AN: Dedicated to Naidoo, who asked for a follow up to this story a long time ago. Thanks for loving it, honey, and not forgetting one of my "early works."

Chapter 1

"Derek, if you are going to grumble the whole time, you can go home," Penelope said, fishing through the rack. She was looking for just the right dress, and was having no luck. Summer sucked. There was a lot of skin she had to show, and she wasn't sure that skin was in proper form.

Leaning against a rounder, he sighed heavily and dramatically. "Baby, you know I want to help. Shopping just ain't my thing, you know?"

Penelope had to snicker a little to herself. She knew he hated it; she expected him to be a "drama king". She hated having to ask him, but she couldn't do it alone. Emily was on a date with a mystery man, and Henry had strep throat, keeping JJ home and away from the mall. She'd bargained with him: he shopped with her, she would go for pizza and beer and pool.

It was a win-win situation for her, but she wasn't going to tell him that.

"How about this one?" Derek pulled out a teeny, tiny red dress, strapless, with a deep plunge in the front. It was about a size two.

"Hot Stuff, that wouldn't even cover one boob."

Derek gave a wicked grin. "Oh, hell, yes. Then it's perfect."

She scrunched her nose up at him. "I am sure Kevin will think that's the cat's pajamas, babe. He's going to thank you for looking out for his best interests."

That got the response she thought it would. Derek stuffed the dress back in the rack with a scowl.

Giggling, she went over to hug her best friend. "I love you, Derek Morgan."

He smiled, hugging her back. "Love you, too, sweets."

When she turned back to the rack, she saw that there was a beautiful navy blue dress with sequins on his side. She reached for it and saw that it was her size. "Ooh, D. Why didn't you grab this one?"

"Didn't look like something you'd wear." He shrugged nonchallantly.

"Why not?" she questioned.

He made a face. "Don't you think it's kind of… I don't know. Sedate?"

"Derek. I'm going to Kevin's grandparents' anniversary party. I need to look somewhat sedate." She sighed, feeling her nerves come up again. "I want to impress them."

"Hey," he said, putting his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. "Baby Girl, you are going to knock their socks off, regardless of what you wear."

Penelope couldn't help smiling. Ever since they returned from Alaska, Derek was her one man cheering section. He'd reiterated things in Alaska that he'd told her when he'd said one of his Bedtime Stories to her. He was the handsome prince, always protecting the princess, at all costs. She could never repay him for the love and support he'd showed her then, now, and always.

"Thanks, angel fish." She folded the dress over her arm. "I'm going to try this on, then I am going to eat pizza, get you drunk, and spank your butt in pool."

He snorted. "You wish."

"I think you're the one who wishes I'd spank you," she retorted saucily, walking quickly towards the dressing room.

"You gonna show me?" he called out.

She was in one of the little booths, undressing. She pulled the dress up and was reaching behind herself, trying to get it zipped with no luck. She heard a lady nearby. She opened the door. "Excuse me? Can you zip this?"

A chubby, white-haired grandma carrying a pair of capri pants answered her. "Sure thing, honey. Turn around."

One quick zip later, she was dressed. She wandered out to see Derek. "What do you think?" she said, pirouetting in front of him.

The dark blue dress had a fitted bodice that nipped in her waist, capped sleeves that flowed over her shoulders, and a handkerchief hemline that danced around her calves. She smiled at him expectantly.

"Whoa, P," he said, then cleared his throat. "Beautiful. You look absolutely beautiful."

Her grin was brilliant, before she turned to go back into the fitting room. It was so nice to have a male point of view, in particular when that male looked at her like Derek just did. She wanted to be a knockout. A moment later, she was back in her work clothes, ready to go.

"Come on, Hot Stuff. I'm hungry."

Chewing on a big chunk of crusty breadstick, Penelope put a hand up to cover her mouth so she could ask Derek a question. "So, what is the deal with Marilyn?"

Derek held back a grin. He could always tell what she was saying, even if there was a wad of food in her mouth. He could easily be her dentist; they could understand regardless of what their patients had in their faces.

"She's nice. She's funny. She's an easy lay. She's personable, and she doesn't ask for much. Plus, she's got a kick ass Ferrari." He took a big bite of his pizza and didn't bother covering his mouth when he continued, "The perfect woman."

Penelope took a sip of her beer. "Sometimes you are remarkably chauvinistic."

He arched a brow at her. "And Kevin is Mr. Right."

She flushed a little. "Actually, that is what I wanted to talk to you about, too, cupcake."

Derek was ready to take another bite, but he put it down instead. "What?"

"I think Kevin is going to ask me to marry him this weekend."

Derek snorted and took the bite of pizza he'd held off on. "You've said that before, Baby Girl. It never happens."

"I know," she said, scowling a little. "But this is a romantic event, and he was hinting at me, more than he normally does."

"You can do better than him, Penelope."

"I don't want better than him, Derek," she said testily. "I want him…. He's special to me…. I love him."

For a second, Derek paused, just looking at her. It was like he was seeing her for the first time. He peered at her, his eyebrows knit and his mouth compressing into a line. Finally, he spoke. "You really do love him. Damn…. I didn't think-"

She sighed in exasperation. "Why do you think I was with him these last few years?"

"It's just...I just..Damn." He ran a hand over his face, closed his eyes, and took a deep inhale through his nostrils. When he opened his eyes, he was smiling again. "Well, for your sake, I hope he does. He doesn't deserve you, but I hope he asks."

"Thanks, Hot Stuff."

For a long time after, they were quiet, drinking their beers. What started off with a raucous, fun atmosphere with them teasing like they always did ended with a funeral-like dreariness. It was unpleasant, heavy, and rather miserable.

She tossed down the crust to her pizza. "Come on. Let's play pool."

"No, P. I'm not in the mood."

She stood, grabbing his hands, trying to drag him to his feet. "You lump! Stop being a party pooper. Get moving..."

Reluctantly, he got to his feet. There were people at the two pool tables. He shrugged. "Can't play, I guess."

"Okay. Then let's play darts."

The darts area had one board open. Derek finally grinned at her. "Are you really suggesting to play Cricket with me? I am a master Cricket player, and you are a rank amateur."

She squinted at him, the challenge evident in her face. "Ever hear of beginner's luck?"

He laughed. "Oh, ho! The kitten has claws. Alrighty, then; let's play."