Chapter 28
It has been about three weeks since Callie has been home. Callie and Arizona have found a nice routine. Callie and Zac have gotten much closer and they are nearly inseparable these days.
Callie and Zac arrive home after spending the day scouting a new office space that just came on the market. Callie is sure this is the one and already has a call in to Addie to get things started.
"Hey," Arizona says as Callie walks in the door with Zac on her shoulders, slouching down as to not hit Zac's head on the door walking in.
"Hey beautiful. How's my lovely wife?"
"Well, she isn't as beautiful as her you, but she is good," Arizona says leaning up to give Callie a kiss. "Hey big guy! What are you doing way up there?"
"I'm almost flying mommy!"
"Well, go fly upstairs and wash your hands. Dinner is ready."
As Zac runs upstairs to wash up, Arizona pulls Callie in for a much-needed kiss and a hug.
"Hey, are you ok?" Callie pulls back, looking at Arizona.
"I will be. Mom called again today wanting to see Zac. It's the same conversation we have been having for weeks now. Nothing changes and I'm the bad guy."
"You aren't the bad guy. There are no bad guys, just differences of opinions."
"Try telling her that. She is impossible."
"Well, she is as stubborn as you are. You realize that, right?"
"I know. That's what makes it even worse. So, anyway, you said you had news when you called. What's going on?"
"Well, Zac and I found the perfect space today! I've already got Addie on top of things. She might come down in the next few days, just to take a look. I did a quick video call while we were there so she could get a feel for things, but I told her it was an awful big decision and I would feel better if she saw it first-hand. Would you care if she crashed here for a night?"
"Calliope, why would you even ask that? This is your house too."
"I know, but, I just wanted to check. I know she was a little hard on you that first night. I just wanted to make sure we were all good."
"Calliope, if she wouldn't have told me what everyone else was dancing around, we might not be here right now. I'm indebted to her."
"We would have figured it out eventually. I wasn't about to give up that easily."
"I know. But she helped us along."
"Maybe," Callie nods. "Something smells good. What did you fix?"
"Um, Some grilled chicken and veggies. Nothing fancy."
"It still smells good," Callie says giving her another kiss.
Zac comes hopping down the steps and they all go to the kitchen to get settled in for dinner.
"So, I think I found a sitter today. She is a college student that is currently in one of my classes. Class ends next week though and then she will have the summer off. On top of that, she is graduating and all of her grad school classes will be online. So, she has time to be able to work during the day and do course work at night."
"Oh. Well, that sounds nice. What's she like though? Any previous experience? CPR trained? Because if not, I will pay for her to take the classes."
"Actually, we didn't talk about any of the CPR stuff. I don't know if that should be a requirement. I mean, have either of us had that training?"
Callie stops to consider that point. "No, I guess not. But we have years of maturity on our side."
Arizona gives a small laugh and Callie looks at her. "What's so funny?"
"It just seems like a bit of a double standard to not have it ourselves but want her to have it."
"Well, I want them to have it. So, whoever you decide, they are taking the training."
"Well, I'm not deciding on my own. She is coming by tomorrow right after school. I want you to meet her and see what you think."
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's as much your decision as it is mine."
"Oh. Ok." Callie smiles. She wasn't expecting to be included on that decision.
The next day, after meeting Grace and Zac taking to her extremely well, Grace was offered the job, with the knowledge that she would need to take a CPR class that Callie had located earlier in the day.
That night, Addie calls to confirm that she will be flying down early in the morning to check out the new offices. Callie agrees to pick her up at the airport, so the women decide to head to bed early, right after Zac is down for the night.
"You know," Arizona says, "if Addie is staying tomorrow night, we should invite Tim and Teddy. We can cook out. We can make Tim man the grill, what do you say?"
"I think it sounds wonderful. We can't have them all here at the same time very often."
Arizona reaches for her phone and sends texts off to Tim and Teddy. "I'm sending one to each of them, but I know they are probably together. Teddy still won't agree to go on a date with him but has no problems sleeping with him."
"Well. I don't want to think about Tim, but I know this Robbins sibling has some serious skills," Callie says, brushing the top of Arizona's breast with her fingertips.
"Mmm. What are you doing? I thought we needed to go to bed since you have to get up early?"
"Well, going to bed early doesn't exactly mean that we have to sleep. Sleep is over-rated anyway, " Callie says leaning in to nibble on Arizona's ear.
Arizona's phone beeps indicating a new text. "Of course they are texting back right away. Any other time it takes them forever."
Callie laughs. "Just see what they said and we can get back to this…" she says, still nibbling at Arizona's ear, then moving to her neck.
"Damn. That feels good…"
"Check your phone," Callie mumbles through kisses.
"Mm," Arizona says. "A, a, mmm, a text from both. They will both, mmm, be here."
"Good. Now put that down," Callie says as she slides her hand down Arizona's stomach and begins to lift her shirt.
"We don't need much sleep," Arizona giggles.
The next morning, Callie and Zac have picked up Addie and they are now walking in the offices Callie has picked out.
"So, what do you think?"
"Callie, I love it. It's a great location, the space is amazing and gives us room to expand as well if we need it later. It's perfect!"
"You really think so? I mean, we can keep looking," Callie offers.
"No. This is it. This is the place. And you said Arizona is only a few minutes from here?"
"Yeah. About five minutes or more, depending on the traffic."
"Well, I love it. I figured I would. So, the realtor has papers with him and we will go ahead and sign, get this ball rolling!"
"I'm so glad you like it, Addie."
"I do," Addie says as she watches Callie hand Zac a juice box from her purse.
"You are great with him?"
"I'm trying. I still feel like I have so much to learn."
"I think you are doing great."
Callie nods. "Well, let's go find Thomas and get those signed. We are starving, aren't we Zac?"
"I'm always starving!" Zac yells, running around Callie in circles as she laughs.
As evening arrives, the two women and Zac make it back to the house. Once the contract was signed earlier, they went out for lunch and made a trip to Office Landing to pick out furniture for the new space. Zac fell asleep on the way home and Callie is carrying him into the house as Arizona holds open the door.
"I thought I heard someone. I wasn't sure if it would be you guys, Tim, or Teddy."
"Just us," Callie smiles. "I missed you."
"I missed you too," Arizona smiles, giving her a kiss. She looks back and sees Addie carrying her luggage and she holds the door open for her too. "Hey Addie, nice to see you."
"It's nice to see you too!"
"Come on in, I'll carry the luggage up to your room."
"You don't have to do that, I can get it."
"I insist, let me." Arizona smiles.
Once Zac is put down for a nap, the ladies all converge in the kitchen, while dinner preparations are being made.
"So, Addie, I hope you don't mind. We invited my brother and my best friend Teddy over for dinner. We thought we would cook out, maybe go sit by the lake here in a bit."
"That sounds amazing. That's not something I ever get to experience in New York. I can see why Callie prefers it here."
"Of course, I do," Callie smirks, looking at Arizona. "The view here beats any that's in New York," she says ogling Arizona.
"Oh my gosh. Is she always that cheesy?"
"Yep. I'm not complaining though," Arizona laughs.
"I can't tell you how happy I am for you two. I've never seen Callie happier than I have than when she is with you," she says looking at Arizona.
"I can say the same about me," Arizona smiles, looking at Callie.
"Ok, seriously though, you guys are gross."
"Aren't they though? I mean, seriously gross," Teddy says, making a face as she walks into the kitchen.
"Hey now!" Arizona yells. "We aren't that bad."
"Yes you are. I put in headphones at lunch the other day and you didn't even notice. You were all Calliope this and Calliope that."
"You ignored me?"
"It's not like I had a chance to talk. I just had to keep nodding. Obviously, you couldn't even tell I was ignoring you." Teddy laughs.
"You are just mean," Arizona glares.
"Nah. You love me," Teddy says. Looking over at Addie, Teddy holds out her hand. "I'm Teddy. You must be Addie."
"Oh, yeah. I am," Addie says, holding her hand out to shake Teddy's.
Arizona decides to ask, "So Teddy, where is Tim? I figured he would be with you?"
Teddy looks at Arizona like she is surprised she would think that.
"Um, no. Why would he be?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe because you two…"
She is cut off by Teddy saying, "I really haven't seen him today. He texted and said he would be here though."
Wondering what was up with that, but not wanting to get into it, Arizona says, "Ok. I'm going to run this stuff out to the grill. Calliope, will you grab that plate and the long spatula over there and follow me out?"
"Sure. Can you guys listen for Zac? We will be right back."
"Sure. No problem," Teddy says.
Once outside, Callie asks, "What the hell was up with Teddy?"
"I don't know. It's like she didn't want to talk about her and Tim at all."
"Maybe they aren't spending 'time together' anymore," Callie says, using air quotes.
"Maybe… Tim didn't say anything to the contrary when he texted last though.
"Hard to tell," Callie shakes her head.
After starting things on the grill, they make their way back to the kitchen to grab the last of the stuff for the grill and Teddy and Addie are chatting away.
"Hey guys"
Ignored. That's what happens to Arizona Torres. She is being ignored like she isn't even in the room. She looks back to her wife with a look of disbelief on her face.
Callie decides to give it a try. "Hey guys " she says a little louder than her wife did.
"Hey," Addie mutters, turning back to Teddy. "So, what happened then?" Addie asks, leaning closer to Teddy.
Callie looks to Arizona and shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders.
"Arizona, if you want to go back out and mind the grill, I'll get Zac up from his nap and get him cleaned up for dinner. Hopefully Tim will be here before the food is ready."
"Sounds good." Arizona says, looking from Callie to the two women.
Neither stop to look up so Arizona says, "When you two come out, bring that last stack of plates and grab the silverware. I've got everything else already out there."
"Yeah, ok," Teddy says as she goes right back to her conversation with Addie.
Callie and Arizona leave the kitchen and look at each other. "What the hell was that about?"
"It looks like your friend is hitting on my friend," Arizona says.
"Seriously? She is dating Jake. And neither of them are gay. But what the hell?"
"Sure looks like somebody is going to be hitting on something if they keep that up."
"Arizona! Stop it. Maybe it's just a weird friend connection. You know, we had that when we first met."
"I was like 10. And it wasn't like... that."
"Yeah, but it is now. Sometimes two people just hit it off."
"Oh no. Tim! What do I tell him?"
"That he might be in for a show?"
"This is fantastic. He likes her! And now he is going to have to watch her make goo goo eyes at Addie all night."
"Well, one, he might actually enjoy that. Two, we don't know that's what's going on. Teddy and Addie really might just be new best friends."
"With benefits," Arizona smirks.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
"Calliope, you always were a little slow on the uptake."
"Arizona. I can't believe you are going to go there. I'm just saying, let's wait and see and not jump to conclusions."
"We'll see. You go get the kid, I'll take care of the burgers."
"Give me a kiss first," Callie smiles.
"I'll do that anytime," Arizona smirks.
A little while later, Arizona is setting the food on the picnic table and Tim is just pulling in. He walks over to the table and starts to grab a brownie sitting there, when Arizona slaps his hand.
"Ouch! Why did you do that?"
"Because you are late and you are going to ruin your dinner."
"I'm not a kid. I will be fine. And I'm not late. I'm right on time."
"You're late. You were supposed to grill the burgers."
"Sorry. I guess I was sort of avoiding Teddy."
"What? Why? What happened?"
"She was with me when you texted about tonight. I thought everything was fine but then when she gathered her stuff, she said she didn't think we should see each other anymore."
"Hm."
"What's the 'hm' for?"
"Oh, nothing. I think you knew it was coming though. You couldn't get her to go on a real date."
"I know. Doesn't make it easier though. I really liked her."
"Well, there's something I should probably tell you then. Um..."
"Oh good, you're here!" Callie exclaims as Zac goes running toward Tim. "We are starving. Zac was afraid we wouldn't be able to eat until you got here." Callie stops and looks between the two. "Everything ok?"
"Yep. Everything is good."
"Ok. Well, it looks like the other two are still inside. I'll run back in and grab them."
As Callie starts to head towards the house, Teddy and Addie walk out the back door.
"Hey, I was just coming to get you. Tim's here and the food is ready."
"Oh," Teddy says.
Callie looks at her but doesn't say anything. They make it back to the table and Arizona introduces Addie to Tim.
"Well, hello there," Tim smiles.
Oh no, Arizona has heard that tone before. She can see where this is headed already.
Teddy watches as Tim puts on the charm, shaking her head.
"Hey there. Nice to meet you, smiles Addie.
"Very nice to meet you," Tim says smiling, making his dimples pop.
Trying to move things along, Arizona announces that they should all take a seat. Everyone does just that, with Callie, Arizona, and Zac on one side with the other three on the other side. Addie finds herself in the middle and Arizona can see this seating arrangement may not have been the best idea.
"So, Addie, you are Callie's boss lady..." Tim says.
"I wouldn't put it like that. We are best friends and it just so happens, we get to work together."
"She's the boss," Callie laughs. "But, she doesn't know what she would do without me."
"Boy, that's so true. I'm glad we could work something out to keep her."
"Me too. I'd hate to have lost Arizona and Zac to New York. But then I could have visited all the time. Looks like there might be a lot to see up there," Tim says suggestively.
"So, Addie," Arizona says, changing the subject. "What time is your flight tomorrow?" Arizona thinks Teddy and Tim both need reminded that Addie will be leaving.
"Oh, my flight isn't until three. I didn't want to have to leave first thing."
"So, how's Jake?" Arizona thinks maybe pointing out that she is seeing someone, might back the other two off even more.
"Oh, I don't know. We haven't talked in a while. Actually, since you were in New York."
"Oh." That wasn't the answer Arizona was hoping for.
"You know, being single isn't all that bad," Teddy says looking at Addie with a look Arizona hasn't seen before out of her.
"Really?" Addie says, questioningly.
"Really. Sometimes it's nice to have options." Teddy says.
"Is that what you think?" Tim says, peeking around Addie and watching the whole thing.
"Well, it's definitely not a bad thing," Teddy says, winking at Addie.
Tim can't believe what he is seeing. Teddy is flirting with Addie right in front of him.
"You know, Addie, I could take you out for some drinks later. I know just the place," Tim offers. "It would help you take your mind off of Jack."
"Jake. Arizona said his name was Jake, Tim." Teddy pipes up, looking annoyed.
"So!" Arizona shouts, trying to distract the three of them. Callie looks over to her with her mouth gaping open, in total disbelief of what's happening right in front of them. "I think we should all maybe eat, and then I think Callie would like to take Addie out by the lake and show her around. We thought we could build a fire over there and ALL hang out."
"Oh, that sounds good," Addie says.
Tim and Teddy seem to back off somewhat after that. Arizona keeps giving Teddy and Tim a cross eye. Without saying a word, she lets them both know that she has their number.
Dinner finishes without any other major disasters happening and everyone offers to pitch in to carry everything back to the house. After dinner, Arizona makes Tim go with her to the lake to start a fire.
"What the hell Tim?"
"What?"
"You know damn well what I'm talking about. You and Teddy flirting with the same woman. Really?"
"She started it."
"It doesn't matter! Addie is leaving tomorrow and she isn't even gay. You both are barking up the wrong tree."
"Apparently you could see Teddy's hand on her thigh under the table like I did."
"What?" Arizona yells.
"Yep. Addie let her keep it there through most of dinner."
"You both need to back off. She didn't come here to be harassed."
Several hours later, the fire is dying down and they somehow managed to have a pleasant evening. Anytime things even started to veer off topic a little bit, Callie or Arizona one was ready to change the conversation to a different direction.
By the end of the evening, Zac had totally worn himself out playing with his trucks in the dirt and running around. Tim offers to carry Zac back into the house after he fell asleep cuddled up with Tim. After doing that, the women all gather the trash they have accumulated around the fire and take it all in.
Tim is just walking back down the stairs and makes a scene of being exhausted, and not wanting to drive home. Arizona reluctantly offers him the couch to sleep on. Teddy, picking up on what he is about to do, does the same. But this time, Addie surprises them all.
"Well, there's only one couch and if Tim has it, you can just come crash with me." They are all floored at this invitation.
"Well, I can't turn that down, can I? I'm just exhausted!" Teddy sighs.
"Come on. I'm sure Callie or Arizona have something you can borrow to sleep in?" Addie says, questioning the women.
"Um, yeah, you know we do, but..."
"Great. Let's go. Night Tim!"
Tim watches as Addie and Teddy climb the stairs, followed by Callie. Callie turns to hold her arms out in question as she turns to follow them. Arizona just shrugs, knowing this isn't how either of them expected the night to turn out.
"Nice," Tim says. She sleeps with me last night and apparently she is sleeping with her tonight."
"They are just going to sleep Tim."
"Yeah, that's what you think. I'd wash those sheets tomorrow," Tim shakes his head.
"I don't even want to think about it. Here..." Arizona says, opening the hallway door. "Here are some blankets and a pillow. Yell if you need anything."
"Yeah. I may as well go home now. Nothing makes a man feel better than getting brushed off by two women... for each other."
"Like I say, they are probably just going to sleep."
"Whatever..." Tim says.
"I love you Tim," Arizona says, giving him a hug.
"I love you too. Now, go upstairs to your wife."
"I will gladly do that."
Arriving in their bedroom, Callie has already changed and is laying down. "Get Tim all settled?"
"Yeah. He is moping now."
"I can understand that. To have Teddy dump him and then lose the shot at another girl... to Teddy. Ouch."
"I know. I can't believe that our best friends are 'sharing a bed' right now. I mean seriously? What's gotten into them?"
"Well, I feel for Tim. I really do. But, like I said before, sometimes you just can't help it. I mean, it's not like you can help who you are attracted to."
"I know that. I guess I just didn't expect them to hit it off that quick. In our guest bedroom."
"Yeah. I can tell you, those sheets are getting washed tomorrow," Callie laughs.
"Oh my gosh, you sound just like Tim."
"Well, it's true," she says, still laughing.
"This will make everything weird. It's a first-time thing for both of them. You know how that goes, it will make things weird."
"Do I need to point out that we were each other's firsts?"
"That's different. We were meant to be together."
"Maybe. But we weren't an experiment for each other so we don't know they will be. And even if they are, they are big girls and Addie goes back to New York tomorrow. So it's not like we get to have a whole lot of awkward gatherings all the time."
"You're right. So, anyway... I have something for you. I wanted it to be a lot more romantic than this, but it's been hard enough waiting all night. I can't wait another day."
Arizona goes to her drawer by the bed and pulls out an envelope and hands it to Callie.
"What's this?" Callie asks, looking at it.
"Open it."
Callie slowly opens it, as to not tear the contents. She pulls the papers out and scans through them.
"Second-parent adoption papers?"
"Yes. I told you, I want you to be his momma."
"Arizona," Callie says, with tears in her eyes. "I don't know what to say." Tears begin to make their way down her tanned cheeks and she reaches up to quickly wipe them away, but to no avail. They keep falling.
"Calliope, I meant it when I said I want to share everything with you. The past couple weeks have been the best couple weeks Zac and I have ever had. I want you to be his momma. He is so lucky to have you in his life. I don't want to wait to make this official. I mean, this is just a petition. We have to go through some court stuff and visits, but I want this for us. I want this for you and Zac."
"Arizona," Callie says, laying the papers down and reaching for Arizona. "I love you so much! Thank you, for trusting me with your son."
"Our son. He's ours. Those papers are just a technicality. I will forever consider him ours. So, you'll sign them?"
"Of course, I'll sign them!" Callie pulls Arizona into a kiss, and picks her up, laying her on the bed.
"You make me so happy Arizona Torres."
"You make me happy too, Calliope."
