Grace
I sat in a corner booth, idly stirring my drink. I couldn't even hear my own thoughts, the music was so loud.
People were dancing and singing and having the time of their lives, and I was sulking in the corner. What was my problem?
Oh yeah, I had just moved to Virginia for a job and knew absolutely no one. 'Making friends' had never been one of my strong suits.
Derek
I watched my friends dance, not wanting to join in.
"Morgan, what's wrong?" asked Prentiss, walking up to me with drinks in her hands.
"Nothing, just this last case. Hit a little close to home, that's all," I replied, chugging the beer that she handed me.
"I know it's difficult, but we saved those boys. You just have to remember that."
"Yeah, but they'll never be the same…" I trailed off, trying not to recollect the memories of Carl Buford.
"We'll get them help, and they'll do the best they can," she replied, "Go and try and have fun. Find some new girls to prey on."
I couldn't help but laugh. Prentiss was right, I had to stop thinking about it.
She walked away to give Garcia and JJ their drinks and I got up to go find something to take my mind off of what had happened.
Grace
I checked my phone, sighing at the blank screen. Really? No one wanted to talk to me? This was depressing.
I glanced down, noticing that my drink was gone. Might as well go get some more.
I left the booth, slowly making my way through the crowd to the bar.
"What can I get ya?" the bartender asked, looking my way.
"Long Island Iced Tea," I replied, leaning onto the bar.
"Whoa, some strong stuff there," I heard a voice from behind me.
"Well yeah, it's been that kind of day," I replied, turning around.
Derek
The woman in front of me turned around and I swear I heard myself catch my breath.
She had long, curly, red hair and bright green eyes.
"That bad, eh?" I asked, trying not to stare.
"Yep, sad isn't it?" she retorted, grabbing her drink and walking towards a booth.
I followed her, not wanting the conversation to end.
"I'm Derek Morgan, and you are?"
"Grace Stevenson, have a seat. I think you're the first person who's wanted to talk to me all week."
"Now, I find that hard to believe. How could a pretty lady like you be all alone?" I replied as I sat down, beer in hand.
"Oh aren't you so suave?" she responded with a smile.
Grace
Was this guy really hitting on me? For weeks I haven't even made one acquaintance and now this gorgeous guy comes over to me.
"So what are you doing in good old Virginia? You don't look like you're from around here," Derek said.
"I just moved here a couple of weeks ago from Phoenix. It's… different here."
"I know what you mean. I'm from Chicago myself, but Quantico's become like a second home. Why'd you move here if you don't mind my asking?"
"Oh, for work. I start tomorrow- that's the one thing that I'm excited about. It's going to be an amazing experience," I replied, eager just thinking about it.
"Starting a new job with a hangover? Doesn't seem like a smart idea," he retorted, raising an eyebrow.
"Hey, hey, hey. This is only my second drink. I can handle my alcohol better than that!"
"That's what they all say and then, boom, fired," Derek laughed.
"Hardy har har, very funny."
I was just about to ask him what he did for a living when a blonde woman walked up to the booth.
"Morgan, we have to go. Emergency meeting in the bullpen in fifteen," she said as Derek turned to her.
"Sorry Grace, work emergency. Hope to see you around sometime," he stood up and started to scrawl something on a napkin.
He tossed it to me and I looked down to see a phone number.
"Call me sometime," he said as he walked away.
