound casual. The others quickly placed their drink orders, with Izzie predictably opting for champagne.

As the waiter departed to fetch our drinks, Izzie's eyes seemed to harbor a hidden agenda. She leaned in, her tone lowered, 'Mer, there's somethink... Something that you should know - before it's wedding time,' The twinkle in her eyes hinted at something more serious beneath the surface of our light-hearted banter. 'Okay?' I said with a tint of nerves in my voice. 'Okay, so you know how Alex and I invited a ton of people,' she began slowly, casting a furtive glance around to ensure our conversation remained confidential. I nodded, wondering where this was leading. 'Well, there's someone coming, that you might want to know, before you see them and freak out,' The atmosphere grew heavier with every word she spoke.

My brows knitted together as my mind raced, and I felt Derek's gaze fixed upon me. 'What's happening? What are you talking about?' I asked, a growing unease settling within me. Taking a deep breath, Izzie proceeded, 'You know how I've always been good friends with Finn, right?' The weight of her words lingered in the air, momentarily dimming the vibrant sounds of the dinner crowd. 'Finn?' I murmured, and from behind me, Derek inquired, 'Who's Finn?'