We have started the fire

Long Talk Overdue

Andrew's POV:

I make it back home after staying late at Meredith's. The night with the kids couldn't have gone any better. It was kind of awkward some of the questioning. But I am dating their mom. It was expected.

As much as I would have loved to stay and make love to Meredith, little kids just down the hall from us who have a tendency to sleep walk is too high of a risk. We were already caught by Webber. Last thing I wanted to do was traumatize a 9 year old.

I sent a text to her saying I made it home. A second later I saw a reply back. "Good night. Thinking of you." Knowing I occupy her mind when we're not together makes me happy. If only she knew how much she's in mine.

As I get ready for bed I decide tomorrow morning is the day I should have the conversation I have been avoiding with my father. I was not on call and I thought it best to face that hurdle sooner than later.

The following morning I met my dad at a cafe across the street from his hotel. Carina had an emergency at the hospital and so my dad and I had time to ourselves.

Don't get me wrong. I don't hate my dad. I love him. But it's complicated. My mom left him when I was 8. I don't remember much about him but I have kept his past hidden for many years, only opening up to Meredith. Now here he is walking towards me in a cafe in Seattle.

"Andrea." My dad approached me with his arms outstretched, smile so wide.

"Papa". I return the hug and sit down across from my dad. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Is it any good, Andrea?"

"It's Seattle, Papa. Hard to find better."

"Ok keep it simple for me. Just whatever you have. Grazie." 

When I come back with a cup of Americano for my dad, we chat about life in Italy and how rare it is for there to be sun in Seattle.

"So, Andrea. Wow. Can't help to notice the beautiful woman you were with the other night."

"Yes papa. She's someone special to me." I reply as I sit back and wait for more questions about meredith and my relationship.

"How long have you known her, Drea?"

"For three years. But we just recently started becoming more."

"She's the daughter of the infamous Dr. Ellis Grey, correct? You've got good taste, son. Beautiful and highly intelligent."

"Yes. I know, Papa. Sometimes I wonder how I got lucky."

"You got my looks son and my charm. That's how." 

I choke a little trying to hold back my laughter. "So pops, what are you doing in the USA?"

"Can't it be just to catch up with my son?"

"Papa, I know you better than that. Like you said I am my father's son. There's more to this visit than asking how I'm doing. FaceTime and emails can do those just fine."

"Ok ok. Fine. I am on the verge of a medical breakthrough and I want to work with Grey Sloan Memorial to see it through. I make a pitch with your chief tomorrow."

"You want to work at Grey Sloan?"

"Yes. Of course. One of the best hospitals in the states. Why not?"

"But Papa you could choose any hospital in the world. In Italy. Why here. Why Seattle. Why the hospital I work at?"

"You just answered it. Because you work there son. I want this to be a Deluca legacy. You and me. You won't come to Italy. I know that now. Because the woman you love is here."

"Papa, I-"

"Don't lie to me and tell me you don't love her. A blind man can see the love you have for that woman. And I am not going to take you away from that. So I come here. I want you and I to make this breakthrough together. The Deluca Method."

"What about Carina? Why not partner up with her. She's the attending with years of expertise. I'm just a resident".

"And that's why I want you. Carina already is established in the medical community. I'm proud of her. But you're not in the map yet. Work with me your name will be known. You will be worthy of the woman you love."

I sit and finish my coffee, pondering over what my dad just said. I have always had confidence in myself that being a resident doesn't mean I don't deserve Meredith. That I have much more to offer. But now I see where my father is coming from. The desire to be good enough to deserve Mer's love. I can't even bring myself to deny I love her. Because it's true. I don't know when it started but it has slowly creeped up behind me, surprising me.

"Ok, Papa. Tell me your idea."

"Three words, Andrea. Baby in bag."