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Characters belong to Shonda. The rest is mine.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
ARIZONA'S POV
I've spent the entire day doing absolutely nothing. It's been kinda nice, but now I'm bored. I'm bored beyond belief. I know I'm only taking a break from writing for a few weeks, but I'm not sure I'll last that long. I mean, I didn't even bother to shower until almost midday, and I miss my girlfriend. Since we met, I've worked from the coffee shop most days, but now I have no reason to be there. Well, I do, because she is there but still…I can't spend my life sitting in a coffee shop for the sake of it. She is due home in the next ten minutes or so, but tonight we are going to be more like passing ships. I'm headed out to celebrate with Teddy, and Eliza will be getting ready for her shift at the club. I'd thought about asking her to take the night off but she was a little weird last night when I suggested we celebrate so I figured I'd just leave it. I know she has a lot going on with her sister right now, but I won't lie…I'm feeling a little left out of our relationship since Maddie arrived in New York. Sure, it's only been a few days, but Eliza never turns down the opportunity to take things to the bedroom. Never. I tried not to think too much about it, but yeah…her behavior last night hurt a little.
I mean, I just wanted to come home and share my excitement with her. You know, the end of one chapter and the beginning of another so to speak. One that she will be with me for. I just wanted her enthusiasm and her support but I didn't really get that last night. I got the praise and what not, but I needed a little excitement from her and I never got a single hint of any happiness. I shouldn't be mad at her for it, and I'm not, but I do feel a little hurt. I guess it's no big deal, though. She was having an off day, and it just happened to be the same day that my happiness was supposed to take center stage. It is what it is, I guess.
Heading for the closet, I pull various dresses out and set them out on our super king size bed. Teddy plans on dressing up tonight since we are hitting a ladies bar, but I don't need to make as much of an effort. I have my lady here with me, so anyone else has no reason to look, and I have no reason to prowl. Undecided between the black dress and the deep blue dress, I hear the front door open and it tells me that my girlfriend is home. "Eliza?" I call out.
"Yeah?"
"Can you come up here please?" I ask. "It will just take a second." Hearing footsteps approaching me, she appears in the doorway and gives me a smile. "Hey…"
"What's up?" She asks, her brow furrowed.
"Black or blue." Holding the dresses up, she studies them both then switches her gaze back up to my face.
"Black." She nods. "For sure."
"Definitely?" I raise an eyebrow. "Is the black not a little boring?"
"Not at all. It looks amazing on you, so?" Shrugging, she pushes off of the door frame and steps out into the hallway. "Where are you headed tonight, anyway?"
"Usual." I turn my back and hang up the dresses. "Teddy needs to find herself a lady."
"Ugh, great." She whines.
"Um…" Furrowing my brow, I turn around to find her gone. Okay, what the hell was that about? Following my girlfriend downstairs, I catch up with her in the kitchen and she is preparing coffee. "What was that about?"
"It's bad enough that I can't be there with you, but you are hitting a gay bar, too?"
"Is that a problem?" I ask, totally confused.
"Apparently not." She shrugs and shakes her head, a slight scoff attached to her words. "Go and have fun."
"Well that's what I was planning on doing but you don't seem happy about it." I pull myself up onto a stool and study her every move. She's tense. Stressed, even. I can see it in her shoulders. "Is there a problem with me heading into town tonight?"
"No, none at all." She states, her mind clearly elsewhere. "Sucks that you don't want to celebrate with me, is all. You know, when I'm available to join you…"
"Crazy." I laugh. "Since I wanted to celebrate with you last night but you blew me off."
"You said we were okay about last night." She turns to face me, her brow furrowed.
"We are, but since you are being weird about me heading out, I figured I'd throw it in there." I shrug. "Can I get a coffee, or?"
"Sure." She sighs as she pours me a cup of my own and sets it down in front of me. "I just…I don't like this."
"What?" I ask, again…completely confused.
"You going out looking gorgeous and me not being there to show you off."
"When does that ever happen anyway?" I roll my eyes. "When do we ever get the chance to go out and show each other off?"
"We don't." She sighs and drops her gaze. "And I know that is my fault. Just…come home to me, okay?"
"Whoa…" I hold up my hands. "We aren't doing this. No way." Climbing down from my stool, I grab my coffee and give her an incredulous look. "That's really fucking disappointing, Eliza. Really!"
"Arizona, wait!" Ignoring her request, I take the stairs two at a time and slam our bedroom door shut. How dare she insinuate that I'll find someone else to keep me company tonight. How dare she even think that let alone say it. I'm so mad right now, and I don't know what her problem is. I don't know what I've done wrong. It seems like she is ready to explode at any given opportunity lately and I don't like it. I don't like it at all. I need another shower. I need to feel the heat against my skin to calm me. I just…I need to relax.
"Okay, yes. I'm coming, Teddy. Give me five." Slipping my heels on, I straighten myself out and grab my blazer from its hanging position over the back of a chair. "Yes, I'm coming. Yes...right now." Ending the call, I slip my cell into my purse and glance over at my girlfriend. "I'm leaving."
"Bye then." She shrugs as she lifts her feet and rests them on the coffee table.
"Are we going to do this all night?" I raise an eyebrow and she glances my way. "Because I'm not coming home to this mood. I'll crash with Teddy if you want me to."
"Whatever you want to do." She gives me a sarcastic smile.
"You know what, Eliza…you are being a real fucking ass lately and I don't like it." Shaking my head, I approach the door and rest my hand on the handle. "Maybe you should just call me when you remember why you love me. I'm outta here." Opening the door, I step out onto the street and Teddy is waiting for me in a taxi. Climbing inside, I shake my head and release a deep breath.
"What's up with you?" She furrows her brow. "Aren't you supposed to be all happy and in love in a sickly gross way?"
"Tell that to my girlfriend." I scoff.
"Oo, trouble in paradise?" She wrinkles her nose. "You need a place to live?"
"Don't even joke about that." I hold up my hands. "I just need a drink. A lot of drinks. The entire bar."
"My kinda night." She laughs. "You'll look after me, though, right?"
"Of course, I will." I rest my hand on her own and give it a reassuring squeeze. "I've got your back, Ted's." Glancing down into my purse, I check my cell and find nothing from my girlfriend. No apology. No nothing. Rolling my eyes, I rest my head back and tap my foot against the taxi floor. She really is beginning to push it now. Deciding to push her attitude from my mind, I focus my attention on the bright lights of New York and smile to myself. It's been so long since I went out dancing with my best friend. I deserve this. I deserve to be happy and relaxed. I've worked my ass off the past few months and I plan on getting totally wasted tonight. Why not, I have nowhere to be tomorrow.
The taxi coming to a stop, Teddy motions for me to climb out and as my feet hit the concrete, the fresh air is a welcome relief. I don't want to spend the evening wondering if Eliza and I are okay. Of course, we are. I mean, it's us. We are amazing together. I just need her to shift this mood before it really does become a major problem. It's only a matter of time, I know it is. I cannot and I will not let her sister come between us. I know that this is what this is about. I know she is worried her sister will hunt me down and steal me away, but it's not going to happen and the sooner she realizes that, the better. For both of us.
Heading inside the bar, I find a few familiar faces that I haven't seen in a while and I throw them a wave. Cheryl is here with a few of the guys from the office, and Teddy has invited a few old friends of ours. It should be a pleasant evening, but I'm a little mad that Eliza isn't with me right now. I know she has to work, and I understand that, but still…I wish she was here with me. I wish she was here so she could meet the people I used to hang with. I wish she was here with her arm wrapped around my waist. She's not, though, and I have to accept that.
Checking my cell once more, I finally have a message from her and it settles me a little. I don't like fighting with anyone, especially my girlfriend, but I guess we all have those days, right?
I'm sorry. I do want you to come home tonight. I'll always want you here with me. I love you. Xx
That's all I needed to hear. I love you, too. I wish you were here with me. Az x
Locking my cell, I slip it back into my purse and Teddy pulls me towards the bar. I'm going to try to enjoy my night as best as I can, but I would prefer it if Eliza was here with me. I'll always want her out on the town with me. I don't care who does or doesn't recognize her. I have never done. Receiving a shot from Teddy, I knock it back and she hands me a glass of champagne. "Congrats, Arizona. Another bestseller on the way."
"I hope so." I smile. "Wait, how do you know?"
"None of your business." She throws me a wink.
"You've read my stuff, haven't you?"
"Of course, I have." She laughs. "You're my best friend. I just couldn't tell you. You know, when I was in the closet."
"Damn." I shake my head. "My gaydar is so off."
"Yeah, it is." She agrees. "Come on, let's dance." Dragging me further into the room, she spins me around and knocks back her own glass of champagne. "I'm so fucking proud of you, Arizona Robbins."
"Thanks." I laugh. "Proud of you, too."
We've been at the bar for around two hours, and I won't lie…I need to slow down with my drinks. I don't know why I'm feeling so thirsty tonight, but word seems to have gotten around that I'm here and a few people have shown up for me. People I don't even know. People who are interested in my work and whatever else I do, and yeah…it feels kinda nice. It feels more than nice, actually. It feels amazing to have people around me who know and love what I do. So amazing.
"So, did you ever have it all set out in front of you?" Julia, a fan asks.
"Honestly, most of the time…no." Sipping on my fresh glass of champagne, I shift a little in my seat and she leans in a little closer.
"Never? Where do your scenarios even come from?"
"Past experience." I shrug. "My most recent relationship. Just…it always comes from somewhere."
"Your most recent relationship?" She furrows her brow. "So you're single?"
"Oh, no." I shake my head. "I'm very much in a committed relationship."
"That sucks." She groans. "I know a ton of people who want a piece of Arizona Robbins."
"Ah…" I nod. "You should probably tell them that they're wasting their time." This woman has been trying to keep the conversation way longer than appropriate so I know where this is going. "I'm very much in love with my girlfriend."
"That's good." She smiles. "And she's okay with the things that you write?"
"More than okay." I smile.
"Who's okay with what?" A familiar voice behind me pulls me from my conversation and a smile instantly settles on my face. Turning, I find my girlfriend standing behind me with her hands on her hips.
"Oh my god, you're here." Standing, I pull her into a hug and press my lips against her own. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"You said you wanted me here." She shrugs. "So, here I am."
"God, I love you." I smile against her mouth. "Eliza, this is Julia. Julia, Eliza…my girlfriend."
"Great to meet you." Eliza holds out her hand and my fan takes it in her own.
"You too." She gives her an awkward smile. "I'll leave you guys to go and mingle." Mm, thought as much. Turning my attention back to my girlfriend, I study her face and she furrows her brow.
"How did you get the night off work?" I ask. "I mean, it's Friday. Busiest night."
"Told the boss I couldn't work." She shrugs as she glances around the venue. "Told him I had somewhere more important to be."
"Yeah?" I smile as she places her hand on the small of my back. "You are looking hot tonight." I glance her way and she guides me through the crowd and towards the bar.
"Not as good as you look." Pressing a kiss below my ear, she calls for another bottle of champagne and the bartender gives her a nod in acknowledgment. "You know, I was jealous of you coming here tonight."
"I know." I smile. "But I don't like it when your jealousy boils over like it did tonight."
"I'm sorry." Her hand slips to my ass. "I just don't like knowing that other women have their eyes on you."
"You know I only have my eyes on you, though." My hand resting on her hip, she clinks her glass against my own and smiles into a kiss. "No one could ever come close to you, Eliza."
"You know I'm proud of you, right?" Giving her a slight nod, she runs her thumb across my cheek and smiles. "And you know that I wanted nothing more than to celebrate with you last night…"
"No, you didn't," I state. "That's okay, though. I just…I need you to focus on us. Not her. Not your sister. We are the ones who matter and I can't watch you worry like you have been. It hurts me to see you like that." Her hand still placed firmly on the small of my back, I know she is letting the entire club know that I'm taken. That's fine by me. I'll only ever be taken by her. By Eliza. "You really don't need to worry about her, okay?"
"I'm trying." She gives me a nod in agreement. "I just feel like I'm constantly watching my back. I don't want it to be like that. I just want to be happy with you."
"And you are." I drop my own hand to her ass and lean in a little closer. "Dance with me?"
"Oh, I'm not sure this is the place for my dancing." She laughs and gives me a knowing look.
"So long as you don't force me into a chair and grind in my lap, I think everything will be okay." Throwing her a wink, I pull my girlfriend through the crowd and her arms wrap around my waist from behind. Her hands settling on the tops of my thighs, I force my ass back against her and she drops her head to my shoulder, turning it a little and smiling against my neck.
"You are so incredibly beautiful." Her words causing my eyes to close, she drops light kisses down my neck and lowers her tone. "Dancing with you always makes me want you even more…" She admits.
"How much?" I turn my head a little and capture the lips. "How much do you want me?"
"Like you couldn't even begin to imagine." She breathes against my ear. "I'm so wet for you, Arizona."
"Oh god." Biting down on the inside of my mouth, my own arousal pools between my legs and I know that all eyes are on us. "You love being watched, don't you?"
"Oh yeah." She agrees. "Because I want everyone to know that you belong to me. That I own this hot ass grinding against me."
"Mmhmm." Turning in her arms, I study her face and bite down on my bottom lip. "It's going to be one of those nights, huh?"
"No." She shakes her head as she rests her forehead against my own. "Tonight I'm going to make love to you...champagne included."
"Oh yeah?" I raise an eyebrow.
"Mm, I can already imagine how good it will taste to drink it from your body." Tilting her head a little, she presses her lips to my own. "God, I want you so much right now."
"Promise?" I ask. "Promise you won't change your mind when we get home?"
"I promise, beautiful." She whispers, a smile curling onto her lips. "Tonight I'm going to make you feel amazing."
"Good..." I breathe out and focus my eyes on the figure behind her. "...Because your sister has just walked in."
Thanks for reading, guys. Reviews are welcome and appreciated as always.