The Man Next Door

Chapter 6

In the days leading up to the beginning of filming Meredith and Derek spent the majority of their free time together. Alternating between each others houses, the race track that Derek would practice his race car driving and Meredith's favorite Italian restaurant at night, they practiced lines, working on developing their characters' relationship and chemistry. At least that's what they told themselves and the people around them. To any bystander witnessing their exchanges in public, they all assumed the pair was in a relationship.

"So, tomorrow's our first table read with the cast," Derek said casually to Meredith. "You nervous?"

"No, I'm prepared. I have a great 'study buddy'," Meredith laughed, sending a wink his way.

"Well me too, but it was kind of hard for me to concentrate with my study buddy. She is just too adorable and beautiful for her own good," responded Derek while capturing Meredith's green eyes with his for a moment. All time stood still until Meredith pulled out of his gaze.

"Shut up!" she said playfully, pushing his shoulder back while blushing. Her cheeks turned rose pink and Derek chuckled. He loved making her blush and embarrassed. Most of the time she had a 'sassy' and 'tough girl' exterior but he was always able to bring out her sweet, vulnerable one.

"Well it's true! I can't help it if my 'study buddy' captivates me" he said leaning closer towards Meredith across the table in the Italian restaurant they were sitting at. It was their last night before the beginning of what they assumed to be a busy schedule of late nights and early mornings on set so they thought they would celebrate together.

"Well, the 'Study buddy's' boyfriend is a lucky one" Finn said as he came back from the restroom sitting down next to Meredith and pulling her in for a quick peck on the lips.

This sent sparks of jealousy throughout Derek which he tried to push aside, 'what are you thinking? She's not yours to be jealous of' he thought to himself while physically shaking his head in an effort to get the thoughts out of his head.

"What's wrong honey?" Rose said as she returned to the table after taking a phone call.

"Oh nothing, just not looking forward to the long hours that I'm going to have to work. It won't leave much time for my racing," he responded. And while the racing part of it was true, Derek having a huge passion for NASCAR driving, he couldn't help but be excited for the extended hours he would get to spend with Meredith.

"I think it's a good thing, I'm always scared that hobby of yours is gonna get yourself killed!" Meredith said with an over dramatic performance and laughing, trying to make light of the situation. She was always worried for him but he wasn't hers to worry about.

"Same" replied Rose, "It's getting a little out of hand. When I suggested you try racing I never actually thought it would get this serious."

For the most part, Derek had just been playing around with different cars on the track, getting a feel for the speed. But lately his passion had been growing and he was beginning to think about taking the sport up on a professional level. Rose never supported him in the idea but Meredith seemed happy for him. As much as she was worried for his safety she knew he was very passionate about it.

"Rose, I enjoy it and that's all there is to it. I don't want to have this conversation again, especially in public!" stated Derek more firmly, all signs of joking gone.

"Ooh look, our food's here!" exclaimed Meredith, trying to take the attention away from the bickering pair.

"My pizza's better though" added Finn when Meredith took her fist bite of her supreme pizza.

"Cause it's the only thing you know how to make" she said, in between bites.

"Really?" Derek questioned, "Well Finn if you ever want cooking tips from me come right over and ask. We all know how women love it when men cook for them." He didn't know why but Derek prided himself in the different ways he out did Finn.

"But you never cook for me" intervened Rose

"That's because you're never at home to see it."

The conversation had taken an awkward turn and each of them began eating their meals in silence. When the waiter came to take their plates away they all began their retreat stating that Derek and Meredith had an early morning the next day.

As soon as Meredith walked in the door of her house her phone buzzed:

Derek: Well that was awkward

Meredith: haha, I know!

Derek: Next time, just you and me ok?

Meredith: Oh Derek! Don't let that convo at the end think that it's impossible for us all to go out together. It was going well before…

Derek: yeah I know…

Derek: But it's still more fun with just you

Meredith: yep, we're the fun ones in our relationships! Lol :D

Derek: Which makes us perfect friends!

Meredith: yes we are good friends J I'll see you tomorrow Derek

Derek: good night Meredith, sweet dreams my best friend

With that last message Meredith smiled. She liked the thought of being best friends with Derek but it still brought sadness to her. She would never admit it to herself, but in her heart, she wanted something more with him.