A/N: A few authors notes here. So just stay with me 😊
Thank you for all your reviews. I love them and they encourage me to keep writing more. Being 33 weeks pregnant comes with little motivation. So, I appreciate the support on this story.
This chapter is all Arizona, and all golf. So, if you are not into that part of the story, I am sorry.
I had a review last chapter I really liked, and I want to address. It said that they were not sure where the story was going. I promise I have the whole story tentatively outlined so it is going somewhere lol. I struggle with stories where Callie has a kid and then Arizona moves in and is constantly around like a week after they meet. As a mother, I can't write that. It is not realistic to me. I apologize if you guys feel the story is moving slowly. To me, it is important to lay a firm foundation to their relationship. Between Sofia and Arizona being on the road that is going to be necessary here. Also, Callie is staying at the hotel because of the tournament. She wants to be close by because she is a co-owner of the hotel and her father is on the board of the PGA.
The Race is the premise of this story, so it is going to be around for a while. However, there will be life after the race! I am just making the tournament a large chunk of it. It is the title after all 😊
There is some drama coming, so don't you worry.
I hope this clears somethings up and I apologize if things were unclear.
Chapter 19
Wednesday
Arizona's POV
Arizona walked into the café of the hotel and saw Teddy waiting for her with two coffees. She walked over and sat down across from her manager/best friend.
"Hey Teds, I hope this is for me." Arizona smiled grabbing the coffee.
"Of course. I know you can't talk business without caffeine!" Ted joked.
"So, tell me what is going on. How many sponsors are we looking at and how much are we thinking can be brought in from them?"
"We have 3 big names, excluding The Torres Company. Like I said Gatorade wants a 2-year deal, Puma wants a 2-year deal, and then Ford wants a 1-year deal. All together you are looking at roughly 7 million."
Arizona just stared at Teddy. "S-seven million dollars…? Are you serious Teds?"
Teddy smiled proudly. "Yeah Arizona. This is big. People are starting to know your name and recognize you. No other female golfer has ever gotten these offers. You should be really proud. I know I am."
This is why she paid Teddy well above what "normal" managers make. Teddy was always advocating for Arizona to everyone and anyone who would listen. 7 million dollars just in sponsors. That is not even counting tournament winnings. This was life changing and these were big brands. Between those 3, and The Torres Company covering all her equipment and travel she would be able to give Tim and Teddy a raise. Maybe even look at some houses in Miami.
"Teds that is just amazing. Thank you! Lets send the contracts to the lawyers and get it started." Arizona finished her coffee and hugged Teddy tightly.
They caught up for the next hour or two everything from the tournament to the her and Tim. The two seemed to be getting pretty serious pretty quick. She knew how that went. She told Teddy all about her time with Callie and Teddy sat there with a genuine smile on her face. Even when Arizona mentioned hanging out in Miami for a few months. Teddy mentioned visiting Tim in Boston so it would be a good thing Arizona gave them some space. They had 2 tournaments to go after The Race. Then Arizona would spend at least a month in Miami with Calliope and Sofia. If things went well, she could definitely see herself relocating.
Arizona lazed around for the rest of the day and found herself in the medical area to get some preventative treatment on her back. She was feeling good, but she was sore from her evening with Callie. As the physical therapist finished what they were doing she had already felt relief. She was ready for her final round tomorrow. She enjoyed a nice dinner with Teddy, Tim, Mama, and her Dad. It was nice to finally have some time with her family. She felt a little guilty for being out with Callie during her free time, but her parents ate up everything she told them about Callie. Eagerly asking when they could meet her. Arizona insisted it had to be when The Race was over. She couldn't handle a meet the parent's situation while trying to win this tournament. Callie and Arizona exchanged texts throughout the day, and it felt like second nature to always be in contact with her gorgeous Latina. Arizona went to bed that night after a brief phone call and goodnight from Callie. She knew tomorrow was important, so she turned in at about 9pm. She was teeing off at 9am the next morning.
Thursday Morning
Arizona woke up nervous, like really nervous. After yesterdays play the score board read:
Andrew DeLuca
Derek Shepard
Jackson Avery
Richard Webber
Alex Karev
Arizona Robbins
Atticus Lincoln
Preston Burke
George O'Malley
Tom Koracick
Tom Koracick was about two seconds away from withdrawing with a knee injury. He dropped from 3rd to 10th after shooting 3 over par in his round yesterday. It was the perfect example of what happens when you have a bad round. Richard Webber on the other hand jumped multiple places after a fantastic round. At this point, it was the top 10 golfers to lose. As long as Arizona played decent today, she would be into weekend play.
Arizona was up and out of her suite with her family at 8:00am. The Colonel always punctual. Arizona introduced her parents to Alex, and he had secured an invite to dinner that night from her Mom who just loved him. Arizona had to admit she was making fast friends with him as well. Alex happened to live in Miami with his wife Jo and when she had mentioned relocating, he was excited to tell her all the reasons why she should.
Arizona was seriously rethinking Miami. Never in her life had she been so hot. It was easily over 100 degrees in the sun. She was going to be changing her shirt at the 9th hole, that was for sure. The 6th hole thankfully was in a shaded area, but even still she was dying. Alex looked completely unaffected and was making jokes at her expense.
All things considered Arizona was golfing pretty well. The heat was straining her muscles and she could feel he back tightening up. She gave Tim the signal and he came back with Arizona's medication and her pain patch. She would handle all of that when she changed on the 9th hole. That would get her through the day.
Alex had wrapped up his tee off on the 6th and had hit a pretty impressive drive as straight as an arrow. The 6th hole was dead straight, which believe it or not made it a bit complicated. She had not seen anyone nail a drive that straight in ages. Alex Karev was talented. She couldn't deny that.
Arizona stepped up to the tee and stretched her back, looking over at her parents. As always, her father had his Army hat on looking serious with a touch of pride. Her mother just beaming at her and Timmy like they are the starts of a show. When Arizona drove the ball, it hooked a bit left. Nothing unbearable but it would cause her to have to hit through some trees and rough terrain. "Shit" she mumbled under her breath.
"No big thing Arizona. You got this." Timmy came up and took her driver. They headed towards her ball. As they walked, she looked back and saw Preston Burke smirking behind her. Of course, she had to hit a rough drive.
Arizona was able to make her way out of the roughage with relative ease. She ended up shooting par on the 6th, 7th, and 8th hole. She was settling into a nice groove and she was currently in the bathroom changing her sweat soaked shirt. She applied her pain patch and took her medication. When her new shirt was situated, she downed two water bottles and headed back out onto the course. When she walked out, she saw George O'Malley exiting the men's room.
"Arizona Robbins. I can't lie, I am impressed." He said with a hint of condescension.
"George. I am not really in the mood right now. I need to get back to the 9th." She was walking past him ignoring him.
"What is up with you and Callie Torres?" George asked. Arizona stopped in her tracks and turned around. It wasn't that she wanted to hide her thing whatever it was. But this was a conversation she needed to have with Callie first.
"She is a friend. Saved her daughter from drowning and all that. Why?" Arizona asked, not giving anything away.
"I wasn't sure about the vibe I was getting from her. I plan to ask her out tonight. You know, she seemed kind of into me. Not to mention she looks like a good time, if you know what I mean." George chuckled.
Arizona had two choices here. One, play it cool or two, punch George straight in the face. She clenched her fists, but she couldn't give him the satisfaction of rattling her.
"Good luck with that." Arizona turned and walked away not giving George another second of her time. Callie wasn't her girlfriend. While she doubted Callie would say yes, she was in her rights to do so. She would have to have a conversation with Callie about if they were exclusive or not. As for right now, she had a tournament to win.
Alex could tell Arizona was irritated after her talk with George, but he didn't want to pry. He tried his best to joke with her and get her back focused on golf. He knew he shouldn't be helping his competition, but he really liked Arizona. The mention of her potentially moving to Miami excited him. The girl had talent and if he could practice with her it would only make him better. Not to mention Alex had a few interactions with Callie and knew her and Arizona liked each other. Jo had actually gone to college with Callie and had nothing but great things to say about her. She mentioned asking them on a double date, but Alex insisted they wait until after the tournament.
Arizona was back on the 9th feeling fresh. Her muscle meds had started working and the pain patch was doing its job. Arizona hated this hole. She had done well her last round but bogeyed the first time around. She set up her drive and connected perfectly. Even Alex gave a shout. She could eagle this hole; she knew she could. That would bump her a few places and she could finish the rest of the day comfortably. Alex also let off a great drive, surprisingly not as far as Arizona surprisingly. When they walked up to their balls Arizona looked to Tim.
"What are you thinking here Timmy? I am torn between the 8 and the 5."
"Hmmm. He looked at his course notes and did some weird thing he does with the dirt. Go with the 5." He stated confidently.
"This is why I pay you the big bucks. I would have said 8." Arizona joked.
Tim handed her, her favorite 5 iron and Arizona squared up to shoot. Just then a gust of wind came through. Tim randomly whispered, "to the left". Arizona adjusted her body and did just that. She connected and watched her ball soar through the sky and land about 30 feet from the hole. Thank goodness for Timothy Robbins.
"You know I love you right?" She winked at Tim.
"Don't think I didn't hear about those contracts. I have my eye on a new Mustang." Tim joked.
"Stop talking about money on the course you tacky bum." Arizona handed him the club and started walking towards the green.
Arizona ended up sinking the perfect putt and eagled the hole just like she knew she could. Arizona knew she had to have jumped at least two places, but she refused to look at the scoreboard until the last hole. Alex ended up getting a birdie.
The next two holes flew by, Arizona shooting par on one and birdieing the other. Alex hitting par on both.
Finally, they were at the 12th hole. Arizona's bread and butter. Tim handed her the perfect club and she teed off. As expected, Arizona's first shot ended up 10 feet from the hole. Hell yeah. Alex made a smart-ass comment about her being a cheater but they both knew she was joking.
The heat was starting to take a toll on Arizona and even Alex. Arizona's parents had headed into the hotel after the 10th and would be back out shortly. It was miserably hot outside and she didn't want them to have a heat stroke. Arizona shot par on the 13th – 16th hole. She completely screwed herself on the 17th hole and ended up bogeying it. Negating her eagle from earlier in the day.
She walked up to the 18th hole and looked over at the score board. Her jaw dropped. Arizona currently sat in 4th place. She looked at Alex and he just smirked at her.
"You've golfed a hell of a round today Robbins. Looks like we will be hanging out this weekend after all."
Alex walked up to the tee and shot a clean drive, Arizona followed doing the same. Arizona felt like her driver weighed 20 pounds. Her muscles were dead, and she needed a cold shower and a nap. She knew she was going to be playing this weekend, but she never gave up early.
Arizona and Alex finished the hole, both finishing with a birdie to their surprise.
Arizona walked over to the water cooler and pulled out two ice cold waters. She handed one to Alex and he surprised her by wrapping her in a bone crushing hug.
"Robbins, you kicked ass the last 3 days. May the best golfer win this weekend." He winked. "Oh, and I will see you later tonight. Your mom said something about a roast and apple pie. I am so there. I am going to bring Jo too! See you tonight Robbins!" Alex walked away while dumping the bottle of water over his head.
Arizona walked over to Timmy and wrapped him in a hug. "Looks like you have to work this weekend" she whispered, trying to hold back tears.
"You drive a hard bargain boss." Tim joked. His tone changed instantly. "I am SO damn proud of you Arizona. You out golfed some of the best in the world. You deserve to be here. You proved that. Great job little sis." He kissed her cheek and lead her over to her parents.
"Oh honey! Look! 3rd place Arizona. We are so proud of you!" Her Mom gushed.
"Well Mama, it is not over yet. We teed off early. I don't know where exactly I will finish until later this afternoon." Arizona tried to brush it off.
"Bug. You and I both know you are in. You made us proud honey." She heard her Dad's voice crack.
"Thank you, guys for coming. I know it is miserably hot out today. You guys being here means everything." Arizona was so grateful to have her family here with her. Just as she was hugging her mom, she heard the voice of her best friend.
"Should have negotiated a little harder on those contracts. Great job Arizona. I knew you could do this." Teddy joked.
"Well Teds. Good for you to join us in the scorching heat." Arizona laughed wrapping Teddy in a huge sweaty embrace.
"Ew, you are soaked." Teddy tried to get away.
"I told you it is all about blood, sweat, and tears Teds." Arizona kissed her cheek.
"Okay, seriously guys can we go inside. I need a shower and air conditioning. I don't know how you are going to move here Arizona." Teddy said in passing.
All eyes turned to Arizona. She gave Teddy her death stare and turned to her parents who were waiting for her with expecting eyes.
"Let's talk about this inside guy. I am not moving anywhere. Come on. Mama, you promised Alex a roast and he is bringing his wife." Arizona quickly rambled on. She knew she was not off the hook but to her surprise her parents let it go.
"Oh, Arizona you have an interview with ESPN tomorrow afternoon." Teddy said as they all loaded into the elevator.
"Seriously?! They really want to interview me."
"I told you if you make it to weekend play, they want to. You really don't listen to me, do you?" Teddy joked.
Arizona walked into her room and immediately headed toward the shower. She turned the cold water on and just stood there. Never in her life had her body felt so tired. She still had to play 2 more rounds this weekend and they were the ones that really mattered. You got this Robbins she whispered to herself. She took another muscle pill when she got out of the shower and melted into bed before even getting dressed. Arizona set her alarm for 4pm. All the golfers would be done, and the final results would be in. Alex and Jo were coming over for dinner at 5:30 so she would have time for a nice nap beforehand.
Arizona woke to the sound of her alarm going off. She reached to turn it off and groaned at how sore she was. She went to hit snooze when she heard a scream come from the living area of the suite. She was up and to the door immediately. That is when she remembered she had no clothes on. Quickly jumping into the most comfortable sweats courtesy of The Torres Company she sprinted into the living room.
"What is going on out here?!" She yelled half in a daze.
"Baby girl! T-th-third! You finished in 3rd!" Her mom shouted. Arizona just stared at her. Her father stood next to her mom with a smile on his face.
He headed towards the kitchen in search of champagne he had ordered earlier. Just then she heard the hotel door beep indicating someone had entered.
"Third place where you atttttt?" Tim shouted.
The next 15 minutes were a whirlwind. Champagne was popped, her phone was vibrating like crazy, and she was surrounded by her loved ones celebrating.
Arizona looked down at her phone and a giant smile overtook her face.
Third place. Wow. Can't say I am surprised. Amazing job. So proud of you. – Callie
Arizona found herself wishing Callie was here to celebrate with her.
"Arizona come in here ESPN is reading the final rankings" Teddy shouted.
Welcome to Sports Center. The qualifying round of The Race has concluded, and we have the top 10 golfers that will be facing off this weekend.
Derek Shepard
Richard Webber
Arizona Robbins
Alex Karev
Jackson Avery
Preston Burke
Atticus Lincoln
George O'Malley
Andrew DeLuca
Cooper Freedman
There you have it folks. These are the golfers that will be vying for prestige that comes with being crowned the winner of The Race. The biggest story here is Arizona Robbins. The first women ever to play in a PGA tournament surprising everyone by storming past some of the top players in the world finishing 3rd in the qualifying round. ESPN has an exclusive interview with Arizona Robbins that will air tomorrow night.
Arizona just stood in front of the TV unable to move. She watched as highlights of her golfing this weekend and over the last couple years were playing on ESPN. How was this real life? She was finally achieving her dreams. Her career was thriving, her family was here with her, and she was falling in love with a beautiful woman.
Life was good.