A Million Tears (Wish 2)

6 - Brown

"Noah lives near the park too."

Derek's words surprised her. She looked up at Noah.

He nodded but looked back down at his empty plate. "I do. I walk to work most of the time."

"Are you walking home tonight?" Her voice was quiet.

She was having trouble figuring out if they were friends. For two people who lived near each other and shared a friend, it was amazing it took them twelve years for their paths to cross. Maybe they passed each other on the street and didn't notice.

"I planned to."

Molly offered. "I can give you both a ride!"

Derek joined in. "Or I could help and give Brenna a ride."

Brenna looked at Derek, he was good-looking  but she wasn't attracted to the whole shaved head thing. She suddenly felt bold. "So is your look to make up for hair loss?"

Noah choked on his water and Molly who was also laughing had to pound on his back until he sputtered out sounds.

"I'm alive, I'm alive."

The only person not laughing was Derek, because he was busy scowling at Noah.

"I thought you were my friend."

"I am, man, but sorry it was funny."

With a serious expression Derek turned to Brenna. "It's easier for surgery. You can touch it."

Brenna laughed nervously. "I don't think so. We just met. I have a five date rule before I touch bald heads."

Noah laughed again. Brenna found it ironic, since he was the reason she established the rule.

Derek smiled warmly and shrugged. "Would this count as the first date?"

"Whoa!" Brenna put both hands up. "I only agreed to dinner with Molly. This isn't my date night. Noah, I wouldn't mind the walk or if you would rather get a ride from Molly, be my guest."

"I could use the walk."

She felt relieved when he volunteered. Why should she care if he took a ride from Molly? One big reason was because she wanted her past kept private.

There were some awkward goodbyes and Molly put her thumb to her ear and pinky to her chin. She wouldn't be Molly, if she didn't call her later to debrief the evening.

A block from the restaurant, she sighed. "You know you have to stop following me."

He chuckled. "I was thinking the same about you."

"What happened? Was I being set up?"

"I think we both were. Derek's a nice guy, if you're interested."

"And are you interested in Molly?"

"I have a policy not to get involved with hospital staff."

"Like my five date rule."

He smirked. "Listen, does Molly know about what happened?"

Brenna stopped walking. Noah stopped and turned back toward her. She looked at him, as he shifted his feet. "No one knows. Not my friend I was with that night. Not even my sister. Unless you told someone."

Looking straight at her, he shook his head. "We're the only ones."

She believed him. Truthfully, she trusted him. She started walking again. "I trust you, Brown. Oh, if anyone asks you told me you went to Brown on this walk." She stopped short of saying her sister already looked up his bio.