We have started the fire

Back to work

Meredith's POV:

I pull up to the staff parking lot and look around for the familiar black Harley Davidson. It's not there. I spent the night alone in the house for the first time in years, worried sick about Andrew. I didn't hear from him. I didn't expect to.

As I walk towards the hospital I hear a familiar deep rumble coming from behind me. It's Andrew's bike. I wait until he parks it to approach him.

"Hey."

He takes off his helmet. Hair looks a little windswept from the ride. I give him a quick look over to see if he's ok.

"Hey," he leans over to give me a kiss. I used to care about not showing affection when at work. But since Alex and Maggie knows I don't care anymore.

"So how your night with your sister and dad?"

Andrew grabs my hand as we walk to the hospital. "It was uneventful. My dad is sick and he says he just wants to see me. But I think there's more to it than that."

"More to seeing his son before he dies?"

"I'd rather not think about it."

We make a detour for the coffee cart where I order my regular black coffee and Andrew gets his large Americano. As he pays for our coffees I tease him "you know at some point you're going to have to allow me to pay for my regular cup of Joe." 

"Not while I'm with you." Andrew stops to pull me in his arms and kiss me.

"People are watching."

"And?" He laughs that infectious laugh again.

"You know I just realized how deftly you can change subjects." I say as I take a sip of my coffee. "Look I have been there. My dad was estranged from me and dying. I didn't want to go see him. But I don't regret it. I have closure. Just talk to him. He flew out here to see you."

"Your dad didn't kill anyone".

"Yours was sick, mine just abandoned me as a child. Look, one thing I learned is closure. Give him a chance to explain why he's here. You won't regret it." I reach up to his face, pulling his lips down to mine and kiss him once more before entering the hospital.

As I change into dark blue scrubs, I realize this is really the only place Andrew and I are different. These clothes, these scrubs are the only thing really that shows our position in the hierarchy. Outside of this hospital we're the same. And it feels good to have someone taking charge now and then. Being a mom of three kids, sometimes I forget to take care of myself.

"Dr. Grey, I'm in your service today." A voice interrupts my thoughts. I look up and see Schmitt at the door. I have noticed in the recent months how much he's changed. Not just because of the lack of glasses but in his confidence. It's refreshing.

"Ok, Schmitt. Let's go through the rounds and check on the patients."

*****

After going through the rounds, I go to the cafeteria to grab a quick bite. As I'm standing in line, I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Dr. Grey."

Just like any other time when I hear my name said from his lips, a tingle comes across my body. "Dr. Deluca."

I reach out my hand to the cashier with money ready to pay for my spaghetti and meatballs when as expected, he insists on paying instead. A knowing glance from the cashier lady confirms that I'm blushing.

"You're making me feel guilty taking money from you, Andrew."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Paying for lunch, coffee, dinner. I can take care of myself you know." I see an empty table near the windows and Andrew follows me.

"You can blame my mom. She always taught me when I have a girl you never let her pay for anything."

"Well then I should thank her lol. Hey so, um, do you have plans this weekend?" I lower my voice to ask.

"No. Why?" Andrew leans closer to hear me.

"I was just thinking you could come over. Hang out for awhile. I can cook."

"Sounds like a great plan. Get to hang out with the kids. Have you told them about us?"

"Well they know you." I said, trying hard to avoid further questions.

"Yes they probably know me as aunt Maggie's special friend. Or as the off tune guy singing on their couch who hasn't showered. Tell Zola thanks for that by the way." Andrew laughs. "I'm asking if they know that you and I are-"

"Are what?"

"I don't know. Dating."

"No I haven't told. I just don't know how to broach the subject. They haven't seen me with another man since Derek." I admit for the first time out loud. "I was gonna introduce Nathan to them the night of the fire. But it didn't work out that way."

Andrew reaches out for my hand across the table. "Look I will take your lead. I can go there as just a friend hanging out with you and the kids. I don't mind."

"Thank you. I'll talk to them soon. I just don't know how."

"Have they told you anything about finding someone else?"

I look down at my plate of spaghetti, all of a sudden losing my appetite. "Zola did last year. She said I don't want you to be alone, mom. I'm fine if you find someone new."

"Look, I'll be there this weekend. Hang out with you guys." Andrew gets up to put his plate away. He bends to give me a kiss. "Things will work out."

I blush a little as I notice all eyes are turned toward me and Andrew and eat the rest of my lunch.