Chap. 25 Think about it
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"Would you like to live in Washington? I found you a job with the FBI." He said urgently.
Penelope's mouth was wide open and she was staring Derek as if he had two heads.
"How do you think it's going?" Desiree asked while staring at Penelope and Derek.
"I don't know. Have you seen her face?" Sarah answered.
"She seems shocked and uneasy… maybe she doesn't love him back?" Desiree said.
"Young girls don't make assumptions, we'll see what happen." Fran said.
"See, she's hugging him, it's not bad, is it?" she added smiling.
The three women feigned to be looking elsewhere when Penelope and Derek walked back towards them.
It was time for him to leave. He hugged and kissed his mother and sister cheeks. Then he moved to Penelope and hugged her tightly.
"Promise me you'll think about it." He whispered in her ear.
"Of course. Thanks again."
"You don't have to thank me… just think about it." He kissed her cheek and left them with a last wave.
"So… Did my brother profess his love to you?" Desiree asked as soon as they entered the car.
"What? No!" Penelope cried with disbelief.
"So what was that about?"
"Desiree!" Fran warned.
"That's ok Fran, he just asked me to come to Washington."
"He asked you to move in with him." Sarah shrieked.
"NO! Why would you think such a thing? He just got me a job with the FBI. He asked me to consider it."
"That's so romantic." Desiree whispered.
"What's romantic in the fact that a person found a good job for his best friend?" Penelope asked puzzled.
"Seriously Penelope do you think that his proposition is innocent. The man wants you near him that's clear." Sarah said.
Penelope began fidgeting in her seat uncomfortable.
"You are crazy; I don't know what you're talking about. We're friends, best friend even. There's nothing more here believe me."
"But…"
"Ok girls, it's over now. Leave Penelope alone."
"Thanks Fran."
"Will you consider the offer?"
"Well yes..; it's a good job offer… I need to think about it… I just can't leave here like that if I ever decide to." Penelope said uncertain.
"I understand. Will you have dinner with us tonight?"
"Hem thanks but I have a dinner with some colleagues. Maybe tomorrow?"
"Sound good."
In the plane Derek kept replaying Penelope reaction in his mind.
Flashback
"Would you like to live in Washington? I found you a job with the FBI." He said urgently.
He saw surprise and fear in her eyes.
"Penelope?" he said after a moment of silence.
"Are you serious?"
"More than serious. You're very talented and the FBI needs some people like you."
"Penelope Garcia working for the FBI." She said with disbelief.
Derek sensed her reluctance and wanted to give her some reassurance.
"You don't have to give me an answer right now. I just talked to some people there and if you're willing to take the job, it will be yours."
"Thanks Derek… I just need to think about it. It's a lot of change."
"I know… just think about it. The salary is very good and I'll be there, you could meet my team and friends… it could be fun."
"Do they know about me… my disability?"
"The higher boss yeah… my team no… they don't know about you yet. And you can't really say that you're disabled. In some months I'm sure you'll be walking without a cane."
Penelope didn't answer but hugged him.
"Thank you very much Derek. Let me some time, ok?"
"Sure."
Derek sighed. He hoped she would truly consider the offer. It was a good opportunity and he would be happy and relieved to have him near her. He knew it was selfish for her other friends but he couldn't help it. He needed her near him, he just couldn't pinpoint why.