Chapter 24 – 7 Days Later: Taking back control?
Callie sat at the bar, her fingers circling around the shot glass in consideration as her eyes scanned across the room. Her expression was one of despondency, as she made attempts to force some kind of fake smile onto her melancholy.
It was the middle of the afternoon, not usually a time that Callie would make her way to Joe's bar. However, she had decided that today she needed to get out of her apartment, to try and make her way out into the civilisation around her, rather than continuing to drown in her own sorrow.
Callie eyed the other patrons at the bar, there were only a small number of them which didn't surprise her given the time of day. She knew it wouldn't be long until more people would start making their way through the front door and there would be a little more life to the place.
She sat transfixed in her vision as she scrutinised the couple sat across from her. She took regard of them as they laughed and teased one another, how could they be so happy when she felt so sad. Callie considered that she wished they could feel as crap as she did, that their smiles would change to doom and gloom. That for one moment she could transfer the hopelessness and loneliness she felt, that would wipe the happiness right off their face.
Her body swaying in its alcoholic wake, she lifted the shot glass to her lips, her eyes never moving from their gaze. Drawing the glass up to her lips she took in the hard citric characteristics of the liquor, Tequila was always her best friend in times of grief and misery, today was no exception.
As she laid the glass back down onto the old oak counter, she let out a deep sigh as she continued to watch on. The woman delicately and suggestively toyed with the collar of the man's shirt as he stood over her. Their physical closeness indicating that they were looking for more from one another. Callie observed as the woman pursed her lips in suggestion and she motioned at the man's chest, as she teasingly laughed at something he had said.
God, that makes me want to throw up. Callie measured.
Withdrawing her gaze, before she really did vomit due to their cute perky love, she turned her attention to Joe who was currently chopping limes in preparation of the evenings cliental.
Callie observed Joe as he took a hold of a new lime and sliced his knife through the ripe skin, which released the natural citric oils into the air. Callie had known Joe for several years and considered him, in some form, a friend. She had definitely spent many an occasion slumped over his bar as she drowned her sorrows and he bestowed his advice.
She placed her head in the palm of her hand as she continued to watch the big bear of a man. For the first time in days, a small smile made attempts to itch at the corners of her mouth as she unconsciously felt warmed and safe by the barman.
Callie's free hand moved across the counter to the wicker basket beside her as she pulled out another of her homemade muffins. Despite having locked herself away in her apartment for days on end she had taken to baking and cooking to fill her time and give her something to do. Unfortunately, it had become somewhat obsessive as she could now start her own mini business if she wanted to, given the volume of muffins that were being made on a daily basis. Cristina had despaired at her flatmate and had suggested that Callie start giving them away to the homeless.
This was how she had found herself mid-afternoon, sat at the bar at Joe's sipping down shots of tequila. Callie had the brainwave that Joe might like some muffins and at the least could just give them away to anyone who wanted one at the bar. She wasn't sure if, on an unconscious level, that had given her the excuse to come down and just get drunk and whine to someone new. Even if it was, she really didn't care.
Callie's hands encased the muffin as she began to rip it apart and placing a decent sized piece into her mouth. Drunkenly chewing down on the light texture she had an idea. "Joe, I've decided that I am going to get really fat."
Joe lifted his gaze from his chopping board to the intoxicated Latina taking up his counter, he couldn't help but smile as crumbs of muffin fell from her mouth as she spoke. Callie was usually always so well presented and lady like, he considered, today not so much. Which he acknowledged was a shame but also he was glad that she wasn't putting on a façade and instead was over and talking through her feelings. Is that not what a good barman is for, listening to the sad stories and providing a considerate ear to listen?
Callie sat upright in her chair as her motions became more exaggerated in her decision. "I'm going to eat all of these muffins Joe and I am going to get really gloriously fat."
Joe watched on as the Latina's eyes glazed over and her bottom lip began to quiver. "Oh God Joe, how has this happened to me again?"
Joe took a hold of his dishcloth as he spread it out before the brunette and began to clean up the crumbs that were making a mess over his counter. As always, offering an ear to listen but never really replying, that was for the customer to do, they would always find their own answer finally.
In that moment Callie's face became a wash with a realisation as she pointed towards Joe. "I'm hot Joe, right?"
Lifting his gaze and smiling in reply. "You are very pretty Callie, but I have a boyfriend."
"Yeah but that's not the point, I'm attractive right. I can play this chat up game and I don't need to get involved." Swallowing down the previously chewed muffin remnants, Callie nodded to herself. "Screw them all, I can have fun and not get burnt. I mean all we need is a little sex to keep us happy and maintained, right? We don't need all that bullshit romance."
Considering Callie's euphoric moment of how she would dramatically change her outlook on life, Joe smiled at her before brushing the remaining crumbs from the side of her mouth. "Callie, you're beautiful and one day the right person will come along. Try and not let the bad times change who you are. I like you the way you are."
Unfortunately, Callie was now in a world of her own as she began to formulate her strategy in any future interactions with possible encounters. She would have fun with the mating ritual of the chat up and flirting, she would have sex and feel good about it then she would let them go. No strings, it would just be sex and fun, no involvement. "Joe, another tequila."
Cristina gazed at the clock on the wall behind the bar as she considered how she had gotten into her current predicament. It had only been an hour and a half since she had finished her shift and came looking for her flatmate, who she had found propped up against the bar downing shots of tequila.
After the day Cristina had she felt it was a good idea, at the time, to join Callie in her drinking session. Now she wasn't as sure as her vision was becoming slightly blurred and the Latina next to her was hyped with the potential she could get up to in the future.
"Callie, I mean I know I'm always saying to you that emotions get in the way and that you need to be a little resistant to giving your heart away, but I think your maybe taking it a bit too far."
Callie leaned over and placed her hand on her friends as she smiled back at the concern being expressed to her. "It's all good Cristina, this is the right thing to do. I'll just see what happens but I won't be making the same mistake for a third time, believe me. I'm looking after number one from now onwards."
Callie lifted her gaze to the bar, she really wanted another drink but Joe was currently involved with another customer. Deciding that she couldn't be bothered waiting any longer she made attempts to stand up from her seat and make her way round to the back of the bar.
"Hey Joe, I'm making Cristina and I a drink, that okay?" She wasn't really asking but more stating a fact as she smacked a wad of cash down on the bar signifying to him that all was okay and that he would be paid for his hassle.
"Callie, do you think that's a good idea?" Joe enquired.
Callie allowed a wide smile to spread across her face as she brought both her thumbs up in an okay motion. "You know it, Joe!"
Cristina watched on as the brunette lifted two high-ball glasses from the shelf behind the bar and positioned them on the counter before her. Spinning on the spot and perusing the array of alcohol before her Callie reached out and began grabbing various bottles and setting them back down next to the glasses. Cristina felt the lump in her throat as she considered how she might feel drinking the concoction that was being created for her. "Jesus Cal, are you serious?"
As she lowered the last liquor bottle onto the counter she pushed forward a glass in front of her roommate. "Go on, it's good for you. I will call it the Spanish Fury."
Cristina raised the glass to her mouth as the fear of what was to come swept across her body, she knew she needed to do this though and make her friend happy. Closing her eyes over, she threw her head back as the harsh liquid flowed down her throat, burning her mouth with the alcohol as it did.
Callie was chuffed with herself as she smacked her lips together and smiled. "Yum, that was pretty good." She looked across to her friend who had turned a shade of whitish green she had never seen before. Cristina looked shocked and bewildered before launching off of her seat and made a run for the bathroom door. "Hey, what's your problem?" Callie shouted after her.
Mark and Teddy made their way into Joe's on the hunt for their friend. Cristina had previously texted them to advise that Callie had spent the day drowning her sorrows and they should really come and take care of her, as she had failed in that department.
Their eyes scanned across the now busy bar before Mark caught sight of Callie who was slumped over a group of interns. He nudge Teddy and pointed towards his friend. "She's over there and she looks to be chatting the ears off of those interns."
Taking note Teddy marched across and came to a standing position next to her friend. "Hey there Callie, what you up to?"
Hearing a familiar tone she looked around to find Teddy and Mark stood next to her, irritation growing as she regarded Teddy. "What do you want Teddy?" She spat out.
"Oh come on, you're not still pissed at me, are you?" Teddy stated.
Rolling her eyes she couldn't help but not be annoyed at Teddy. She was still pissed that Teddy had told Arizona about Erica but even more than that, every time she looked at Teddy it reminded her of the beautiful little blonde. She had several things that she wanted to say to Teddy but in her drunken state all she could manage was to bop her on the nose with her finger as her tongue stuck out and made raspberry noises in her communication.
"Very mature." Teddy laughed.
Mark took a hold of Callie and brought her back across to the bar, sitting her down on the stool. Taking regard of his drunken friend he turned to Joe. "Glass of water when you have a moment Joe."
"Hey, unless that is for you Mark don't even bother." Callie exclaimed. "Joe, another tequila."
"I think you need to slow down there a bit Cal." Mark suggested.
Laughing at her friend trying to be her knight in shining armour. "Nope. I am all good Markie and do you know what else….. I'm well hot!"
Mark crinkled his brow in confusion as he considered his friends point. "Of course you are Cal, you are beautiful, but right now you need to sober up and come home."
Before Callie could reply she felt a body move in next to her as lips were drawn up close to her ear. She closed her eye lids over as she felt the warmth of the body and smelt the inviting coconut fragrance. "I think you are exceptionally hot and I think we need to get to know each other better."
Licking her lips and feeling a shudder ripple through her body, Callie slowly turned in her seat to take regard of the woman making suggestions in her ear. Her blurry vision swept across the woman's fine physique as Callie's mouth began to water in consideration of the offer. "Really, well now, how would you suggest we get better acquainted?"
Watching as his friend was currently being hit on, Mark felt conflicted in what he should do. Callie really should be taken home given her current drunken state, but she also deserved a little bit of fun. Turning to Teddy who was still by his side. "Why don't we let her have a little flirt, we can keep an eye on her and intervene when it's time."
Looking across at the Latina who now had a bright smile and sparkling eyes, Teddy let out a sigh. "Okay, but we need to keep an eye on her. We don't want her making a mistake, regretting it and getting worse than she is."
"Deal." Mark stated.
Callie lay her palms down against the oak counter as she tried to steady herself in position as her blurry vision tried to scope out Joe. Sighing deeply she realised it might be a bit of a wait given the number of customers currently circling round the bar owner like a serenade of tigers watching their prey.
"How is your evening going Cal?" Mark enquired.
Jumping slightly at being ambushed at the bar, Callie side glanced at her friend. Considering the blurred image she realised that trying to side glance in her current state was perhaps not the best option. "Meh, it's okay." She stated as she turned slightly and prodded her finger into his chest. "How you doing? Have you been chatting to any hotties?" She teased.
Rolling his eyes at his friend's suggestion. "No Cal, tonight is all about you and I will remain as your ever dutiful wingman over here on the side-line."
Callie puffed out her lips as she turned further around to face her friend, stroking against his chest with her finger tips. "Now, why would you be doing that Markie, you wanting to rekindle an evening of passion?"
Smiling at the inebriated Latina he took her hands in his own. "No Callie, I'm worried about you. In fact we, as in all your friends, are worried about you and want to make sure you're okay."
Blowing a raspberry in Mark's direction, Callie turned back to the bar and tried to signal for Joe to come and serve her. "Well don't waste your time, I'm fine Mark. I know what I am doing and I have made a decision how my life is going to go from now on."
"We are just worried that whilst you are drunk you are going to make a mistake and end up regretting it. We care about you Callie."
"Well save your concern and pity Mark. I know what I am doing, I have obviously made a lot of stupid decisions in the past and now I am just going to do what I want." Callie concluded as Joe made his way across to take her order.
As Mark went to make further comment to his friend a body edged in between them blocking his path. His eyes settled on the dirty brunette who had drawn his friend's attention for the best part of the evening. Mark could not control the snarl that set on his lips as he watched the woman try to take advantage of his drunken friend.
Deciding he was better to watch from afar Mark made his way back to his other friends who were sat in a booth at the other side of the bar.
"She has some balls." Cristina stated.
"Oh, I am so not a fan of that one, I can assure you. Even if we thought it was okay for Callie to hook up, there would be no way in hell I would let that little minx go anywhere near my friend." Mark spat.
Teddy remain silent as her eyes continued to be fixated on the brunette currently swarming round her friend like a dung beetle looking for its next meal. She couldn't help but feel protective of Callie not only for herself but also for Arizona. Teddy rolled her eyes in annoyance with herself as she sighed. God, Arizona you bloody idiot. What the hell are you doing, you are so going to regret your decision.
Teddy knew it would be a matter of time before Arizona brought up Callie in their regular telephone conversations. So far, her friend had tried to keep things casual but Teddy knew that she was itching to find out more about what was going on with Callie. Teddy however had decided that Arizona needed to be taught a lesson and she remained determined that she would not mention anything that was going on for Callie.
The gang continued to watch on as their friend was slowly led onto the dance floor by the brunette. The Latina hips swinging in their usual passionate way as her arms flailed around her head.
She stood leaning against the sink, her legs and arms crossed as she bit down on her bottom lip. Teddy had spied Callie entering the bathroom moments before and she had decided it was her turn to try and attempt to get her friend to come home. She would always look out for her friends but there was this niggling feeling that she just couldn't let go of.
It was really ridiculous for Teddy to think this way, as both of her friends had made it quite clear that they were no longer interested in one another. However, Teddy couldn't help but feel even more protective towards Callie, as she was Arizona's girl. Therefore, how dare this little brunette tramp even bother trying her luck? Teddy knew she was being silly but she really couldn't help but be protective, so she found herself following Callie into the ladies' bathroom to try and talk to her.
Drawn from her thoughts Teddy heard the toilet flush and Callie make repeat attempts at unlocking the door before she was finally successful. Staggering out of the cubicle Callie's beautiful brown orbs met her own before the Latina rolled them and let out a sigh.
"Seriously Callie, how long are you going to be like this with me?"
Callie made her way across to the sink and began washing her hands as she made attempts to try and ignore Teddy. It wasn't that she was trying to be nasty to her friend, it's just that she didn't have anything to say right now.
"Come on Cal please, this is really upsetting me. I need my friend back." Teddy stated.
Drawing her gaze upward, Callie saw the teary look on her friends face and it flattened her resolve. As she grabbed the hand towel and began to dry her hands, she leaned back against the sink. "Teddy, it's not that I am not talking to you…. I'm just finding it difficult being round you right now. Every time I look at you, I'm reminded of her and I'm finding that hard."
Teddy lay her hand down on Callie's forearm. "I get that Cal, I really do. I just don't want to lose your friendship over this."
Smiling at Teddy she lay her own hand down on her friends in comfort. "You won't Teds, just give me time to adjust and get Arizona out of my head." With that Callie pushed off from the sink, slam dunked the towels into the trash and headed back out into the bar.
Mark watched in distaste as the little brunette lay her hands on Callie's waist whilst trying to make attempts to grind into her. "I think this is worse than car crash t.v.!"
Teddy eyed up the scene, watching as Callie continued gyrate her body as the dirty brunette leaned in and whispered something into her ear that caused a cheeky grin to set across the Latina.
Mark stood up from his seat. "Oh hell no! This is the point we now intervene as that is definitely the look of, let's get out of here."
As he went to move away Cristina lay her hand down on his stopping him in his tracks. "I think you can leave this to me, I know exactly what needs to be done." With that she jumped down from her seat and made her way to intercept the retiring couple.
Teddy and Mark watched, mesmerised as Christina strode up to Callie and her dancing partner before wrapping her hands around the Latina's face and laying a big smacker of a kiss down on her.
Callie stumbled backwards slightly confused as she was pretty sure that was Cristina.
Taking Callie's hand in her own, Cristina turned to the brunette. "That's enough fun for tonight, now I need to take my wife home to bed. Goodnight." She concluded with a fake wide eyed smile as she pushed the woman away and headed to the front door.
Noting that Cristina was now leaving with Callie, Mark and Teddy threw on their jackets and followed, high-fiving their success.
Callie stirred under the fluffy duvet, in her sleep filled state she pulled in the lean body next to her, as a smile filled her features. Her mind blurry from alcohol and sleep, she was unaware of her surroundings but was content in the feelings she had as her mind wandered to the image of Arizona lying next to her. She allowed her hand to slowly run back and forth across the blonde's side before coming to a contented settling place against her stomach.
Sleepily, she considered that spooning Arizona was the most amazing thing in the world and she could lay there forever holding the little blonde tightly in her embrace. "Mmmmmmm Arizona, I love you." She stated contently before falling back into a deep alcohol filled sleep.
Slightly unsettled, Teddy lay with her eyes wide open, staring out into the darkness of the bedroom. When the friends had managed to get Callie back to her apartment they had decided it was appropriate that one of them stay with her for the night as she was too drunk to be left alone. Teddy had therefore felt it had been her duty to look after the inebriated brunette. However, as she lay there she had not expected her friend to be confused, take her in a loving embrace and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. What concerned her further is that Callie had, in her sleepy drunken stupor, told her that she was in love with Arizona.
Teddy lay in the giant bed considering the Latina's words. She knew that she had been privy to a secret that Callie would not have wanted to have shared if she had been awake and sober. Teddy felt bad and really didn't know what to do, however she did know that for now her friend was safe, content in her embrace and in a deep sleep given the loud snoring noises that were filling the room. Oh God Callie. She thought. How on earth am I going to help you through this mess? I feel so responsible for your heart being broken again.
Callie woke several hours later, her head was banging as she tried to recall the events of the day before. She remembered making her way to Joe's with her muffins, she recalled having some shots and …. And….. Oh God, there's a lot of blank memory. What in the hell happened?!
Parting her lips as she tried to provide them with some moisture, her body ached in its come down from what she could only consider as an exceptional amount of alcohol. Slowly she stretched her body out as her senses began to come back, taking note as her fingers brushed against a warm hard body under their embrace. Oh God! She considered. Please tell me I didn't take someone home with me.
Gently and quietly, Callie tried to back away from whoever was currently sharing her bed as she teased one of her eyes open. As her blurred sight started to focus and register she took regard of the mound of dirty blonde hair that lay across the pillow before her. Continuing to back away from the entity next to her Callie noted that it was beginning to wake and stir before turning in her direction. Oh God. Oh God. Callie uttered in worry.
Teddy turned in the bed to face her silly friend who was looking at her in shock, the look of concern and worry laced across her expression. Teddy couldn't help but smile at her friend. "Morning Callie, how're you feeling?"
Anxiety was now sweeping across her system as Callie tried desperately to recall any and all memories she could from the night before. She started to pray under her breath that she hadn't been that stupid, or indeed that her friend had not been that stupid. "Ummmmm, Teddy. What happened last night?"
Noting the concern in Callie's voice Teddy decided that she would wind up her friend and teach her a little bit of a lesson. She moved her hand forward as she ran her index finger down Callie's cheek allowing a wide sexy smile to fall on her lips. "Don't tell me you don't remember Callie."
Callie felt that her eyes may have actually popped out of her head and her stomach launch into her throat as a wave of high alert and concern hit her. "Ummmmm… no… nope….. I don't remember anything…."
"Oh, that's a bit hurtful Cal, I mean you really did show me….." Teddy edged closer as she proceeded to run her fingers through the brunette's hair. "Well you showed me what I have missed out on all these years." She concluded with a wink.
Callie felt sick to her core as she listened to what Teddy was implying. Oh God, what have I done? Panicking, Callie tried to move away from the regarding touches Teddy was giving her, she needed to get away. As she continued to move her body further away from her friend, her mistake, she hadn't realised there was nowhere for her to go as she fell out of the bed and smacked hard against the wooden floor below.
Peering over the bed to find the Latina flat out on the floor looking like a rabbit caught in headlights, Teddy could not control the hard laugh that fell from her lips as she picked up a pillow and slammed it hard against her really stupid friend. "Get a grip Callie! As if, I took your drunken sorry ass home and thought it was safer that I stayed with you."
Callie let out a huge sigh of relief as she listened to Teddy explain what had really happened. "Oh, thank God." She exclaimed removing the pillow from her view so she could look up at her friend.
Continuing to laugh at the mess on the floor. "I think we might need to talk though Cal, as you did tell me you were in love with me last night."
Confused Callie tried hard to recall any interaction she could. "I must have meant it in a friendly way, as in you're my friend and I love you."
Moving back and tapping the bed for Callie to return and come sit with her, Teddy continued. "No Callie. Apparently last night in your sleepy drunken state, you thought I was Arizona and decided to tell me that you were in love with me."
Pulling herself back up onto the bed and listening to Teddy's recount of her actions she looked up into the dark blue eyes as her mouth fell open. "Oh God!"
AN: Hello all. All I can say is a heartfelt thank you for your continued interest and feedback. It has been awesome! I am really amazed how many of you have taken the time to read my story, like, follow and feedback. So I truly mean it when I say thank you, I am humbled. When I started this I was happy if one person took the time to read my random writing.
Saying that, I did say I would hide from the brick throwing and appreciate most of you were nice to me. You know I am writing a love story, so stick with it (if you can).
Shape of You by Ed Sheeran Chosen by my ever helpful Beta. *Clinks glass your way*
For anyone that is interested I remain rambling rubbish on Twitter if you care to join me Calzazoo
If you have a question come find me there or on Curiousccat Calzazoo
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Have a wonderful rest of your week. CZ :)