The Secrets That We Keep

Chapter 21

"Arizona, would you... I mean if it's not too much... could we maybe... or well, one of us, perhaps we could... what I'm trying to say is that maybe, if you're ready, we could maybe... Ahhh!" Callie sighed in frustration. It had all sounded good when she had rehearsed it in her head but saying it out loud was a whole different ballgame. It almost sounded cheesy and cliche. Thank god she was alone in her bathroom, staring at her own reflection in the mirror, practicing her speech.

Feeling nervous about how to say this the right way she ran her hand through her towel dried hair and sighed once again in defeat. "I'm so pathetic." she murmured to herself and began brushing her teeth.

Arizona was coming over for dinner and Callie wanted everything to be perfect. Things were really looking up for the two of them and they were enjoying each other's company whenever their busy schedule allowed for it. The blonde had, however, cut down on her hours to give her body a chance to rest and her mind to heal. Her psychiatrist was very pleased with Arizona's progress. She had taken huge steps in order to overcome her anxiety and fears. Callie was so proud of her girlfriend and could see a big difference in the blonde's behavior, self-esteem and even her posture. It was all looking good.

They had now been together for almost eight months and Callie wanted them to move in together. Arizona usually spent at least three nights a week at Callie's apartment anyway so it would only be practical, and easiest way was to ask Arizona to move in with her and not the other way around. She also knew that Arizona didn't really like her own apartment but loved being in Callie's. It would be the right thing to do. Even though they've had so many dinners together before, Callie was extremely nervous. Her hands were sweating and her stomach was doing somersaults from the adrenaline rush. The dinner was basically ready, just needed heating up and a few final touches.

She chose a deep purple pencil dress that showed off her curves and black five inch heels added extra height to her already tall frame. Her dark hair was left hanging loose over her shoulders and simple but elegant jewelry to finish it off. If she was walking down the street people would definitely turn their heads for a second glance of the stunning latina.

The doorbell rang at seven pm sharp, just as planned. Callie let out a shaky breath and wiped her hands over the material on her dress for the tenth time that night, before opening the door. What she saw was indeed a sight for sore eyes.

Arizona was dressed in black trousers, that showed off her cute bottom, a dark blue satin blouse that mathed her eyes, a black blazer, a pair of black shoes with a small heel and her blonde hair was done up in two french braids that circled around her neck so it looked like they were entwined. Absolutely gorgeous.

The blonde smiled shyly and handed Callie a bouquet of a selection of flowers in different colours and shapes. "Hi," she said timidly, "I didn't know what kind o flowers you liked so I got a bit of everything."

Callie grinned, showing off her brilliant white teeth, and accepted the colourful arrangement, closing her eyes as her nostrils were hit by the beautiful scent they radiated. "They're beautiful, Arizona. Thank you." she opened the door fully so the blonde could step inside and Callie greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "You look stunning, absolutely stunning." the latina eyed her from top to toe, not getting enough of the sight in front of her.

Arizona shrugged shyly and smiled. "I try. And so do you I see. You look... amazing. Breathtakingly beautiful."

"Well, you did good... really good and thank you for the complement. I'm just gonna put these in water. Why don't you take a seat on the couch and I'll bring you a glass of wine. We're having chicken so white wine is on the menu tonight."

"Sounds lovely, thank you. What did you cook anyway? It smells amazing in here."

Smiling Callie put the flowers in a tall crystal vase. "Chicken picatta. You'll like it, trust me."

The dinner was perfect and Arizona couldn't stop complementing the brunette about the food. "That was the best chicken picatta I've ever had."

Chuckling Callie refilled their glasses. "That was the first chicken picatta you've ever had. How do you know?"

Arizona just offered her a sly smile. "Oh, trust me, I know. Besides, it was made by the most beautiful, sexy and talented woman I know. Simply perfection."

"Oh, she sounds lovely. Would you mind giving her my number?" the latina joked flirtatiously, watching Arizona giggle knowing the wine was slowly getting to the blonde's head. There was nothing more adorable than a slightly tipsy Arizona and Callie decided that the blonde needed to be somewhat in her full state of mind for what Callie was about to say.

She placed a hand on the blonde's, bringing it down with the wine glass, stopping Arizona having another sip for now. "Um, there's something I'd like to ask you and I need you not to be... um, totally intoxicated," she smiled and winked, "I've been thinking about... you know, um... how much time you spend here and... and I was just thinking that maybe you could spend even more time here... with me... or just... here." sighing in frustration again, Callie herself, took another big gulp of her wine, needing the liquid courage.

"Um, what I'm trying to say... or ask you, is if you want to maybe... move... in... here... with... me? Maybe?" she took another big gulp while waiting for the blonde's answer.

Arizona froze. This was very unexpected even though she had thought about it herself but never thought that Callie would actually ask her. They were still getting to know each other and still had things to learn and find out from one another. Her face showed shock but looking at the slightly drunk and nervous latina made her start smiling at how adorable Callie looked when she was stuttering and feeling nervous. Tears of joy slowly filled her eyes and she took a deep shaky breath.

She grabbed the brunette's fidgety hands in hers. "Callie, I would love nothing more than to move in with you."

Callie closed her eyes and let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Oh thank god." she gasped, "I'm glad that's over with." she chuckled.

Arizona joined in on the laughter and threw her arms around her love as more tears made their way down her cheeks. "Oh baby. You were so nervous." she sympathetically stated. "Of course I'll move in with you. I... I..." she choked on her words as if she was afraid to say them out loud. "I... I love you." she finally whispered.

Callie's eyes widened at the statment and hugged Arizona tighter, stroking her hair and back. "I love you too." she said softly and wiped at her own eyes that were steadily filling up. "So so much."

The End.