Six Days, Seven Nights

Chapter 1:

Mindy was headed home from the gym on a chilly mid-November morning and answered an ecstatic call from Gwen. Apparently, Gwen's husband was given a gift from a client of a free all-inclusive trip for four to Hawaii. Mindy was shocked and flattered that they were extending an invitation to her. She was Gwen's best friend after all. But she was a little surprised that they hadn't invited another married couple. She thanked Gwen, but expressed some confusion about the fourth ticket. She did not want to be a third wheel on this type of trip but it didn't sound like Gwen had intentions of inviting anyone else. Imagine Mindy's surprise when the next words out of Gwen's mouth were:

"Why don't you bring Danny?"

"Danny. Danny Castellano?"

"Well, obviously, do you know another Danny? You two have become really good friends, haven't you? I mean the guy was your automatic back-up date to your doorman's wedding last month." Mindy smiled recalling Danny's assertion that of course she ended up invited to her doorman's wedding and her response that she couldn't help it that she was such a sociable and awesome person.

"Yes, but when I think island paradise, I don't necessarily think of Danny. I picture him more in like some random European country where they serve smelly cheeses…"

"Everyone likes sun and relaxation. We've decided on an adults-only trip, so Riley will be with her grandparents. And Alex and Maggie can't make it. So that leaves you plus one. Why not invite Danny?"

"Well, he has been really supportive ever since my return from the disastrous Haiti trip."

It was true. Danny had ended up being a real source of support over the past few months. She wasn't entirely surprised because even though he once declared that he hadn't asked for her friendship, he clearly seemed to want it after she returned. They went to lunch almost every day at work and she usually spent at least part of the weekend with him. He had ended things with Christina almost as quickly as they began so they were done by the time she returned to New York after only two weeks (of hell) in Haiti.

"But, I just don't know if I feel entirely comfortable inviting him on this type of vacation. I mean, going to Hawaii with a married couple seems sort-of romantic, doesn't it?"

"Why would that matter? Did something happen with Danny?"

"No! I mean, I don't know to what you could possibly be referring."

Even without seeing her, Mindy envisioned Gwen lifting an eyebrow. Mindy made the mistake months ago of telling her about the weird plane hand-holding. Right now, she was quite grateful that she hadn't mentioned to Gwen the moment in the lounge when Danny cleaned her glasses. She didn't mean to hide it from her, but she had no idea how to explain that situation to herself much less anyone else. Danny obviously never mentioned it when she returned and she wondered if perhaps it was just another example of her mind playing tricks on her during that confusing time period in her life.

"Shut up," Mindy responded to Gwen's silent but definite teasing as she hung up the phone. She wasn't mad, but sometimes she likes to make bold statement by ending her phone conversations with flourish.

It wasn't too weird, right? She could invite Danny on the trip. It would be a nice way to thank him for his support and friendship. She just had to get over herself and not make this awkward.

Looking at her phone, she quickly re-dialed Gwen, who answered immediately.

"Fine, I'll invite him. Do I have to do anything for the arrangements?"

"Nah, I've got it all covered. The flight leaves at 10:30 AM from JFK on Friday, so just bring Danny and luggage. Oh and send me your information and Danny's information so I can book the flights."

"Sounds good. I mean, I still have to ask him, but who would turn down a free trip to Hawaii? It's a light time at the office and Jeremy can cover our patients. I guess they won't give us three rooms for free, huh?" At Gwen's confirmation of this, Mindy asked, "can you just make sure our room has separate beds then?"

"No problem. I'm so glad you're coming!"

"Thanks for the invitation, Gwen. Seriously, this vacation could not come at a better time."

Mindy felt a sense of nervous and excited energy throughout the entire day during her appointments and waiting for Danny to be available as he seemed to have a busy day.

"I have a surprise for you, Danny," Mindy sang as she leaned in Danny's doorway at the end of the day.

"Let me guess? You rented another movie starring…and I used that word loosely…Kate Hudson?"

"Nope, though not a bad idea if you're around tonight. This news is much better. Free trip! To Hawaii! And you're invited!"

"Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack. Oh, that's probably an insensitive joke for a doctor to make."

"How? When?"

"Gwen's husband has a totally awesome client who has connections at an all-inclusive resort and gave him four tickets. We fly out on Friday for a week in tropical paradise!"

"Can we both really leave for a whole week though?"

"I already asked Jeremy. Well, pleaded is probably the better word, but he ultimately caved. I checked and neither of us have patients due for at least another month now and he agreed to cover in case there's an early delivery."

"Wow, you figured this all out, huh?"

"Well, Gwen thought we could both use a vacation."

"Oh, so it was Gwen's idea to invite me?"

Something flashed in Danny's eyes for a brief moment, but Mindy couldn't quite read it. He almost looked hurt, but she couldn't figure out why that would be the case. Did he think she didn't want him to come?

"Yea," she answered slowly. "But I thought it was a great idea…to thank you for being such a good friend the past few months."

Danny smiled as he held her gaze. It was strange because although Mindy had been well aware that Danny Castellano was capable of smiling before she left for Haiti, she felt like she had seen so many more of them since her return. He had a really nice smile…it was almost disarming at times.

Danny cleared his throat as he broke eye contact. "Thanks for inviting me, Min."

Mindy's lips upturned slightly at the nickname. She had teased him the first time that he used it, which seemed to have stopped him from doing it again, but recently, it had slipped from his mouth at least once per week.

"I think this will be a trip to remember," she proclaimed.

"I hope so."