A Kind Girl In A Cruel World (Grey's Anatomy AU)

Chapter Two

I went home and got ready for my date with Lara, then I walked over to Joe's since I only live a few minutes away from there. I walked in through the double doors and saw Lara standing against a wall. She looked absolutely beautiful... I've never seen her this way before.
She wore a floral tank top, a black miniskirt, and black gladiator sandals. I've never seen her wear makeup before either, but it definitely adds something. Bright red lipstick, nails that matched, and green eyeshadow.
"You're late." Lara joked.
"And you... look amazing."
"Nice save, O'Malley."
"It's true." I smiled.
"Well, thank you. You clean up really nicely too."
"Thank you."
We made a way to a booth at the far end of the bar so we could be alone, and she sat on the opposite side.
One of the waitresses came to us after a few minutes, and she took our orders for drinks.
"I'll have a mimosa, please."
"I'll have an Irish coffee."
"Okay, I'll be right back with those."
She walked off after handing us both a menu.
"Lara, can I tell you something?" I asked her.
"Yeah, of course. You can tell me anything, George."
She grabbed me by the hand and squeezed a little.
"I overheard you and Dr. Bailey talking earlier today."
"You did?" she asked.
"Yeah, and I want you to know that... you don't have to be afraid. If we decide to keep doing this, and something happens between us, we'll still be friends."
"You promise?" she looked deep into my eyes.
"Yes, I do." I nodded.
"Thank you for telling me that. That's what I needed to hear."
"I'm that kind of guy, I guess."
The waitress brought our drinks and took our orders for food.
"I'll have a quarter pound mushroom swiss burger and some curly fries." Lara said.
"I'll have a twelve ounce steak and some steak fries."
She took off with our menus, and Lara and I sat there and drank our alcoholic beverages.
"George, you seem nervous. Are you okay?" she asked.
"It's been awhile since I've gone out on a date." I admitted.
"Well between med school and actually working at the hospital, who has the time?"
"Well, I had a little time."
"Really?"
"Yep, I dated Lexie."
"You dated Alexandra Grey? Oh my god, George."
"Well, not for very long. We went out on one date, got drunk, and slept together."
"I never pegged you as the type to sleep with someone on the first date."
"I'm not usually like that. She basically took advantage of me, and she never talked to me again after that. Uh, what do you call that?"
"Ghosting, I think. Something like that."
"Yeah, ghosting. It's weird, because I never saw her again after that either."
"I hate it when people do that. It's not typical with girls though."
"Girls can be just as bad as guys in some ways."
"I suppose that's true." Lara said sheepishly.
"But you're different, Lara. You've never been like that."
"But most of the men I've dated were like that. I've been ghosted a lot." she sighed.
"Uh, let's talk about something else now."
"Yeah, sorry."
"It's okay. Uh, what do you miss most about being home?"
"I  miss my dogs. My mom has them."
"How many dogs do you have?" I asked.
"Two."
"Why can't you have them with you?"
"I live in an apartment. They don't allow big dogs."
"What kind of dogs do you have?"
"A German Shepherd and a Black Corgidor."

"What the hell is a Corgidor?"
"A Black Lab/ Corgi mix."
"Oh, of course. How did I not know that?" I tapped myself on the forehead.
"It's okay, not a lot of people really know what it is." Lara laughed.
"What are your dogs' names?"
"Carla and Zach."
"They're both fixed, I hope?" I chuckled.
"Yes, they are."
****
After our date was over, I walked Lara outside, and we stood up against a brick wall.
"I think I had a little too much to drink." she laughed.
"Me too. But I hope you had a great time."
"Yes, I did." she nodded.
She pushed me up against the brick wall and put her arms around my neck.
"Take me home, George." she whispered in my ear.
"I can't, Lara."
"Why not?"
"Because it wouldn't it be right. I don't want you to end up like Lexie. I don't want to get ghosted again."
"I won't."
"It doesn't matter, Lara. You need to go home."
"Can I get a kiss first, Georgie?"
"No. I'm sorry, but I can't do this with you right now. You're drunk, and it wouldn't be fair."
"Fine then, I'll just drive myself home then."
"No, don't do that."
I took her keys from her so she couldn't go.
"How am I supposed to get home?"
"I'll walk you."
"Okay."
I took her to her place, which was just a few blocks away, then I went home.