I own nothing. All characters/storylines belong to Shonda. I'm simply 'borrowing' them.

Chapter Two

ELIZA'S POV

I can't believe the woman from the coffee shop came to the club a few nights ago. I knew I shouldn't have taken on a second job. I knew I should have just stuck to what I know. I mean, I don't need the money. I'm making a ton at the club, but I just wanted something a little less sexual and a little more normal for my weekdays. I wanted something that I could use when people ask me what I do. The word stripper doesn't often go down well during conversations, and even though I'm not embarrassed about what I do…it does prevent me from getting to know people a little better. It does prevent me from finding a girlfriend or someone who I can share my weeknights with. I love my job at the club, I really do…I just thought it would be a good idea to have a little downtime in a peaceful setting during the week. I only work the club Friday and Saturday, but the money I make is enough for me to live off. More than enough, actually. Maybe I should ditch my job through the week. Once she tells people who I am and what I do, I'll probably be asked to leave anyway. Once people know I'm a stripper, they won't want me serving them and their kids during lunch. I know exactly how it goes. They're not offended by it until they are faced with it. It doesn't bother them so long as my hands aren't on their food or drink. If only people knew the life I lived and who I am, huh?

I appreciate that she acted stupid when she realized who I was, but I'd sooner she just made it known that she recognized me. I mean, surely she did. Surely she knew who I was when I was grinding down in her lap. Surely she saw who I was and that's why she asked my name. I don't know and I hope I don't see her again when she seeks out some good coffee. I'd like to think that she doesn't come here often, but she seems like the type to sit around all day tending to her business. She seems like one of those who spends their lives on their devices and nobody else gets any of her attention.

Honestly, I'm a little disappointed that she turned up at the club. I thought she was kinda hot when I met her in here, but now that I know that she enjoys the private dances and the main events…I think I'll steer clear. I didn't make conversation with her for nothing. I didn't bring her a little something extra for the sake of it. I guess I just wanted her to see me. I guess I wanted to be noticed. She has the most adorable smile, but I didn't see that from her at the club. I didn't see the kindness in her eyes as I was removing my bra for her. She just...I don't know. She looked like all the others I dance for. The men and the women. Everyone comes to the club for their own reasons, and I guess the blonde isn't any different. Maybe she's having problems at home...I don't know. Maybe she is struggling in her personal or professional life and she needs some kind of escape. It's usually why I'm paid $400 for a thirty-minute session with a stranger off the street. It's usually why they watch me make them feel good.

I just thought she was different.

Glancing up from the cup I've been drying for what seems like forever, I find that face in the queue of people waiting to be served. I find that blonde hair sitting perfectly around that gorgeous face. Dropping my gaze, I toy with the cup in my hand and think about helping my colleague out. I really don't want to, but I can see him struggling with the demand for coffee right now. Releasing a deep breath, I decide to get this over with now. I decide that it's better to get that look of disgust from her sooner rather than later. Why wait around?

The queue getting smaller with each other, the unknown blonde steps further forward and I find her standing in front of me. "Hey, what can I get you?" Maybe I'll play stupid for a little while.

"Cappuccino." She smiles, her eyes fixed firmly on my own. I can see her trying to figure me out, but I don't think she recognizes me. How can she not recognize me? I mean, I guess I do look a little different without all that makeup on, and clothes, of course…but still, I expected her to know exactly who I was. I don't know if I'm relieved or offended right now. Handing over a twenty dollar bill, I give her a smile and place her order. Handing over her change, she shakes her head a little and drops her gaze. "Thank you."

"What's your name?" I ask.

"Excuse me?" Her brow furrowed, I realize I've just asked her the same thing she asked me when I was grinding down in her lap.

"F-For your order…" I stutter.

"Oh, right." She gives me a slightly nervous laugh. "Arizona."

"Your order will be with you in a few minutes, Arizona." Giving me a nod, she steps away from the counter and I sense a slight blush creeping up her face. She genuinely has no idea who I am. Wow!

Wait…Arizona? My mind working overtime, I'm trying to place her name but I'm at a loss right now. Arizona isn't a common name, that's for sure. I don't imagine there are many in New York. Watching her walk away with her order, she takes a seat in her usual spot and pulls out her MacBook. Oh my god…I gave a writer a lap dance. I don't even know what to feel about that.

I mean, her novel has kept me in a different world since I read it, and I'm already on my second time around. Like, I cannot put that book down. I just can't. Oh god, this is embarrassing. I've never been worried about my weekend job before, but right now…I'm mortified. I mean, it may not even be her, but I think it is. It's why she was so nonchalant on Friday when I suggested she read the book. Way to go, Minnick. Asshole.

Rounding the counter, I slowly approach her as she is powering up her laptop. What do I even say to her? Hey, remember me? The stripper who made you wet a few nights ago…Ugh, this isn't good. Maybe it is a good thing, though. She won't want her fans to know that she was at a strip club, so maybe she won't out me. "Hey, um…sorry to bother you, again." I smile as I step up behind her and she glances up at me.

"Oh, it's no problem." Her eyes finding mine, she turns in her seat a little. "Is everything okay?"

"Sure, yeah." She still doesn't recognize me. "Are you, uh, are you her?" Pointing down at her copy of the book I've been reading, she gives me a smile and a slight nod.

"That is me, yes."

"Wow, awesome book." I take a seat beside her and she furrows her brow. "Oh, sorry." Standing, I back up a little. "I'm sure you're very busy. I, um…just let me know if I can get you anything else."

"Thanks, uh…" Holding out her hand, she's waiting for a name.

"Eliza." I give her a genuine smile and take her hand in my own. They're just as soft as I remember them being. "Great to meet you, anyway."

"You know, it would be kinda nice if you wanted to join me for coffee when you are on your break…" Studying my face, I don't want her to recognize me anymore. I mean, I never did, but I was offended earlier. Now I just want this woman to see me as I am now and never how she saw me on Friday night ever again. "If you're not busy."

"Sure. That would be great." Checking the time, I have a little while before I'm due my break but if she is still here later, I'm totally taking her up on that coffee. "I have an hour before I'm due to take five."

"Then I will see you in an hour." She smiles.

Grabbing the two coffees I've just ordered, I make my way back to Arizona's table and give myself a moment to compose myself. I've never really been drawn in by anyone before, but she has something about her. I know I accused her of being like the rest of them when I saw her this morning, but she's not. At least, I don't think she is. She seems to be quiet and closed off, and that is not what I saw the other night. Sure, she offered to pay me even without a dance, but she was still at a strip club. She was still in that private room with me. She didn't seem comfortable there, but she also didn't stop me from dancing on her once I got going. Once she was in the mood, she was more than willing to stare at my ass and yeah, when my bra came off, I saw her eyes darken. Just like I see time and time again in the club. That doesn't mean we can't be friends, though. I wouldn't expect anything else with her. Why would she ever want to date a stripper?

Setting the cups down to the side of her work, she glances my way and gives me a genuine smile. "Hey."

"I wasn't sure you would still be here," I reply as I sit down beside her. Her perfume is a little intoxicating, but I have to keep it in my mind that Arizona is nothing to me right now. One day a friend, maybe, but that's where it ends. I'd never put someone through that uncertainty that seems to follow strippers around. I'd never expect anyone to understand or be accepting of my job. Never.

"I spend most of my time here." She shrugs. "Thanks for the refill."

"No problem." I smile. "Do you think maybe I could get my copy signed if I bring it by?"

"I don't see why not." She laughs. "Have to keep my fans happy somehow." Throwing me a wink, I can't help but feel like she is flirting with me. I'm all for a little flirtatious behavior, but I don't want to get my hopes up here. I don't want anything to come of this for it to fall apart when Arizona actually realizes who I am. Because she will. One day she will remember or she will see me in my other job and then it will all fall apart. "So, how long have you been here?"

"Only a few weeks." I smile as I take my coffee in my hands. "Do you live local?"

"I do, yeah. Just a few blocks away." She states. "What brought you to New York?" Turning in her seat, she slips her glasses from her eyes and I'm seeing her fully right now. Not in her aroused state. Not in her tired state. Just…as she is. Refreshed.

"Just felt like a change." Sipping on my coffee I can see that she is trying to figure me out again, but I'm trying not to give her anything.

"You know, I feel like I've seen you before." She tilts her head a little. "I just don't know where."

"You saw me on Friday." I laugh. "I-In here. I offered you a refill and brought you a muffin."

"No, I feel like I've seen you elsewhere." Shaking her head, she gives me a slight shrug. "Clearly not, though, since you aren't even from New York."

"Yeah." I sigh. "Guess I just have one of those faces."

"What faces?"

"Familiar," I state.

"Mm…" She sets her coffee down. "Beautiful, yes…familiar, no." Whoa, not what I was expecting her to say. "Look, um…I know this may be a little bit bold of me, but would you like to grab a drink one evening?"

"Oh, I-I."

"Sorry, forget I said that." She waves off her question. "I'm sure you have someone at home waiting for you."

"Actually, I don't." I smile. "I'm just not sure I'm free."

"Right." She gives me a sad smile. "You know, I'm not offended that you don't want to have a drink with me."

"N-No, it's not like that." I try to defend myself but how can I without telling her my reasons for turning her down. "I'm just not looking to date anyone right now."

"That's okay." She places her hand over my own and my stomach unexpectedly flips. "I'm sure I'll be lucky enough to grab coffee with you again sometime soon."

"Y-Yeah, of course." I agree. "I'd love that." God, she is breaking my heart right now. Like, do I tell her why and hope that she doesn't back off, or do I just do this with her? The coffee, the small talk? Do I just remain friendly?

"Great." She gives me a smile but it doesn't quite reach as wide as I'd like. It's not as big as I've seen from her before. "Don't forget to bring your book by."

"I won't." I sit back in my seat and sip on my coffee. "You know why I chose to work in a coffee shop?"

"Why?"

"I love watching people. I love studying them and figuring out who they are. Like, some people I watch from the moment they walk in here."

"What did you just say?" She furrows her brow. "About watching people?"

"Whoa, I'm not some stalker." I hold up my hands.

"N-No, I just…I swear I've heard that somewhere before." Fuck! I said that to her on Friday night. "God, I don't know what is wrong with me lately." She laughs. "Just pay no attention to my weird behavior, okay? I'm having a bad time with my next novel and I think it's sending me a little crazy."

"Hey, don't worry about it." I give her an awkward smile. "Look, I should really get back to work but it was great talking with you."

"Yeah, you too." She gives me a smile and my stomach flips again. "Take care, Eliza." Hearing her say my name how she does is making me feel all of the things I shouldn't be feeling right now. I mean, I know I was straddling this woman just a few days ago, but that's not why I'm attracted to her. I've straddled many many women during my life as a stripper, and I've never had this reaction to any of them. Not a single one. I know I cannot mix business with pleasure, and I know that I cannot act on how I'm feeling. It's strictly forbidden in my line of work and honestly…it's probably a good thing.

I've come to terms with the fact that I'll probably never have a real relationship whilst I do what I do, but the money is far too good to pass up on right now. Anywhere else and I'd have thought about leaving it all behind, but this is New York City, and you need the money to keep you going here. I don't want to live on my last dime, so that job is staying. Maybe I'm being foolish and I should just be honest with the gorgeous writer that seems to be in my workplace every day, but I'm scared. I'm scared that she won't even accept me as a friend.

I'll always maintain that my job is awesome, and honestly…it really is, but meeting Arizona has made me feel a little differently. Not about my job, but about the possibilities I'm missing out on because of the reaction I tend to receive. Maybe when I know her a little better I can open up more, but for now…she is the writer and I'm the barista. There really is nothing more to it.

Thanks for reading, guys. Reviews are welcome as always. I didn't expect the reaction I got to the first chapter, but I'm glad you guys are on board so far.

Hit review. If you want…