Chapter 1
BWI airport hasn't changed much in the last 5 years, but Arizona still wonders through it in a daze. She hasn't flown since the accident and it is her first time traveling with the prosthetic.
"Dr. Robbins?" the young dark haired man asks.
"Yes, I'm Dr Robbins," the blonde doctor replies.
"Very nice to meet you, I'm Jason DePaulo from Johns Hopkins and I'm here to escort you to your hotel." He says taking her carry on bag and shouldering her travel bag.
"Oh, right. Thank you Jason." She responds, the relief she feels is immediate.
Checking in Arizona is surprised to find that she has a suite on the top floor with a spectacular view of the harbor. She has a couple of hours to get settled before Jason returns to pick her up for the pre-conference reception. She's excited to see her former mentor Dr. Norman McCale, especially since he's made her presentation the keystone of the conference.
Reviewing her presentation and running through it for the hundredth time, Arizona feels calmer and ready to meet all the residents and fellow speakers. She's seen the list of the presenters and it is quite impressive. In fact, she is still in awe to be included.
Picking up her phone she makes the call that she promised to make.
"Hey! Yes, I made it just fine. Dr McCale had a resident pick me up and drop me at the hotel. The room is gorgeous, I'll send you a picture of the harbor view. How was your day?" She asks suddenly realizing that she's been rambling.
"Good, my day was good. I bet they treat you like a rock star at this conference. How's Baltimore look? Has it changed much?" Amelia asks her friend.
"It has changed. It seems cleaner. I'm still surprised that Nicole and Addison didn't want to present with me, especially after the success of our TED series." Arizona adds.
"Well after drinks with them the other night, I think Dr McCale dodged a bullet by not getting all three of you at once!" Amelia says jokingly.
"Haha. Well, please let everyone know that I'm here and everything is fine. I texted Callie to let her know, since she was in surgery. Thanks again for helping with Sofia while I'm here Amelia, you're an awesome friend."
"I am an awesome friend. And Zo, you're not too bad yourself. Now have a great time and I'll pick you up Friday night at the airport." Amelia says as she hangs up the call.
Dressed and ready for evening, Arizona decides to go down to the lobby bar and have a glass of wine while she waits for Jason to pick her up for the reception at the Carlyle Club.
"Arizona, thank you for accepting the invitation and I can't tell you how pleased I am that you were able to work this into your schedule." Dr McCale says warmly greeting his former student. "It makes me so proud to have JH Alums in the keynote spot," he adds. Then turning around he introduces the blonde doctor to his board of directors.
Arizona is a bit overwhelmed by the adulation of the residents, she knows that she has been a part of some significant innovations in Fetal medicine working alongside Addison and Nicole, but it was sort of in a bubble. Seeing their accomplishments reflected by colleagues and others leading the field is quite a heady experience, not to mention that it totally took her mind off the travel and even her prosthetic. In a crowd of people, she's usually quite self-conscious, but tonight, she's been swept away all night talking about fetal medicine.
The next morning Arizona meets Jason in the Lobby, he is taking her to the hospital for a facility tour, the conference technically starts at 8 am, but her pop out sessions are not until later this afternoon. She has 3 sessions today, 2 tomorrow morning and then Thursday the conference ends with her presentation. Her pop out sessions follow off their most successful TED talks, but will have Q & A sessions which tend to be the most interesting part, especially for the presenters. This morning over coffee, she was reviewing the conference guide and noticed that Lauren Boswell was here. She knew that it was a possibility, but she hadn't looked at the whole guide until now. In fact, she thought that she saw her last night, but was relieved that she didn't encounter her. Today, she knows its a matter of when and not if, so she mentally prepares for it.
Chapter 2
Her first pop out session was dedicated to the Robbins method of ablating Placenta Previa. She discovered it by accident, but it worked so well that she reviewed it with Addison and was able to work with a manufacturer to get a new ablation kit designed for the procedure. The session went very well and she knew that Dr McCale had not only adopted the procedure, but he was now teaching it at Johns Hopkins. Her session was well attended and the Q & A session ran over making her next session start a bit late.
As she wrapped up her session on Fetal Akinesia causes and treatments, she looks up to see Lauren Boswell leaning against the door as people are filing out.
"Do you have time for coffee?" She asks in her slightly southern drawl.
Sighing, Arizona continues picking up her notes from the table and putting everything into her laptop carrier. "I think that you know my next session isn't until 4 pm," she replies cautiously.
Laughing to herself, Lauren admits, "Yes, yes I did know that. But what I didn't know was if you'd want to have coffee with me. And you still haven't answered the question, Dr Robbins."
"Ah, but I did answer. The question was if I had time for coffee." Arizona replies looking up and unable to hid her mischevious look, dimples and all.
Walking over to the shorter blonde and offering to carry her laptop case, she asks again. "So Dr Robbins, will you have coffee with me?"
Letting the other woman take her case, while she gets her purse, Arizona decides to get it over with, "Yes Dr Boswell. Let's get some coffee."
As they sit down at a cafe around the corner from the convention center, Arizona is relieved to see hardly anyone there from the conference. Although to everyone at the conference it would just look like two colleagues having coffee. She knew this day would come and actually she is relieved that it is on neutral ground away from her hospital.
"So how have you been?" Arizona asks as they get situated at the table.
"Good. I've been really good. I've been active with Doctors without Borders and have been traveling quite a bit. Mostly South America, twice to Uganda, once to Africa." Lauren replies. "And you, how have you been?"
"I'm good. I'm sure you heard about the new practice with Addison and Nicole?" Lauren nods, then Arizona can't help but ask. "Where in Africa?"
"Your clinic actually." She pauses to see Arizona's reaction.
"My clinic? Really? I review all the surgical reports, I don't recall seeing your name. Unless you were there right before the raid, when we lost documentation." Arizona replies thoughtfully. A bit floored to think that this woman of all people would go volunteer at her clinic in Africa.
"Yes, I actually left early due to reports of unrest in the area. I had a major surgery planned to separate conjoined twins in South America and I couldn't be delayed." She explains. "It's an amazing facility, Arizona. Quite impressive." She adds looking across the table waiting for the other blonde to look up.
"Thank you." Arizona says looking up and into those soft brown eyes. "I've not made it over there in quite awhile. I seem to have developed an aversion to flying".
"Was this your first time flying, since…?" Lauren can't help but lean forward as she asks.
Brilliant blue eyes lock on to hers and for a moment, she can't breathe. How can she still have that effect on me? Lauren wonders.
"It was actually." Arizona replies looking down to break the spell of those beautiful brown eyes looking at her with such concern. "But then I've been really busy. I completed a Fetal Fellowship with Dr Herman and Addison Montgomery, which led us to going into private practice together."
"Yes, I couldn't help but notice that, especially when y'all did that series of TED Talks. I was particularly impressed by the Robbins Method and accompanying procedure kit." She says trying to keep her hands from reaching over to touch the other woman.
Smiling and laughing a bit to herself, she can't help but look up again to those gentle brown eyes. "Callie and I broke up for good about a year and a half ago." She states flatly.
"Oh." Lauren replies. Not wanting to react or say too much, she quickly looks down. But then can't help but look up again. "I am sorry about everything Arizona. I didn't mean for that to happen… I mean for her to find out. I'd like to explain it to you. I wasn't myself when we met."
Arizona lets out a breath that she didn't realize she was holding and she looks up at Lauren and sees her, really sees her. There is pain behind those soft brown eyes and in all the processing of that night, she's never once considered what was behind Lauren's decision to pursue her.
"Maybe we could meet for drinks tonight after the dinner and talk some more?" Arizona offers.
"That would be, yes. Yes, maybe we could cab back from dinner together and have drinks in the hotel bar. I heard that all presenters are staying at the Marriott, so I am assuming that you are there too?" She asks cautiously.
Nodding, Arizona fishes out her phone to check messages. She's felt it vibrating for the last several minutes. "I'm going to have to make a few calls before my next session starts." She says then reaches over to touch Lauren's arm. "This was good. I'm actually relieved that we've talked. Thank you for reaching out to me."
Covering Arizona's hand with her own, Lauren flashes a bright smile, "I am relieved to finally have this conversation. I've had it in my head a hundred times and I'd really like to get it out of there." she says softly.
"Understood." She flashes dimples. I'll see you later." Arizona says as Lauren stands up to leave. Waving shyly, the tall blonde turns around and walks off back to the convention center.
Chapter 3
"Genome mapping for birth defects is a rapidly growing area of medicine. At Grey Sloan, we were fortunate to have a Genome mapping project under our roof. The parents were even more fortunate, because as 4th year residents of Grey Sloan they had participated in a a Genome mapping trial project…" Arizona loves the beginning of this presentation, it is especially compelling to young medical students and residents. She continues to explain how they were able to compare the baby's stem cell DNA to both parents existing DNA maps to reduce the time it took to determine a diagnosis and alowed the physicians to determine additional DNA markers for three new birth defects.
As the presentation wraps up, Arizona can see the eager faces ready for the Q & A. She has a surprise for the room, so as she turns off the slide show she turns on her laptop and clicks on Skype. Nicole and Addison answer quickly and Arizona clicks to put them on the projection screen. "I'd like to introduce my mentors, Dr Nicole Herman and Addison Montgomery who have agreed to take questions, since they were a large part of this project and presentation."
The room buzzes with excitement and the room monitors look at Arizona waiting for her to indicate when they should begin taking questions. Both doctors in Seattle take a moment to speak about their involvement in the Genome project and then Arizona nods to the room monitors to begin taking questions.
No surprise that the Q & A runs over, it always does on this presentation, which is why Arizona created a handout with it's own email address for additional questions.
As the group finally files out of the room, Dr McCale enters. "Wow Dr Robbins, I think this was the best attended 4 pm session that we've ever had. Would you be interested in repeating it tomorrow?"
Pausing for a moment to consider the request, it is quite flattering to be asked, but she must decline, "Actually, Dr McCale, I have a consult tomorrow afternoon, so I am not available, however this presentation was a TED talk last year and I would be happy to provide that information to you. There is a lengthy Q & A on line as well."
Stopping into the lobby bar for a glass of wine to take to her room, Arizona has a little more than an hour before the dinner and then drinks with Lauren. She sends a text to Amelia, hopefully she's available to talk. But as she exits the elevator her phone rings and its Nicole.
"Hello?" Arizona says as she sets her stuff down so she can find her key card to get into her room.
"You turned down a second Genome Session? McCale doesn't schedule repeat sessions Arizona…"
"You know that we have that consult tomorrow afternoon, so even if I did the session, you and Addison wouldn't be available for the Q & A. And you saw that crowd, they loved being able to ask all three of us questions, hell we could probably still be in there taking questions. Have you checked the website to see how many have come in yet?" Arizona replies as she paces the hall in front of her door.
"Over 200 hits and 50 questions so far." Addison says loudly. Rolling her eyes, the blonde should have known they'd have her on speaker phone.
"Hold on a minute." Arizona drops her phone into her purse and slips into her suite. Setting everything down, she pulls her phone out of her purse and sits down on the bed. "I've provided the link to the TED talk, which will boost our hits and helps us when we do our next series. Can you have Emily arrange for a videographer to record my presentation on Thursday night, I think we should put it on our website also?"
"Well, that's probably a great idea, if we record it, then we don't need Johns Hopkins' permission to use the recording." Addison points out.
"Is that all ladies? I only have an hour before tonight's dinner and I'd love to relax a bit," the blonde doctor admits.
Hanging up the call, Arizona falls back on the bed. What a day. As if the tour and presentations weren't enough, she talked with Lauren and now has plans to see her tonight. Its been 3 years since that night and it feels like 300. If I am not the same person as I was then, it makes sense that she isn't that person either. Just as she shuts her eyes for a moment her phone rings again.
"Hey Amelia" the blonde answers.
"Wow, you sound tired. Don't you have a big fancy dinner tonight?" Amelia responds teasing her. "How did your sessions go?
"Don't remind me." She says yawning. "The sessions were pretty awesome, standing room only for each one. And McCale asked me to hold a second Genome session tomorrow!"
"Oh my God, Arizona that is awesome. But I want the lowdown… Have you seen Dr Boswell?"
"Ugh, Amelia. Yes, I did see her today. We had coffee." Arizona confesses.
"You what?" the brunette asks shocked at this revelation.
"Yes, she showed up on my break and we went to coffee. Look don't make too much of this…" Arizona explains.
"Lesbian processing, of course. Well, I saw her TED talk on that conjoined twin case from South America, she is a rock star and that honeyed voice… good luck with that Zo." Amelia can't help but tease her friend some more. Especially since she knows that the blonde is incredibly lonely, despite how busy she's kept herself over the past year and a half.
"Amelia! The last thing I need right now is a relationship, a long distance relationship at that, not to mention all the other crap… Look, I need to let you go and get changed for this dinner. Please don't say anything to Addison about this, I don't want it getting back to Callie."
"You know that I don't talk to Addison about you for that exact reason. Look have a good time tonight and I'll have Sofia and Henry tomorrow night if you want to Facetime us." Amelia reminds her.
"Thanks Amy." Arizona says hanging up the phone.
At the dinner, which is just the speakers and the JH board members, Arizona is a bit flustered to be sitting across from Lauren all night. Then Dr. McCale brings up their joint case from 3 years ago and she relaxes into the case talk. She actually forgets about the tension between them and they end up recounting the chaos of the storm that night and how they managed to keep the NICU up and running despite having no power.
Leaving the dinner, Lauren takes Arizona's arm and pulls her aside. "Are we still on for drinks?" She asks cautiously.
Arizona nods yes and they walk out together and get into the shuttle back to the hotel.
Sitting in the hotel bar with a view of the harbor lights, Arizona is amazed at how relaxed she feels now. It was interesting listening to Lauren talk about her experiences and then when they recounted their case, it was nice remembering how impressive Dr Boswell was in surgery. She is a natural teacher and mentor.
Turning away from the window, Arizona finds warm, soft brown eyes staring at her.
"Sorry, I guess I spaced out for a moment, this reminds me of home. I just bought a condo in Seattle with a Harbor view," she says taking a sip of her wine. Setting the glass down, the blonde leans forward and stares into those gentle brown eyes, "And I was just thinking of how much has changed since we first met."
Looking away, Lauren picks up her glass and takes a long sip. Then smiles slightly and says, "Okay so we are doing this…" Looking around for a moment nervously… She then comes back and faces the intense blue eyes. "I agreed to the surgery in Seattle right after my partner of 6 years left me. I was devastated. I didn't see it coming. Even though I traveled a lot, I didn't realize my relationship was ending. I guess I took it for granted that she'd always be there for me to come home to, until all the sudden she wasn't. I'm not going to bore you with the whole breakdown of that relationship, but suffice it to say, I was not in a good place of respecting relationships at that moment of my life. In fact, after we, or rather after you told me to leave, I went home to Houston, took a leave of absence and joined Doctors Without Borders. I just didn't want to be that person, that selfish person who slept with you needed to be gone." The honey voiced blonde pauses and takes another long sip of her wine.
Arizona takes a moment to consider what she's just heard, starts to comment, thinks better of it and takes another drink of her wine. Her body language is neutral, but her eyes are soft and encouraging.
"The travel was good. It took my mind off of everything. It was really good to get out of my head and just have medicine to keep me occupied. When I finally got back to Houston, I was clear headed and felt like myself again. Amanda had moved out of our place and my sister redecorated it for me so it felt like a new place. I am blessed to have that kind of support in my life. Then I set out to document my procedures and get them published. In fact, I still hadn't published the Seattle case and then when I did, I was invited to do a Med TED talk." Lauren smiles now thinking of Arizona's first TED talk.
"I saw it. It was a really great presentation." Arizona says softly.
"I saw yours and that's when I knew that I had to see you again. I didn't want us to be those people from 3 years ago on that one night." Lauren says gently. "Look Arizona, I don't know what you're thinking but I genuinely like you as a person, I admire you as a doctor and…and as a colleague.. I just want to not be that asshole from 3 years ago to you. I want, I need to be someone else to you, a friend or a colleague at the least." She just stops herself from reaching across the table to touch the other woman. As she looks away, she tries to stop the tears from falling, but she sees Arizona's reflection in the window and she is wiping away a tear as well.
Arizona wasn't prepared for this. Not only does she like her, she now empathizes with her. Taking a deep breath and wiping away her tears, she can't help but reach across the table and take Lauren's hand. "I can't promise anything, but I can tell you that you're not that person any more to me. Actually, I am not that person any more either."
Looking at their empty glasses and Arizona's hand on her arm, she allows herself a small smile.
Arizona sees it and smiles herself. "Would you mind if we moved up to my suite. I am really enjoying talking with you and I have a really comfy couch and I'm dying to get more comfortable."
"Uh sure, okay. Do you mind if I stop by my room and change first? Comfortable sounds good."
After a slightly awkward elevator ride, Lauren slips off the elevator and Arizona continues up to her floor. Slipping into her room, Arizona falls back on the door as she closes it.
Chapter 4
"I love you sweet girl, now go to bed for Aunt Amy and be a good girl in the morning." Setting the phone down on the bed side table, Arizona walks back into the other room of her suite.
"Sorry about that, I kind of forgot about that phone call." She says sitting down on the opposite end of the couch.
"It's fine. This view of the harbor at night is amazing. It reminds me of Houston. Is everything okay?" The blonde doctor asks.
"Everything is fine. I just hadn't talked with Sofia since I left." Arizona explains.
"Ah, so that was Callie? Y'all are okay now?" She asks then looks down quickly. "I'm sorry that's not any of my business. I don't mean to pry…"
"It wasn't Callie. It was my friend Amelia, she has Sofia tonight for me at my place." She replies.
"Friend?" The soft brown eyes look questioningly at her.
"Friend." She replies firmly. Then reaches over and pours wine into both of their glasses. "Let's toast to Africa."
"To Africa." Lauren replies lifting her glass.
The next morning Arizona lays in bed reflecting on her evening. It was actually really enjoyable to spend time with Lauren and my god, they had so much to talk about. The blonde had sworn to herself that she never wanted to have anything to do with that woman again, but she has to admit that she actually likes her. Had they met under other circumstances and both single, there'd be no question she'd pursue her. But now, what should she do. Lauren has made it clear that she's interested in friendship and more, but Arizona knows that would probably ruin her relationship with Callie. Not to mention how hard long distance relationships are and Houston to Seattle is not going to be an easy commute. Getting into the shower the blonde laughs to herself, 'Am I really worried about a long distance relationship with a woman, who I haven't even kissed in 3 years?'
Walking down out of her last session, Arizona pulls her phone out of her bag to check for messages. Two from Herman, one from Callie and three from Amelia, which are all photos of Sofia's outfit of the day. Apparently she talked Aunt Amy into letting her dress herself. Laughing as she responds to the messages, Arizona looks up to see amused brown eyes and a beautiful smile looking her way.
Walking over to Lauren, she turns her phone to show her Sofia's outfit, "adorable huh?"
"Quite the fashionista…" Lauren says laughing.
"Do you have time to grab a little lunch?" Arizona asks.
"No, actually I just really wanted to thank you for last night. I really enjoyed it." Lauren says.
Smiling and laughing, Arizona can't help but think how good it feels to not be under the microscope of her Grey Sloan co-workers. "Have dinner with me tonight?" she blurts out.
"Oh? Yes, definitely yes." Lauren replies laughing as she walks away. Looking over her shoulder as she leaves she catches Arizona checking her out.
Arizona boldly looks longer and then turns away. Smiling to herself, she can't believe how free she feels.
"Dr Robbins?" The dark haired young woman asks approaching her tentatively.
"Yes?" Arizona responds to the young woman.
"I just wanted to ask you about the program at Grey Sloan. I'm applying for the Peds fellowship. I am Renee Walker." The young woman extends her hand.
Arizona takes her hand and gently motions for her to sit down. " It is a great program, an awesome program. What would you like to know?"
She chats with the young resident for a bit, then realizes that she needs to get back to the hotel to prepare for her consult.
Wrapping up the consult, Arizona and Herman take a few minutes to review their case notes and decide on the next steps for the case. It's not local and Herman's not cleared for travel, so Arizona agrees to do it, even though it means flying again. Ending the Skype session, she sees that she's missed a call from a certain blonde doctor and has a text asking what time to meet for dinner.
"Hello?" the honey laced drawl makes even the most innocent words sound sexy.
"Lauren? Sorry, I was on a consult. How does Mediterranean food sound?" Arizona asks smoothly.
"That sounds lovely. What time?" Lauren replies.
"Reservations are at 8, so I'll pick you up at 7." She says confidently.
"Arizona we're in the same hotel, I can just meet you downstairs." Lauren offers.
"Um no. I asked you out so we do it my way. I'll see you at 7 pm." Arizona replies and hangs up. Big smile on her face. She hopes that she knows what she's doing.
Lauren can't help but smile as she hangs up the phone. This should be interesting, she thinks.
"Whoa." Arizona is stunned when the door opens and Lauren stands before her in a simple dark green cocktail dress.
"Whoa yourself Dr Robbins." Lauren can't believe how hot Arizona looks in the slinky red dress.
Stepping into the room, Arizona lightly embraces the blonde doctor and kisses her cheek. They both stand there a moment a bit flustered, when Arizona finally motions towards the door, "We should get going, the car is waiting." She says softly.
Arizona has chosen a nearby restaurant, but the car is taking them down to the inner harbor area to have drinks at Port of Call, a lesbian wine bar that she found on yelp.
"Well this is a pleasant surprise and great wine list." Lauren says as they are seated.
Arizona looks around, quite pleased with her choice. "Every town should have a nice lesbian wine bar. It should be a rule. Don't you think?" She states with twinkling blue eyes.
"Yes. Yes they should." Lauren quickly agrees. She can't stop smiling at those dimples.
They chat easily for the next half hour or so, then Arizona's phone buzzes. She looks at it and then waves to their server for the check. She quickly puts some cash in the book and hands it back to the server. "The car is here, let's go to dinner."
Lauren is a bit flustered. Single Arizona is confident and sexy as hell.
Kali's Court Mezze was perfect. Arizona wasn't sure about asking Dr McCale's wife for restaurant recommendations, but now she is very glad that she did.
Walking out of the restaurant, Lauren is amazed to see the car waiting for them. "How did you time this?" She asks incredulously.
"I'm amazing. You'll get used to it." Arizona says opening up the door for the other blonde.
As the exit the car, Lauren can't stop smiling and doesn't want the night to end, so she suggests a nightcap in the bar.
"I have an amazing bottle of wine upstairs." Arizona says thickly into Lauren's ear, then walks over to the elevator.
Lauren can't help but look down and take a deep breathe. She can't believe this is happening. Its what she wanted to happen, but now that its happening, she's a bit overwhelmed. Then the elevator doors open and Arizona turns to look at her, looking nervous for the first time that evening. In three long strides, Lauren is right beside her on the elevator. She can feel the heat off the other woman just standing beside her.
Standing outside of the door, Arizona is a bit flustered. She can't find her key card and then Lauren laughs at her. "It's not funny, I just had it." Arizona says.
"Its right here." Lauren reaches over and closes the clutch to show her that she's got it in her hand under her clutch.
"Oh, well I told you that I had it." Arizona says turning a bit red, but laughing.
"Oh, you've got it alright." Lauren says admiring the blonde's backside as she opens the door.
Closing the door, Arizona reaches out for Lauren and pulls her towards her. The other blonde needs no encouragement, she pushes the smaller blonde up against the door pinning both of her arms above her head so their bodies are touching as much as possible. The kiss is soft at first, then it deepens. Arizona breaks it off first and Lauren releases her hands.
"Sorry, I've just wanted to kiss you night…" Lauren explains looking away.
"And I've wanted to kiss you all night too." Arizona says softly as she takes the taller woman's hand and walks them over to the couch. "Do you know how hard it was to let you leave last night without kissing you?"
"Um, yes because it was very hard to leave without kissing you last night. Then you surprised me by asking me to dinner." Lauren smiles brightly, then looks over again. "If it ends right now, its still been an amazing night Arizona. Thank you."
"Oh it's not ending right now." She says putting her arm around her and pulling her close.
Chapter 5
Watching the blonde sleep the next morning, Lauren can't help but reflect on the three years that it took to get to this point. She can't help but be thankful for the opportunity to reset this relationship with Arizona, even though she has no idea what they are to each other. It's not realistic to think they will be in a relationship, since they live so far apart, but then neither of us really have time for a relationship, so maybe a long distance one would work? After all, its easier to be a girlfriend when you have time to be one, then trying to be one every day. Girlfriend, doesn't even sound right. But partner is definitely over-reaching.
"You're thinking too hard for this early in the morning?" Arizona says softly as she caresses Lauren's face and snuggles in closer to her.
Leaning over to lightly kiss the smaller blonde and pull her closer as she wraps her arm around her and starts caressing her ass. "I know one surefire way to shut my brain down..."
Arizona reaches down between Lauren's legs to feel her wetness, "well good morning!" She says moving on top of her and kissing her deeply.
"Hey!" Lauren exclaims as she didn't expect to suddenly be on the bottom this morning. She tries to top the smaller blonde, but Arizona manages to distract her by sucking on her nipple and plunging two fingers deep into the wetness. Lauren cries out again, but this time she is so aroused that she lays back and let's herself relax into the attentions of the other woman.
The phone ringing on the bedside table is distracting, but Arizona knows that Lauren is very close so she doesn't break her tempo and instead moves up to kiss her deeply and let her ride it out. In just a few minutes, Lauren reaches orgasm, moaning her name. Arizona holds still till the tiny earthquakes subside, then she carefully pulls her hand out of the wetness and quite smugly lays back to catch her breath.
"Whoa… I may need a nap before my first meeting today." Lauren says looking over at Arizona and smiling brightly.
Wiping her hands on the sheet, Arizona reaches over to check her phone. A text from Callie and a missed call from Addison.
"When is your first meeting today?" Lauren asks quietly, not wanting to start the day, but knowing its going to start anyway.
"Not until 10 am, but I am due on a consult at 9 am with Addison, who just called me. Let me call her back real quick? Do you want to order some room service?" Arizona asks.
"I should leave and let you…" Lauren replies, looking around the room for her clothes.
"Please stay for coffee at least, or do you need to go?" Arizona counters.
Pausing for a moment, she tries to figure out what is going on, does she really want me to stay or is she just trying to be polite?
"I have a session at 10 am, so I could stay for coffee." She says and immediately sees Arizona's smile brighten.
Getting out of bed Arizona picks up her crutches and heads into the bathroom. A few minutes later she reappears, hair brushed wearing a short sexy robe.
Lauren gets out of bed feeling a bit self-conscious she looks around the room again.
Seeing her discomfort, Arizona moves into her space and whispers thickly in her ear, "There's another robe in there, if you're cold, otherwise I think you're perfectly attired for morning."
Laughing, Lauren kisses her and watches her walk into the other room.
While Arizona makes her way out to the couch to make the phone call, Lauren goes over and orders, coffee, and a platter of fruit and croissants. Then goes into the bathroom to freshen up and finding a big fluffy robe on the back of the door.
Finishing up her phone call, Arizona is quite happy to see Lauren sipping coffee and reading the paper in front of the window overlooking the harbor.
"What a gorgeous view!" Arizona says making her way across the room.
Looking up to look out the window, then seeing Arizona's reflection looking at her. Lauren smiles brightly, "Yes, yes it is!" She exclaims, setting down the paper and reaching out her hands to pull the smaller blonde to her.
Arizona can't help but bend down and kiss those beautiful lips. I could get used to this she thinks, but then remembers that they don't live or even work in the same town. How would this work, she thinks?
"What just happened? Are you thinking about your phone call or this?" Lauren asks gesturing to the table?
Shyly, Arizona looks down. "This?" she says quietly. "I'm wondering what this is?"
"I know. I can't help but wonder what this is too?" Lauren admits. "Arizona, no pressure, but I want you to know that I am not involved with anyone right now."
Looking up to face her, Arizona responds, "I haven't been with anyone since Callie… I - I can't promise anything, I don't even know when I would see you again, but this feels like more than..."
Turning her chair and taking Arizona's hands in hers, "Okay, so we both agree this is more than one night, so we just figure the rest out. No pressure. Who knows, I could get a consult in Seattle next month…"
"Actually, we have a case in Houston in a few weeks. The patient was going to fly to Seattle, but know it looks like one of us will have to go to her. I could volunteer?" Arizona says questioningly.
"Yes! You should totally volunteer for that case. Which hospital?"
Arizona's last session was packed and as she left, the videographer that they contracted to record her presentation that evening caught her and wanted to walk through and set up. Once they were done, she had just enough time to go back to her room to change before the event. She hadn't spoken with Lauren since they parted after breakfast, but she'd been thinking about her throughout the day. In the elevator at the hotel, she pulled out her phone to check for messages. Two from the office, one from an unknown, probably the videographer. A text from Amelia with a photo of Zola and Sofia in daycare, and one from Callie asking her to call. Nothing from Lauren, but her day was as busy as mine she thinks reminding herself that she didn't call or text either. May as well call Callie and get that over with she thinks. The call connected as the elevator doors opened to her floor.
"Hello, Arizona?" Callie answers, "you're on speaker, I'm in the OR."
"Oh, I was returning your call. Do you want me to call back?" Arizona asks unsure why Callie is calling.
"No, I know you're busy today with the conference, I just wanted to double check that you're coming back tomorrow and taking Sofia for the weekend? Also, can you keep her until Monday?"
"Sure. That should work fine. Is everything okay?" Arizona suddenly worries that something has come up with Callie's parents.
"Everything is fine. Armando just surprised me with a weekend wine trip, so I am clearing my schedule, but wanted to make sure your plans hadn't changed. Can you pick Sofia up at daycare tomorrow?" Callie asks.
"No problem Callie, and have a great weekend." Arizona says as she opens the door to her room. Hanging up the phone, she is floored by the gorgeous flower arrangement on the table.
Setting her stuff in the chair she immediately walks over, pulls the card out to read
I left you in the morning,
And in the morning glow,
You walked a way beside me
To make me sad to go.
~ L
Huge smile on her face, she googles and finds its the first part of a Robert Frost poem just as she thought, but couldn't remember the whole thing. Since her mother is a flower fanatic, Arizona was positive that she'd seen that poem before.
Copying another stanza from the poem, Arizona texts it to Lauren
AZ: All for me And not a question
For the faded flowers gay
That could take me from beside you
For the ages of a day?
AZ: Thank you…. C U tonight XXXX
A few floors below her, Lauren hears her phone chime indicating a text message, she goes to read it and can't help but laugh when she sees that Arizona knew the poem. Perfect response. Oh god, she thinks this is bad. Sitting down on her bed, she falls back and thinks for a moment, then calls a very familiar number.
"Jen, you're not going to believe it…" she says as soon as her sister answers the phone. Then she spends the next half hour telling her all about Arizona.
"Mama always said if its meant to be it'll be. When do I get to meet her?" Jen asks.
"Actually, she may be in Houston in a few weeks for a perinatal case." Lauren replies.
"Okay, promise me you won't just hole up with her at the condo and we can get a chance to meet her at least."
"Oh, you'll definitely meet her, the case is at your hospital." Lauren replies smiling.
"Well, good. Hey enjoy your evening tonight and Jessica is going to pick you up at the airport tomorrow, my schedule filled up and Jimmy went to Alabama again, still trying to recruit that damn kid down there." she says annoyed.
"Oh, did you tell her to clean out her car this time? Good god teenagers are disgusting!" Lauren says shivering at the thought of her last ride in her niece's car.
"I think that she's dating someone, her car has been suspiciously clean the last few weeks." Jen replies laughing.
Arriving at the dinner, Lauren was surprised to be escorted to Dr McCale's table and quite happy to be sat next to Arizona.
"Wow, you look gorgeous!" Lauren says into the blonde doctor's ear as she sits down.
"You're rather gorgeous yourself, Doctor Boswell." Arizona says breathlessly, then adds, "I hope you don't mind that I asked Dr McCale to seat you at our table?"
"No where else that I'd rather be," she replies thickly, reaching over to gently squeeze Arizona's thigh.
They exchange smouldering looks and then catch themselves and both look away.
Dr McCale's wife looks over past her husband and smiles knowingly at Arizona.
"Arizona, how was dinner at Kali's?" Mrs. McCale asks.
"Donna, it was lovely. Thank you so much for suggesting it." Arizona replies.
Lauren looks down a moment, unsure of what is happening. Is Arizona this out with people?
Looking over at Lauren, Arizona sees the confusion on her face so she puts her arm across the back of Lauren's chair and leans over to speak softly in her ear. "Norman and Donna have known me since I was a 22 year old med student, I have no secrets from them. I should probably admit now that I had a bit of a reputation here at Hopkins." Arizona says seductively.
"I believe that I heard it described as 'straight-girl kryptonite' how many toaster ovens did you earn in college Doctor Robbins?" Lauren purrs in her ear.
"Who told you that?" Arizona pushes away from her in mock distress.
"Did I forget to tell you that part of my Doctors Without Borders group included Jamie Stenson?" Lauren says mischievously.
"Are you kidding me? Please tell me that you didn't sleep with her, because that would be weird, she sort of ended up stalking me. I almost had to file a restraining order." Arizona says with her hands over her face.
"No, I didn't sleep with her." Lauren can't help but laugh at Arizona's distress. "We should probably change the subject, since you don't want this stuff running through your head when you're up there speaking, Doctor Robbins."
Chapter 6
As the car comes to a stop at the hotel, Arizona stops Lauren from getting out of the car and blurts out everything that she's been thinking, "What are you doing this weekend? Come back to Seattle with me? Stay at my condo, meet Sofia. I'm not ready for this to end. I can't promise anything past next month when I'll be in Houston."
Stunned, Lauren doesn't even realize that she's holding her breath until she goes to respond, then she exhales loudly. "Are you sure, you want me in Seattle?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Don't worry, Callie is away for the weekend with her latest guy. She's totally moved on, no drama. I promise." Arizona says leaning in to kiss her tentatively. "Think about it and let's go get a drink to celebrate my awesomeness. I totally rocked that speech!" She says opening up the car door and pulling Lauren out gently.
Climbing out of the car, Lauren pulls Arizona in for a kiss. "Yes, you are a rock star Dr. Robbins!"
Walking into the hotel, Arizona goes over to the concierge desk, has a short conversation and then saunters back over to Lauren's side. Shall we go upstairs, Dr Boswell?"
Glancing over to the hotel bar, Lauren asks, "I thought you wanted to celebrate your awesomeness?"
"Oh, believe me, we are going to celebrate it." She says thickly into the taller woman's ear as she gently pulls her towards the elevator.
Leaning over to punch the button to her floor, Lauren says softly, "Can I stop by my room first? I won't be but a few minutes."
"Bring everything to my room and we can go to the airport together? I texted my assistant and had her get you a ticket on my flight. It's non-stop, leaves at 9:45 am." Arizona says pulling the taller woman in close, but looking in to her eyes to make sure she hasn't overstepped.
"You little minx, I hadn't even decided yet." She replies, leaning in to kiss her.
"How could you resist my awesomeness? See you in a few minutes, should I have the concierge send someone up to help you?" Arizona asks, as the elevator doors open and Lauren moves to leave.
"No, I am perfectly capable of doing that. Are you sure you want me invading your room?" She asks holding the doors open.
"Absolutely!" Arizona replies leaning in for another kiss, "But it's not an invasion if you're invited", she quips, just as Lauren lets go of the doors and they start to close. Laughing they both watch as the doors close between them.
As the door opens, Arizona turns around and smiles brightly. She has changed back into the sexy robe that she had on this morning, and she called down to the desk and to have them not only make an additional card for Dr Boswell but send up a bellboy to help her to move her stuff up to the room.
As Lauren enters the room, she sees the room service cart with fruit and champagne. She can't help but smile broadly herself, as she tips the bellboy and closes the door behind him.
"I don't remember you being this assertive, this is hot..." Lauren says as she moves across the room to embrace the smaller woman.
"Well, I wanted it to be clear to you this time about what I want." Arizona says softly, pushing her hands through luscious dark blonde hair and pulling her down for a kiss.
"Let me be clear," Lauren says pulling away slightly, "this is what I want." She says cupping Arizona's ass and deepening the kiss.
Breaking the kiss, Arizona looks over at the champagne and says, "Let's drink to that.'
Lauren nods and picks up the bottle, it opens with a loud pop, that makes them both laugh.
Arizona picks up both glasses and hands one to Lauren. "I'd like to make a toast to Johns Hopkins and this amazingly well-timed conference!" She says smiling.
They both take a sip, then Lauren holds her glass up and says, "And to the awesomeness that is Arizona Robbins."