Against the clock

39.

AN: THEY WILL GET TOGETHER! I just think, with their history that a slow burn is in order.

I was in the bathroom with George, finishing touches on my outfit before heading out. Donned in a sleek black dress paired with matching heels, I was in the midst of applying red lipstick. That's when George's unexpected remark cut through the air, 'I can see your stomach through your dress.'

'Oh,' I responded, a mixture of surprise and self-consciousness. I instinctively placed my hand on my stomach, as if shielding it from an unintended spotlight. The comment caught me off guard, and for a moment, I felt exposed in a way I hadn't anticipated. George, realizing the impact of his words, quickly interjected, 'I mean, not in a bad way! Just... people might notice and I thought you should know.' I managed a small smile, appreciating his attempt to ease the situation. 'Thanks for letting me know,' I replied, my hand still resting on my stomach.

With a newfound awareness, I excused myself from the bathroom and headed to the room where Derek was. I found him waiting, probably sensing something was amiss. As I entered, Derek looked up. I sighed, recounting George's comment about my stomach being visible through the dress. 'Can you really see it?' I inquired, a touch of vulnerability in my voice. Derek's eyes softened, and he stood up, approaching me. 'Let me see,' he said gently, his hand reaching out to touch the side of my dress where my stomach was.

I turned slightly, giving him a better view. Derek studied the area for a moment before looking back at me, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. 'You can see it, but you look beautiful,' he said, his words carrying a genuine warmth. 'But what if they all notice? What if they're all talking about it?' I blurted out, my voice betraying the anxiety that had taken hold of me.

Derek's brow furrowed with concern, and he gently cupped my face in his hands. 'Even if they do notice, it doesn't change anything. You're still you. They will found out sooner or later.' he said, trying to quell my rising panic. Derek's hands on my face provided a grounding sensation, his reassurances a balm to my anxious thoughts. I took a deep breath, absorbing his comforting words. 'Should I just wear this? If they see it, who cares?' I asked, a hint of defiance creeping into my voice as I contemplated the idea of embracing vulnerability.

Derek met my gaze with a soft smile, his hands still cradling my face. 'Yes,' he said, his voice filled with certainty. 'Wear it. You look... hot.' I chuckled, appreciating Derek's lighthearted encouragement. 'I know, they might mistake me to be one of the strippers,' I replied with a playful smirk. Derek, sensing the shift, dropped one hand from my cheek to my waist and slowly pulled me a bit closer, a playful smile on his lips. The door creaked open, and George walked in, catching the tail end of our banter. His eyes widened in mild surprise, and he paused, clearly feeling like he had walked into a moment he wasn't supposed to witness. Derek, sensing the shift, dropped his hands, a playful smile on his lips, 'Oh, George.'

George blinked a few times, his gaze darting between us. 'I didn't mean to interrupt,' he stammered, trying to act nonchalant. I exchanged a quick glance with Derek, offering a reassuring smile to George. 'You weren't interrupting, George,' I said, trying to alleviate any awkwardness. Derek chimed in, adding a playful tone, 'Well, technically, you were interrupting. But we forgive you.' He shot George a teasing grin, and George chuckled nervously.

'The party is starting, we should go,' George suggested, shifting the focus away from the momentary awkwardness. Derek and I nodded in agreement, ready to join the festivities. We followed George out of the room and made our way to the lively party. The sound of music and laughter grew louder as we approached the celebration. The venue was adorned with vibrant decorations, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement. It was evident that this party was a special one – a themed celebration marking Izzie and Alex's last event before their wedding.