Wake me up before you go-go...Don't leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Arizona's eyes shot open at the sound of Wham! blaring out of her phone. The blonde let out a frustrated groan as she reached over pressed snooze on the alarm that had just woken her up from a very hot dream involving a certain ex USA soccer star.
She had been on three dates with the American, and it was getting hard to ignore the sexual frustration she was feeling right now! She was all for taking it slow, but a woman had needs and right now those needs consisted of touching and being touched by Callie Torres.
As the blonde laid in bed thinking back to the goodbye kiss, she had exchanged with the American the day before she felt a throb between her legs. As she remembered the feeling of Callies's tongue in her mouth, her soft hands holding her cheeks.
Wake me up before you go-go I don't wanna miss it when you hit that high
Arizona let out another groan as the song started playing again, she really must change her alarm tone. She had a full-on day at work today so reluctantly pulled back the duvet and headed for the shower for what would have to be a cold shower as she didn't even have time for some solo fun.
As the water ran over Arizona's body she reflected on the three dates she had been on with Callie since she had returned to London. Their second date had been go-karting which had brought out their competitive natures again. Arizona had won the race and had done a victory dance as she had accepted the small plastic trophy which she had taken into work where it was currently displayed on a shelf in her office.
Date three had been lunch followed by a long walk on Hampstead Heath where they had exchanged several glancing moments and flirty comments, but nothing further had happened.
Whilst Arizona hadn't really acknowledged it as an issue at the time, the more time had passed the more the physio had realised that being with someone who was still coming to terms with their sexuality had been a concern for her. Maybe if she hadn't gone through what she had with Alex, it might not have been an issue. But deep down, Callie not being out had given Arizona anxiety issues that the brunette might just be experimenting with and would change her mind and walk away. Obviously Arizona knew she could walk away even if she hadn't just discovered girls, but it was an extra layer of anxiety that the blonde hadn't needed.
Hearing that Callie had come out to her parents and seeing with her own eyes how more relaxed she was out in public had been comforting to see. Hell, Callie was having a book written about her life story, including identifying as bisexual. There was no going back from that!
The other worry Arizona had was whether Callie would run again. The fact that she was here to take her coaching badges was a good sign and the American did seem genuine about buying a place in London. As the blonde rinsed the bubbles off her body she decided that date five would be the date when things went further. After five dates they would have talked enough.
"So how was date number three?" Jess asked over the phone to Callie who was making her way across the training complex from her apartment to her new office.
"Great. Like really good!" Callie beamed back down the phone.
"And?"
"And what?"
"And did you ….you know...do the business?...seal the deal?" Jess asked
"Jessica Woods! A lady would never kiss and tell!"
Her friend laughed "well firstly you ain't no lady Torres and secondly...yes you would, you totally would...so I can only assume that it's a no then!"
Callie let out a groan and rolled her eyes at her friend "arghh it's so hard Jess! We both said we'd take things slow, but how slow is slow? Like I'm totally ready and when we're together it feels like she is too…"
"Well maybe you both are and one of you just needs to make the first move" Jess suggested
"Maybe, but what if I get it wrong and push it too soon?"
"Do you think it's too soon?"
"No!" Callie replied "I would have gone back to hers on date one!" Callie said with a touch of desperation in her voice
"Well, that would have been a little cheap Torres!" Jess laughed down the phone. "Oh I have an idea...why don't the four of us go for drinks one night, Sanne is really good at body language, it's a goalkeeper thing, you know trying to work out which way they will kick the ball, I didn't believe it myself, but she picks up on things before I even know myself!"
"Well maybe. I know Arizona wanted to say thanks for taking the heat with the Enquirer article, so let me ask her and get back to you later".
At work, Callie and Arizona had agreed to keep things very professional, and this time they both intended to stick to their own rules. Technically they could now be in a relationship and if that was what they decided they both wanted, then the plan was to be upfront about it and tell the management team and Human Resources.
Callie spent half of her week with her head in the books as she started studying the various modules that made up the level one coaching qualification. She was shadowing a guy called Steve who was the coach for the under 10 academy team for the next month. That meant that she had to do whatever Steve asked her to do and so there were a lot of late nights running sessions under the floodlights. Callie had remembered how important this time in her life had been and how she had had some amazingly supportive coaches back in Florida. It was at this age when you started weaning out those with a real talent versus those who just loved the game.
Callie had 30 mins before she had to set up for another class and so quickly messaged Arizona to see if she was free. The physio had replied instantly saying she was in her office if Callie wanted to swing by.
Ten minutes later and Arizona heard a gentle knock on the open door and looked up to be greeted by a smiling Callie.
"Hey you!" Arizona said as she put down the printout she had been reading.
"Hey" Callie replied "how are you today?" the American asked she as she walked into the office
Horny as hell Arizona replied in her head "err good. I had a good time yesterday." she actually said out loud.
"Me too. So I was wondering if you fancied grabbing drinks on Friday with Jess and her girlfriend Sanne. I err haven't actually met her yet in person. We don't have to if you…"
"I'd love to." Arizona interrupted "besides, I owe Jess a drink for taking the heat."
"OK, well I'm sure she doesn't feel like you owe her anything, but that's great, I'll umm let them know and get back to wi…" Callie stopped mid-sentence and turned to face the blonde who was smiling innocently as she watched the brunette's gaze stare over her at the shelf above her desk.
Callie shook her head and started laughing "you have got to be kidding me…" she said as she walked over and picked up the little plastic go-kart trophy "I can't believe you bought this to work!" she said turning to Arizona who was laughing as well.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't resist" she said heading over to where Callie was standing holding the trophy.
"You only won because I'm used to driving on the other side of the road" Callie said with a straight face.
"That's bull Torres...there was only one side of the road on the track, so you can't use that as an excuse!" the physio laughed as she stood up close to the American, close enough so that their arms were touching.
Taking the little plastic trophy out of the brunette's hand Arizona reached up and placed it back on the shelf, her t-shirt rising slightly as she did so, giving Callie a glimpse of that toned stomach "I'm proud of that! it deserves to be seen" she smiled a big dimpled smile back in the direction of the brunette who's eyes were a darker shade of brown than they usually were. Arizona felt her breath get caught in her throat as she recognised the desire in those orbs..
Just then Arizona's desk phone started ringing causing them to both jump. "Sorry, I'd better get this" Arizona said gesturing to the phone.
"Of course, I'll leave you to it. I'll message you later." Callie said as she made her way out of the office
"Great. Can't wait" Arizona added quickly before answering the call.
Date 4
Arizona was already at the bar when Callie, Jess and Sanne walked through the door and spotted the blonde waiting at a table.
"Hi" Callie cooed as she greeted the blonde with a hug "we're not late are we?" she said checking her watch for the time.
"No...not at all, I umm was super early so decided to come and get a table." Arizona said pausing to take in the American's outfit "you look great" she said quickly generating a slight blush on Callie's cheeks which she thought was adorable.
Remembering that they weren't alone, the blonde reluctantly drew her eyes off Callie and turned to greet Jess and introduce herself to Sanne.
Seats were taken and drinks ordered and the conversation started with talk of the start of the new season which was happening in a couple of weeks.
"So Callie tells me Spurs have resorted to using a psychologist to help them try and find their winning ways?" Jess asked Arizona who raised an eyebrow in Callie's direction over her glass at the mention of Niamh coming into help.
"Torres!" Arizona joked as she put down her margarita "stop telling the enemy our trade secrets!" she said with a small smile before turning to address Jess "yeah we are umm using a sports psychologist to help set the tone for the start of the season. Niamh, she err, I worked with her at the Olympics with Team GB" Arizona explained hoping that would be enough information. Had Callie told Jess she had slept with the redhead? Probably, they were friends after all.
"I've heard the girls say really good things about her sessions so far." Callie added keen to show that she was cool with Niamh being around given the history between her and Arizona.
"Well here's hoping it helps!" Arizona said taking another sip of her drink "last season was a bit too close to the bone in terms of relegation."
They talked about Callie's training and working with the kids before the talk moved to how Sanne had at the age of 16 had to decide if she wanted to play football or basketball professionally. She picked football in part because she had had a crush on the goalie for Barcelona's women's team at the time. Callie shot Arizona a look to reassure her that she hadn't let on about her past. It turned out that the goalie had been a teammate of Arizona's and they were still in touch occasionally.
The blonde could see the conversation moving around the table and she started feeling uncomfortable at the thought of having to talk about her childhood. She didn't like lying, so where possible she just tried to talk about it at all.
She stood up and said she needed the bathroom in the hope that by the time she returned the conversation would have moved on.
As Arizona stood, so did Jess who announced she needed the restroom too. Arizona was pleased as it would give her the chance to thank Jess privately.
As they washed their hands at the sinks afterwards, Arizona turned to the American "Jess I know you didn't do what you did for me, but thank you anyway." the Brit said softly.
"Hey, it was the least I could do seeing as it was my big mouth that blabbed about it in the first place ."
"Well I'm sorry we put you in that position in the beginning . . It umm, we probably shouldn't have gone there, but..well.."
Arizona's words dried up as she was unsure if she should finish her sentence given that Jess had herself liked Callie.
"It's OK Arizona" Jess chuckled "I get it...I get why it happened and it's OK...I'm over it...well over it in fact!" Jess said happily as she thought of her girlfriend.
Arizona smiled back acknowledging what, or rather, who was making Jess smile "Sanne seems lovely Jess"
"Yeah, she is, thanks. I feel very lucky to have met her. So how are things going between you and Torres?" Jess asked in what she hoped sounded a nonchalant way.
"Good...I think...I mean...I hope they are?!" Arizona replied, her response going from confident to suddenly insecure at the question from Callie's friend. Maybe Jess knew more than she did about how the Latina was feeling.
"Oh you have nothing to worry about from Torres' side...she's smitten...always has been." Jess said smiling as she watched the blonde let out a clearly visible sigh of relief.
Jess dried her hands on a napkin and added "I'm pleased she found the balls to do what she needed to do and to come back. It's good to see her happy and putting down roots."
"I'm really proud of what she is doing with the book and she will undoubtedly help other people who might be questioning their sexuality. I think she is amazing, but for god's sake don't tell her I said that or else I'll never hear the end of it!" Arizona chuckled as she held open the door for the American as they made their way back out to join their dates.
"Don't worry...your secret's safe with me...and I mean it this time! I don't want her head getting any bigger than it already is!" Jess laughed as they walked back into the main bar.
As Arizona slipped back into her seat she smiled as she felt Callie briefly place her hand on the small of her back and left it there for a few moments. Arizona could feel the heat from the American's fingers through the thin material of her top. Turning to her side she leant in and whispered softly, just loud enough for Callie to hear over the music "I've missed your touch".
Callie held the blonde's gaze briefly before Jess made some sarky comment that required a response, breaking the spell Arizona's words had cast on her.
At the end of an enjoyable evening, Sanne offered to drop Callie and Arizona back home. Strapped into the back seats Sitting their hands found each other within seconds of the car pulling away. Conscious that Jess and Sanne could see them in the mirror they would occasionally exchange glances and hold each other gazes longer than normal. Whilst they had both had fun, it had been hard not being alone and it hammered home the underlying desire that was clearly running through both of them at that moment. Arizona was tempted to invite Callie back to hers, but she had promised she would visit her parents at the weekend and she knew if she invited the brunette to stay, she wouldn't want her to leave. Instead, they exchanged a quick kiss on the lips before Arizona hopped out of the car and said her goodbyes.
Callie watched the blonde turn and give a cute wave in her direction as they drove away and let out a low groan causing Jess and Sanne to laugh.
"Hang in there Torres!" Jess laughed back "your time will come"
Arizona was tucked up in bed messaging Callie
For the record….in case you were wondering….I really wanted to invite you in. A xx
Like REALLY! A x
For the record...I really...like REALLY wanted to come in! Next time?
I'm visiting my parents for the weekend, but 100% next time. Sleep well x
"Mum? Dad?" Arizona yelled as she opened the front door using the emergency key they kept hidden underneath the plant pot.
"We're in the garden love" came a yell and Arizona headed through the sitting room and into the kitchen which opened out to the garden where she found her parents relaxing in the afternoon sunshine.
"Hello love" David Robbins smiled warmly as he got up to give his daughter a hug and a kiss.
"Hi, Dad" Arizona rested her head on her dad's shoulder as she enjoyed her father's strong bear-like hug.
"My turn!" Jan said swotting her husband's arm with the back of her hand to break up the father/daughter embrace "come here darling" Jan said as she pulled her lookalike daughter into her arms. After a few seconds, Jan stepped back "you've lost weight. Are you not eating properly?" Jan said with concern as she looked her daughter up and down before spinning her around to see her back generating a small chuckle from Arizona.
"I'm fine mum. It's just been busy at work you know preseason." Arizona explained. The truth was she had put on a few pounds after the Olympics and so had been pleased to lose them once back at work, especially with a certain American back on the scene. She had been hitting the weights in her home gym to tone up a little.
"Fancy a cuppa?" David asked "or can I tempt you with a refreshing G&T?" He asked enthusiastically
"G&T sounds smashing dad. Thanks" Arizona smiled as she took a seat next to her mother.
"So how have you been? How's work?" Jan asked her daughter
"It's good mum, busy, but you know me, I like busy" Arizona replied
"But they're not working you too hard Ari? You didn't get a proper break this year what with the Olympics, so you need to go easy."
Arizona rolled her eyes to heaven at the older blondes fussing.
"I saw that Maxine Arizona Robbins!" Jan scolded her daughter using her former first name which she only did when she was telling the blonde off. "I'm your mother. I can't change that! Ohh you wait until you have a family of your own" Jan continued "then you'll understand" she looked over at her daughter and gave her daughter a hopeful look.
As an only child, Arizona would face a yearly reminder of how she wasn't getting any younger and what cool grandparents they would be at which point the physio usually threatened to leave unless they changed the subject.
"Mum! Really? Already?" Arizona replied, rolling her eyes skywards again, fully aware that she was reverting into a sulky teenager by the minute.
"Already what?" David said as he walked out of the kitchen with a tray and three G&T's
"It's the baby talk!" Arizona said, pulling a face as she took one of the glasses and mouthed thank you to her dad who gave her a supportive look.
"Oh don't you play the good cop card David Robbins...you want a grandchild as much as I do!" Jan said with a slight chuckle as she caught the look her husband had exchanged with his daughter.
"That may well be the case my love…" he said handing his wife her drink "...but if there is one thing I know about our daughter..is that IF it's what she wants, she'll do it in her own time and in her own way." the former PE teacher said as he put the tray down on the table and raised his glass "Now cheers everyone!" David said smiling before taking a sip of his drink and shooting his wife of 35 years a look that Jan knew meant to leave the subject alone.
"Woah, dad!" Arizona said, coughing as she took a sip of her drink "is there any T in this G&T?"
"It's your father's tennis elbow…" Jan explained smiling over at her daughter "...he says it sometimes locks when he is pouring the gin isn't that right love?" Jan replied with a chuckle.
"Absolutely!" David joined in with the joke "I really should get it looked at one of these days. So weird it only happens with the gin bottle" he said winking at his daughter.
"So how are preparations for the start of the season going?" David asked
"Yeah pretty good two weeks to go and we're winning the fitness battles with the first team so we should be good from that perspective."
"And how is it working out with Niamh?" Jan asked as she mentioned the sports performance coach.
Arizona looked over at her mum "Do you mean at Spurs or with me mum?" she responded knowing her mum was fishing for info on the Irish woman who Arizona had mentioned she has spent a weekend in Edinburgh with after the Olympics.
"Both!" Jan said with a slight smile on her face "well if I'm honest, I'm obviously more interested in how it's going with you. I can't help it...I'm your mother...just you wait until…."
"MUM!"
"JAN!"
Arizona and David yelled at the same time in the direction of the older blonde who was laughing causing her daughter and husband to join in with her.
"Well as you ask mum, Niamh and I came to a natural end" Arizona started to explain.
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that love" Jan said softly
"It's fine mum, it was never gonna be anything serious. She's still working with the club and everything is fine between us."
"Well, that's good to hear" Jan said taking a sip of her drink and eyeing her daughter suspiciously "so if it's not Niamh, who is it that's put a glow on your face?" Jan asked, catching her daughter by surprise.
Shit! How did she know? Arizona thought to herself. Her mum somehow always knew when Arizona was seeing someone.
"Well, actually it's umm. It's Callie...she's...she back from the States and is working at Spurs." Arizona said and took a big gulp of her drink. Her parents were protective of her and hadn't been that impressed by the way the American had bailed on Arizona last time, but she knew once they heard the full story they would understand why she ran when she did.
"OKAY...and how long is she here for this time?" David asked his daughter with concern.
"She's actually buying a house and is taking her coaching badges so at least two years" Arizona explained, "look I know you probably have concerns, believe me, I did too, but once you hear the whole story, you'll see why she did what she did when she did, and that things are completely different now."
Arizona filled her parents in on the whole drama with the LA Times and her coming out to her parents and the autobiography. Arizona left her parents house a couple of hours later having invited them round for supper at her. She went home and prepared a big salad and moussaka and was dancing around the kitchen to some tunes as she headed to the door to let her parents in.
"Sooo I couldn't wait any longer. This is the next time" Callie said smiling at a shocked looking Arizona who appeared lost for words at the sight of the American on her doorstep.
Callie had spent the morning toying with the idea of coming down to Deal to surprise the physio. She had gone back and forth over whether or not to come until she had decided that she was over analysing things. After having a couple of drinks at home she had on the spur of the moment decided to catch a train and head to Kent to see the blonde. As she stood in front of a still silent Arizona she started doubting her act of spontaneity. What if this had been a mistake. What if Arizona didn't want her there.
"Shit!" Callie whispered as her eyes searched the Brits face for a clue as to what she was thinking. "Is this not OK?" Callie said, suddenly massively regretting her spontaneous decision. She anted the ground to swallow her up there and then.
Arizona, who still hadn't said a word, finally broke into a huge dimpled smile. Reaching out, she grabbed the material of Callie's top and pulled her inside the house before pressing her up against the closed front door.
"God...yes!" she chuckled " YES this is OK...more than OK!" the blonde said as she stared back at Callie's now smiling face. Callie let out a big sigh of relief as she placed one of her hands on Arizona's soft cheek. Her heart was beating double time as she slowly moved her head towards the blondes, their eyes locked together. Just as their lips were about to meet, there was a loud knock on the door making both of them jump out of their skins.
"Leave it" Callie whispered as she started leaning back in to kiss Arizona only this time the blonde didn't do the same.
"I can't!" the blonde said apologetically, taking a step back from the brunette who was now looking at the physio confused. "I'm so pleased you are here" Arizona said quickly "And this is definitely more than OK, but before anything can happen...we ummm we're having dinner with my parents!" Arizona said through gritted teeth.
With that Arizona opened the door to her parents. Her mum was waving a bottle of wine, clearly feeling the effects of her dad's super strong gins.
"Mum..Dad..come in…" Arizona said looking over in Callie's direction, apologising with her eyes "We err have a surprise guest" Arizona said turning to face Jan and David as she pushed the door wide open so they could see the terrified looking Callie Torres.
Thank you for your reviews after the last chapter and for liking my date idea.
Thought it would be fun to write a tipsy Jan Robbins in what (and I know I've said this before, but this time I mean it) will be the last chapter. I feel a lot happier after adding these extra chapters and I'll do my best to give it a proper ending.
Take care everyone and thanks for the well wishes, oh and Spurs lost :(
Sarah