A Hard Day's Night (ON HOLD)

The Date

"What would you wear, say..if you were going out on a date?" I asked casually on the phone call to Cristina while I was straightening my hair.
"Why do you ask?"
"Oh, no reason. Just wanted a little advice.."
She went quiet on the other end for a few moments, before spluttering.

"Meredith Grey! Have you pulled?!" She asked, her mouth full probably with food.
"No!" I lied. "No! I just, had a clear out and if I did have a date in future, I wouldn't want to throw out anything that'd be good for one.." I faltered, trying not to ramble. If I rambled, she knew I was lying.

"Mm..I don't know them. You know I'm crap at picking outfits.."
"What would you wear?"
"Meredith, I've not had a date for years. I was in college last time I went on a date." She sighed.
"Just tell me, Cristina! I don't have all night!"
"Hell, sorry! Um, I don't know. A black dress? Quite short, maybe with some black heels?" She suggested.
I shook my head, turning off my straighteners.
"I'm not going anywhere fancy, Cristina." I said, putting my phone on my dresser and turning on the loudspeaker.

"Wait..you're not going anywhere fancy?" She questioned.

And there I went again. Congratulations, Meredith Grey, you are a genius.

"What?" I said, pretending not to have heard her.
"You said 'I'm not going anywhere fancy' implying that you are, in fact, going on a date.."
I started to panic. "No, no! I-I meant, that if I was, t-then I'd-"
"C'mon! Tell me who it is Meredith!" She whined playfully. I ran a hand through my newly straightened hair.

"Shit!" I cursed, as I'd now messed it up again.
"Meredith, are you alright?"
"Listen Cristina, I have to go. See you tomorrow!" I said, going to end the call.
"Wait! Is it-"

I pressed 'end' before I heard the end of her sentence. I could only hope she hadn't assumed correctly.

-

After about half an hour of debating, which was pretty long for me, I decided on a loose material white top, button down, with tight black jeans and black heels.
At least I'd listened to one of Cristina's suggestions.

It was then half an hour of waiting, worrying I'd under dressed or over dressed.
Hell, I didn't even know where we were going.

Just a small drink, nothing too fancy.. I repeated Derek's words in my head.

I jumped up from the sofa when I heard a sharp tap on the door. I presumed he'd remembered my address from the little night a few weeks earlier.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled the handle open and flashed my best smile.

He stood before me, in a red button down shirt, the same he had worn that night we'd met in the bar; with his jeans and black boots.
"Hi.." I breathed out, gesturing for him to come in.
"Hey.." He replied, giving me a small smile.

"Do you want to come in?" I asked, not really sure what else to say.
He shook his head. "Well, I've left the car engine running, because I presumed you'd be ready at eight.."

"Is that a sarcastic remark?" I raised my eyebrows, pretending to be unimpressed.
He shrugged. "Depends. But seriously, are you ready or not?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm coming, I'm coming.."

As I approached the car, I saw him dart to the passenger side to open the door for me.
I nodded. "What a gentleman.."
He grinned, before closing it gently behind me and jumping in drivers side.

"I don't even know where we're going.." I admitted, as he pulled away from the sidewalk and onto the road. He shook his head.
"You'll see when we get there.."
"I'm not too under dressed, am I?"
He kept quiet.
"Derek!" I exclaimed, poking his arm. He jerked it away from me.
"Woah! Driving person, here! You'll just have to see when we get there.."