Chapter 7: 50 First Dates
SCENE: THE ELEVATOR
(Amber stands in the elevator in a casual black dress and red lipstick when Andrew walks in wearing a leather jacket, black shirt, and jeans)
Andrew: (Eyes her up and down) Hey.
Amber: (Grins) Hey.
(The door closes and their ride the elevator alone for a few seconds until Amber hits the stop button with Andrew confused behind her)
Andrew: Um what's wrong?
Amber: (Breath hitches) I can't do this; I can't be here with you.
Andrew: …Do you want me to take the stairs?
Amber: I thought I could do this I thought I could work with you after what happened but I can't.
Andrew: (Eyebrows raised hopeful) Really?
(Amber turns around and prowls to Andrew with lust in her eyes)
Amber: I can't get you out of my head, I can't go one hour without thinking about you. Your perfect body and your bright green eyes and your hair (Sighs lustfully) Your hair is magnificent and your brain is a big turn on for a highly evolved woman like me.
Andrew: (Breathing hard) I feel the same way. When you look at me with those deep blue eyes, I lose just a little bit of control every time. Every time I look at you, I just want to drag you into an on-call room and take you in every way possible.
Amber: (Strokes his hair) So what's stopping you?
(Andrew looks at her with intent before kissing her passionately and lifting her up causing her to wrap her legs around his hips. Andrew pushes her against the wall and pulls her dress down while still kissing her)
CUT TO ANDREWS BEDROOM
(Andrew falls off his bed and wakes up on the floor breathing hard as his dream flashes in his mind again)
Andrew: (Panting) Holy crap.
AN HOUR LATER IN THE PARK
(Amber and Levi stand in line at the coffee cart ready to order their coffee when Andrew walks by glancing at Amber who notices but looks way out of embarrassment)
Levi: I take it that things with you and DeLuca are still awkward, did you finally tell him?
Amber: No because you took that chance away from me. Narc.
Levi: In my defense Dr. Kim offered to let me buy him a drink and Taryn filled my head with hopes that it would lead to something more but then he ignored me for his attending friends. Andrew approached when I was sad and drunk and I didn't want what happened to me to happen to you so I thought I was doing you a favor. Is it too late for sorry?
Amber: (Angry) Yes. But you are gonna start making it up to me by listening about my problems and taking my side no matter what, deal?
Levi: (Hopeful for her and Andrew) Are things finally gonna happen with you and Deluca?
Amber: It's never gonna happen…We kissed last night and he still hasn't talked to me.
Levi: (Shocked) You guys kissed? Yes! Finally!
Amber: Calm down, it was just a kiss to see if he felt the same way about me, I was the one who instigated it.
Levi: And does he? Feel the same way?
Amber: (Sighs) No, after we kissed, he stood there with a frozen face and I ran out as fast as I could. But now I can't run from him because we work together. (Groans) What is wrong with me?
Levi: There is nothing wrong with you. If he doesn't feel the same way about you then that's his loss.
Amber: No, it's my loss because I'm the one who has to see him every day and work with him. I knew I should've just kept my mouth shut or should I say your mouth.
(Levi looks down guilty as they order their coffee)
LATER AT THE PEDS FLOOR
(Amber, Alex and Maggie enter the room where a little girl holds a stuffed dog with her parents by her side)
Alex: Hey Haley, how are we doing today?
Haley: Fine.
Alex: Okay and how's your dog?
Haley: He's fine. Mommy took me to build a bear so I can build a dog. His name is Paws.
Alex: Paws huh? That's a cool name, it's better than fido or rex. Karev present.
Amber: Haley Nickel, 6 years old. She is here for a coarctation of the aorta for her congenital heart defect.
Maggie: That's right what were gonna do is repair the narrowed section of the aorta so that the blood flow to your heart can run smoothly.
Alex: Basically, her heart is like a car engine and one of the tubes is broken so what were gonna do is stich that tube right up so that Haley can run smoothly.
Haley: I'm a car!
Amber: (Chuckles) Yes you are Haley and Dr. Alex is gonna take really good care of you. He was able to take care of his car for 16 years so he knows what he is doing.
Mr. Nickel: Are you sure we should do the surgery now? Her pediatrician said that we should wait till she's older.
Maggie: It's okay the risks are just the same as it would be if she were older, I've done this many times before so you can count on me. And if Paws is worried then he can ask my teddy bear Helen about me. Would you like that Paws?
(Haley giggles)
Maggie: We'll be back to prep her in an hour. Until then just relax.
(They leave the room)
Alex: You named your teddy bear Helen? Like what Helen Mirren?
Maggie: Helen Keller. She was my childhood hero and felt safe sleeping with her at night.
Alex: You were a weird kid. I was never into stuffed toys I only went for action figures. You could actually imagine them doing cool stuff. What about you Amber? Stuffed toys or action figures?
Amber: I never really played with toys as a kid.
Maggie: What? That's insane, why not?
Amber: I don't know I just…didn't, I guess.
(Andrew approaches the trio making Amber feel uncomfortable)
Andrew: (To Alex) Hey I just finished your post ops what's up?
Alex: Amber's never played with a toy.
Amber: Alex!
Alex: What? Was it a secret?
Andrew: Seriously? You never played with a toy? Not even as a kid?
Maggie: See? Even he thinks it's weird. Have you even been inside a build a bear?
Amber: No because those dolls are hella expensive and my family could barely afford to pay the bills let alone a dressed up plushie.
Maggie: Yeah, that's a good argument.
Alex: I grew up the same way she did so I agree. Amber check on the puppies in the playroom make sure none of them escaped.
Amber: I'm sorry puppies? Did we open a vet wing or something?
Alex: No, we bring in puppies once a month to cheer the kids up even though it leaves us a big mess to clean. There are 23 puppies total so make sure there are 23 in the cage got it.
Amber: (Groans) Fine.
(Amber leaves to check on the puppies with Andrew following her)
Andrew: Can we talk?
Amber: (Flustered) Um not really, I don't think we'll get a lot of talking done while I'm being trampled on by furry monsters.
Andrew: Not a dog person?
Amber: I'm not a pet person period. Their smelly, they pee and poop everywhere and they constantly bark or meow at you.
(They enter the playpen and the puppies run to the door trying to claw their way out while barking)
Amber: See what I mean. (To puppies) Now hold still so I can count you.
(Amber enters the pen and kneels to get a closer look at the puppies)
Amber: One two three…
Andrew: Anyway, I wanted to talk to you or maybe ask you something. Is that okay?
Amber: I'm sorry what? I'm trying to count these puppies on my own but they all look the same!
Andrew: I'm gonna help you before you make sweaters out of these cute puppies.
(Andrew also enters the pen with the puppies now attacking him)
Andrew: (Grins) Hey little guys! I can see why you're so popular in peds. Look I wanted to talk about what happened last night…in my apartment.
Amber: (Closes her eyes in despair) I'm sorry that I kissed you, it was a colossal mistake on both of our parts.
Andrew: (Furrows his eyebrows as a puppy climbs into his lap) What? You don't have anything to be sorry about.
Amber: Obviously I do, otherwise you wouldn't be ignoring me and being totally uncomfortable. I mean why else would you have had that look after…what happened.
Andrew: (Realizes his mistake) Amber…the kiss wasn't the problem the problem was…I felt a spark after the kiss.
(Amber looks at Andrew shocked at what she heard causing her to drop a puppy)
Amber: W-W-What?
Andrew: (Nods) Yeah that face was a face of shock and I wanted to tell you how I felt but you kind of…bolted out of there. The reason I've been ignoring you is because I've been trying to figure out a way how to get…whatever this is started.
Amber: (Groans) I'm an idiot.
Andrew: No not in general. When it comes to stuff like this, you need a little bit of work.
Amber: (Glares at him) Gee thanks
Andrew: (Chuckles) …What are you doing tonight?
Amber: Uh nothing much just the same old boring routine that consists of me on the couch binge watching The Walking Dead or The Following while binging on chips.
Andrew: So, your free tonight?
(Amber looks up as she realizes what Andrew is doing)
Amber: Are you asking me out? Like on a date?
Andrew: …Yeah, I am. I know you've been down this road with me before only you were the one doing the asking and it would be completely fair of you to reject me like I rejected you. But I just-I hope you reconsider because I've been having these dreams about you the last week consisting of us in the elevator and the on-call room and one time inside an O.R. so hopefully that will let you know this isn't one sided at all. I think you were right when you said there was something here and I am hoping that you still feel that way and we can-
(Amber stops his ramblings by pressing her finger against his lips)
Andrew: (Gets the message) Okay.
Amber: I was gonna say yes.
Andrew: Yes?
Amber: (Grins) Yes. What the hell took you so long?
Andrew: I thought a room full of cute puppies would be a good place to ask.
Amber: It is despite the annoying barks and clawing at my knees. Now help me count these little bastards so we can save a little girl.
Andrew: So, I'll pick you up after work?
Amber: If you help me with these puppies then yes.
(Amber and Andrew count all 23 puppies)
TWO HOURS LATER IN THE OR
(Amber and Andrew observe Alex and Maggie as they begin the end-to-end anastomosis)
Maggie: Suction here Amber. Pay attention to how I'm making the transection. It's a little trick I learned from my cardio chief, it's faster and more secure.
Amber: Got it. Is it possible for me to clock out early tonight?
Maggie: Why?
(Amber looks up at Andrew who smirks behind the mask)
Amber: I have a last-minute thing that I don't want to cancel.
Alex: You have a date, don't you?
Amber: (Exaggerated tone) No! What makes you think that?
Alex: She totally does. She talks like that when she's lying. Is it someone I know?
Amber: It is none of your business. Just because I am forced to witness your love life doesn't give you a free pass into mine.
Maggie: Oof and they're still in the honeymoon phase in a loft, it must be hell for you.
Amber: (Darkly chuckles) Oh yeah. I've been forced to bunking with Schmitt in his mom's basement.
Alex: Nothing from the apartment hunting?
Amber: Nope, most of the apartments in my price range are in a 50-mile radius and the rest are in shadier neighborhoods than yours. If I don't find a place soon my genetic predisposition for either insanity or drug use is gonna be triggered if I have to listen to Alex and Jo one more.
Alex: That's not funny.
Amber: It's called gallows humor it what's keeping me sane from listening to you or Jo being rided on.
Maggie: Hey you know Amelia is staying at Dr. Hunt's place for a while maybe you could bunk over at Mer's. What do you say?
Amber: Wait Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Hunt are together?
Alex: They're back together after they divorced and are now raising a teenage addict and her son.
Andrew: I think you just described the plot line of a lifetime movie.
Maggie: (Chuckles) Clamp. What do you say Amber? I mean Alex stayed at Mer's place so why not you?
Amber: (Shocked) Are you serious? Is there a bed?
Maggie: There is a bedroom so yes. Although I have to warn you there are five other occupants including three children.
Amber: I will take children over honeymoon drunk couple. When can I move in? Soon? Please let it be soon.
Maggie: Um how does tomorrow sound?
Amber: Yes! I would hug you if we weren't deep into a child's heart. Sorry Alex but-
Alex: (Relieved) I thought you would never leave.
(Amber glares at Alex as Andrew chuckles)
Maggie: Alex!
Alex: What? I'm gonna miss you Amber but it was about damn time your grown up and I was about this close to kicking you to the curb.
Amber: (Amused) I can't tell if I'm leaving or if I'm getting kicked out.
Alex: You feel what you feel in your new place. Anyways who's your date?
Amber: Um it's someone new. I'm nervous to be honest but I'm hoping it goes well.
Alex: Where are they taking you? Do they have big plans for tonight?
Amber: Okay it feels like you googled 'how to talk to your pansexual sister' so I'm gonna save you the trouble. It's a guy and he didn't specify so I don't know where he's taking me.
Andrew: Really? Well, where are you hoping he takes you? The space needle? A restaurant?
Amber: Um I don't really have a preference; I like to be surprised. I mean my past dates took me to central park, the empire state building and the statue of liberty.
Maggie: New York has its beautiful date settings. He has his work cut out for him then.
Andrew: Yes, he does.
(Amber and Andrew share a knowing look and continue with the surgery)
THAT NIGHT IN THE SOUTH ENTRANCE
(Andrew paces the front nervously in his leather jacket and button-down shirt as Amber walks out wearing black pants, black heels, and a red peplum top with her hair wavy and her makeup done)
Andrew: (Awestruck) Wow. You look…
Amber: Weird. I look weird right?
Andrew: Actually, I was gonna say you look beautiful.
Amber: (Grins) Thanks you look good too…so are we going in your car or mine?
Andrew: Um I was gonna suggest we take my bike but we can go in your car if you want.
Amber: (Exhales in relief) Great, no offense I just don't trust bikes due to the abnormal rate of accidents associated with it.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Don't worry there's always the next date. Give me the keys I'm driving.
Amber: I can drive.
Andrew: Can you drive blindfolded?
(Amber raises her eyebrow in confusion and Andrew pulls out an eye mask)
Andrew: (Shrugs) You said you like surprises. Let's get in the car and you can put this on.
Amber: Quick question does this surprise end with an ax to my chest?
Andrew: Don't worry it's a date not a funeral date. Come on.
(Amber has a questioning look on her face and takes her car keys out to Andrew before pulling them back)
Amber: (Scary tone) I am warning you right now. If you crash my car, you better pray to God that the impact kills you before I get my hands on you.
(Andrew chuckles, Amber's death stare stops him)
Andrew: (Gulps) I will treat your car like my life depends on it.
Amber: (Serious) Good because it does.
(Amber hands the keys to Andrew who gets behind the wheel. Amber hesitates for a moment before getting in the car and putting the blindfold on)
Amber: Just so you know I took two years boxing so I'm certified to kick anyone's ass.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Good to know. Just lie back and relax I'll let you know when we're there.
THIRTY MINUTES LATER
(Amber walks aimlessly as Andrew guides her to an unknown location)
Amber: I hear a lot of people around me so you haven't taken me somewhere private to kill me. Unless you're planning a killing spree in which I will be your first victim. If you're gonna kill me can you, do it moderately quick, I'm a bit of a sadist that way. Oh, and leave the face I want to look good for my open casket.
Andrew: (Grinning) Are you done? Because we're almost there.
Amber: Can you give me just a little hint? So, I won't feel so scared.
Andrew: Here's the thing Amber I know you've been out with a lot of people in a lot of cool places.
Amber: Wow subtly mentioning that I get around, way to be a gentleman on a first date DeLuca.
Andrew: That's not what I meant I just meant that you can probably imagine the pressure of trying to come up with a date you've never been on before. I thought a blindfold would be the first step to achieve that.
Amber: Are you taking me to a swinger's club? Because a guy actually took me there once before as well as a BDSM club.
Andrew: (Laughs) Trust me it is not a sex club of any kind. In fact, it's the kind of place you don't want to say the S word at.
(They both stop, Amber pulls her mask off and finds herself in front of a Build a Bear Workshop in the mall)
Amber: Okay how about this S word, seriously?
Andrew: Seriously, I remember what you said about never having a toy as a kid. I thought better late than never.
Amber: You want to help me pick out a toy?
Andrew: Actually, I was thinking we could both pick out stuffed animals for each other as a sort of first date gift. What do you say?
Amber: (Smiles) Who goes first?
LATER AT THE FOOD COURT
(Amber comes back with the Build a Bear box after Andrew picks his out)
Andrew: It took you an hour to build me a bear?
Amber: Back off its my first time. Let's exchange.
(They both exchange boxes with Amber going first. She opens the box to find a brown teddy bear in light blue scrubs)
Amber: Awww! It's so cute! What his name?
Andrew: His name is Curesalot Cutiekens. He's an intern who's learning to become a neurosurgeon for all the teddy bears in Seattle. He's looking into giving them brains.
Amber: (Laughs) I love Curesalot already. Your turn.
(Andrew pulls out a stuffed dog in light blue scrubs)
Andrew: (Laughs) Wow! I guess you and I had the same idea to make our plushies into doctors.
Amber: (Smiles) Her name is Doctor Snuggles; she is a doctor whose first name is actually Doctor. She's a general surgeon who developed the technique to keep stuffing inside.
Andrew: (Chuckles) I love her, I'm guessing you got a dog because of the puppies today.
Amber: That's right. So now that we've exchanged dolls what's next?
Andrew: Um…How about some cheap fast food and having conversations like people on dates normally do?
Amber: Sounds good to me. Pizza or burgers?
Andrew: Burgers. I'm paying, come on.
TEN MINUTES LATER
(Amber chomps on her double cheeseburger and notices Andrew subtly staring as he eats his beef burger)
Amber: (Mouth full) What? Is it something on my face?
Andrew: (Chuckles) No sorry it's just I've never been on a date with a girl who actually eats. All the dates I've been with have ordered salads that are dryer than the Sahara or just nothing at all. As a doctor it kind of makes me worried for their health you know. But you just eat that burger like there's no tomorrow and I respect that.
Amber: Same. All my girlfriends freak out when I pig out, they look at me disgusted or judgey for some reason.
Andrew: I think it's because you eat what you want and still have a killer body. That alone gets girls to hate you.
Amber: That could be it. Okay first date question, if you could live off one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Andrew: (Exhales) That's a hard one. Um I'm gonna go with…barbeque. You never said it had to be just one food or what type.
Amber: (Grins) A meat guy, I like it.
Andrew: Yeah, or maybe French toast, my sister taught me her recipe and it is amazing. There's nothing better to have in the morning, I guarantee it.
Amber: Good I'll make a note of that in case I visit you in the morning.
Andrew: Or I can make it for you when you wake up, that's a great morning after a date. As I've been told by my other dates.
(Amber chuckles as she eats her fries)
Amber: So, you're in your third year, right?
Andrew: Yeah, that's right.
Amber: What's that like? Does it get easier along the way? Do you get more surgeries?
Andrew: It…gets easier but it also gets harder because you actually have more responsibility and patients. The number of surgeries you scrub in bumps up too although their never solo those you have to earn. I still haven't earned mine yet so I'm hoping this is my year. I'm just dreading fifth year because that's when it really gets tough with the boards and picking a specialty.
Amber: Have you picked your specialty yet? I heard you were on neuro with Shepherd for a bit, is that it?
Andrew: Um…I like neuro but it just didn't feel right with me you know. I still haven't declared a specialty yet which stresses me now that I'm thinking about it.
Amber: Sorry.
Andrew: Its fine, what about you? Have you declared anything?
Amber: No, its intern year you know how it is. I'm just trying not to get kicked out before I get my feet wet. Although I did get my feet wet a little when I handled that exploding hernia last year.
Andrew: Mm I heard about that. It's all anyone could talk about; you were covered in blood and yet you helped save a guy and acted like a badass. I was actually kind of jealous that you managed to clamp an aorta your first month, I had to wait till I was a resident to actually clamp.
Amber: Well, if it's any consolation I think the fact that I was hands deep in his wound earned me the right to clamp. I think that was the only thing that kept me going after the two days of hell.
Andrew: The what?
Amber: The week after the hackings I had the worst two days of my life and I mean the worst.
Andrew: Oh, come on we've all had bad days.
Amber: Really? Did you have to look after a schizophrenic patient despite your history of dealing with crazy people? Did your peer spread one nasty rumor one day and spread the god-awful truth about a traumatic moment of yours the next day? Did you get-
(Amber stops talking and sips her soda)
Andrew: Did I what?
Amber: Nothing just forget it. Let's talk about something else please.
Andrew: (Realizing) That was the day that you caught me talking about you to Carina. I'm sorry for what happened those two days and that I was a part of your hell day. If I could take it back, I would believe me I would.
Amber: I know, it's in the past…can I ask you a question? About Sam?
Andrew: Um sure. It's kind of weird that you're bringing her up, especially now but okay.
Amber: Am I…Am I a rebound for you? Do you see me as a way to get over Sam?
Andrew: What? Why would you ask that?
Amber: Andrew, I have been the designated rebound before. Most of the people I go out with came out of a serious relationship and I was the comfort food. I would sleep with them and then they wouldn't return my calls. One guy kicked me out right after the act and said, 'thanks for being a rebound'. You wanted nothing to do with me that day you made that very clear and then you kissed me a month after Sam gets deported, now you're on a date with me. Can you see where I'm coming from? I just want to know if I'm opening myself up for heartache here.
Andrew: (Inhales and exhales) Look, I can't say that I'm over Sam completely but you are not some way for me to get over her. I didn't know you well enough then, you were just the sister of the guy who put me in the ICU that's why I said no, but then I got to know you. I got to know you for a year and I was completely in awe of you, I'm not sorry for kissing you that day at the wedding. I think I knew then that there was something there between us, at first, I thought it was friendship but then when we talked at Halloween and we kissed and…I realized it was more. You are not a rebound for me, okay? This date actually means something to me even if it's not Central Park or the Met.
Amber: Oh, please this date is way better than any of those.
Andrew: Wha- Really?
Amber: Totally. I mean those were just for show and not very good ones either. Central Park is filled with homeless people, Empire State is way too high up and the Met got tedious the more I went.
Andrew: (Scoffs) You know you could've told me that and saved me a lot of stress.
Amber: I could but I wanted to have one date that actually took effort and you did not disappoint. I'm serious these bears are the cutest things ever.
Andrew: (Grins) Good to know. And again, I'm telling you that you are not a rebound. I know you've been burned before but I would never intentionally hurt you and I want this to go beyond one date. But the real question is do you?
Amber: …Yeah, I do.
(Amber and Andrew continue to eat and chat)
LATER THAT NIGHT
(Amber drives Andrew to his house and stops at the front)
Andrew: Um Do you-Do you want to come inside? Maybe watch a movie or something?
Amber: (Flustered) Andrew it's our first date and I'm-I've been like that but with massive consequences that I don't want to repeat. It's been a great first date the best I've had in years but I don't want to jump the gun. At least not until I'm sure this is going somewhere. I think it's best if I just drop you off here and I'll see you at work tomorrow.
Andrew: (Nods) You are absolutely right. I'm sorry for bringing it up, I'll just go inside alone and see you in the morning.
Amber: Great, have a good night.
Andrew: (Grins) You too.
(A tense and silent beat passes before they start kissing in the car. The fumbling hits the car horn causing them to laugh)
Andrew: Lets head inside before the cops catch us.
Amber: Okay.
(They quickly head inside the apartment where they resume kissing. Amber tears off his jacket and shirt amazed at his physique)
Amber: (Panting) Dear god.
Andrew: Do you want me to put it back on?
Amber: Are you kidding me? Don't ever put it back on.
(Amber quickly pulls off her shirt exposing her white strapless bra causing Andrew to gulp)
Andrew: Right back at you.
(They continue to kiss and walk to the bedroom tearing off their clothes and finally reach the bed)
CUT TO BLACK
THE NEXT MORNING
SCENE: ANDREW BEDROOM
(Andrew wakes up to find himself lying in bed on his stomach naked with only his blanket to cover him. He turns over to find the other side of his bed empty)
Andrew: (Calls out) Amber?
(Amber appears at the doorway wearing her black underwear and his button-down shirt)
Amber: (Smiles) Hey.
Andrew: (Sits up and grins) Hey. For a second there I thought last night was another dream of mine.
Amber: (Chuckles and sits on the bed in front of him) No you were definitely not dreaming. I just woke up and went to get a glass of water.
Andrew: (Grins) Well you were right all along.
(Amber furrows her eyebrows in confusion)
Andrew: I had no idea.
Amber: (Remembers what she told him after he rejected her) Oh so you liked it?
Andrew: (Without hesitation) Yes.
Amber: Even the part where I-
Andrew: Especially that part, I loved that.
Amber: (Grins) Okay…good, that's good.
Andrew: (Looks at her lustful) That is very good. So, uh I don't go to work for a few more hours, how about you?
Amber: (Grins) Same.
(Andrew strokes her arm)
Andrew: (Seductive gaze) So, uh what do you want to do this morning?
Amber: (Clicks her tongue) I have an idea, hopefully it'll benefit us both.
Andrew: (Assumes) I'm sure whatever you come up with I am going to enjoy it very much.
(Andrew leans in and Amber leans in as well speaking when their lips are a few inches apart)
Amber: Great, I'll go brew the coffee while you start making that French toast you bragged about yesterday.
(Amber stands up and goes to the kitchen with Andrew left behind as his lust deflates)
Andrew: You can't just leave a man hanging like that, that is dirty play She-Karev! Dirty!
(Amber appears in the doorway with a grin amused at his whining)
Amber: Okay how about a challenge? If your French toast is as good as you say it is, I will do that thing you liked so much again and this time I will let you take the wheel.
Andrew: (Grins and puts his boxers and jeans on) Challenge accepted. Prepare to have your mind blown.
Amber: (Chuckles) Funny I was gonna say the same thing to you.
(They go to the kitchen)