HAPPY EASTER GUYS! SORRY FOR THE LATE SUBMISSION I'VE JUST BEEN BUSY TRYING TO FINISH IT. ENJOY AND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME.
Chapter 11: The Dinner Date
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S BASEMENT
(Amber is sitting on the couch looking at apartments on her laptop when Jo comes down with dirty laundry holding a phone to her ear)
Jo: My test came back negative this morning, I'm just gonna do consults in the ER today…Of course I'll be safe I'm always safe…Yeah, I know I wish you were here too. It sucks not having your husband around when the world is ending.
(Amber rolls her eyes at the mention of Alex due to still being mad at him. Jo notices and decides to try something)
Jo: Hey you know what? Amber's here, she really wants to talk to you.
(Amber looks up annoyed at Jo who holds the phone out to her which she reluctantly takes)
Amber: (Holds the phone to her ear) Hey Alex how's it-
(Amber hangs up)
Amber: Tunnel.
(Jo narrows her eyes at Amber and takes back her phone)
Jo: You know you're gonna have to talk to him about Izzie coming down here sometime, right?
Amber: And I will hopefully by then my resentment will dial down and I won't feel the need to punch him in the face again. And other more painful areas.
Jo: (Grins sarcastically) Hopefully, how goes the apartment search?
Amber: Horrible, how goes the return of your husband?
Jo: Horrible, Alex is trying to cross the state but patrol men are pretty serious about people leaving unless it's an emergency. Apparently being there for your wife and seeing your child being born isn't considered an emergency.
(Jo goes to the laundry room and comes out with a tiny mask)
Jo: Hey do you have extra masks your mom sent us in March?
Amber: No, but maybe you can answer this, is it possible to double check if the city inspected and approved the building I'm looking at? It says it was approved on this site but real estate is dying and everybody lies so. Why are you looking for a mask? My mom sent us like eight.
Jo: She did but I gave five of them to Link and Amelia and the kids. I gave one to you and one to Levi and I've washed the one I have so many times I think its fit for Scout. I need a mask I have work in an hour.
Amber: Just use a bandana.
Jo: Bandana's are open on all sides allowing covid into our faces, forget it I'll just tie a Ziplock bag around my face and hope it works. As for your problem, just do a virtual tour, you'll see if you like it and it fits your impossibly high standards.
Amber: Virtual tours are crap; the camera is outdated, the lighting is horrible and the realtor can keep the unsettling features out of view. I need to see it in person but of course that requires setting an appointment which is set for summer hoping the virus dies down by then. And by then Izzie Stevens will have settled her torture devices in one of the rooms upstairs. I hate covid.
Jo: You and me both, until then you're welcome to stay here as long as you want. And if you feel like you can't be indoors with Izzie just set up a tent outside. I mean if that guy from Into the Wild could do it, then you can.
Amber: Didn't he eat a poisonous plant and die?
Jo: (Shocked) He did?! I'm reading the book before I see the movie, spoilers!
Amber: (Hisses) Sorry, wait a minute since when do you have time to read? I'm a bibliophile and even I just started Shadow and Bones two days ago.
Jo: My baby probably got that from you because they have been craving books. I already read The Hobbit and Game of Thrones.
Amber: I bet you didn't see that Ned Stark twist coming.
Jo: No! He was the only pure one and they just chopped off his head on the orders of a mini-Hitler.
Amber: I guess your kid wants to grow up spoiler free in this pop culture infused earth. I would recommend the Harry Potter books; those are for kids and adults so it'll satisfy you both.
Jo: I've already started the Sorcerer's Stone while you and Levi were sitting shiva. How long until that candle blows out?
(Amber looks at the memorial candle still burning in the middle of the coffee table)
Amber: It's been two days since we lit it so give it five more, don't worry we put it away from the flammable stuff.
Jo: Is it shiva if John wasn't Jewish?
Amber: According to Levi yes. Hey, speaking of pregnancy, how's that woman with the baby in her liver doing after giving birth?
Jo: So far so good but she's still at risk for liver failure which requires a transplant.
Amber: Which isn't easy to come by these days. How's her baby?
Jo: Still in the NICU but stable. We're just preparing ourselves for complications that come from being born 26 weeks prematurely inside a liver. Enough about me though, how's Meredith? Is she getting better?
Amber: It's been four days since we got her on the protocol and her numbers look promising but were the same as you just preparing for any complications.
Jo: Yeah, I think this world is just testing us on our ability to handle complications in general.
(The doorbell rings)
Jo: I got it.
(Jo goes upstairs and opens the door revealing Helen Karev on the other side wearing a mask)
Jo: (Eyes wide)
Helen: Surprise!
Jo: (Shocked) Hi! Helen oh my god, you're here, your actually physically here in Seattle.
Helen: I am, are you gonna invite me in?
Jo: Of course, yeah come on in, I'll call Amber. Amber! Come up here I've got a mother of all surprises for you!
Helen: Oh, Amber's here? I thought she would be at her apartment I was planning to drop in on her after I checked with you.
Jo: (Confused) Wh-What do you-
(Amber comes upstairs and freezes in shock for a split second before forcing a smile)
Amber: Mom! Oh my god, what are you doing here?
Helen: Well Jo told me about the pregnancy a week ago and I just couldn't believe it I was so excited. I just had to come down here and show you the baby clothes that I made when the day finally came.
Amber: Okay but how did you get here? Flights and buses aren't available.
Helen: Oh, I drove here.
Amber: Yo-you drove all the way from Iowa in a car? During a pandemic?
Helen: Don't worry I packed everything; I didn't make any stops I didn't want to get my pregnant daughter in law sick but if you feel uncomfortable, I can take a test at the hospital if you want.
Jo: And we'll do that just that to make sure you're healthy.
Amber: Mom why did you come down here? I mean there's the post office or UPS if you want to be fancy. You didn't have to come down here, you know how anxious you get when you travel.
Helen: I do but I also have a free schedule since the library shut down, all I did in that house was sew masks and knit baby clothes. Oh, speaking of which, here you go.
(Helen pulls out three Ziplock bags full of masks and baby clothes. Amber pulls out an Elmo mask and Jo gets a Lizzie McGuire mask to their amusement)
Helen: They ran out of regular fabric at the store and the kid's ones were the only ones left. I understand if you don't like it.
Jo: No, no I love it I mean I loved Disney channel when I lived in foster homes with cable.
Amber: And…I'm sure I loved Sesame Street at some point in my childhood.
Helen: (Chuckles) Oh you did, you devoured cookies when you were four because you wanted to be just like the Cookie Monster.
(Jo snickers as Amber blushes in embarrassment)
Jo: Well, you came at the right time because I used up the masks you gave us.
Helen: Already? I thought I made enough for you two to last till the shelves are filled with disposables.
Amber: We gave some to our friends that are raising a baby and another woman's kids. It's a long story.
Helen: Well just say the word and I'll make more, I mean I don't have a lot to do now that my job is on hiatus. And don't worry Amber I made some for Andrew too, I got transformers and CatDog in case he feels nostalgic as well. Where is he? Is he back at your place?
(Jo tries to keep a straight face as Amber keeps a smile on her face despite feeling uncomfortable)
Amber: Y-Yeah, he's at our place it's just uh with both of us working the covid ward we didn't want to overexpose each other. So, we decided for the time being I'll stay with Jo while Alex is in Kansas with the kids.
Helen: (Gasps) Did he say if he was coming up here soon and possibly bringing my grandchildren?
Jo: Um no he hasn't said when he was coming here, he's still working on it. Well, uh maybe we could talk about it over dinner tonight. I mean now that you're here we might as well catch up over food.
Helen: Oh yes that's a good idea and Amber maybe you could get Andrew to cook for us? I loved that lasagna he made plus the cannoli's he got; it was probably the best meal I ever had. Do you think he would mind?
Amber: (Stammers) Uh…I'll ask him when I see him at work and hopefully his test is negative by the time he gets out, I'll keep you updated.
Jo: (Eyes wide and inhales) As much as we want to stay, we have to go to work but come by the hospital when you settle in. There's a tent in the west parking lot for testing we'll tell them to rush the results for you.
Helen: Okay thank you honey and where do I put my bags?
Jo: Uh there's a guest room upstairs, second door on the right, do you need some help?
Helen: Oh no I got this thank you, just go and save lives.
Amber: Here's hoping, we'll see you later mom.
Helen: (Goes upstairs with her suitcase) Bye honey, stay safe.
Amber: (Heads to the door) Bye.
(As soon as Jo closes the door, she looks at Amber with a disappointed look)
Jo: (Stern voice) Oh my god.
Amber: (Sighs) Lets just get to work please.
Jo: (Doesn't drop it as they walk to her car) You haven't told her?
Amber: It has been a crazy few months.
Jo: You haven't told her that you and Andrew broke up and now she thinks he's gonna cook dinner for us tonight because you two are still together. Are you insane?
Amber: Look when me and Andrew first broke up, I was too much of a mess to call her and tell her what happened. And by the time he came back I thought that maybe just maybe there would be nothing to tell but that went to hell. And two days later a pandemic happened causing her to lose her job and the only routine she had keeping her sane. At that point I decided to keep it to myself until things settled and she got her job back. I didn't think she would make a surprise visit!
Jo: Yeah, this day just turned into a sitcom episode.
Amber: I can't tell her I can't she's super fragile right now and I'm sure this trip is adding anxiety on top of the crap cake that is her life and mental state right now.
Jo: Well, you can't exactly have a dinner cooked by Andrew without Andrew there so either you tell her the truth or get in your car and drive off a cliff.
Amber: …Or I could get Andrew to go along with this just for tonight and I'll tell her when she's out of town and back in a stable mindset.
(Jo narrows her eyes at Amber as they arrive at her car)
Amber: Don't give me that, as someone who suffers bouts of depression you have to understand where I am coming from. I don't want to give my mom more reason to lose her mind and the progress that she has made, do you?
(They both get in Jo's car with Jo in the driver's seat)
Jo: (Sighs) I don't and although I find it ridiculous and insane…I get why you feel the need to do this. Just promise me you're the one to tell Andrew because I am not getting in the middle of what's expected to be an explosion between the two of you.
Amber: I will tell him as soon as I see him…how do you think he's gonna take it?
(Jo glares at Amber as she starts her car)
LATER AT THE COVID TESTING TENT
(Andrew checks his patients results when Levi approaches him)
Levi: Hey did Glen Harris's results come in? He got them down two days ago and he's been locked up in his room away from his wife calling us nonstop.
Andrew: (Checks his tablet) Uh not yet the systems are backed up and we're already running low on tests for the week. Does he have any symptoms?
Levi: He has a high fever and sore throat, they're hoping it's a cold but you can never rely on just hope. Maybe I can help speed things along, get the results faster?
Andrew: Sure, I got to take another test apparently this one is marked urgent and to take to the front of the line. Come on, you can help.
(Andrew and Levi head to another patient when Helen Karev spots them from her chair being tested by Sara Ortiz)
Helen: Andrew.
(Andrew freezes at the familiar voice and turns toward Helen shocked to see her in the tent)
Andrew: (Shocked face hidden behind his N95) Helen?
(Levi looks shocked as well and follows Andrew as he approaches Helen who looks happy to see him)
Helen: Hi Andrew, surprise! It's so good to see you again and you too Levi.
Levi: Hi Mrs. Karev. I would hug you but you know.
Andrew: What are you doing in Seattle? Is everything okay? Are you okay? Is she okay, Ortiz?
Helen: Oh no I'm fine I'm not sick I just drove here from all the way home and I didn't make any stops but I just wanted to be safe for Amber and Jo's sake.
Sara: Oh! Your related to the Karev's? I didn't want to assume.
Levi: She is their mother and don't you have a test to do?
Sara: Right of course, uh just lean your head back Mrs. Karev and pull your mask down under your nose.
Helen: It's not gonna hurt, is it?
Andrew: Uh no it's just a swab up the nose it only takes seconds, you won't even notice it.
Helen: (Leans her head back) All right.
(Helen pulls her mask down and while she is distracted, Andrew gives Levi a questioning look who shrugs confused as well)
Helen: So how do you know my daughter?
Sara: I'm an intern and she's my resident, she's pretty much my boss.
Helen: Oh well I'm sure Amber is a great superior.
Sara: (Keeps quiet to save face in front of Amber's mom) And we're done.
(Andrew and Levi turn to her again as she puts her mask back on)
Helen: That's it?
Sara: That's it. We'll text you as soon as the results are in.
Andrew: Bring it to the front of the line and tell them to rush it.
Sara: Um it's not a part of protocol.
Andrew: Tell them it's from me and Dr. Jo Karev, that it's urgent.
Levi: Unless you want to tell Amber Karev, her mom is gonna have to wait like everyone else.
Sara: (Eyes widen in fear) I'll get the results as soon as I can.
(Sara runs to get the results leaving the three of them)
Helen: I brought you something, (Pulls a bag of masks out of her purse) I think I've made enough masks for the whole hospital so you can give them to your friends or your sister if you want.
Andrew: Oh uh (Takes bag) Thank you it's a great gift especially now. Can I ask what you're doing here?
Helen: Well Jo is pregnant and I wanted to come up and give my congratulations and baby clothes in person. Also, I wanted to ask if your available tonight.
Andrew: (Confused) Tonight?
Helen: For dinner, I know that you and Amber are busy and you probably want a night to yourselves for once but I was hoping we could all catch up and you could make some of that lasagna you made for us last time. And possibly give me the recipe so I don't have to travel 1600 miles just to eat it.
(Levi's eyes widen at this situation and looks at Andrew who tries to keep a straight face)
Andrew: (Purses his lips as he understands) Um you know what me and Amber have been busy this morning and she hasn't told me about dinner tonight. Tell you what how about I go find her and ask her what her plans are and I'll get back to you. Does that sound good?
Helen: Yes of course.
Andrew: Great. Schmitt come with me.
(Andrew frowns as soon as their out of sight and out of earshot)
Levi: I didn't know I swear so don't be mad at me.
Andrew: (Angry) Oh it's not you I'm mad at, test my patients while I'm gone. Now tell me where she is.
Levi: I don't feel comfortable-
Andrew: (Threatening tone) You tell me where she is in the next three seconds or I will end you, one…
Levi: She's helping Jo with consults in the pit.
Andrew: Good man, test my patients until I get back and do not text her that I'm coming she'll just run got it?
(Levi nods and Andrew leaves the tent. As soon as he's out Levi pulls out his phone and quickly texts Amber)
CUT TO THE PIT
(Amber and Jo go over her consults)
Amber: What about Mr. Jamison? He needs an open appendectomy.
Jo: We already pulling all our resources and electives are only the ones that are absolutely necessary. Let's send him to Seattle Pres and get their chief of general on it.
Amber: Well there's a Mrs. Thomas who was rescheduled for a TIPS procedure this month. Maybe you could use an assist possibly a beloved sister-in-law who will do the dishes and laundry for a month for a chance to cut.
(Amber makes praying hands and a pleading face which Jo cannot see due to her mask)
Jo: Before the pandemic your begging would have worked but I'm hardened now and I'm not gonna trade chores for surgery. Even if the resident is related to me.
Amber: (Deflates) What else am I supposed to do to keep myself sane?
Jo: (Sarcastic) Gee I don't know you could find your ex and tell him that you want him to come to dinner tonight to pretend you're still together in front of your aging, schizophrenic mother. It'll drive him insane which might keep you sane.
Amber: (Scowls) I'm making an angry frown at you behind the mask. I am going to tell him I just need to find out how to explain this to him.
Jo: I would suggest text but I think that's gonna warrant the silent treatment till covid passes.
(Amber groans and her phone beeps with a text which she reads)
Levi: (Text) 'Heads up. DeLuca met Helen. Seems to think your together."
Amber: (Anxious) Oh no.
Jo: What?
Amber: Oh no no no no no no!
Jo: (Concerned) What is it? Is it bad?
Amber: (Looks around) Extremely I have to run, if the chief asks tell her I…broke a hip.
Jo: What?
(Andrew enters the pit spotting Amber)
Andrew: Amber!
Amber: No.
(Jo looks at Andrew trying to remain calm as he walks to Amber who stays put and turns to him with a smile to alleviate him)
Amber: (Swell tone) Hey Andrew wow you're looking great, are you doing a new workout regimen? Because it is working.
Andrew: (Normal voice) I am keeping my voice low so we don't attract attention despite new information that came after I met your mother in the testing tent.
Jo: And that's my cue. Let me know if we're on for tonight see ya.
Amber: Jo-
(Jo walks away before Amber could finish. Amber turns to Andrew who is waiting for an explanation)
Amber: (Tries to stall) Seriously though what's your secret? Are you switching to multigrain bread or-
Andrew: (Not having it) You didn't tell your mom we broke up?
Amber: I see we're getting straight to the issue okay, um no I didn't.
Andrew: (Sighs in frustration) And we're having dinner with her tonight?
Amber: She wants a family gathering and she wanted you to cook because you're pretty much the only one we know who can make palatable meals. What did you say to her?
Andrew: I told her I would come to you to discuss your plan for tonight.
Amber: (Relieved) Okay thank you for not telling her.
Andrew: Well, I thought it should come from her daughter instead of her ex-boyfriend.
Amber: And it will.
Andrew: Good.
Amber: After dinner.
Andrew: (Eyebrows raised) …What?
Amber: (Rushed) I'll tell her when she's out of town and in a more stable mindset so it should be soon. You make that amazing lasagna and I'll get the cannolis, see you tonight.
(Amber turns to leave)
Andrew: (Stern) Amber Stevie Karev.
(Amber stops and turns back around noticing a few nurses looking at them)
Amber: Lounge come on.
(They both go to the empty resident's lounge with Andrew closing the door. They take their masks off and sanitize their hands)
Amber: I was gonna tell her we broke up but then the pandemic happened, her job was put on pause she's trying to collect unemployment her life is a mess right now. I didn't want to add more by telling her that her only daughter broke up with her boyfriend, moved out of his place and is now living with her brother and sister-in-law.
Andrew: And you didn't think there would be consequences keeping up with the image that we're still a couple?
Amber: She doesn't travel, the last time she did she was anxious and fearful. And we're in a pandemic! I didn't think she would come here in her car and surprise us with homemade masks and baby clothes.
Andrew: I guess karma decided to stop you from lying to your family and of course its bringing me down with you.
Amber: Look I know this is messed up I know that I am so messed up and I am asking a lot out of you but-
Andrew: Nope.
Amber: Come on! We're both already in this lie, why should we back out now?
Andrew: For one thing I don't want to pretend that we're still together for one night just because you couldn't be bothered to virtual chat your mom and fill her in on recent events. Another thing I don't want my face smashed in by your biker boyfriend if he catches whiff of this. I already got beat up by your brother, I draw the line at Sons of Anarchy.
Amber: He's in Tacoma riding with his MC, he won't be back till tomorrow night. It's just one night and that's it I am begging you.
Andrew: No, I am not going to help you lie to your mom. I like her and unlike you I trust that one more piece of bad news isn't gonna break her.
Amber: (Voice shakes) We don't know that it won't.
(Andrew stops as he looks at Amber who looks at her mask intensely)
Amber: She didn't just lose her job she lost the one thing that kept her sane. My mom worked so hard to keep a steady routine so she can live a boring life and not be plagued with voices and delusions. Her job is a crucial part of that routine and it's…gone because of a worldwide pandemic that mostly effects people her age. You know how hard it is to maintain your mental health and set boundaries during a worldwide crisis. I know you can sympathize with her and imagine firsthand the battle that she is facing. The only difference is that you are stronger than her and you don't have a history of skipping your meds at every little inconvenience.
Andrew: I think you're holding the past over her and ignoring the progress she has made the last few years.
Amber: Maybe I am but I'm speaking from 21 years of hallucinations so I think it's safe to say I have a right to worry my love life going to hell will bring that back. I need to be sure that she's not gonna break over another life changing event. Once I am sure of that I will tell her I promise but please I am begging you just give me one night of pretending we are a couple in front of my mom. After that I will never ask you to go along with my crazy shenanigans ever again, I'll write it down just please help me do this. Please.
(Andrew sighs as he takes a moment to consider before reluctantly deciding)
Andrew: Fine. But if things go sideways and she senses something is off, I am telling her got it?
Amber: (Grateful) That is completely fair, thank you so much for doing this I will never forget it, I owe you big time.
Andrew: Oh, I know you do. I don't get out till 3, I assuming dinner is at your place.
Amber: Yep, my mom is gonna be at home all day and I am about to clock out. I'll go to the market and get the supplies.
Andrew: (Sighs as he's already regretting this) Just make sure you're ready to live with the guilt that I'm sure will come after this dinner from hell. Make sure the ricotta is fresh not that packaged stuff, if it's not fresh then no cooking from me.
(Andrew puts his mask on and leaves the room)
LATER AT THE ATTENDINGS LOUNGE
(Jo is getting ready to leave as she talks to Alex on the tablet)
Alex: (Shellshocked) My mother is there? In Seattle?
Jo: Yes.
Alex: (Still processing) The woman who gave birth to me and my siblings is physically in our house for a surprise visit right now?
Jo: How do you think I felt when I opened the door? I think the baby jaw dropped too. What it is with the women in your family making surprise visits without so much as a text?
Alex: Insanity, I guess. How's Amber taking it?
Jo: Same as you, only she doesn't understand the concept of news alert.
Alex: What?
Jo: She didn't tell Helen she and DeLuca broke up and convinced Helen they're still a happy young couple with a bright future.
Alex: (Chuckles) Seriously?
Jo: (Grins amused) But wait there's more, your mom wants a dinner with me and the two of them. Tonight.
Alex: (Laughs) Aside from the baby this is making me want to be there more!
Jo: (Chuckles) Yeah well, it's funny on your side but from here it's more like an awkward nightmare. And be glad you're not gonna be there to sit through a dinner where Amber has to pretend to still love Andrew in front of your oblivious mother while I wish I could drink. God this is not gonna end good.
Alex: With something like this it won't, you could just get out of this say you're tired and need a long sleep for two.
Jo: I could but the lasagna DeLuca is making sounds pretty good and I'm craving Italian right now. Or maybe I'm craving a dinner full of chaos either way I'm hungry so I'm going.
Alex: I wish I was there to help you get through it.
Jo: (Sighs) Me too, are you already starting the process of coming back here? I mean your sister is great, she's a saint but I can't have sex with her.
Alex: (Grins) I'm helping Izzie to sell her land but, in a few days, I'll be on the road. Do you think you can hold on till then?
Jo: With dinner tonight, I think I'll be entertained by the time you get here. I have to go, I'm going window shopping with your mom, she has a few ideas for a stroller.
Alex: (Chuckles lightly) Oh god, let me know how it goes.
Jo: Will do, I'll call you tonight, I love you.
Alex: I love you.
(Alex exits the chat)
LATER THAT AFTERNOON AT ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Amber is in the kitchen dicing tomatoes while the peppers are in the oven. Levi walks in and is captivated by the smell of food following it to the kitchen)
Levi: (Hungry) Oh my god, that smells so good. We're sharing right? Pod together, eat together? Please say yes.
Amber: (Still dicing) As long as you cut that loaf of bread into slices yes.
Levi: (Gets started) Done, what's with the cooking? I mean we usually do takeout or really bad microwave dinners. I'm not complaining but what's the occasion?
Amber: We are having dinner with my mom. It's a family dinner and you live here so I guess it's a family dinner plus one squatter. And Andrew.
Levi: (Eyes wide) DeLuca? He's coming here? I thought you cleared things up with your mom.
Amber: (Glares at Levi) Since when have I taken the sane approach to my problems? I don't want my mom to go crazy finding out I'm a single hag again. Now I am dicing tomatoes to make balsamic bruschetta which is a mixture of all these ingredients that Andrew laid out and prepped so I wouldn't mess it up. He said all I needed to do was dice the tomatoes, not slice, dice there's a difference he explained it to me. I think he was afraid I would burn the house down when he left me with this menial task.
Levi: (Still slicing bread) And what's in the oven?
Amber: Roasted peppers in olive oil with lots of garlic. Trust me you'll be thankful you slept with an Italian man once you've tasted that heavenly dish.
Levi: Where is DeLuca?
Amber: He went out to Carina's, she's on a cooking binge. Her place is the back of an Olive Garden and he wanted fresh ingredients. He says the lasagna tastes best with fresh Basilio, it's a cheese made from sheep's milk.
Levi: Sheep milk?
Amber: I don't even ask questions, when Andrew is cooking, I just let him have his domain. God knows he needs something to keep from blowing his top off.
(The door opens and closes. Andrew rushes to the kitchen with Tupperware and bags)
Andrew: I'm back, did you get the peppers out?
Amber: Their still in the oven, I'm just dicing and I'm about to mix.
Andrew: (Notices Levi slicing the bread) Why is he here?
Amber: He's having dinner with us, you're making enough for five, right?
Andrew: (Annoyed) Sure, this wouldn't be the first time you planned something and didn't run it by me. Maybe you can change that by telling me if you invited Helm or Bailey or hey maybe Carina, I'm sure both of our sisters would love to watch us put on an Italian farce.
(Amber stops dicing and glares at Andrew who glares back as the oven dings. Levi is in the middle awkwardly)
Levi: For the record I am in no way involved in this I just smelled the food and-
Andrew: (Clipped tone) Make yourself useful and get the peppers out, preheat the oven to 400.
Levi: I can do that.
(Levi goes to the other side of the counter to the oven getting the dish out)
Amber: You know I didn't hog tie you to my car and force you to come, you could've said no.
Andrew: And pass up the chance to never go along with your crazy plans ever again, that kind of deal is something you get once in a lifetime. You knew I couldn't resist.
Amber: And yet I am seeing resisting. Are you gonna be like this all night? Because it wouldn't hurt if you could pretend you want to be here just a little bit so my mom doesn't catch whiff.
Andrew: (Speaks Italian) Sto seguendo il tuo piano idiota, quindi a meno che tu non voglia che il tuo cibo sputi suggerisco di non fare altre richieste. (I'm going along with your idiotic plan so unless you want your food spit on, I suggest not making any more requests.)
(Andrew huffs and takes the ingredients out with Amber pursing her lips looking at him annoyed before speaking)
Amber: (Speaks Italian) Vuoi che la tua casa prenda fuoco mentre cucino? (Do you want your house to catch fire while I cook?)
(Andrew and Levi stop and look at Amber confused)
Andrew and Levi: (In unison) You speak Italian?
Amber: Never mind that, you already agreed to this dinner so the least you can do is act like you want to be here.
Andrew: The least I can do? I am here engaging in this charade for you and that's still not enough. If you had just skyped your mom once in a while and taken a truth serum you wouldn't have me here in your home cooking and pissing you off because I am pissed that you got me into this mess.
Levi: (Nods understandably at Andrew's statement)
Amber: I am not happy about this either, I didn't want to lie to my mom but due to circumstance and fear of her going off her meds again I did. Now that is done and we need to do this dinner and act like we don't hate each other. Take a valium or my mom's Celebrex I don't care, just as long as it gets the stick out of your ass or I'm gonna kick yours you got me?
Andrew: (Inhales and exhales) …Fine. But only until after dinner because by then I will be called for a medical emergency because we are doctors and not high schoolers!
Amber: (Agitated) Done!
(Amber and Andrew turn back to their tasks in tense silence with Levi still there awkward)
Levi: So, is dinner gonna start soon or…?
(Amber glares at Levi who gets the message and leaves them to it)
AN HOUR LATER
(Amber comes up from the basement in jeans and a white blouse with Andrew waiting in the living room drinking a beer)
Amber: I thought you were gonna be called for a 'medical emergency' after dinner? What's with the beer?
Andrew: It's nonalcoholic, hopefully the taste of it will trick my brain to be buzzed throughout this hellish evening.
Amber: Well, I'm not pretend working tonight so…
(Amber pours herself a glass of wine and stands in front of Andrew on the couch)
Amber: Okay let's go over our story in case my mom has questions.
Andrew: (Sarcastic) Oh goodie a fake story for our fake relationship for your real mom unless she's fake too.
Amber: (Chuckles sarcastically and sips wine) Okay the reason we're not living together is because we don't want to expose each other so for the time being I am staying with my family while you stay at our apartment. We are still dating albeit in separate places, we have dinner with each other over zoom and watch movies too. We miss each other like crazy but we're doctors so we understand the risk. Let's not mention the whole mental illness thing because my mom will have more questions. What else what else?
Andrew: (Realizes something) Um there might be something I should-
(The doorbell rings)
Amber: (Inhales) Their home, okay showtime.
(Andrew takes a big swig of his beer and stands up. Levi comes down the stairs in a button down and black pants noticing Andrew's black thermal shirt and jeans)
Levi: Your wearing jeans.
Andrew: Yeah so?
Levi: (To Amber) I was told I was not allowed to wear jeans.
Amber: (Anxious) Shut up.
(Amber opens the door, Jo and Helen come inside holding shopping bags)
Amber: (Astonished by the bags) Whoa what happened to just going window shopping?
Jo: Well, I wanted to but your mom insisted I get some things for the first trimester. Apparently, that's when you need to prepare yourself the most and I listened cause she's done this about three times.
Andrew: (Clears throat) So uh what did you get? Crackers?
Helen: You can never go wrong with crackers but the real recipe to a smooth pregnancy is peppermint.
Amber: Peppermint?
Jo: Yeah, peppermint tea, peppermint candy, peppermint oil, all of those things help with nausea and bloating. It's actually a known fact, I read that in the books.
Helen: And of course, some maternity pants.
Amber: (Chuckles) Mom we spend most of the day in scrubs those are pretty much maternity pants.
Jo: Well, I'm gonna go on maternity leave soon and I can't exactly take scrubs home. I also got lotion for my stomach, legs and breasts. God knows how far stretch marks go.
Amber: (Wide eyes at the thought)
Andrew: (Chuckles uncomfortably) Okay who's ready for appetizers?
Levi: Me!
(Levi power walks to the table to Amber's amusement and Helen's confusion)
Amber: He's squatting here so pod together eat together. Anyways let's eat!
AN HOUR LATER
(The five of them are on the table eating the main course, the lasagna)
Amber: (Sips wine) I'm glad you got here safe mom; I'm sure driving straight here was exhausting.
Helen: It was but I saw a lot of the country, Montana was absolutely gorgeous. There was nothing but clear skies and tall mountains.
Levi: Did you make any stops?
Helen: No, I didn't want to risk it, I stayed in my car and took a power nap in the backseat.
Jo: Sleeping in your car isn't that bad. I did it and I figured out it's the position you sleep in and not the cushions.
Andrew: (Chuckles) I spent the better part of a year in an on-call room.
Jo: At least your place was inside a building.
Amber: Yeah, I spent two weeks under a bridge but I think living inside a car trumps that. So, you win.
(Amber raises her glass of wine to Jo's mineral water)
Jo: (Grins) Saddest toast ever.
Amber: For real.
Helen: So how are things at work? Is it still overwhelming?
Andrew: Yeah, but we're trying to get through it with our health and sanity intact. I can't say the same for the patients. Of course then again I did put my mail in the microwave last week so there is that.
Levi: Yesterday I sprayed my phone with bathroom cleaner because I read covid can spread through 5G towers.
Amber: (Spits out wine in her glass due to chuckling)
Andrew: (Grins amused) Okay you out crazied me.
Jo: It's not that crazy, I had a patient in the pit who had a stomach ulcer after gargling her mouth with bleach. Poor thing was vomiting all afternoon.
Amber: Yeah, well that's what happens when you get scared and paranoid in the middle of a pandemic. You end up with a busted stomach and vomit.
Helen: Do you think people were this crazy even before covid?
Andrew: Probably, crazy is the 2020 theme so far. I heard about your job, I'm really sorry how are you handling it so far?
Helen: (Exhales) Uh it's not easy but I'm passing the time by reading, making masks and baby clothes. I even took up bread making, sourdough is a challenge but it's what I need to distract myself and keep my mind active. I mean a worldwide pandemic is a challenge but trying to keep a stable mind during that adds it tenfold.
Andrew: (Sympathetic) Yeah, I know what you mean.
Helen: Oh, you do? How?
(Andrew realizes what he said but Amber steps in to save face)
Amber: You know his dad has untreated bipolar 1 and lives in Italy. I'm sure that's what he meant, right honey?
(Amber hold his hand to add effect to their discomfort)
Levi: (Sips wine uncomfortably)
Jo: (Eats a piece of lasagna uncomfortably)
Andrew: Right, that's what I meant…how's everyone enjoying the meal?
Levi: It's great.
Jo: (Mouth full) Fantastic.
Helen: (Grins) It's amazing, what is your secret?
Andrew: Uh fresh ingredients, lasagna tastes ten times better when the pasta is made by hand. Also Basilio is the mother of all cheeses when it comes to taste and texture.
Helen: Wh-What is basilo?
Andrew: Basilio, it's unpasteurized sheep's milk.
Jo: Sheep's milk?
Amber: Again, I do not ask questions.
Levi: (Mouth full) I don't care if it came from a platypus this is good!
Andrew: Thanks. If you want Helen, I can give you a copy of the recipe, maybe Italian dishes can be your next covid project.
Helen: (Grateful) Thank you honey I would love that. Where did you get the ingredients? Is there a shop that makes fresh pasta?
Andrew: Yeah, it's called my sister's kitchen. Carina is on a cooking binge; she has pasta hanging out to dry everywhere. She says it reminds her of our home or the good parts at least.
Helen: (Realizes) Yes, I've heard that it's really bad over there, how are you and your sister feeling about that?
Andrew: Terrible but we're trying to help as much as we can here since we're not there. Our grandma and two of our uncles died from this thing. It helps to work and keep our mind off our family living there during the worst time of our lives.
Jo: I'm sorry to hear that.
Levi: Yeah, me too.
Helen: So am I. I know what it feels like to worry for your family when they're so far away and working headfirst against this awful virus. If you or your family need masks you just tell me, I welcome the distraction.
Andrew: (Grins slightly) Thanks Helen I'll keep that in mind.
Amber: (Sighs morose) Let's talk about something else like…Jo and Alex's wedding or second wedding, I guess. Do you want me to recap it to you mom?
Helen: Oh, you were there? I assumed a courthouse wedding usually just had the bride and groom with a judge.
Jo: (Chuckles) Yeah well, our wedding included the groom, a corpse bride and Ghostface. It was Halloween and Alex and I felt spontaneous and wanted it to be memorable.
Amber: (Laughs) Right because your first wedding was boring with no wacky events to memento.
Jo: Yeah, we wanted to get married and we already had a big wedding with everyone there so we just wanted to keep it small and simple. Amber was Ghostface so she was a very scary witness.
Amber: (Chuckles) And Jo pulled a pregnancy bomb during her vows to scare me and Alex which worked. Although I was pissed at the missed opportunity of being an aunt.
Andrew: And three months later you finally got it.
Amber: (Chuckles darkly) Yeah, I finally got to be an aunt just with my ex-sister-in-law who had twins with my brother. And kept him from seeing them…for five years.
(Jo looks at Amber while Andrew sips his beer awkwardly)
Amber: (Realizes) Sorry I didn't mean to make this awkward. I love those two like they're my own I just hate the loins that bore them.
Levi: (Annoyed) Yes, so you have said again and again and again and-
Amber: Shut up I got issues you know that.
Jo: (Narrows eyes) Did you really say loins?
Andrew: Yeah, she did.
Amber: I did and I regret it.
Helen: Well, I don't know Izzie. I've never met her but hearing that she gave birth to my grandchildren I don't hate her at all. Of course, everyone has their own opinion so who are we to judge.
Andrew: That's a good mindset Helen. It's something your kids didn't get from you, that's for sure.
(Amber shoots eye daggers at Andrew)
Jo: (Tries to change the subject) So yeah, our Halloween wedding wasn't as eventful as our first wedding but it was still nice.
Helen: I bet it was, you know courthouse weddings are very popular now. I mean my neighbor Patricia's daughter got married in city hall. I know it's not as big or as shiny as a church or a ballroom but I think it's more romantic. I mean she's not letting a worldwide crisis stop her from marrying the love of her life and she'll settle for less to get that. The courthouse is just a couple of blocks away and you just need a few pieces of paper, it takes less than a day. So, it's both romantic and efficient, wouldn't you agree Andrew? Wouldn't you do that if you could?
(Amber stops eating as she realizes what her mom is insinuating based on the look, she's giving Andrew who clears his throat with a panicked look on his face. Levi and Jo look at each other drinking their drinks trying to stay out of this new problem)
Amber: Um you know what I think it's time for dessert, Andrew do you want to help me put the cannoli's in the oven?
Andrew: (Wipes his mouth) Yep sounds good to me.
(Amber and Andrew rush to the kitchen leaving Helen confused with Jo and Levi)
Jo: (Tries to excuse them) They just can't wait for dessert, I mean cannoli's am I right Levi?
Levi: (Nods while sipping wine)
CUT TO KITCHEN
(Amber lets out a shaky breath while Andrew gets a pan out for the dessert)
Amber: Please tell me she was just asking for your opinion on a boring topic and not giving you ideas on how we should get married during covid?
Andrew: (Tries to avoid it) Preheat the oven to 200 and where's the parchment paper?
Amber: (Wide eyes) Oh my god, you told her?!
Andrew: Shh! They're in the other room keep your voice down.
Amber: (Hushed voice) You told her about how you wanted to propose to me? Why would you tell her that?
Andrew: (Preps the dessert) It was after the accident at Joe's. Carina gave me the ring, I asked for Alex's blessing and he brushed me off and I talked to your mom about it because it's what you do before you propose. You talk to the family and see how they feel before proposing.
Amber: (Offended) So, what I'm a piece of property and you had to talk to my previous owners before buying it?
Andrew: I wanted to show your family respect before going into this major life decision.
Amber: Respect? It's barbaric.
Andrew: (Narrow eyes) Some consider it romantic. And before you go blaming me for this turn of events let me remind you that this whole thing started because you don't trust your mom enough to handle one more piece of bad news.
Amber: (Panicking) This is bad, this is so bad. I thought we had to pretend we were still dating but apparently, she thinks there's a big future with a wedding cake. My mom probably has our babies' clothes in her purse as we speak. Oh god this is how Jo must have felt.
Andrew: (Finishes the dessert) Again follow the root of the problem.
Amber: Damn it, this evening is going sideways and vertically. Okay now is the time for you to use that medical emergency excuse. I'll handle dessert, you go out there and say you have to go to the hospital.
Andrew: As long as there's not a courthouse wedding you plan for us to have to complete this pyramid of lies.
Amber: (Frustrated) Just go.
Andrew: (Gritted teeth) Fine!
(Amber groans before composing herself. They walk out and return to the dining room)
Andrew: Hey sorry guys I want to stay but I got paged for a medical emergency.
Helen: Oh, you can't get out of it?
Andrew: Unfortunately, I can't there's not that many doctors on call right now and I don't want to leave them hanging. I'm so sorry Helen but I really have to go.
(Jo and Levi look at each other grateful that they can stop pretending. The doorbell rings)
Jo: (Stands up) I'll get it.
Amber: So yeah, if you want dessert mom, I can prep it. It's just putting it in the oven for two minutes so I think I can manage that.
Levi: Don't jinx it.
(Amber gives a sarcastic grin as Andrew gets ready to leave. Jo walks back to the dining room with an uneasy face. Cobra is right behind her carrying chocolates. Amber looks up and is shocked by his presence)
Amber: Wh-What are you doing here?
Cobra: (Confused) I left early so I could take you to dinner. What's going on? Who are they?
Helen: (Confused) I'm sorry but who are you?
Cobra: (Eyebrows narrow) I'm Caleb, I'm Amber's boyfriend.
Amber: (Under her breath) No.
Helen: (More confused) I-I-I'm sorry what?
Cobra: I'm Amber's boyfriend and who are you?
Helen: I'm Amber's mother and last I checked (Points to Andrew) this is Amber's boyfriend.
(Amber closes her eyes in despair as the ruse is exposed. Andrew stands there awkwardly with Cobra looking at everyone confused as well as Helen. Jo and Levi stand there feeling awkward in the middle)
Jo: It's days like this I wish I could drink.
Levi: Mm-hm.
CUT TO BLACK
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S DINING ROOM
(Amber and Andrew stand there exposed while Helen and Cobra take in the situation. Jo and Levi stand there awkwardly waiting for the plan to unfold)
Helen: (To Amber) Who is he? (To Cobra) Who are you?
Amber: (Clears throat) Um…he's uh…oh god how do I explain this?
Cobra: Explain what? What the hell is going on here?
Helen: That's what I would like to know, Amber?
Amber: Um mom…this guy is Caleb and…he's, my boyfriend.
Helen: …So you're…you and Andrew and him are…?
Amber: (Wide eyes) No!
Andrew: (Chimes in) No!
Cobra: (Realizes) Wait, Andrew? This is Andrew?
Andrew: (Awkwardly waves) Hey Andrew DeLuca how are you doing?
Cobra: (Wide eyes) Wait this is the guy you dated before me? This is the guy with bipolar 1.
Amber: (Inhales sharply) Oh god.
Helen: Wait a minute, you have bipolar disorder?
Andrew: So much for not mentioning that.
Cobra: What is going on here? Why does your mom think you're still dating him?
Amber: (Sighs) …Because I didn't tell her we broke up.
Helen: …What? What are you talking about?
Amber: (Swallows and tries to find the words)
Levi: (Decides to leave) Jo do you want to go outside?
Jo: (Grateful) Basement it's soundproof.
(Jo and Levi leave the room and head to the basement leaving Amber with Andrew, Helen and Cobra)
Amber: Mom…Andrew and I broke up the beginning of the year. We broke up because I couldn't deal with his mental illness. And the reason I didn't tell you is because the pandemic happened and I didn't want to give you more reason to lose your mind.
Helen: So, you staged this whole dinner so you could pretend that you and Andrew are still together right in front of me?
Cobra: Seriously?
Amber: I-I-I didn't have time to think and it just happened so quick. Mom, you lost your job and you just traveled across the country. I didn't want to be the reason that you slipped.
Cobra: (Angry) And you thought this ruse was the best idea? Doing it behind my back and lying to both of us about it?
Amber: I didn't think much about the consequences.
Cobra: (Not having it) Yeah or how many feelings you would hurt. I'm out of here.
(Cobra storms out slamming the door. Amber leaves the room and heads outside catching Cobra grabbing his helmet from the porch swing and heading to his bike parked out front)
Amber: (Follows him) Caleb please just listen to me; I didn't have a choice at the time.
Cobra: (Turns around) That is bullshit, you had a choice you could've told your mom the truth or call off dinner because of a surgery or hell not do dinner at all. I mean it's not like dining in close quarters is safe right now. You could've done any of those things but instead you choose to have a romantic evening with your ex and pretend like things are like they were four months ago.
Amber: Your right I didn't think about those options and I'm sorry but this doesn't mean anything. It has nothing to do with Andrew, it has to do with my mom and her mental health. This was a stupid situation; it could've happened to anybody.
Cobra: Could it?
Amber: It means nothing I want to be with you.
Cobra: (Chuckles drily) You know I have been down this road before blondie. I had a wife who lied to me saying there was nothing going on up until the day I caught her in bed with my boss. After that I swore to myself, I wouldn't stick around in something I think is gonna end with me getting my heart stomped on.
Amber: I would never do that to you or to anyone.
Cobra: (Cold) I don't believe you. I just can't help but feel that you two still have that spark. And I don't even think that you realize it, maybe that's why you planned to pretend to be with him for one night.
Amber: (Hurt look) What do I have to do to prove to you there is nothing between us? Caleb, he's my-
Cobra: Your ex-boyfriend yeah I know, he's also the first person you loved, the first person you lived with and the man who wanted to propose to you.
Amber: That was in the past it-
Cobra: Oh, come on Amber! You have to see it! I mean you said the night we slept together that you weren't over him. I can't do this. I can't be in a relationship where I'm questioning everything. I've been through that and I damn near almost died because of that.
Amber: Wait…are you breaking up with me? Caleb I am standing here and I am telling you that I don't want to be with Andrew, why don't you believe me?
Cobra: Can you look me in the eyes right now and tell me that if there was no mental illness you and Andrew would still be broken up?
Amber: (Taken back) I…Caleb I don't…I don't know if that would be the case but it's not. Please can you just stay and…I'll make it up to you, please.
(Amber pleads with her eyes while Cobra stands there for a few moments contemplating)
Cobra: I'm sorry I just can't.
Amber: (Looks at Cobra hurt)
Cobra: (Sniffles) Take care of yourself blondie.
(Cobra walks toward his bike and rides off leaving Amber in the front lawn sniffling and heartbroken)
CUT TO BLACK
SCENE: DINING ROOM
(Andrew picks up the dishes with Helen picking up the cups)
Andrew: You don't have to do that, I can do all of this, you should probably rest.
Helen: No, I don't mind, honestly, it's the least I can do after I unknowingly put you in such a horrible situation.
Andrew: It's not your fault Helen, this whole thing would've been avoided if either me or Amber took a lesson or two on honesty.
Helen: …I am sorry Andrew.
Andrew: You don't have to apologize, it's fine.
Helen: No, I mean…I'm sorry that my actions drove my daughter to breaking your heart.
(Andrew pauses what he's doing and faces Helen)
Helen: I know that Amber has scars from how I acted when I didn't take my meds. I know that 16 years of that life has made her cautious and resistant to anything resembling that. I showed her the worst parts of that mental battle and it traumatized her so much that she would rather be alone than be with someone she loves. I am so sorry that a man as good as you who didn't ask for this curse doesn't get a courthouse wedding with the woman he loves.
Andrew: (Sighs) It's not like there are good things that come with our screwed-up heads Helen. And…I treated her horribly before I got treatment so that's a factor too. Plus, I lied to her about taking my meds so there's that. I know you blame yourself but don't we both played our parts and…all we can do is try to be better.
Helen: I am…doing better. I know that you and Amber think that I am going crazy in that house now especially now but I'm not. I was for a little while but eventually I…found Etsy.
Andrew: (Confused) Etsy?
Helen: (Grins) Yeah, I've been making so many masks that I decided to sell some on Etsy. A month later I've made over two thousand dollars on fabric masks.
Andrew: (Eyebrows raised) Wow! Maybe I should look into getting a side hustle, of course I can't sew or draw or make clothes.
Helen: (Chuckles) Masks are an easy way to profit, of course there's getting the fabric but uh…I know a guy.
Andrew: (Chuckles) That's great but uh why didn't you tell Amber or Jo?
Amber: Yeah, why didn't you?
(Helen turns around to see Amber behind her)
Helen: Honey, I didn't know you would-
Amber: Why didn't you tell me about this?
Helen: Well…I was worried about how you would take it; I was worried with everything going on this might add strain and worry.
Amber: (Smiles) Worry? Mom, this is the best news that I have heard all year well aside from Jo being pregnant. (Voice breaking) I am so happy for you.
(Amber hugs Helen who grins and hugs her back)
Andrew: Um six feet?
Amber: (Sniffles) No.
Andrew: Okay.
(Amber and Helen continue to hug)
AN HOUR LATER
(Amber is in the basement watching Guardians of the Galaxy eating rocky road ice cream with Levi next to her eating chocolate ice cream)
Levi: So I guess we're super sad together again huh?
Amber: Yep, but I'm not that sad if anything I'm relieved.
Levi: Your relieved that Caleb broke up with you?
Amber: No, I'm relieved that my mom isn't breaking down or going crazy. I have been growing worried that my mom would snap and toss herself off a bridge but no instead…she's thriving. I'm actually kind of jealous that in a pandemic she's found her passion. But that's just my selfish side.
Levi: You're not mad that her suggestion of dinner set off a chain of events that landed you on your couch eating ice cream.
Amber: (Sighs) No I'm not mad I think that breakup was for the best. Caleb deserves better and he knew it and I don't think I could give him that with my mind being all screwed up after leaving Andrew. I think some alone time will probably do me some good, then I can figure out what I want in life. As of now you're the only one getting lucky.
Levi: Man, what has this world come to?
Amber: (Laughs) Shut up and pass me the whipped cream.
(Levi hands her the whipped cream which she pours on her tub of ice cream before eating it)
TWO HOURS LATER
(Jo is on the couch reading Dune when the doorbell rings. She puts her mask on and gets up with the doorbell ringing repeatedly)
Jo: (Runs to the door) I am coming keep your panties on jeez!
(Jo opens the door revealing Alex on the other side wearing a black mask and carrying donuts)
Jo: (Stands there shocked)
Alex: (Smiles) Hi.
Jo: (Still shocked) Am I dreaming?
Alex: I told you I would be on the road in a few days I fibbed. I was already on the road a few days ago. I thought a surprise would cheer you up.
(Jo gets over her shock and laughs happily before hugging Alex tightly who hugs her as well trying to keep the donut box intact)
Alex: I think the donuts are crushing.
Jo: (Cries in joy) I don't care, this is way better than donuts. And it's the best surprise of the day.
(Jo and Alex continue to hug)
JOLEX IS FINALLY BACK! STAY TUNED FOR MORE!