Code Blue • Jackson Avery

Chapter Eighty Three

We parked in front of Meredith's house, the house we had sold back to her. I was in some ways missing this home, the house we had made memories in.

"Nervous?" Jackson asked as we walked up the driveway. I had wine in hand and was ready to apologize for being late.

"Leaving the kids with your mom? I'm always nervous" I joked. Jackson gave me a look and I gave a weak smile trying to play it off. We walked up to the front door and knocked.

As we waited the few seconds I could see my breath escape from my mouth. The unexpected cold had arrived in Seattle.

"Hey come in" Meredith greeted as she opened the door. She looked extremely frazzled for being the one suggest this dinner party.

"Are you okay? You need help" I asked as I shedded my coat and handed it to Jackson. He took mine and his and placed it in the playroom.

"No! Drinks?" Meredith asked gazing off towards the living room.

"I'll have a glass of wine" I said.

"Whiskey please" Jackson answered. Meredith still gazing off in the distance snapped out of her trance.

"Or I'll go get it" Jackson said placing a hand on my lower back before heading to the kitchen.

"Meredith are you sure your okay?" I asked. She smiled at me before heading off into the kitchen.

"What's with her?" I asked Alex who had made his way into the hallway. We stood by the front door watching her mixing margarita's while once again staring off into the distance.

"I'm not sure. I think it was Maggie leaving. She left abruptly and now the dinner isn't ready" Alex explained. I headed into the kitchen to help make the meal.

"Great my wonderful niece is here. The chef of the family. Get over here. How do we cook steak?" Amelia announced. I took the empty apron that laid on the back of the chair and tied it around me.

"We just need to cook the steaks in the oven" I explained placing them in the baking pan and popping them into the oven. Kepner, someone I was still far from fond of prepared all the sides as the meats cooked. Once the steaks were done I left Amelia and April to do the rest.

I walked into the living room with wine in my hand to be met by an unfamiliar face.

"Guys this is Penny Blake" Callie introduced. I could sense her new girlfriend seemed uncomfortable and I speculated it was because of Arizona being here.

"Hi I'm Isabella. This is my husband Jackson" I greeted. Callie who was seated next to her whispered "they run "run" the hospital"

"Ah, what Callie means is we are Board and Foundation members" Jackson said.

"If that's what you call owning and running the place" Callie continued. Jackson and I exchanged a look.

"Penny Blake" I muttered. I had thought I saw the name when working on paperwork the other day.

Callie's phone rang causing her to step away.

"So what do you two do at the hospital? Other than paperwork and legalities?" Penny asked. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable by the minute.

"Neuro and Plastics" I said. We both smiled at Penny.

"Sorry but I have to go. The fellow at the hospital is an idiot. I'll be back soon" Callie said. Penny looked like she wanted to go with her but Callie ran out the door before she could say anything.

"Dinner is ready" Meredith announced. Amelia, Wilson and Meredith placed the dishes of food on the table and everyone gathered around grabbing a seat. I sat next to Jackson with him on my right and Arizona on my left. Penny who was seated next to Meredith was across from Jackson and next to Amelia on her right side.