— Good night, Dr. Robbins! What a beautiful dress!
Merida Harris says softly, blinks gently and nods when she stops, still standing, next to Harriet. Her green eyes in Arizona, making her inexplicably anxious... as always.
— Hi... — Arizona murmurs, still afraid that her dress would fall and leave her naked, and tries to understand what the Welsh would be doing in her boss's office, accompanied by her lawyer. — Did something happen to Alicia?
Her eyes widening momentarily, Merida shakes her head and replies:
— No, nothing happened. On the contrary, she's better than before and tomorrow she'll be traveling with my parents on a cruise.
— Oh! — Arizona exclaims surprise to discover that the Welsh has parents, indicating that she wasn't born from some block of ice. — I'm glad to hear that... Alicia is a very intelligent child and I bet you encourage her to be like that. Am I right?
Merida doesn't respond immediately and maintains a mysterious expression for the American as if she studies her very well. Then, nodding, the Welsh replies:
— Ah, yes! Alicia is somewhat "unusual" for her age and I admit that I encourage her to read more and to increase that intelligence that stands out from other children her age.
Dan Gomes clears her throat indicating a certain impatience and looks hard at Merida, who immediately changes the subject:
— Well, Dr. Robbins, I would like to apologize for taking you out of your nightly appointment, but I needed to resolve these small problems that I caused in your work as soon as possible.
Arizona looks confusedly at the Welsh, who's suddenly talking a little too formally. Her eyes quickly stare at the lawyer next to her and she returns her attention to the redhead.
— But what happened?! — Arizona questions without understanding what Harriet and Merida would have in common.
Without waiting for the Welsh to answer, Harriet steps forward to speak:
— Robbins, Mrs. Harris clarified to me about the incident with the donuts and so I must admit that I was wrong. I kindly ask you to forgive me.
At that moment, Arizona looks suspiciously at the three women (would it be the two drinks she drank out? She couldn't say...) and, pointing to Merida, asks:
— What?! Did you find out what they did with the donuts and who did it?
The Welsh looks at the watch on her wrist, clearly in a hurry to do something, and returns her gaze to the American when she replies:
— Yes, Dr. Robbins! We found out what happened and the person responsible has already been notified and will suffer consequences. That's why I came here, to explain to Harriet about the interns being sick with the donuts I sent you.
Arizona can't believe that Merida has finally noticed the mean and cruel secretaries she has in her company. Her eyes seem to assess every word and reaction from the redhead, still feeling silly for being anxious to be around her again.
— Well, it's good that everything has been resolved — Arizona says with false indifference in her tone, but without taking her eyes off the Welsh. — I just wanted to understand why you just called me to say this — she looks at Harriet and asks: — Couldn't it be said over the phone or talked tomorrow?
Dan's husky and sullen voice sounds beside the pediatrician:
— I said the same thing to Mrs. Harris, but she insisted that we do everything today.
— Anyway — Merida says in a serious tone and looks at Harriet: — I'll need to go, but my lawyer will continue with this meeting. Once again, I apologize for what happened to the interns and I'll be responsible for the expenses they had with the hospitalizations and whatever else they need. Just give Dan the numbers and she'll take care of the rest.
Almost like a shout and not stopping your heart from doing that, Arizona exclaims when standing up:
— No! — they all look at her in fright, except for Merida (who looks at her smiling slightly), and the American coughs falsely. — I mean, what else is there to be said? We have already talked about the donuts and everything is fine... — she looks intensely into the green eyes beside her and tries to understand why Merida can't be there to talk. — Do you... do you have anything else to talk to me about?
At that moment, Arizona makes a tremendous effort to understand what the Welsh means with that somewhat mysterious look and, before saying anything, Merida replies:
— Again, Dr. Robbins, I apologize for all the confusion I caused in your work and I promise it will never happen again. — she smiles and winks at the American as she walks away. — Unfortunately, I'l need to go, as I have an important meeting at home. I hope that someday you can forgive me for the mess I caused in your life and that everything will return to normal for you. Have a good night, Dr. Robbins.
Not believing the cold way that Merida had treated her, Arizona remains standing and with her eyes fixed on the woman, who withdraws from there after talking to her lawyer. "It's not possible!", thinks the American without understanding and believing what just happened, "does she think she has the right to be upset with me?!"
— Robbins?! — Harriet exclaims as she lightly touches the pediatrician's arm.
Shaking her head and swallowing the urge to run after Merida, question her about that cold attitude and say a few more things that are stuck in her throat, Arizona sits down again and, looking at Harriet, asks:
— And now? Can I return to my activities and my position as head of Pediatrics?
Dan Gomes, placing a thin folder in front of Arizona and Harriet, begins to speak:
— Mrs. Harris made a document and I would like you to study and discuss it — she points to the director of the hospital: — Remember that Dr. Robbins decides what to do with that donation.
— Sure! — the woman responds excitedly and nodding. — Mrs. Harris was very generous with the donation she made.
— Donation?! — Arizona questions without understanding anything and looks from the director to the lawyer. — What are you talking about?
Dan sighs heavily before answering:
— Mrs. Harris became one of the financial heads of this hospital, just as she donated a good amount to Pediatrics, with the point that you, Dr. Robbins, decide what to do with that money.
Arizona softens her arms by stopping reading the papers in her hands and looks startled at the lawyer.
— Money?! Merida?!...
Dan opens the contract on a certain page and, rolling her eyes, points to a paragraph, making Arizona open her mouth in amazement and exclaim:
— Oh, my God ! I can't believe it!? — she puts a hand over her mouth and reads the donated amount again. — But this... this is a lot of money! I can't accept it! Pediatrics don't need that much and would be better used in...
— I don't need to know what you think of that amount, much less what you will do with the money, Dr. Robbins. — Dan cuts her. — Mrs. Harris did this because you were the only doctor capable of looking after her daughter and doing the surgery that everyone thought was dangerous, including me. — she puts a hand on her chest and looks at the American. — I admit I was wrong and that you fulfilled what you promised, showing yourself to be an excellent pediatrician. Mrs. Harris went to countless doctors and none of them had the audacity and competence you had to care for Alicia. That's why she wants to give back to the Pediatrics of this hospital and you will decide what to do with this donation.
— And we are immensely grateful for such a beautiful attitude by Mrs. Harris — Harriet soon advances in saying and, seeing Dan Gomes standing up, so does she. — And we are very happy that she is part of our financial body, I'm sure you won't regret it.
— Tomorrow I'll send two employees to stay here and represent us in the financial department. — Dan says snorting and points to Arizona. — Have a good night, Dr. Robbins.
Still paralyzed, scared and shocked by the amount Merida donated to Pediatrics, Arizona can't believe it and is amazed to see that she did what all the other pediatricians didn't: her job!
— I can't accept it.
The pediatrician says in a weak voice causing Harriet and Dan to stop at the door and look surprised.
— How is it?! — Dan Gomes questions suspiciously. — What did you say?
Also standing up, Arizona stretches the contract to the lawyer answering:
— I cannot accept and I won't accept this amount. I did my job and acted on the oath I took when I graduated. Mrs. Harris doesn't need to donate this money just to apologize for the spoiled donuts... It seems that I would let myself be taken for money!
— Robbins! — Harriet exclaims quietly and murmurs: — What are you doing?!
— I'm doing what's right — Arizona replies nonchalantly and looks at Dan again. — Tell Mrs. Harris that I just did my job and if she wants to thank me for it, use this money for something more humane.
The director of the hospital seems to soften her body, while Dan stands with her back to the door and looks intently at the American woman as if studying her every reaction. Then, after a few seconds of silence, the lawyer says:
— Mrs. Harris didn't do this to apologize for the donuts, because on this subject the person has already been held responsible and fired from the pastry shop. This money donated to Pediatrics was a gesture of thanks for what you did to Alicia, Dr. Robbins. That girl is everything in Mrs. Harris' life and you gave her back the hope of seeing Alicia grow up as any other child. — she opens the door and nods. — Furthermore, the money has already been transferred to an account that you have access to. I just ask you to read and sign the papers so I can file. Have a good night!
That said, Dan leaves mumbling something, and Arizona stands in the middle of the room with the papers in her hands, but with her eyes locked on the open door.
Sure of her profession from a very young age and working with love, Arizona Robbins had never had any interest in taking advantage of anything or anyone whenever she was successful in surgery. Alicia Harris wouldn't be a different patient for her and that is why she feels bad for that exorbitant amount that Merida donated to her department.
— Robbins, what craziness was that to say you don't accept the money? — Harriet questions unhappy and sits back in her chair. — We have been trying for some time to call Merida Harris as one of our funders and you can do that in such a short time! You should be happy and proud to achieve that. Look at the amount we received!?
— Yeah... — Arizona mumbles while sitting in the chair, but still feeling bad for that donation. — I just did my job, there is no reason why she did it.
— She has too much money, Robbins, and it was time for her to start helping others. — Harriet says excitedly. — Come on, what do you think about improving the hospital structures and then, with what is left, buy some more modern devices? Oh, by the way, you're back in your job as boss!
Arizona doesn't feel safe about using the money that way, and she also can't understand what was so important about Merida in her home that she couldn't wait to talk to her first.
— I don't know... — the American murmurs while shaking her head. — I'll need to think about the money and, when I decide, I'll talk to you. — she squeezes the contract in her hands and, standing up, points to the door. — I need to go, but tomorrow I'll be back in my activities... — the American leaves without hearing what the director says and murmurs while walking down the hall: — Did she fire her secretaries?
Once in her house and in her huge suite, Merida drinks her whiskey while walking to the closet, when Bree's voice sounds warm:
— Mery? Where are you? — she sees the Welsh waving from the back and steps forward, smiling beautifully when she sees Merida taking off her clothes. — What happened that you came earlier from Canada?
Taking off her shoes, Merida quickly looks at the housekeeper when she replies:
— I solved it faster than I thought and came back in time to solve a HUGE mess caused on my behalf around here!
Bree looks at Merida with some curiosity and, moving forward to her, unbuttons the Welsh's shirt:
— What are you talking about? What happened around here?
Merida doesn't respond right away, allowing the woman to take off her shirt and watch her closely, wondering about her housekeeper's loyalty for the first time.
— Bree... Why did you tell Dan to dismiss Dr. Robbins?
— What?! — the housekeeper questions without changing her calm face and takes the Welsh's clothes. — Take a bath and stop talking nonsense. I'll leave your pajamas on your bed and then just go downstairs to eat something — she walks to the room exclaiming: — Drinking whiskey doesn't feed anything and it only harms you, Merida.
Snorting impatiently and exhausted from that woman's way to command her life, Merida closes her robe over her body and walks behind her, holding her by the arm and forcing her to look into your eyes:
— Bree, I asked why you dismissed Arizona Robbins while I was traveling?
Wide-eyed and surprised by that Welsh's attitude, Bree caresses her face lightly saying:
— Because she is no longer needed in our lives! Doctor Harry can be Alicia's doctor again and that Yankee can continue her life away from us. Why, don't you tell me that you would go out with her again?
— I said I would take care of it as soon as I returned from Canada! — Merida exclaims as she moves away from Bree and runs her hands through her hair. — I would talk to Dr. Robbins and decide with her what we would do about her being Alicia's doctor. And yes, I would go out with her again! You have no right to do these things, Bree! What will you do the next time I travel, huh?! Are you going to fire my secretaries?!
— Ah, Merida, don't talk nonsense! — Bree exclaims trying to approach the redhead, but sees her a little aloof. — Merida! — she puts her hands on her waist and frightened by the Welsh with that attitude for the first time. — Do you see why that pediatrician should be removed from our lives?! You're acting irrationally, doubting MY intentions and not trusting my judgments anymore. When did some little woman you only went out once leave you like that... rebellious?! What does this one have that makes her different for you?!
Remembering Arizona falling in the rain puddle, appearing naked twice in front of her and almost hitting her with a baseball bat, Merida smirks as she replies:
— She is unlike any I've ever met, Bree — Merida stares into the housekeeper's intense eyes. — Only that... she is different... — sighing heavily, the Welsh continues to speak: — That is why I'm warning you never to fire someone on my behalf at that company again. Inside this house, you have total control, but... in my company... I'm in charge! Or Dan!
— But!? Merida!? — Bree exclaims shocked and with the Welsh clothes crumpled against her chest. — You NEVER spoke to me like that! When did I become an enemy to you?!
Rolling her eyes and shaking her head, Merida replies:
— Please, Bree, you're distorting my words. I'm just warning you that in my company you must not interfere. Was I clear?! As in my personal life with the women I relate to as well...
At that moment, Bree looks intensely at Merida and realizes that the pediatrician had already poisoned her against.
— Where did you spend the night, Merida? The driver didn't want to tell me and he left to pick you up at the airport last night!
— Around! — Merida responds when walking back to the bathroom. — I slept somewhere! And I won't eat anything heavy, I just want a black tea with two biscuits, please!
And as soon as the Welsh disappears into the bathroom, Bree squeezes the clothes more tightly in her hands and closes her eyes to where the woman had disappeared, with the certainty that Arizona Robbins would be behind all that "rebellion" never before demonstrated by Merida.
— That won't remain like this! That doctor will only enter here over my dead body!
Two days later...
In the middle of a Saturday morning, Arizona finishes getting ready when she hears the intercom ring.
— Ah! She arrived early... — as soon as she runs down the stairs, she steps up to the device and answers it: — Alex?!
— Hey! — Alexandra exclaims excitedly. — Are you ready, crazy?
— Not yet! Get up here, it will take me 10 minutes! — Arizona responds by pressing the button to release her friend's entry and hangs up, returning to her room.
As soon as Alexandra enters and goes up to the room, she exclaims excitedly:
— Remember to put on very light clothes.
Arizona finishes tying her hair in a bun and, sitting on the bed, starts putting on her sneakers when she sees Alexandra as a whole.
— Now! Check it out! — she laughs with her hands on her knees and winks at her friend. — The serious and powerful prosecutor with a somewhat more casual outfit... I like it!
Shaking her head and showing her tongue to her friend, Alexandra throws herself on the bed while exclaiming:
— Idiot! For the place we go, it's necessary to be stripped and more... loose.
When she finishes putting on her sneakers, Arizona stands up pulling the prosecutor with her and opens her arms questioning:
— What did you think of this outfit?
The pediatrician wears black shorts, a T-shirt decorated with bacon and eggs, and her trainers.
— Loved it! You might be mistaken as one of the kids, huh?! — Alexandra jokes as she is pushed down the stairs. — I took Olivia's car, since mine is at the mechanic and she is on , it's just the two of us!
Arizona takes her backpack from the living room sofa, putting on an umbrella, wallet, cap and cell phone there. Then, as soon as the two women leave the flat, the pediatrician locks the door and walks to the elevator.
— Alex, where are we going? — Arizona questions when entering and presses the button on the ground floor. — Olivia has the courage to leave her car in your hands?!
Opening her mouth in a silly laugh and pushing her friend lightly over the shoulder, Alexandra exits the elevator as soon as they reach the desired floor and exclaims:
— Why, what is this nonsense?! I drive even better than Olivia, you crazy!
Almost 10 minutes later, Alexandra is driving while Arizona, sitting next to her, sighs as she thinks about the money Merida had donated to her department.
— Oh, Alex, can you believe I still don't know what to do with that money?
— I imagine how Harriet must be feeling about your indecision — Alexandra says with laughter and looks quickly at her friend. — What about the money giver, Ary, what did you decide? Did she call you?
Throwing herself against the seat and thinking about Merida, Arizona replies in a tired voice:
— No... and she didn't answer me anymore... I don't think she's even thinking about me as much as I think about her, Alex. You already told me that this is exactly what she does with women after going out with them. I was the idiot who fell in love...
— Aaaahhhh, Ary, don't be like that! — Alexandra exclaims poking the pediatrician's shoulder lightly. — And I may have been wrong about her.
— Like?! How could you be wrong about it? — Arizona questions when throwing her body forward and opens her hands. — Alex, she simply becomes one of the heads of the hospital finance department where I work, donates exorbitant money and doesn't even call me or show up at home, whatever! What should I think about this?!
— Well, Ary, you attacked her with a baseball bat! — Alexandra exclaims with laughter and takes several pats on her arms. — Stop, crazy, stop it! You almost killed the poor woman, not me!
— I didn't kill her, okay?! — Arizona snorts impatiently and shakes her head.
— But you almost did that and you still expect her to call or show up at your house?! For what?! To get hit on the head?! — Alexandra laughs. — Let me tell you what Brendon told me on the phone yesterday.
With a curious expression, Arizona looks at her friend when she asks:
— Who is Brendon again?
— Oh, Ary, my designer friend and the president of the brand Bren S. I already told you a thousand times about him, you crazy! — Alexandra rolls her eyes by tapping the steering wheel. — Anyway, he told me that Merida had a short and thick conversation with her housekeeper.
— Housekeeper? That boring woman? — Arizona questions thoughtfully. — Why would she do that? As I recall, Merida trusts her life in that one...
— Yeah, Ary, but he told me that Merida found out that Bree waited for her to travel and decided to take you out of her life — Alexandra says anxiously and looking from time to time to the pediatrician. — Remember that you told me that Merida sent her lawyer to dismiss you?
Widening with her eyes and finally understanding what her friend is saying, Arizona exclaims as she pushes the prosecutor's arm:
— Aaahhh, I know! What about it?!
— So, girl, it wasn't Merida who did this, because she was traveling! — Alexandra replies smiling. — The poor thing hasn't forgotten you, Ary, not even dismissed you from her life. Merida was in Canada solving a problem over there and who sent the lawyer to dismiss you was Bree... without Merida knowing! Get it now?! Just as Bree spoke to Harriet and forbade you to continue treating the child.
Once again, the anxiety, which always arises when talking or seeing Merida, grows inside Arizona and makes her afraid to smile:
— She... was she traveling?! Merida never wanted me away from her?! Alex... is that serious?!
Stopping at a red light and looking in disbelief at her friend, Alexandra says:
— Yes! And did I ever lie to you?! I'm serious, Ary! That information came from Merida's best friend... Besides, the fight she had with Bree was short and serious, where she expressed that she no longer trusts the housekeeper.
At that moment, Arizona smiles when she hears that the Welsh may not have wanted her away from her life and that the night was also special for her.
— Alex... are you sure about what you're telling me?!
— Yes, absolutely sure. Merida told Brendon that and he told me. — Alexandra answers the instant she finally parks in front of a rather old house, despite being large.
Arizona, looking confusedly at the place, asks:
— Alex, where are we?