Monica and Olivia really went all out this year. The house and grounds are covered in all things red, white, and blue. Banners, flags, and pinwheels as far as the eye can see. Sam can't help but smile when she drives up the long driveway. Even the hedges are decorated. She had thought about dropping the kids off and bailing but, seeing all of the decorations, is helping to get her in the spirit of the holiday. Sure, it's going to be awkward seeing Jason with his newest damsel in distress but she can't keep avoiding them.
"Mom, hurry up! Rocco is probably already swimming," Danny says while bouncing in his seat.
"I know you're excited but look I'm parking now," Sam tries to reason with her son but he doesn't wait for her to shut the car off. He is already out of sight by the time she gets Scout's door open.
"Well baby girl it looks like you're stuck with boring old Mom." The second Scout's feet hit the ground she is running towards the back of the house.
"Bye Mommy!" She yells over her shoulder before bursting into giggles. Sam watches her daughter run up to the house where she finds Willow and grabs her hand, probably asking where Wiley is so she can play with him. The Quartermaine house is bursting with people. Music is playing and she can hear people laughing and splashing in the water. A soft breeze flutters Sam's sundress and gives a little relief in the humid heat of early July.
"Thanks a lot. Now I have to walk in by myself," she mumbles under her breath while grabbing the bags from the trunk.
"Talking to yourself now McCall."
Sam jumps, seeing Dante leaning against the back of her car. Where the hell did he come from?
"Dante, I didn't see you there."
"I can tell. You were busy getting blown off by your kids," Dante chuckles and comes closer to help her. "Here, let me get those for you."
"Thanks," Sam says quietly, suddenly unsure of herself. She had been so busy preparing herself for seeing Jason and Britt that she didn't stop to think about her budding feelings for the detective. It has been a confusing few months. Dante has been in her life for years. Sometimes they get along, sometimes they are on opposite sides of the law, and sometimes he's the dependable cop that she can ask for help. But he has never been someone she could see herself being with. She always knew he was attractive and funny but it never went past that. Then one night at the Metro Court she grabbed his hand to comfort him and instead felt that zing. Ever since that night there have been little moments here and there that have made her realize he's more than Sonny and Olivia's son.
"You didn't have to bring anything. My mother is cooking enough food for all of Port Charles."
She laughs knowing he's right. Olivia will use any excuse to cook and the Fourth of July is the perfect opportunity. They make their way to the back of the house where tables and chairs are set up.
"I know but I couldn't show up empty handed. Plus, this way, I can have my favorite beer."
Dante shoots her a smile, "I like the way you think, Sam. Do you have enough to share?"
"I don't know...you are my enemy, remember?" She always finds herself smiling when she is around him.
"Can we please bury the hatchet? At least for the holiday, you can go back to hating me tomorrow," Dante asks while holding out his hand for her to shake.
"I guess so but only because I need someone to hang out with that's over the age of sixteen," Sam pulls away from the handshake laughing.
"Wow, I can really feel the love. But I'm onto you Sam. There are plenty of people here that you can hang out with. You just want an excuse to spend time with me don't you? It's okay, you can admit it. I am devilishly handsome," he can't keep the boyish grin off of his face.
"Dante, leave her alone! Sam, I'm sorry, I thought I raised a gentleman. He thinks he's more charming than he really is," Olivia walks up from behind Sam lightly slapping Dante's face.
"Really, Ma?" Dante says, embarrassed his mother caught him flirting with Sam.
"Oh my, are you blushing? That's adorable," Sam laughs as she pushes his shoulder. "Olivia, I brought some chips and beer. Where can I put them and do you need any help?"
"You're sweet but I think we have everything covered. The chips can go in a bowl on the table and there is probably room in the cooler. Dante, help Sam," Olivia rushes off to take care of some food related crisis.
"Yeah, Dante, help Sam," Sam giggles then stops short realizing she's acting like a teenager flirting with the cute boy.
"Real mature, Sam," Dante just laughs as he puts her beer in the cooler, noticing that it's his favorite. He takes some ice from the cooler and flicks it in Sam's direction proving he is just as immature as her.
"Oh Jason, I'm so glad you could make it! And you brought Dr. Westbourne. Welcome to my house I guess," Monica sounds confused.
Sam looks at Dante panicking. "Please, talk to me about anything. I don't care what just keep me busy so I don't have to play nice."
"I can do that," Dante winks.
"Don't be a pig," Sam smacks him on the chest.
"Are you making fun of my profession, Sam? How could you be so mean? That really hurt my feelings," he tries for mock outrage but the corners of his mouth start to turn up.
"Oh knock it off you know I didn't mean it like that!" They both start laughing like little kids.
"What's so funny over here," Britt says as she and Jason make their way over to them.
"Dante's horrible sense of humor," Sam says as the smile falls off her face.
"Hey! You were laughing so it can't be that horrible." Dante cuts in actually outraged this time.
"That was pity laughter. You looked like you needed an ego boost," she says, shaking her head in sympathy.
"Sam, where are the kids? I would like to see them," Jason mumbles looking uncomfortable.
"Danny was looking for Rocco, they were planning on swimming all day. Scout was with Willow. I'm sure they will be out here soon." Seeing the kids running out of the house she adds, "There they are."
"Hey Dad, do you want to come swimming with us?" Danny asks Jason.
"Yeah yeah please!" Scout pipes in from next to her brother.
"Sorry guys but I didn't bring any shorts. Maybe next time," Jason replies even though they all know it probably won't happen.
"Mom, please," Scout turns to her mother and pouts, knowing she won't be able to go in unless an adult is with them.
"Yeah Mom it will be fun, we can play Marco Polo." Danny adds in. They always gang up on Sam. It really isn't fair.
"Sure why not? I have to go get changed real quick. Why don't you hang out with your dad while you wait for me."
"Dad, you should too. Uncle Michael and Aunt Willow are getting ready to come out." Rocco pleads with Dante.
"I don't know. It sounds like you have enough adults already," Dante tries to make excuses.
"Oh come on, Dante. Are you scared of my mad Marco Polo skills?" Sam taunts him knowing exactly how to push his buttons.
"Fine! I'll get changed too." Turning to his son he says, "Wait with Danny, I'll be right back."
Sam laughs and takes off towards the house trying to get away from the awkwardness as quickly as she can.
Sam and Dante run into Michael and Willow as they enter the house.
"Did the kids talk you guys into going swimming too?" Michael asks, already knowing the answer.
"Of course they did. They ganged up on us. We never stood a chance," Sam laughs. "Hey Willow, why don't you come with me and help me pick which bathing suit I should wear?" She asks.
"Sure. Meet you guys back here in a few minutes," Willow says and gives Michael a quick kiss.
"I better go change too or I'll be left behind." Dante takes off to the guest quarters.
A few minutes later Dante comes back in his swimming trunks. Michael is still standing there by himself replying to emails on his phone.
"Hey, it's a holiday. Put that thing away," Dante says to his brother.
"I know I know. It's a bad habit," Michael laughs and sets his phone down. "So, you and Sam have been spending an awful lot of time together. I feel like you guys are always gravitating towards each other at family functions lately."
"Yeah, we have become friends. She's easy to talk to and pretty funny too," Dante feels like his brother is digging for information.
"Sam is pretty awesome but you never seemed to notice that before," Michael tries to hide a smile.
"Well until recently we never had a reason to talk to each other more than just being polite. Since I came back and she broke up with Jason—I don't know, it's like we can be more open with each other."
Sam and Willow start coming down the stairs. Sam is wearing a white bikini with blue and red polka dots that doesn't leave much to the imagination.
"Shit," Dante mutters under his breath as Michael chokes on his water and starts laughing.
"You're in trouble aren't you big brother?"
"Yeah, I think I might be. Has she always been that hot?" He rubs his hand over his face trying to control his expressions.
"Gross Dante, she's like an aunt to me," Michael shakes his head.
"Hey, are you guys ready to go?" Sam smiles at them.
"Yup, lead the way," Dante can't even look at her right now.
They make their way out to the group they left behind. The kids are jumping around excitedly talking to Jason and Britt. Jason looks up when they are close and Dante is pretty sure he hears him swear under his breath. If the look on Britt's face is any indication she heard it as well.
"Are you really wearing red, white, and blue?" Britt bites out.
"I guess I was feeling patriotic," Sam tries to keep her temper in check. It wouldn't do any good to be rude in front of her kids.
"Let's go swimming!" Scout yells with her tiny arms in the air.
"Ok well I'll see you guys later. Britt and I have to go,"
"Already? Dad, you just got here," Danny can't keep the disappointment out of his voice.
"I have work to do and Carly is depending on me."
"We never get to see you and when we do it's only for a few minutes." Danny's voice cracks a little even though he's trying to put on a brave face.
"I miss you Daddy Jason," Scout looks like she is going to cry.
"I promise I will stop by the penthouse Friday. We can have a game night or go to the movies or anything you guys want," Jason sounds desperate.
"Just you?" Danny says while pointedly ignoring Britt.
"Just me. It will be you, me, and your mom if she wants to stick around," Jason glances at Sam hoping for a save.
"We'll see how the week goes guys. Give your dad a hug and say bye to Dr. Westbourne," Sam tries to temper the kids' expectations knowing something will probably come up.
Danny gives his dad a hug and Scout lifts her arms up wanting to be picked up. Jason picks her up and gives her a big hug whispering 'I love you' into her ear. When he puts her down she doesn't seem as excited about swimming anymore.
Dante tries to cheer the group up again, "I thought we were going swimming! Scout, I'll race you to the dock."
Scout takes off running as fast as her little legs will carry her.
Dante and the boys chase after her.
"It was good to see you, Jason. Don't let my mom keep you too busy," Michael slaps Jason on the back walking away without acknowledging Britt at all.
"Call or text when you know whether you can make it Friday. Next time please don't make a promise we both know promises are hard to keep," Sam says to Jason before jogging to catch up with everyone else. She can hear her daughter's giggles as Dante catches her and lifts her up onto his shoulders.