Something New

Chapter Seven

Meredith paces the floor in the attendings lounge. Callie Torres, head of orthopedic surgery and one of Meredith's friends leans against the doorframe wearing a smirk. 

"You're gonna be late," Callie sings.

"I know. Shut up," Meredith snaps. Stopping her pacing, she turns to face herself in the mirror for the thousandth time. "You're sure this looks good?"

"Badass and super hot at the same time. You look great," The ortho surgeon assures her. 

"Okay," Meredith takes a calming breath and grabs her white coat and purse. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need it- you're a hell of a catch, Mer!"

The blonde laughs and walks away, knowing she's a few minutes late she picks up the pace. When she finally reaches the main lobby, she finds her best friend and date. With a sigh, she pulls on a brave face and moves to confront Cristina.

After a long talk and a staring contest, Meredith finally gets to take in her date. He's hot. Derek wears brown suit pants and a button-up shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and the top button is undone. His hair is a perfectly styles mass of curls and his eyes seem to stare right into her soul. 

"You look stunning, Meredith," Derek pulls out a single white rose he had brought and hands it to her, "I got this for you, and if you'll come with me, I'll show you the best night you've ever had."

Meredith smiles, her stomach fluttering in anticipation as she takes the rose from him. He offers her a hand, which she takes and he leads her out to his car. Meredith takes in the black Porsche for a moment before deciding she likes it, it's a really sweet ride.

She climbs into the passenger seat and he fires up the engine, the radio starting and blasting The Clash. "I forgot your favorite band was The Clash," Meredith plays, "I don't think we can go out together after all," 

"If you're riding with me, we're listening to The Clash. I will convert you to a Clash fan," 

Meredith hums disbelievingly and looks out the window as they cruise through the Seattle streets. "Where did you say we're headed again?"

"I didn't. Nice try though," he winks, "It's a surprise, just wait and see!"

"I don't like surprises," She grumbled.

"Nevermind, you're right. We can't go out together."

They both laugh and fall into silence. Twenty minutes of small talk later, Derek parks and grabs her hand, leading her to the place he's been looking forward to all night. The sun will be setting in half an hour, and he approaches the dock, glancing back at her.

"What are we doing here?" She asks, taking in the scene in confusion.

A loud horn makes her jump and Derek chuckles and sets his hand on the small of her back to steady her. She turns around and is faces with a giant ferryboat. 

"Ferries?" She questions, turning to look at him again.

"I have a thing for ferryboats," He shrugs, flashing her a charming smile.

Something in her gut tells her there's more, so she trusts him as he leads her onto the ferry that just docked and leads her up to the highest perch with the best view of the city. There's a small table with a few candles and two chairs. 

Meredith gasps, her heart melting at the romantic gesture. He leads her over and pulls out her chair for her, ever the gentleman. He then sits across from her at the table, studying her as she struggles to form a sentence.