Chapter Two: Gravity
Arizona sat in her favourite coffee shop after a night of editing, processing and not a lot of sleep. She needed coffee, a whole load of it. It had been two days since she had given Callie her number and had so far heard nothing. She would be lying if she said she wasn't interested in the gorgeous Latina, and the way she put her emotions into her songs, made Arizona even more interested.
Something about the brunette instantly pulled the blonde in and as much as she tried, she couldn't get the tanned, and perfectly toned woman out of her head. She sensed a hint of sorrow in the brunettes voice and when she looked into the chocolate orbs, she felt as though there was once a sparkle there, which had since faded. She needed to know more about the woman who had instantly caught her attention.
Arizona Robbins wasn't the kind of person that would get too attached to another person. She didn't exactly sleep around but she also didn't put in a whole lot of effort to keep her relationships going, if they even got started. Sure, she had the occasional one night stand, but who didn't? At least thats what she often told herself. She didn't ever see herself settling down, buying a house with her partner, having children, being a family. She focused on her work. It was the only thing that was guaranteed to keep her sane.
Thinking back to her last long term relationship, the blonde laughed. It had lasted a whole six months, and the moment it ended, she felt free. It was the kind of relationship people often get into, simply so that they aren't alone, or to use in social situations. Everyone likes to have someone on their arm when they are meeting up with friends. Again, that was another thing she often told herself. She never seemed to find the right person. No one was ever good enough, or funny enough, or smart enough, or just a good person. They always seemed to come with some sort of flaw that the brunette just couldn't see past. All of her friends knew this, and had given up trying to find someone for her. Sure, she still slept with the occasional woman, but at the end of the night, she left their bed, and headed home.
The one thing that worried her right now, was the fact that the brunette behind the piano, was slowly taking a hold of her. Yes, she had slept with many beautiful women, but this woman, there was something about her that was pulling the blonde further and further in.
As she sat and sipped on her third coffee of the morning, she watched people hurry in and out of the coffee shop, either late for work or just too impatient to stand civil in a queue. Often hearing people complain and mutter under their breath she couldn't help but giggle to herself. Some people are never happy. You are alive, you are breathing. Stop complaining.
The blonde had often been told she was too perky, too happy, too sparkly. She knew she was a perky person, she always had been, but she didn't see it as being a problem. That was another reason her relationships didn't work out vert often. Past lovers had told her she was too smiley. They couldn't be around that much happiness everyday. The blonde had decided a long time ago that she wouldn't change who she was for anyone. If people didn't like it, well, it was their loss.
Am I really that unbearable? Am I really too much to be around? Surely there is someone, somewhere, who is all for the perkiness and happiness I have. Shrugging to herself, she opened up her Macbook and began sorting through her emails.
Callie lay on her king size hotel bed. She had spent last night relaxing in her hotel room, and tonight it was back to the bar. The thought of being back at the bar instantly brought Arizona into her mind. She had tried not to think about the blonde since she was given her number, but it was harder said than done.
The first thing she had thought about when she woke up that morning, was what Arizona would be doing now. She wondered how often she worked, how she spent her days off, what she liked to do for fun, and what kind of person she is looking for in terms of a relationship. What am I doing? She will never go for me. She's too hot. We all know what happens with the hot ones. They draw you in with all their hotness and then leave you brokenhearted. Callie laughed to herself. She didn't truly believe that, but it helped for when she was rejected by Arizona at a later date. It was bound to happen. After catching her girlfriend cheating, she had quickly put her walls back up, and she wasn't an easy person to break. She wondered if she would ever be in a relationship again. A serious, loving relationship. Not some fling, anyone can have a fling. She wanted it all. She wanted the romance, the cuddling, the fighting, the hot make up sex, the house, the kids, the love of her life.
She had thought that Jaida was the love of her life at one point. She truly believed they would grow old together, but that was shot down five years into the relationship. After the break up, Callie had avoided any contact with her ex girlfriend. She didn't want to listen to anything she had to say, she didn't care. She refused to believe that there was a reason for her behaviour. How can someone try to explain why they slept with someone else? Callie didn't want to know.
Thinking about Arizona put a smile on the brunettes face. She wanted to know her. In order to do that, she would have to make some sort of contact with her. Grabbing her cell, she hit the message tab. She was tired of thinking about Jaida. She had no intentions of getting back together, no matter how much she tried to contact the brunette. Turned out the redhead on her bathroom floor wasn't interested in a relationship. Jaida was now left alone.
Hey! It's Callie. Can I buy you coffee sometime?
The brunette climbed out of bed and made her way to the shower. She didn't expect a message back from Arizona any time soon, so she didn't bother to hang around like a love struck puppy waiting for her phone to buzz.
The bathroom was filled with the scent of golden pear and vanilla. Callie's favourite shampoo. It made her feel relaxed, and the scent was comforting to her. Standing under the hot water, she began thinking about Jaida again. She went over all of the messages and voicemails in her head. How she had apologised endlessly, how she had promised it wouldn't happen again, and how it meant nothing. How they could be happy again if Callie would only let her back in. She didn't want to think about her ex girlfriend. Especially when she was stood in the shower, but it was still pretty raw and being alone never done the brunette any good.
Deciding that the shower was only causing her more problems, and bringing on a headache, she shut off the water and stepped out. Wrapped in a towel, she stood in the mirror and looked back at herself. Screw this. Im hot. I deserve to be happy. Callie turned and left the bathroom. Laying back down on the bed, she checked her phone. There it was. The message she never expected to get. Arizona had replied to her offer.
Really? I'm always available for coffee with someone like you. Any time is good for me. -Az XO
Callie's smile reached her ears and she immediately started thinking about the blonde who had just accepted her request. Not sure how to reply, she left the message for a couple of minutes. Making some coffee, she stood looking out of her hotel window, smiling at the people rushing about below her.
I'm free all day, every day. Whenever is good for you. -C xx
Callie dropped her phone back down onto the bed and began picking out her clothes for the day. Suddenly feeling a rush of excitement, she wondered what kind of life the blonde lived. Did she enjoy the beach? Did she like animals? Where did she like to take vacations? What music did she like? Callie was brought out of her thoughts when her phone buzzed.
So i'm already in a coffee shop, but I could sure use a refill? -Az XO
Callie's eyes widened. Had the blonde just invited her for coffee, right now? Throwing her phone down, she began rummaging through all of the clothes she had brought with her. Having brought four suitcases with her, she knew she had a lot to get through. She figured since she knew one of the suitcases had mainly formal wear in, she could push that one to the side for now. She wasn't about to turn up for coffee in a pants suit.
Grabbing a few different choices, she began swapping and changing until she found the perfect match. After putting the finishing touches to her outfit, she hit a quick message back to Arizona.
Sounds great. Send me the address. I can be there pretty soon. -C xx
Callie left her hotel room and made her way to the front of the building. Suddenly feeling nervous, she wondered if she should quickly turn back around and cancel. Deciding against that option, she headed up the street and to the address Arizona had sent her. She could see the coffee shop as she turned the corner and now her nerves really started to kick in. Keep it together, Torres. You can do this. Its just coffee. Figuring she may look a little eager at the pace she was walking, she slowed down before crossing the street. Straightening out her leather jacket, she took a deep breath before opening the door and heading inside. Instantly spotting Arizona, the brunettes heart stopped for a second. Sweet Jesus. She looks hot. How can someone look so good this time of day. Callie smiled as the blonde made eye contact with her, and walked over to the table.
"Callie, Hi. Its good to see you" Arizona stood and kissed the brunette on the cheek.
Woah. Wasn't expecting that. She smells so good. Callie took in the scent of the blondes hair before pulling away and sitting down. "Hi. Its good to see you too." The brunette blushed. "I, uh, are you sure its okay to meet you today? You aren't too busy?"
"Callie, I can be as busy as I choose to be. I'd much rather be having coffee with someone like you, than working. Besides, I've been working all night, and most of the morning." The blonde gave a dimpled smile.
"Uh, someone like me?" Callie frowned. That was the second time to blonde had made that comment.
"Yes. Someone beautiful." Arizona nonchalantly replied. "So, how about that coffee?"
"Oh, sure. Same again?" The brunette shot out of her chair, and made her way to the counter.
She said I'm beautiful. She's joking right? Just trying to be nice? Callie was brought out of her thoughts when the barista asked for her order. Moving along to the end of the counter, she glanced over to find Arizona checking her out. I-Is she checking me out? Get a grip, Torres. Its just coffee. You are reading far too much into this.
Collecting their drinks order, the Latina made her way back to the table. Checking out Arizona on the way back, she couldn't help but hold her breath as she took in just how beautiful the blonde was. Dressed in tight skinny jeans which looked like they could of been painted onto her skin, and a cream blouse which showed off the soft, smooth skin of her chest, the brunette felt her heart beat speed up. As she stepped closer to the table, she couldn't help but notice the blondes choice of footwear. She was wearing what Callie could only describe as 'fuck me' boots. They were her favourite kind of footwear, and often left her feeling very hot under the collar.
"So, Callie. What does someone like you do when you aren't using that amazing voice of yours?" The blonde questioned with a smile.
"Not much, really. I travel a lot, but when I'm not working, I don't do very much. Not anymore anyway" Callie looked down into her coffee cup.
"Not anymore?" Arizona squinted at the brunettes reply. She could see something was on Callie's mind.
"Yeah, um. Just, no, I don't do much else other than play and sing." The brunette shrugged. "So, what about you?
Deciding not to push the brunette, Arizona began telling her a little about herself. Callie couldn't help but continuously switch her gaze between the blondes gorgeous blue eyes, and her soft pink lips.
"So, yeah. Other than being a photographer, thats about it really. Not only is it my job, it is my passion. If i'm not doing my job, I'm not happy." Arizona's grin touched her ears. Callie had barely heard anything of what the blonde had said. Between the boots she was wearing and the cerulean pools gazing at her, she had only caught the end of the blondes speech.
"Nice. Maybe you could do me a new promotional picture sometime?" Callie smiled at the blonde.
"I'd love to. I'd really love that." The blonde threw in a little emphasis.
"Great. So, i'm playing tonight. Will you be at the bar?" the brunette nervously questioned. "I mean, its totally fine if you wont be there. I just, um, never mind"
Arizona's dimples caught Callie by surprise. "Would you like me to be there?"
"Yeah, i'd love for you to be there, but its fine if you are busy. Its nice to have someone to take to after my set. I don't know anyone around here." the Latina gave a small smile.
"Well, that won't do. I will be there tonight and we can talk as much as you like. I love listening to your voice. Its beautiful." Arizona sipped on her coffee.
"T-That would be great. I guess I should let you get back to your work. Leaves you free tonight then, and I wont feel as guilty." The brunette flashed her million dollar smile.
Arizona's eyes widened. Wow. That smile. That smile is perfect. She is perfect. Smiling back, the blonde simply nodded and continued to drink her coffee.
"So, i'll see you tonight? Thanks for agreeing to the coffee" Callie stood and fixed her jacket before heading towards the door.
Feeling a soft hand gently tug on her wrist, Callie turned back. "You will." the blonde whispered before planting a kiss below the brunettes ear.
Callie checked the time as she finished packing her stuff up for tonight's set at the bar. It was almost 7pm and she should be leaving by now. She had gotten sidetracked trying to pick out an outfit for tonight. Knowing Arizona was going to be there left her nervous and she wasn't sure she would actually make it through the set. Deciding on dark denim jeans and a white blouse, she finished off her outfit with black boots and a black bra. She would usually wear something a lot more casual, but tonight she found herself dressing for the blonde. Double checking she had everything she needed, she made her way out of her hotel room, and down onto the street.
Entering the bar, she set her bag down before heading back over to the bar area for a bottle of water. It was her rule that she wouldn't drink before a performance. Afterwards, she would enjoy one or two drinks, but never before.
Standing with her arms resting on the bar, she felt her senses being attacked once again. The intoxicating smell of the blondes perfume slowly crept up on her and she found herself smiling. Feeling Arizona's breath hovering around her ear, she closed her eyes.
"You look extremely hot right now." Arizona whispered into the brunettes ear.
As her breath hitched, Callie turned around to find blue eyes staring back at her. "Hi." The brunette had no other words right now.
"Callie? Do I make you nervous?" The blonde whispered.
"W-what? No." The brunette shook her head before looking down to the floor. Oh god. She has those freaking boots on again.
Lifting the brunette's chin, the blonde looked into chocolate orbs. Lips just centimetres from the Latina's. "I think you're lying" Arizona smiled before pressing her lips to Callie's.
Eyes closed, the brunette took in the moment. She hadn't expected the kiss, but she also didn't pull away. She wasn't sure if that was because she wanted to kiss Arizona, or because she had frozen. Opening her eyes, she found herself standing at the bar, alone. Damn. What the hell was that? Callie was somewhat relieved to find the blonde had disappeared. She had no words right now and would of just ended up a rambling mess in front of the beautiful blonde photographer. Electricity running through her body, she took a deep breath and made her way to her piano.
Placing her bottle of water on the floor and adjusting her microphone, she looked around the room before getting completely lost in the music.
Something always brings me back to you
It never takes too long
No matter what I say or do
I'll still feel you here 'till the moment I'm gone
You hold me without touch
You keep me without chains
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love
And not feel your reign
Callie opened her eyes and looked out into the crowd. Seeing the blonde watching her from the side of the room, she smiled into the microphone.
Set me free, leave me be
I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity
Here I am, and I stand
So tall, just the way I'm supposed to be
But you're on to me and all over me
After what had happened at the bar moments before, she was starting to regret it had happened. Here she was singing about heartbreak, yet she had just had the most amazing thirty seconds of her life. She could see the confusion written all over the blondes face as she continued singing. Her set list was prepared well in advance so whatever had just happened, had no influence on the songs. Callie did however make a promise to herself that she would change the songs up next time.
I live here on my knees as I try to make you see
That you're everything I think I need here on the ground
But you're neither friend nor foe though I can't seem to let you go
The one thing that I still know is that you're keeping me down
You're keeping me down, eh ooh
You're on to me, on to me, and all over
Callie stood and thanked the crowd. After another three songs, she took a break and made her way to the bathroom. Heading towards the door, she glanced around to try and catch sight of the blonde, but it was so busy in the bar right now, she could barely make anyone out. Standing in front of the mirror, the brunette checked her makeup. Tonight she had gone for the smoky eye look. The dark colours around her eyes only accentuated the beauty and emotion pouring from them.
"So, that was beautiful" the blonde stepped up behind the Latina.
"Um, thanks. It nice of you to say." Callie smiled back.
"Can I ask you something?" Arizona brushed her thumb across the brunettes cheek. "Its okay if you don't wish to answer."
"No, go for it. Ask away" the Latina gave a small smile.
"Why does someone as beautiful as you, sing such sad songs?" the blonde was being a little forward right now, but she wasn't worried. She felt the connection between the two of them, and she wasn't about to her the brunette go. Pushing her hips into the brunette who was leaning against the sink, she began to run her hands up and down bronzed, strong arms. "I mean, the songs are really beautiful, and you sing them with everything you have, but" The blonde shrugged "I just feel like you've been treated wrong in the past."
"O-Oh, um, I don't know. I guess its just my style of music. Its what people want to hear." The brunette gave a fake half smile. She appreciated the concern from the blonde but she wasn't sure she was ready to let her in just yet. Feeling herself tense up, she quickly stilled Arizona's movements. "I guess I should get back out there. I still have quite a bit to get through yet." Shifting out of the blondes arms, Callie left the bathroom.
Arizona sat on the opposite side of the room from the bar area. Callie had finished her set almost thirty minutes ago, but the blonde wasn't sure how to approach her after the conversation they had in the bathroom earlier in the night. She had felt the brunette become a little guarded once she had questioned her choice of songs, and she couldn't help but worry that she may of gone about it the wrong way. Just go speak to her. The worst that can happen is that gets up and leaves. Arizona could see the brunette from her choice of seating. She decided she would sit and stare at the Latina a little longer before approaching her.
Callie assumed that the blonde had left right after she had finished her set. The bar had quietened down some by now, and she was sitting over in the window with a rum and coke, watching the lights flicker outside. Caught up in her own thoughts, she internally chastised herself for thinking about Jaida. She hated that the woman still had a hold over her. Sure, that was her own fault, but she couldn't help wonder what her life would be like right now, had she chosen to give her ex girlfriend a second chance.
"Care to share your thoughts?" a familiar voice quietly spoke.
Snapping out of her thoughts, the brunette glanced up to find piercing blue eyes looking down on her. "Oh, sorry. I was miles away. Just unwinding, you know." Callie smiled. "I like to take a minute after I finish up to let my body relax."
"A minute? I've been watching you for some time now. You haven't moved." Arizona laughed.
"I'm sorry. I just, I have a lot on my mind right now. It tends to catch up with me of an evening, and then hits me like a train." the Latina broke her stare with the blonde and looked back out into the street.
"Oh, okay. I guess I should leave you to it then. Maybe i'll see you around?" blue eyes had lost a slight sparkle as Arizona turned to head out of the bar. "It was great to see you again, Callie"
"Wait, i'm sorry. I invited you here tonight and have done nothing to make you want to be here." The brunette stood.
"Oh, you've made me want to be here, Callie. I just feel like you are holding something back. Care to let me in?" The blonde gave a sad smile.
"Um, I-" the brunette stuttered.
"You know what, don't. You barely know me. Let me take you to dinner?" Arizona flashed a dimpled smile at the Latina.
"Okay." Callie swallowed thickly.
"Okay?" the blonde smiled.
"Yeah. When? I'm not playing again now for another two nights." Feeling her nerves subside a little, the brunette figured she should probably at least look a little interested.
"Tomorrow? I'll come by your hotel at say? 8?" the blonde squinted as she tried to gauge Callie's reaction.
"8 sounds good. I can't wait" the brunette winked. Okay, Torres. Don't look so desperate.
"Perfect." Arizona gave a smile before leaning in and giving the brunette a chaste kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow evening then."
The blonde had never asked anyone out to dinner. It wasn't her style, but something about the Latina made her feel like a completely different person. Heading out of the bar, Arizona smiled to herself. She was determined to break down Callie's walls, however long it took. She figured she had been through something fairly recently, and she wanted her to know that she could talk to her when the time came.
Callie sat back in her seat and sighed. Arizona Robbins, who the hell are you. The brunette had struggled to get the photographer off her mind for a couple of days now. She was genuinely interested in the blonde, but figured she probably shouldn't get too attached. She would be flying off to another state in less than two weeks, and she didn't want to have to hurt herself or the blonde by getting too into a relationship. She also wasn't sure she was ready for a relationship just now. Feeling her cell buzz from inside her pocket, she pulled it out.
You looked hot tonight, Callie. -Az XO
Rolling her eyes and smiling, the brunette felt her body ignite at the words she was reading on the screen. It can't happen. It can't happen. The Latina began repeating the words in her head like a mantra. She was willing to spend time with the blonde, but that was all. But those eyes, those piercing blue eyes. They make my world explode.
The song 'Gravity' is by Sara Bareilles. Awesome song, go take a listen.
Thanks for all of your follows so far on this story. Hope you enjoyed reading.
