A/N: I know ... it's been awhile since my last update. I'm so sorry guys! Life just happens and doesn't always let us do what we wish when we wish. I hope that you guys are still with me. I don't plan on leaving this story unfinished! There are a few too many stories out there that are unfinished and they've broken my heart one to many times! I can assure everyone that this particular story will be completed. I just wanted to say real quick that certain places in this story are NOT authentic to Seattle. One - I don't know the city well enough and two - I wanted to create things specifically for our girls.
A/N2: I also wanted to ask for your suggestions of events that you would like to see take place throughout this story. I would really like to hear everyone's suggestions. Please feel free to PM me directly with them!
Previously at the Torres penthouse apartment ...
"Arizona, I need you to sit in front of me." Callie says her voice breaking and tears streaming down her olive cheeks. "Please, I need to see your face and I need to look into your eyes."
Obliging the brunette Arizona stands up and sits on the sofa in front of her. "No, come closer." Callie whispers.
"I don't want to hurt you." Arizona whispers.
"You won't." Callie begs. "Please just sit here in my lap." Unable to deny this request the surgeon slowly moves her body into Callie's lap being very careful not to hurt the woman. Reaching out she uses the pads of her thumbs to wipe away the tears that have spilled.
Staring into the cerulean windows to the skies and oceans Callie searches for answers. She wants to see if there is anything but truth in them. She wants to see if they are hiding anything. She's unable to find anything but warmth, truth, understanding, and unadulterated caring gazing back at her.
Taking a deep breathe she opens her mouth to speak just as her hands grasp pale hands. "Arizona... will you go on a date with me? Will you let me take you out?"
"Will I go out on a date with Callie?" Arizona's mind echoes the words over and over trying to grasp the reality of the moment. "Did she really just ask me on a date?"
"Yes, you moron! Now, form words! Preferably YES!"
"Of course my answer is yes! But how is it that she's asking ME!? I thought I would be the one asking her!"
"Is that really important right now? Shouldn't this be making you ecstatic?"
"I... I don't .. I don't even have the words to describe how happy this makes me! Calliope Torres is asking me out!"
"Yes, the woman that hasn't been out on a date in years! I would suggest you give her answer now!"
The surgeon can see the excitement begin to slowly dim from the molten chocolate eyes that are staring her down waiting for an answer. The last spark dwindles down to the iris and then snuffs out completely. In it's wake sheer panic, fright and embarrassment blossom. The brunette's gaze falls from her own and those windows shutter closed.
"Arizona, you don't have to worry." Callie's whispers shaking her head and releasing her hold on the blonde's hands. "I retract my question. I apologize for making you so uncomfortable. Please, forgive my candor."
Only the author's movement to get up and walk away breaks Arizona free of the stupor she's trapped in.
"Calliope, wait." Arizona speaks blinking rapidly. "I'm sorry..."
"You don't have to say anything." Callie quickly interrupts unable to hear the rejection. Her mind already mocking her. A maniacal laugh echos throughout the dark recesses of her mind. "I understand. I'm going to ..."
Realizing that simple words will not make Callie listen, Arizona leans forward and gently lays her hands on Callie's cheeks turning her head back towards her. Covering the brunette's still moving lips with her thumbs to stop them, Arizona slowly leans in holding the obsidian gaze with her own until she's a breath away from the luscious lips that she's been dying to once again taste. Holding the position for a second longer she allows Callie the option to stop her. Her eyes flutter closed as she presses her soft pink lips to the delicate crimson ones beneath her's. The touch is light and soothing yet yields the desperate yearning felt by both women. Moments later Arizona can feel a faint and subtle caress against her own lips. As innocent as this kiss is her breath is stolen out of her lungs only to be blown back into her soul. Her body is desperately searching for the oxygen it needs to survive as her spirit draws in life sustaining breath for only the second time.
Pulling back from the kiss with her hands still cradling the author's face Arizona opens her eyes. "Ask me again."
Taking a deep breathe and allowing her eyes to flutter open Callie is seduced by the depth and passion ebbing in the cerulean orbs before her. "Arizona, will you go out on a date with me?" The words are uttered so softly that they're felt more than they're heard. The breathe escaping the rouge lips nuzzles the paler pink ones, a much softer kiss.
A smile grows on Arizona's face slowly until her dimples are displayed. "Yes, of course I'll go on a date with you! Took you long enough to ask."
Callie let out a soft chuckle. "You could have asked you know."
Leaning in Arizona rests her forehead against the brunette's. "Believe me, I wanted to but I didn't want to push you to far or scare you away. Wanna finish our movie?"
"Mmhmm." Callie answers as she steals another soft kiss from the surgeon.
Turning around the blonde settles in between Callie's legs and covers them both with the throw blanket. Wrapping her arms around Arizona, Callie pulls her in tight to her embrace and nuzzles into Arizona's neck.
"Are you going to tell me where you are taking me?" Arizona asks settling further into the strong arms holding her.
"No." Callie whispers in her ear. "It's going to be a surprise. I do have the perfect place in mind though."
"Will you at least tell me what I should wear?"
"Something casual and warm to start out with and then I would suggest you bring a dressier outfit for later in the day. It's going to be an all day date."
"It's the dead of winter! What can we possibly do that will have us out all day?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out, Dimples."
"You're killing me here! I hate surprises! They're never good!"
"I promise that you will love this surprise. Not many people know about this hidden gem in Seattle."
"Alright, alright. I suppose I can let you surprise me. Nothing better jump out at me though! I will leave you there alone if that happens."
"Seriously? First of all, it's not halloween so there are no haunted houses and second of all, what the hell kind of dates have you been on before?"
"I could tell you some serious horror stories. But those are for another time. Shush and enjoy this movie with me."
"Hey now, you're the one that started the conversation. You can't blame for asking when you say something like that!"
"Shh."
Three Days Later
"Arizona, are you ready?" Callie calls up the stairs.
"Just a few more minutes please." The blonde yells back down.
The ladies are getting ready to go on their date and they have to leave in the next fifteen minutes or they will be late. Ivan had already taken down the one bag they had for their evening attire and now Callie was waiting on Arizona to finish up.
"We can't be late." Callie calls out unable to contain her excitement. She's been looking forward to this date and can hardly wait to see Arizona's reaction. When she'd finally decided to ask out the surgeon she'd had the perfect idea come to mind.
"I told you I'd be ready in time to leave, Scribbles." Arizona calls as she comes down the stairs. "I just had to make sure I chose the right outfit, which by the way, isn't the easiest to do when you have NO IDEA where you're being taken!"
The brunette turns her head to only be to be stunned into muted reverie. Arizona was wearing a pair of dark skinny jeans combined with knee high boots and a form fitting red sweater. Her hair was cascading down her shoulders in it's natural curls and her make up was subtle only highlighting her natural beauty.
"You... I ..." Callie stutters as her eyes rack over the blonde. "Wow. You... I just... Wow."
"Cat got your tongue?" Arizona chuckles watching the effect she's having on the brunette.
"I wouldn't say the cat has it." Callie replies smiling. "I would say that you have it. You're going to need a thicker coat for later in the day." Arizona points over the back of the larger sofa indicating she's already taken out her thicker winter coat.
Callie stands up slowly using her crutches. Letting Arizona finally see her outfit. Due to her cast she's got a pair of loose fitted slacks combined with a deep purple top. She'd done her make up in a smokey style to highlight the color of her eyes and left her hair flowing down her back.
"Calliope..." Arizona gasps taking in the site before her. "Are there going to be a lot of people where we are headed?"
"I'm sure there's bound to be, why?" The author answers turning to make her way towards the lift.
"I'm going to need to pack some bricks." Arizona mutters. "That way I can keep people away from my hot date."
Callie barks out a sarcastic laugh. "I highly doubt you're going to have to beat people off the cripple with crutches."
"Don't even start with that!" Arizona quips back. "Trust me, no one will even see the crutches. You look absolutely beautiful! And I'm very proud to have you as my date."
"My, my, quite the charmer we have here this morning." The brunette replies rolling her eyes and chuckling softly. "How about we make our way down? Ivan is waiting for us."
Letting the surgeon go in front fo her Callie slowly follows her to the entrance towards the lift.
"Hopefully Ivan and Ricky won't be too bored following us around all day." Arizona says as the lift doors close. "I can't imagine what it feels like to accompany other people on dates."
"You have got to give me more credit than this, Dimples. They will only be driving us to our destination. They won't be spending the entire day with us."
The surgeon whips her head around to stare at the other woman. "Calliope, what do you mean they are only driving us to our destination? You said there will be other people there. No way in hell are we not taking them with us!"
"Arizona, I assure you that they are well aware of the plans and have agreed that they don't need to follow us around all day. They would have never agreed to this if they thought for one second that either of our safety would be in jeopardy."
"And pray tell how they are going to explain to Megan and Mark that they let you out of their sights in a public place? Or have you forgotten the threats they were given if anything else happened to you?"
"Let's be clear on one thing. They are on MY payroll. I am their boss. Not Megan, and damn sure not Mark. I discussed the location we are headed to and they agreed that there is no danger. I trust that they did their homework before they cleared this with me. Hence the reason we didn't have this date right away. And one other thing. I don't need a damn security detail. They ONLY reason I even agreed to have them around is because you are staying with me. If I was alone I wouldn't waste their time. Obviously, I refuse to take any chances with your safety though."
"Breaking News Calliope! I'm not the one with a stalker! You are!"
"I'm well aware of the fact that everyone is under the impression that I seem to have some crazed person after me and albeit I seem to have some interesting, to say the least, fan mail I don't agree with the severity everyone seems to think those letters have."
Jaw dropping the blonde stares at the brunette. "You don't agree with the severity? Are you fucking kidding right now? Please, please, tell me this is some poor attempt at a joke. You were RUN OVER by a CAR! Intentionally! You can't possibly tell me you don't take that seriously!"
"Yes, I was hit by a car. However, the last time I spoke with Officer Bristol he could offer me NO concrete evidence that the letters and the accident were linked! Not to mention there are NO leads on the car accident. There is no way to know that I was targeted specifically by the driver. So, no I am not making a joke. I don't see the need for such drastic measures but seeing as it calms everyone down I agreed to them."
"Calliope, that car was stolen and left abandoned. How can you say it wasn't intentional? I saw that damned video! That car made a straight line for you!"
"How do you know it wasn't a group of stupid teenagers that were drunk or higher than a kite that stole a car and went joy riding? Then when they realized what they had done they abandoned the car? Arizona, I'm not someone famous. I'm a simple author and one that has managed to keep a low profile. I have better odds of winning the damned lottery then I do of someone being this deranged."
"That is not what the professionals believe and frankly I agree with them. There are too many coincidences for the letters and the accident not to be related."
"Alright, alright how about we agree to disagree? I really don't want to start this day off with this debate or arguing with you?"
"I will agree to put a pin in this conversation especially the part about only keeping the security detail around because I'm staying here. Don't for one second think that we won't be broaching this subject again."
"I wouldn't expect any different from you, Dimples."
The doors to the lift open to show Ivan waiting next to the SUV. "Good morning Ivan." Callie says to the man as he opens the door. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes Miss Torres." He replies with a full smile.
"Will you please assure Arizona here that you have agreed that it is completely safe for you guys not to join us for the entire day?"
"Dr. Robbins, I assure you that our presence will not be needed for the duration of the day." He turns to the surgeon to speak as he walks to the back of the SUV to put in the crutches.
"Thank you Ivan." The blonde gives him a dimpled smile as he closes her door and gets into the passenger seat.
Some forty minutes later Ricky pulls the SUV up to an old building that looks oddly like an old train depot. They've driven to the outer edges of the city. A side of Seattle that the surgeon can't ever recall visiting in the time since she's moved here. Opening the door and stepping outside Arizona is able to fully appreciate the scene before her eyes. A large dark grey stoned building with a walkway in front highlighted by tall archways takes center stage. The front of the building is two stories tall and the highlight of the building is the large clock in the center. The roof and wood trimming accenting the building are all covered in pristine snow with icicles hanging down. The pillars of the archways are wrapped in wreaths and soft white Christmas lights. The lights outline the entire building casting it in a magical, mystical, etherial glow. Lining the long walkway are benches with statues of reindeer, Christmas trees, and Santa made out of multicolored Christmas lights in between each bench. The surgeon feels as if when she stepped out of the car she has gone back in time.
Turning her head Arizona looks at Callie who's making her way around the car slowly with her crutches. "Calliope, this place is absolutely wonderful! Where are we?"
"We are at Timber Creek Depot." Callie replies coming to a stop next to the surgeon. "It was built in 1956 and then restored about twenty years ago by its current owner. It's not used for commercial travel but it does go up the mountain to a small town. The train rides vary in their theme depending on the time of the year. I stumbled across this hidden gem a few years ago at a book reading when I met the owner. The Miller's have turned the small town into quite the family vacation spot. In the summer there is white water rafting, tubing, hay rides, horse back riding, fishing, and there are some wonderful hiking trails. The view on some of those trails is hard to find anywhere else in the country. During the winter of course they have all of the winter sports. My favorite though is the Christmas festivities they have from November through the end of December."
"I take it we are taking the train up to the town and spending the day?" Arizona asks as she starts to walk towards the depot, excited to explore.
"You guessed correct, Dimples."
Opening the the door Arizona is met with a rustic decor. The entire interior is accented by wood trimmings and a large antler chandelier hanging in the center of the main room. To the left there is a large fireplace that has the front end of a locomotive jutting out and the bottom grill showcases the fire pit of the fireplace. Next to the fireplace is a twelve foot Christmas tree and sofas along with a coffee table. The cashier counter was decorated with wreath garlands. On the right side of the room there was a large mural painting of a scene from the top of the mountain showcasing the railroad that led to Timber Creek Town. A coffee bar was located on that side of the room as well with a barista at the counter. Large picture windows covered both the back and front wall allowing the visitors to see the view from either side of the depot. The railroad could be seen making its way through the snow covered ground and the large pine trees also adorned the same pristine cotton looking covering. Eyeing the snow one could easily spot the trails of different animals that criss crossed throughout the forrest beyond the depot.
As Arizona and Callie made their way inside the barista greeted them. "Good morning Ladies. My name is Abby. Welcome to Timber Creek Depot. Your train will be arriving in roughly fifteen minutes. Would either of you like a cup of coffee?"
Still looking around and enjoying the tranquility held within this time piece Arizona didn't answer the woman. Instead Callie stepped forward. "Good morning Abby. I'm Callie Torres and my beautiful date is Dr. Arizona Robins. We would both enjoy a cup of coffee. I would like a pumpkin spice latte, please and I'm sure that Arizona would enjoy a caramel macchiato."
"Coming right up Ms. Torres." Abbie replies turning around to start their order.
The blonde turns to Callie with a disgusted look on her face. "Scribbles how can you drink that crap and how did you know that I like caramel macchiato's anyway."
"Hey now, Dimples. It's not nice to poke at me on our first date. I heard you ask Ivan to bring you one the other day from the cafe across the street from the apartment."
"You were on the phone! How did you even hear that or manage to remember it?"
"Dimples, you're forgetting that I'm a writer. I always notice the small details. It's just a habit I've picked up over the years."
Smiling Arizona just shakes her head as she takes her coffee from the counter and makes her way over to the sofa. "How come there are no other people here?"
"Well, I wanted you to be able to fully enjoy this experience since you so thoroughly enjoyed your first train ride. So, I decided to rent out the cars for the ride up and back down."
"Calliope! You didn't have to go to that extreme! I would have enjoyed it just as much even if we weren't the only ones on the train. If you recall, there were other people on the train the first time I rode it."
"I admit, I did it for a selfish reason as well. I wanted to have your undivided attention. I've never had anyone to enjoy this with before and I wanted this experience to be special and one of a kind."
"You would have had my undivided attention either way but I will most definitely enjoy this time alone with you. If it weren't so cold outside I would want to explore through the forrest. It's absolutely beautiful."
"It is very peaceful. There's a small trail on the south side of the depot that leads back to a small lake. The hike isn't very long and there's this gazebo that's been carved all by hand overlooking the lake. I've come to this lake many a time when I needed a change of scenery for writing. Actually if I remember correctly almost the entire second book of my series was written in that gazebo. If you'd like I can take you out there next spring or summer." Embarrassed that she'd assumed they would still be friends or even dating that far in the future Callie blushes and turns away from the blonde surgeon. "Not that I'm presuming you'll want to go with me. I'm sure one of the staff can show you if you're interested."
Having noticed the brunette's sudden insecurity in herself shine through once again Arizona quickly stands up from her spot on the sofa and sits down next to Callie taking her hands in hers. "Calliope, I would be thrilled if you would show me this lake. There's no way I will let anyone else show me this hidden oasis."
Slowly turning back to face Arizona, Callie's eyes make contact with the ones bearing directly into her soul. The kindness she finds in those eyes isn't something that she's ever seen before. There's no pity, or judgement in these eyes. There's no guilt hidden in their depths for her past like she's seen in the eyes of Teddy and Mark so many times over the years. The kindness found in those eyes blankets Callie's soul in a peace she never thought she would be able to feel. The heavy burden of loneliness that she's carried on her shoulders since her teenage years is finally starting to dissipate with each passing moment spent in the company of this angel. It hasn't completely left her but in all her life she's never felt this light and carefree. Reaching out she runs her thumb softly across a pale cheek.
Noticing the seriousness that's taken over the brunette Arizona covers her hand in hers. "What's rummaging around in that beautiful head of yours, Scribbles?"
Shaking her head slightly Callie's gaze wanders over to the forrest in front of them. "I was just thinking that for the first time since I can remember, I don't feel lonely. Despite everything that you know about me, I've never seen anything but kindness in your eyes. And if I'm being completely honest, it scares me to my very bones, Arizona."
Furrowing her brow the blonde questions. "Why does it scare you?"
Letting out a soft sigh Callie replies. "Because, I'm afraid if I allow myself to get used to not being lonely ... this ... feeling ... this lightness ... it will disappear. Or I will wake up in my bed and realize that it's a dream. Even worse you may one day realize that I'm not really worth it."
"Oh, Calliope." Arizona whispers closing her eyes and then opens them. "Please look at me." She waits until the brunette's eyes meet hers once again. "I can't promise you that tomorrow will only bring happiness. I can't promise you that there won't be days that we want to ring each other's necks. I can't promise you that I will never disappoint you. I can't promise you that heartache won't ever reach you again. I can't even promise you that we will work out in the long run. However, I can promise you that I will NEVER think you aren't worth it. I can promise that I will forever be your friend. Even if we decide that dating isn't for us. I can promise you that I will never intentionally hurt you. I can promise you that as long as you allow me in your life, I will try and make sure you don't feel lonely anymore. I can promise that I will help you carry any burdens that you face. I can promise you that I will always be honest and truthful with you. I can promise you that you will never have to wonder what I am thinking. I can promise you that I will never hide anything from you."
As she pours her feelings out openly and truthfully the dark chocolate eyes are swimming in tears and Arizona can see a small distant light take flame in them. A light she's never seen there before.
"Arizona, I can't promise you that I will be very good at dating or a relationship. It's been a long time since I've been in one and even still I don't think I've ever had a relationship like one that you are describing. I can't promise you that I won't have days where I doubt. I can't promise you that I won't have days in which I want to run for the hills and hide. I can't promise you perfection. I can't promise you that I won't make mistakes. I can't promise that being open will always be easy for me. However, I can promise you that I will always talk to you when I'm feeling overwhelmed and the instinct to run over takes me. I can promise you that I will try my damndest to fight my doubts. I can promise you loyalty. I can promise you that I also won't ever intentionally hurt you. I can promise you honesty and truthfulness. I can promise you that I will always eventually open up to you. I can promise you that I will give you the same support you've offered me."
Both sets of eyes now have tears in them threatening to spill over the brim. Leaning in towards each other their lips ghost softly over each other sealing their promises. An unspoken act of sealing their promises to each other, so to speak. Unable to keep herself from tasting the honied nectar of the tanned goddess Arizona presses into the kiss firmly. Allowing her lips to contour over the plump ones caressing her back with a ferocity she's never felt before. The dance of their kiss is slow, languid and unrushed. Callie's hands caress Arizona's face delicately. Memorizing the blonde's facial features with her fingers. Reaching back she gently entangles her hands in the golden tresses. Arizona's arms slip around Callie's waste and slide open palmed up her back gently pulling her deeper into their kiss. Opening her lips she gently reaches out with her tongue and caresses the plump bottom lip begging for entrance. Callie immediately reciprocates and allows the blonde access. The surgeon allows her tongue to glide over Callie's. The brunette flexes her tongue in response running the tip across the bottom of Arizona's and sliding up it's side and over the top pressing it into the bottom of her own mouth, gently sucking on it. The current that's cursing through both of their bodies sends shockwave after shockwave from their head down to their toes. Bursts of colored lights explode in their mind's eye as they continue their intimate dance. Gradually their kiss slows down until their lips are scantily touching as they both attempt to catch their breath. Leaning her forehead against Callie's, Arizona opens her eyes to find that the brunette still has her eyes closed but a small and sincere smile spreads across her luscious lips.
"Holy mother of heaven." Callie whispers as she still tries to catch her breath.
"I know, I understand what you mean." Arizona whispers back allowing her eyes to flitter closed as she relives the best kiss of her life again.
Their silent reverie is suddenly broken by the sound of the train whistle crackling through the winter's crisp breath. Arizona realizes that at some point and some how she ended up in Callie's lap. She has no idea when it happened but she quickly moves off afraid that she's hurt Callie.
"Calliope, I'm so sorry. I didn't hurt you leg did I?"
"No, not at all, Arizona. Don't worry. Believe me when I tell you that I'm not complaining."
A clearing of a throat brings their attention away from each other and watching the train coming to a slow stop in the depot.
"Excuse me, Ms. Torres." Abby's soft voice is heard. "Before you leave would you mind terribly if I ask you for a huge favor?"
Turning her head Callie looks at the barista who's wringing her hands in front of herself. "What can I help you with Abby?"
Arizona realizes immediately that Abby knows who Callie is and becomes alarmed until the barista speaks again.
"I didn't realize who you were when you first introduced yourself." Abby speaks again shyly. "But then, you mentioned that you're a writer and I put two and two together. Would it be too much trouble to ask you if you would kindly sign your book for me? I've been a fan of yours for years and to think that I've actually met you."
Shocked and left speechless Callie stares at the young woman in front of her. Blinking slowly she isn't accustomed to people asking for her autograph in random places. Noticing that Callie seems to be caught off guard Arizona decides to step in.
"She would love to sign your book Abby." The blonde replies with a gentle smile for the ever shy barista. "Why don't you go get it before we have to board the train."
Not waiting for confirmation from the brunette author Abby makes a dash for the back room.
"I ... what ... what just happened?" Callie asks completely bewildered.
Laughing quietly Arizona responds. "I do believe you just met a fan, Calliope. Why are you so shocked. Surely this has happened before."
Still unable to gather her thoughts enough to form a full sentence Callie just shakes her head to indicate that it hasn't.
"What do you mean it hasn't?" Arizona asks now confused. She knows how popular Callie's books are. If you didn't pre order them before their release you were going to have to wait months before copies were available in stores. That's how quickly they sold out. She's baffled that Callie isn't regularly stopped for autographs.
"I've signed books before." Callie says finally able to form complete sentence. "However, I've always been at signings or readings. I've never had someone ask me while I was out eating or shopping. This is definitely a first for me."
Giving herself a shake Arizona replies. "How is that possible? I quickly learned to pre order your books. If I don't I can't find them in stores! I can't believe people haven't stopped you for this before! I just can't! I've seen people argue over the books before."
"Ok, now you're just exaggerating." Callie answers with a laugh.
"Scribbles, I'm dead serious." Arizona retorts quickly. "I wouldn't say something like this if it weren't true! And let me just tell you that it was odd watching two grown women fighting over a book. I mean, don't get me wrong here. You know how crazy I am over your work but even I couldn't believe my eyes and I was watching it happen feet in front of me."
Callie's eyes have become the size of saucers and she's just blinking slowly trying to wrap her mind around what she's being told. "Come on, Arizona that's just crazy. I'm not that good. Surely it was over some other book."
"Jesus, are you serious?" Arizona screeches. "You aren't that good? When we get back we are going to have a serious discussion, Calliope. I can't stand to hear you doubting yourself so thoroughly. I just can't."
Just then Abby runs back into the room holding a book out in front of her. She's so excited that she doesn't watch her steps and ends up tripping over the crutches that are leaning against the sofa next to Callie and lands directly in the brunette's lap, heavily on the injured leg.
"Agghhhh..." Callie is unable to withhold the scream. The pain radiating through her body is excruciating and she could swear she heard a pop when the barista landed on her.
"Oh my god!" Abby yelps as she tries to untangle herself from the author's lap but flounders helplessly. "Ms. Torres, please I am so sorry! I didn't mean to do that. Have I hurt you?"
"Have you HURT her?" Arizona angrily replies. "Did you not hear her scream? Of course you hurt her."
Tears quickly make their way down blushed cheeks as Abby finally is able to stand up. "I promise, it was an accident. What can I do?"
Taking a breath to calm herself, realizing that this was an honest mistake Arizona asks. "Abby, do you have any ice that you can put in some sort of sack or bag? We're going to need to ice her leg."
"Yes, yes I can find something." Abby says as she makes her way back to the kitchen. Her book lays on the floor forgotten."
"Arizona, hand me that book." Callie says trying to keep her breathing even and deep to ease the pain.
Reaching out Arizona takes the book and hands it to Callie. "Calliope, tell me where it hurts. Did she hurt you anywhere else?"
"No, no I'm fine." Callie answers looking through her purse for a pen. "It's just my leg. I did hear a pop though, not really sure what it was."
"I think that was the crutch falling on the floor. Are you sure nothing else hurts? She landed on you full force."
"I promise, I'll be alright. Once this pain levels out it'll be like it didn't happen. Ugh, will you see if there's a pen on the counter over there. I don't seem to have one in my purse."
Arizona reaches into her purse and pulls out a pen. "Here you go. I have one." She shakes her head to herself as she watches Callie sign the book wondering what the brunette is going to write in it.
"Dr. Robbins, is this bag large enough?" Abby asks making her way back to the couch. "Oh, Ms. Torres you don't have to do that." She says once she realizes that Callie is signing her book. Feeling awful she no longer even cares about the damn signature. She just wants to make sure she didn't maim her favorite author of all times.
"Abby, you didn't fall on me purposely!" Callie replies as she continues to write in the front of the book.
"Yes, that bag is large enough." Arizona replies with a small smile for the barista, trying to calm the poor girl down. She can see that the girl is feeling quite awful now.
"Ms. Torres, again I am so sorry." Abby starts apologizing again. "I was just so excited that I'm meeting you and that you agreed to sign my book. That's not an excuse and I know it. I should have been more careful. Please, please forgive me."
"Abby, please call me, Callie." The author replies giving the barista a genuine smile. "I realize it was a mistake. I promise you, there's nothing to forgive. It was an honest mistake that could have happened to anyone." Having finished signing the book Callie hands her the book back. "And don't tell anyone about this little mishap when you tell them how you got my signature. There's no need for anyone to know about this." The brunette gives the young woman a wink to reassure her that there are no hard feelings.
"Thank you, Ms. Torr ... Callie." Abby says smiling once again. "You have no idea what you just did for me! I've met a few authors over the years. I'm an avid reader ... and I can honestly say that no one has ever been this kind or gracious. I've honestly wished I could meet you for years! One of my friends heard you at a reading a few years back and she's never let me forget that I wasn't able to attend. Now, I think I finally have her beat. And may I just say that you and your girlfriend are absolutely beautiful. You make quite the couple!"
Cutting her eyes over to Arizona, Callie blushes when she hears the barista refer to her as her girlfriend. That's a discussion they obviously hadn't had as it was their first date and all. Seeing that Callie just might correct Abby, Arizona jumps in.
"Thank you, Abby." Arizona says grinning proudly and wrapping her arm around Callie while with the other setting the bag of ice on Callie's upper thigh. "She really is stunning isn't she? I am one lucky girl, that's for damn sure."
Momentarily stunned, it takes Callie a few seconds to gather herself. No one had ever claimed her like that publicly before. "Now, now Dimples. I have to correct you, I am the lucky one here."
Chuckling at the two women's antics Abby answers. "I'd say that you're both lucky!"
"Right you are Abby." Arizona says flashing her dimples.
"And now, I see where the nickname Dimples came from." Abby says with a smile.
Just then the back door opens and the conductor of the train comes in. "Party for Torres?" The tall grey hair man calls. Slightly taken aback by the lack of people in the depot. Apparently, no one had told him that he would have only two passengers on this trip up the mountain.
Noticing that the crutches were knocked over Abby quickly bends over to grab them as she addresses the man. "Ah, Isaac, they are right here. Ms. Callie Torres and Dr. Arizona Robbins. Make sure you take good care of these two. It's their first date from what I've heard." The barista winks at the gentleman.
Smiling at the two women making their way towards him he answers. "I'll make sure to give them our best services, Abby. Right this way ladies. My name as Abby has pointed out is Isaac and I will be your conductor today. Your steward will be Colt and you'll meet him once inside. Let me take your bag for you."
As the man walks ahead of them Arizona turns to Callie. "What did you write in the book?"
Laughing Callie shrugs. "I just thanked her for making my first request for an autograph a memorable one!
Throwing her head back Arizona lets out a full laugh. "I'll say! You'll be a hundred and ten and not forget this! Come on then, Scribbles. Let's get this train rolling!"
Shaking her head Callie slowly follows Arizona towards the steps. Having already managed to get hurt once today she doesn't want to risk another potential injury.