The cool night air surrounds you as you slip into the driver’s seat, glancing over at Meredith, who’s already settled in the passenger seat. Her hair cascades over her shoulders, catching the faint glow of the dashboard lights, and her expression is a blend of calm curiosity and quiet amusement. The scent of her faintly floral perfume lingers, adding a comforting warmth to the cool interior of the car. Outside, the soft hum of the engine melds with the chirping of crickets as you ease onto the quiet, open road.

“You know,” Meredith says, her voice soft but laced with teasing undertones, “you’re not exactly the spontaneous type. So, what’s the occasion?”

You glance at her, a small grin tugging at the corners of your lips. Your hands rest steady on the wheel, the rhythmic motion of the drive already beginning to soothe the day’s chaos. “Maybe I just wanted to spend some time with you - away from pagers, surgeries, and the constant buzz of chaos.”

She raises an eyebrow, her smirk sharpening. “Hmm. A late-night drive?” she repeats, her tone light but probing. “Romantic, mysterious, or are you just stalling from something you’re supposed to do?”