River felt a little jilted, but that was her best friend. If she needed to cuddle, then she could get her cuddling from him. He knew that he wasn't the most affectionate person, and if it was Derek she had to get that from, then better him than someone else. When he was called smart though, he smiled and just went back to eating his burger and watching TV.
Derek got the hint, and wrapped one of his arms around her. They had a very close relationship like that. So much so that Kirsten, as jealous of a woman as she is, was comfortable with Alyssa.