Thanks for the kind things you guys said about the last chapter! It made me want to add more and encouraged me to get it done quickly. Can't believe I'm saying this already, but here is chapter 13. Hope you enjoy.

…

"I couldn't forgive you."

"What," Addison asked, while connecting the back of her earring to the post.

"I couldn't do it," Derek said. Addison glanced at her reflection quickly, admiring the earrings she had just put on. They were an anniversary present from Derek a few years ago. "That is just something I find unforgivable," he continued.

"I don't think I could either," Addison agreed.

"It's just so pedestrian. It's so common, dirty and cruel," Derek stated, with disgust in his voice.

Addison nodded and said, "I agree, but they're trying to work through things. I admire that."

"What is there to work through," Derek asked. "They both disrespected each other enough to do it. What is left?"

"Love," Addison suggested.

"You don't do that to someone you love."

"Love isn't black or white, Derek."

"Yes, it is," he insisted. "if you love someone, you don't cheat on them."

Addison shook her head. Derek had always been a "my way or the highway" person, so his opinion on this was not a shock. "I'm just glad Savvy and Weiss are not throwing their life away," she said.

"Do you really mean that," Derek asked. "He cheated on her for God only knows how long and it drove her to cheat. What kind of marriage is that?"

Addison walked out of the bathroom and over to where Derek was buttoning his shirt. She stood behind him for a second and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I don't know, I'm just glad it isn't us."

"It would never be us," Derek insisted, fastening his last button and turning to face her. "You've made me mad, but I can't ever imagine thinking that sleeping with someone else is okay."

"And for that I am grateful," Addison said with a smile and leaned in to peck his lips. Derek surprised her by leaning in more to kiss her back. He put both hands on her waist and pulled her against him. "We're not Savvy and Weiss," Addison mumbled under his lips.

"Thank God," Derek said, pulling back to fix his shirt that her hands had wrinkled.

Addison turned and walked into her closet and began scanning her collection of clothing. There were so many options. She picked up a beige dress that went down to her knees. It had buttons all the way down, and typically she would admire the way it fit her curves, but it didn't work for this. It felt a little too professional for a date night. Her hands traced down the rack and found a black dress that had a deep V-neck. She held it up in front of her and looked into the mirror. This was the one. So, she pulled her robe off and let it fall to the floor before stepping into the black dress. When she slipped her arms in, she began reaching towards her back for the zipper, but Derek beat her to it.

"There you go," he mumbled, when the zipper reached the top.

Addison smoothed out the dress and said, "thanks."

Derek eyed her in the mirror while she continued to fiddle with her dress. "You look incredible," he insisted, placing his hand on her side.

They locked eyes in the mirror and she smiled. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Derek leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "everyone else in the restaurant will be jealous."

She rolled her eyes and watched as he walked out of the closet and back into their room. Her eyes then began to scan the floor of the closet for the perfect shoes to match the dress. She picked up a pair of black heels that wrapped around her ankle with a bow and began slipping them on. She knew the height of the heel would probably make her eye level with Derek or maybe even a little taller, but they never minded. Her memory immediately jumped back to junior prom with some goofy boy named Skippy that was upset about her heels (that she loved) making her taller than him. That thought always led to the boy she went to senior prom with, whose name she liked to forget, that wore lifts in his shoes and insisted she only sit for their pictures because of her height. She remembered wanting to cringe while every single picture was taken, however she couldn't for the life of her ever remember seeing any pictures from that particular prom with him in it. Every picture she could remember were of nothing but her standing tall in an expensive dress that she had loved, with the gorgeous silver heels she had selected shining at the bottom.

"Addie," Derek called from the other side of the closet door. She walked out and found him sitting on the bed tying a pair of very flat shoes. "Savvy and Weiss, I thought they were like us," he admitted.

Addison sighed, understanding his confusion. She vividly remembered when Savvy and Weiss met. It wasn't too much longer after her and Derek. The four of them had grown together as couples. Savvy and Weiss where the adorable couple struggling through law school, and her and Derek were the awkward duo finding their way through medical school. Somehow, they just fit together, and they all knew it. Addison couldn't imagine Savvy or Weiss with anyone other than each other, and she was certain they felt the same about her and Derek. They all watched each other grow. The five of them (Mark included) became adults together. So many nights they all spent drinking and (partially) ignoring responsibilities while laying around in the living room that Savvy and Addison shared in college. Then those nights turned to drunken dinner parties at each other's homes in New York, where they had all agreed to settle.

"They were like us," Addison said, "they just don't have what we have." Derek turned towards her and gave her that soft eyed smile that she adored. "Besides," she continued, "neither of us would ever sleep with Mark."

Derek laughed and nodded his head in agreement. "Are they going to try counseling," he asked.

"Weiss doesn't want to, but Savvy gave an ultimatum."

"Counseling or divorce?"

Addison nodded her head and said, "it was the only way Weiss was going to agree."

Derek finished tying his shoes and Addison walked back into the bathroom to touch up her hair and makeup. For the first time she was really taking a moment to think about Savvy and Weiss. She had been focusing on Savvy and her feelings, but what Derek said caused a shift in her. Savvy and Weiss were like her and Derek. They were the same kind of couple. They all fell in love at the same time, while doing the same thing, and they all grew together. Plus, both couples had gone through a difficult time together. It was as if they were not just linked but destined to follow the same path. That was why Derek was so confused and why Addison was now staring into the mirror, lost in thought.

"If I tell you something can you promise not to tell Savvy," Derek asked, pulling Addison from her trance.

Addison glanced back at Derek who was now standing in the doorway to the bathroom. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Derek," in a tone that made him roll his eyes.

"I know, I know. You tell her everything," he said. "But at least try not to tell her this."

"Derek, you can't just-"

"It might hurt her," Derek said, cutting her off. "No, it would hurt her," he corrected.

Addison turned around and leaned up against the bathroom counter. "Okay," she said, taking a deep breath. "What is it?"

"It was an intern at their office. Some intern that just got out of law school," Derek said. "That's who Weiss had the affair with."

Addison felt her jaw drop. "An intern," she asked.

Derek nodded and sighed. "I asked how old she was and he wouldn't answer. So, I assume she's in her mid-twenties."

"Practically a whole decade younger than us," Addison said. "God, that's just-"

"Sad," Derek finished. "It's sad. Yet another reason Savvy doesn't need to know. It would hurt her."

"That would be like if…" Addison trailed off.

"One of us slept with someone right out of medical school," Derek finished, as if reading her mind. "It's the definition of cliché. Cheating on your wife with someone ten years younger that you work with." Addison shook her head in disgust and turned back towards the mirror. "But," Derek said, in a louder voice. "Tonight, we are celebrating us, we are not focusing on Savvy and Weiss."

"Celebrating," Addison asked, while raising an eyebrow.

"Absolutely! We are celebrating this wonderful Friday night that we get to spend together," he insisted before walking over and placing his hand on her waist. Addison looked at him and laughed. "It's always a celebration when we both find time to get dressed for something other than the hospital."

"That's true," she agreed.

"Just you, me, wine, and candles," Derek said, with a grin.

"And thirty other restaurant goers," Addison added, casually.

Derek rolled his eyes and said, "why must you always be so literal." She shrugged silently and gave him a small smile.

"I am excited," she insisted. "We needed a date night."

"Exactly," Derek said, pulling away from her. "Which is why we should get going."

She nodded in agreement, took one last look in the mirror and followed him out of the bathroom. The exited their bedroom, hand in hand, and started down the stairs. When they reached the first floor Derek instinctively reached for Addison's purse and pushed it in her direction.

"Shit," she mumbled, refusing to take the purse.

"What," Derek asked with a sigh, very clearly already knowing the problem.

"It doesn't-"

"Well, go get another," Derek interrupted, pushing the purse that did not match her outfit into her hands. "But try to hurry," he asked, politely. Addison took the purse and headed back up the stairs. Derek stood at the bottom of the stairs and admired her figure as she did so. The dress she was wearing clung to all of the right places and showed exactly how exquisite she was. The heels she was wearing did nothing but help. They accentuated her long legs that Derek loved. When her figure slipped out of sight, he realized he had been smiling. He had always loved going out with her, and that was something he had forgotten until tonight. There was nothing like walking into a room with Addison Montgomery on his arm. She always walked tall, and she looked flawless while doing so.

"Okay," he heard her voice say before she appeared at the top of the stairs. "I'm ready to go!"

Derek reached his hand out for her and gave her a big smile before they headed towards the door. "Ready," he asked.

Addison nodded her head and walked through the door that Derek was so graciously opening for them both. When the door opened, she felt the cold air nip at her exposed skin. She instinctively reached for Derek who was already there with his arm ready to wrap around her waist. "It's freezing," she said.

"Suddenly too," Derek, agreed. "Just a few days ago it was warm enough to sit on the beach."

"That's the east coast for you," Addison said.

"Global warming," he mumbled while closing the car door that she had stepped around.

…

"Welcome," a friendly voice said, while opening the door for Derek and Addison.

Derek ushered Addison inside first and stood directly behind her. "We have a reservation for two under Shepherd."

"Ah yes," right this way, the man insisted, gesturing towards his right. Derek looked up at Addison and nodded for her to go first. As she walked forward, he saw her hand reach back instinctively and he took it. They walked into the dining room hand in hand. "I think you will be pleased with your table Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd. It's right by the window," he insisted.

Derek and Addison walked towards the table where he had gestured and they both sat down. The lighting was dim but not too dim. The décor was modern but also comforting. Perfect for Addison's taste, and Derek knew it. That was exactly why he had picked it. "Thank you," he mumbled to the man, before he wandered off to help another pair of guests.

"This place is beautiful," Addison said, when they were alone. Derek smiled at her, grateful that she liked it. He typically preferred a cozy setting with more greenery and laughter, but he knew what Addison would want and he was grateful to be right.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, with a soft smile.

Addison smiled back briefly and immediately picked up her menu. "I need wine," she insisted. Derek laughed and watched her scan the options. As she worked on sorting through, he glanced around the room and noticed a group of men sitting in a booth to their right. All three of the men were watching them, or Addison rather. When Derek glanced over at them, all three sets of eyes diverted elsewhere. He continued to watch them all, almost daring them to look back up at his wife. "Are you going to get a drink," Addison asked.

Derek pulled his eyes from the table and nodded. "Yes," he said. "I think I'm going to have a scotch."

"Let's get an appetizer," Addison said, taking him by surprise.

"Whatever you want," Derek insisted, as he glanced back towards the table of men while Addison ordered their drinks and an appetizer of her choosing. When the waiter was gone, they sat silently for a moment, continuing to scan the menu for their main course. "Please don't get a salad," Derek asked with a grin. He looked up and saw Addison glaring at him in a playful manner.

"I don't always get salad! Remember when we went out with your family last weekend, I got chicken."

Derek rolled his eyes and let her think she was making a decent point. The fact that she could actually pinpoint the one occasion where she did not get a salad was more than telling. Not to mention she chose the chicken because shellfish was the only other option, and Addison was deathly allergic. It even made her nervous to be around people eating it. Just the smell in the air could make her eyes watery and cause some light coughing.

"Derek," Addison said suddenly, "let's throw a dinner and invite Savvy and Weiss."

Derek cleared his throat and sat his menu down before resting his arms on the table. "A dinner," he asked.

"Yes," she insisted. "I know it might seem weird, but we all love each other. We should have a dinner. Catered of course, with wine and good food. I think it would do us all some good."

"Addison I-"

"I know, I know," Addison said. "Things are off, but that's exactly why we should have the dinner. Savvy is my best friend, Derek. We are, well you know. Savvy and I are part of the same tribe. I need us to all be okay." Derek let out a sigh. He did of course know. Addison knew Savvy before she knew him. The three had joked for the longest time that instead of Derek being Addison's other half, the three of them were a whole. That was until Weiss, then they fit him into the mix without question. "If they can forgive each other then we should be accepting of that," Addison insisted.

"Okay," Derek said softly.

"It might feel weird especially since- wait," Addison paused. "Did you say okay," she asked.

Derek nodded his head and said, "their marriage is their business. Not ours. And Sav is your best friend."

"Weiss is one of your best friends."

"He used to be," Derek mumbled. Addison raised her eyebrow at him in response. "I just feel like I don't even know him anymore. The Weiss I know wouldn't do this to his family."

"I know, so imagine how Savvy feels, Derek. We have to be there for her."

"I know," Derek agreed. "Can we not talk about them anymore," he asked.

Addison reached for the bread on the table and pulled a piece off. She regretted the first bite as soon as she took it. An extra workout would be necessary, or at least a low carb day to follow. "Yes," she mumbled, while chewing. "Tonight, we are focusing on no one except for us."

About that time the waiter walked back over to sit down both of their drinks. "Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes," he asked.

They eyed each other for a moment and Derek immediately noticed the frantic look on Addison's face that always suggested she needed more time. "Ummm," Addison, mumbled. "I can't really decide. Honey, what do you want," she asked?

"I think we need a few more minutes," Derek insisted.

Addison smiled at him graciously as the waiter walked away. "I can't decide between the duck or the beef wellington." Derek raised his eyebrows, shocked at her options. "Oh, hush," she hissed, without even looking up at him. "You said no salads so no salads."

"Addie, if you want a salad then get a salad."

"Nope," she insisted, with a hint of passive aggression. "The duck looks great but I'm leaning towards the beef."

"I think I'm going to get the duck," Derek said.

"Then I'll definitely do the beef," Addison stated. Derek smiled at her and watched as she closed her menu. He almost always made sure to order something she liked so that she could have a bite or two. "Want to know a secret," Addison asked.

"Always," Derek said.

"I hardly ever actually want salad," Addison whispered. Derek couldn't help but let out a loud laugh that caused several people to turn their heads. "I'm serious," she insisted. "I like them but they aren't ever my first choice." Derek continued to laugh as she looked at him with a serious expression. He wanted so badly to tell her that he had always known that salads were never her first choice, but he didn't have the heart. "Honestly, I guess I don't really like them," she admitted, very clearly lost in her own head and oblivious to his internal struggles. "Bizzy always insisted that a lady should eat lightly while in the company of others, so I have always done exactly that," Addison said.

At this Derek stopped laughing and leaned forward on the table. "Addison, I know you don't like salad," he said.

"It isn't bad," she sighed. "Just not my first choice."

"Bizzy really has her way, doesn't she," Derek asked in a rhetorical tone.

Addison let out a loud sigh and said, "that's for sure. I swear I can hear her voice at times."

"I'm so sorry," Derek insisted, which caused Addison to laugh. "I am beyond grateful that I never hear Bizzy's voice in my head."

"What's that like," Addison asked.

"Peaceful."

Addison laughed again and said, "I'll never know peace."

"Well," Derek said, "tonight you will have your pick of the duck or beef." She smiled at him and picked up the glass of wine that she had yet to touch. "Wait," Derek insisted, causing her to pause. He raised his own glass and said, "to us."

Addison smiled at him while lightly touching her glass to his and said, "to us." As the wine touched her lips, she felt her phone vibrate inside of her purse. She quickly reached in and hit the button on the side without looking at the name. It didn't matter who was calling. Tonight, was about her and Derek.

Derek, who was still smiling at her, sat his glass down and waved for the waiter to come and take their order. "Yes, I am going to have the roasted duck, and she will have-" Derek trailed off.

Addison glanced between him and the waiter. "I think I'm going to have the Greek salad," she insisted.

"Alright," the waiter said, "I will have that out shortly."

When he walked off, they sat in silence for a few moments.

"I don't want to talk about it," Addison finally said. Derek shrugged and took another sip of his drink.

"You can taste the duck," he said. She looked up and smiled at him. "To Bizzy's lingering voice and unavoidable opinion," Derek mumbled, while raising his glass again.

"To Bizzy being a bitch," Addison corrected, while raising her wine that she was unable to drink because of her laughter. Derek suddenly sat his glass down and reached into his pocket for his phone that was vibrating. Addison immediately stopped laughing and shook her head. "Derek, you said tonight was-"

"It's Susan," he said, cutting her off.

Addison sat up straight in her seat and reached for the phone that Derek was already passing over to her. "Susan," she asked in a voice more panicked than either of them had anticipated. Derek watched her apprehensively from across the table. Susan never called him. Hell, no one in Addison's family ever called him. He wasn't even entirely sure when he had exchanged numbers with Susan. The only one in Addison's family that ever personally called him was Archer, and that was only if Addison was not answering. The Captain called Derek once to ask for hotel recommendations in a city he was visiting with someone that Derek was certain was not his mother in law. Bizzy called Derek once and that was a complete accident on her part, causing him to hear an entire conversation he had tried to forget. Admittedly he didn't hear much because the phone was clearly in her pocket, but he could hear her and the Captain yelling. The phrases "that woman" and "my house" were repeated a few times, but other than that, Derek couldn't make much out. He chose not to mention it to Addison. She knew about her father's affairs, so telling her that would do nothing but further her hatred for him. "Wait, right now," Addison asked in a frantic voice that pulled Derek from his thoughts.

"What," he asked Addison, who ignored his question.

"Okay, okay. I'm on the way," she insisted.

Derek blinked hard at her and took that phone she was thrusting into his hands. "On the way where," he asked.

Addison threw her purse over her shoulders and stood up. "We have to go," she insisted.

"Addie, go where," Derek asked, while reaching for his wallet. He put a one-hundred-dollar bill on the table and looked up at her, his eyes pleading for an answer. She rushed by him and towards the exit. He quickly followed her and began digging for his car keys. "Addie," he called as she pushed through the door. Derek nodded to the restaurant staff in an apologetic manner and followed Addison towards their car. "Addie," he called, desperately, "what's going on?"

Addison threw the car door open and jumped in front of the wheel before realizing she didn't have the keys because Derek had driven. "Derek," she yelled through the driver-side door that was still open.

Derek appeared from around the front of the car and said, "let me drive." She looked at him desperately with her hands reaching for the keys. "Addison," he insisted, "let me drive." Addison pulled herself out of the car and frantically walked around to the passenger side where she threw herself into the seat and buckled her seatbelt. When Derek started the car, he glanced over at her, his eyes pleading for answers. "Addie, please tell me what's going on."

Addison took a deep breath and said, "we have to get to Connecticut now."

…

Hope you guys enjoyed! As always, please let me know what you thought!

Any guesses about what caused Susan to call not just Addison but Derek as well? Hope you guys like Montgomery family drama because there is plenty to come.

I already have the next chapter planned and I'm about to start writing it, but this felt like a good stopping point. Everyone loves a cliff hanger, right? xxx