A/N: Back again. This time in a timely manner 😊. I want to try to stay consistent with a Tues/Wed update and then a Friday update. Once the baby gets here, I think I will go to just Fridays. Lets wait and see. Baby is due late June. I also have a 4.5-year-old. So, things over here are about to get chaotic quick!
My favorite Calzona story was updated last night so I am super happy about that. If you all have not started The Battleship and The Carpenter yet, I highly recommend it. So well written and I just love the story. If you all have stories you love, feel free to PM me or put it in your review (especially if it is your story. I would love to support). I feel like I have read almost all the completed Calzona stories out there.
I know some people hate long authors notes, so feel free to skip. I just want to thank each and every one of you who leave reviews on these chapters. It motivates me to keep posting. I also know that a ton of authors say they would never leave their story unfinished, and then they do. I get that life happens and writing is time consuming. However…I .stand falling in love with a story and then having no closure. So even if my updates taper off after I have the baby, this story will be finished.
Chapter 22
Thursday Evening
Arizona's POV
Arizona had spent the day with Callie and Sofia and was riding high on the feeling of not only a great day, but the fact Callie was now her girlfriend. She had not had a girlfriend in a very long time. But she couldn't be happier right now. She had met Teddy in the lobby and was now sitting in the back room of the media area waiting to meet on of her heroes. Hannah Storm was a sports personality she had loved since she was a child. She was one of the only women on ESPN when Arizona was younger, and she loved that. Arizona chose a male driven sport to pursue professionally, just like Hannah had chosen a male driven industry to break through. Arizona was pulled from her thoughts by a knock at the door.
As she looked up, she saw Hannah Storm pop her head in. "Hi Arizona, is now a good time?" Arizona shot out of her chair and over to the door. "Hi Ms. Storm. I am a huge fan." Arizona knew she was fangirling, but she didn't care. Hannah just chuckled. "Please. Call me Hannah. I am a huge fan of yours as well. Thanks for agreeing to the interview." Hannah responded.
Arizona chatted with Hannah for the next 20 minutes or so. Teddy had come in to meet her as well and fangirled just as hard as Arizona did. Teddy was constantly on her phone fielding calls about sponsorships and tournament enrollment. Arizona's success had made Teddy 10x busier, but this is what they had both been working towards.
Just as the interview was set to start Hannah walked over to Arizona and pulled her aside. The look on her face slightly concerned Arizona. Hannah pulled Arizona over to the women's dressing area.
"Hey. So, I would normally never do this, but I do really like you and I don't feel right blindsiding you during our interview. I was just sent this to my iPad and the network is insisting I press you on this. I just want to warn you I am going to ask you about it and I want to give you time to think of an answer." Hannah handed Arizona her iPad, so Arizona was able to see what she was talking about.
Arizona looked down and what she saw surprised her. It was a grainy video, clearly from a security camera. The video was from her and Callie's first date. It was them in the back entrance waiting for the elevator. You know, when they were all over each other. Arizona paused, not sure exactly how to respond. It was clear from the video that it was Arizona. However, the angle just showed Callie as a brunette being pushed up against the wall with roaming hands. Arizona was at a loss. How on earth did they get this video? It would have had to come from The Calliope's security cameras….
Arizona didn't know how to handle this. There were a few factors to consider. Yes, Callie was her girlfriend, but she was also a part owner of the company that sponsored Arizona. That paired with the fact this is going to take away from Arizona's attention on the one thing she wanted attention for, golf. Finally, there was Callie to think of. They just got together, and this was a lot to take in. The media was a circus and Callie had a daughter to think of. A daughter who had a father somewhere out there that was not in Sofia or Callie's life…. shit. As Arizona took her phone out to call Callie, she heard someone yell "go time!". Shit, shit, shit. How do I handle this?
Arizona walked onto the stage area and took her seat. Hannah could see she caught Arizona off guard with the video and she was glad she showed it to her before they sat down. As a journalist she knew the reaction during the interview would have been gold but as a woman, she was not a fan of steamrolling other women for ratings. Just as they were getting ready to start Hannah heard Arizona whisper "thank you." Hannah just gave her a wink.
3…..2…..1…
Good Evening everyone, Hannah Storm here with the hottest name in golf right now. Arizona Robbins is joining me this evening to chat about her historic appearance in The Race and the fact she qualified in 3rd place and will be trying her best to show these guys how it is done this weekend.
Arizona sat and smiled at Hannah's introduction. Her respect for Hannah was as high as ever. She didn't have to warn her about the video, but she did.
Arizona, how are you this evening?
I am doing really well Hannah, thank you for having me!
"The pleasure is ours. I have to say, my daughters and I are rooting for you to take it all this weekend"
"Thank you! I hope you can make it out to watch live. It is going to be a good one."
"We just might. So, tell me. How does it feel to be the first woman ever competing in a PGA tournament?"
"I am honored. My manager, Teddy Altman, really pushed for this. The fact that the PGA was willing to give me a chance means everything. Even more than that, I feel proud of the fact I can represent women in golf. There are a lot of us out there and I think a lot of people are quick to forget that." Arizona was starting to relax a little. She knew the question was coming but this interview was once in a lifetime, so she was trying her best to enjoy it.
"Everyone is buzzing about the fact you qualified 3rd. That is very impressive. Especially the competitors on the green this weekend."
Arizona gave a genuine smile. "Well Hannah, the competition has been tough, but I have always been confident in my game. I would not have agreed to do this tournament if I didn't think I could win. I am happy with 3rd for now. My goal is to be first when this weekend is over!"
"You are my favorite for first. But keep that between us." Hannah winked at Arizona.
"So, tell us a bit about Arizona Robbins. I know your brother is your caddy which in my opinion is pretty great. How is that relationship?"
"Well, I have been golfing since I was 16. My brother golfs as well but his ability to read a course and give his opinions on clubs and terrain is like nothing I have ever seen before. So, when I started getting really serious about the sport, Tim was an obvious choice for my caddy. I swing the club, but he is the brains behind this operation. I wouldn't be where I am without him. He is my best friend and the best caddy in the game. Between him, my manager Teddy, and my parents I have the best team. I don't know what I would do without them."
"It sounds like Robbins golf is a family operation. I think we can all get behind that!"
"100% family is everything. My father was in the military my whole life, so with all the moving we did my mom and my brother were my best friends. There is no Arizona Robbins, professional golfer, without this team." Arizona proudly stated.
"I love it. Arizona, your first week here was a bit hectic. You were a hero and saved a little girl from drowning. What happened with that?"
Arizona could tell that Hannah was showing her they were moving away from golf. "Well Hannah, there was a little girl who accidentally fell into the pool and I heard the splash. When I heard it, I just reacted? I ran over to the pool and saw her not moving so I just jumped in. Thankfully I was able to get her out and get her breathing. The paramedics arrived shortly after. I am happy to report that she is doing great and is back to swimming." Arizona smiled thinking about Sofia.
"As a mother, I am sure that her parents are so grateful for you. We are also so glad you are both okay. I am sure that is not what you were expecting coming here to play, but great job. Now I would be remiss not to ask about your personal life. People don't really know much about you. There are some articles here and there about you out on dates and such, but nothing too in depth."
"Well Hannah, like I said. The PGA gets the attention and the LPGA is kind of an after though. Which, in this situation is not necessarily a bad thing." Arizona laughed. "But, yes. There are a few things out there about me on dates and such. My personal life is something that I do like to keep pretty private. Mostly because people who associate with me don't ask to be in the media. I will say I am in a relationship and I am very happy." Arizona thought that was the best answer she could give.
"I don't blame you. I know how intrusive us journalists and media members can be. Butttttt. I am happy to hear you are happy." Hannah looked at Arizona seriously, her way of warning her she was about to show the video. "I do have to tell you; we were sent this video before our interview. The date stamp shows it was about a week ago. I do have to ask, is the lovely lady in this video your girlfriend?"
There was a TV screen that was playing on the side of Hannah. The video of her and Calliope playing for the whole world to see. Arizona felt her face turning red and cleared her throat.
"Ahh, Hannah. Remember when I said my personal life is private? Guess not." Arizona tried to joke.
"To answer your question, yes. That is my girlfriend. This is after a date and clearly, we were not aware that this would ever be aired on national television. I will say that I am not embarrassed to admit that I am a lucky woman who was enjoying an evening with someone I deeply care about. I do wish I was able to forewarn her that this video would be aired here. But I have nothing to hide." Arizona took a deep breath. That was a good answer, right?
"I think I would get fired if I didn't ask who this lovely lady is. I know you can't really see her in the video. So, does the lucky woman have a name."
"She does have a name, but I would like to keep that to myself. Like I said, people I am involved with don't choose the spotlight. I want to keep her identity protected as long as possible." Arizona relaxed.
"I respect that. Best of luck to you two." Hannah smiled at Arizona. Just as she smiled a producer came up to her with a note card and Arizona watched Hannah's face fall. Shit. What now?
Hannah shifted in her chair and cleared her throat. She was giving Arizona a look that showed she was clearly apologetic.
"I just got this note card from our producers and there is a name on it. A source is telling us that the name of the lucky lady is Calliope Torres of The Torres Company." Arizona was officially pissed. Who was "leaking" this information? The only people who knew about Callie were her family and Callie's family. None of them would ever leak anything like this.
"I am not going to confirm or deny anything. As I said, anyone who is involved with me did not ask for their name to be said on national television. That is what I will say on the matter."
"I won't press you on it. Like I said Arizona, my family is rooting for you this weekend! Whoever the lucky lady is, I am sure they will be grateful how you handled this." Hannah genuinely smiled at Arizona, making Arizona thinks she may have handled all of this pretty well. She would call Calliope right after she was done here.
"Thank you, Hannah. Again, I appreciate the support and I understand you have a job to do. Just like my job is to go out there this weekend and kick some butt." Arizona smiled and winked.
"Well folks, there you have it Arizona Robbins will be teeing off on Saturday at 10am. Kicking off her first of two rounds in her quest to be crowned the winner of The Race." Hannah signed off.
When they got the all clear they were done recording Hannah stood up. Arizona followed and stood from her chair. She needed to call Calliope, like now. This interview would air in less than an hour.
Hannah walked up to Arizona. "I am sorry about the name thing. They handed it to me, and I can't just ignore it. You have my most sincere apologies Arizona." Arizona could tell Hannah was genuinely sorry.
"Hannah, it is okay. Like I said you have a job to do. I would ask if you knew where this information came from, but I know you can't tell me. I appreciate the heads up about the video. It was so nice to meet you and I hope to see you and your family Saturday. If you guys come, find me. I can give you guys a tour and bring you out onto the green!" Arizona gave Hannah a hug and walked away.
As Arizona grabbed her phone to call Callie, Teddy ran up to her.
"Shit AZ, I didn't know they had any of that. I am SO sorry." Teddy seemed frantic.
"Teds, it happens. It is part of the game okay? Don't feel bad. Actually, Hannah warned me about the video, but I didn't know they had Calliope's name. I honestly don't know how they got it. No one but you guys and her family know." Arizona was trying her best to play cool, but she needed to call Callie. It was now 7:30. She had 30 minutes before the interview aired.
"I also think it is weird they had security camera footage from Callie's hotel…. Where do you think that came from?" Teddy asked.
"Teds. I don't know. I need to call Callie and give her a heads up before this airs. I will find you once I talk to her. All things considered; I think it went well. Had it not been Hannah, I would feel differently."
"Oh, it went well. I think this will be good for you. I just need you to know that the story that comes out of this is going to be you and Callie. Especially since you are a Torres Company sponsored employee."
"Trust me. I know. I may call Carlos too. I have to go Teds. Thank you for everything." Arizona hugged Teddy and handed out of the media tent. When she walked out, she saw Preston Burke and George O'Malley sitting outside staring at the tent. Both had shit eating grins on their face. Welp…. That explains a lot.
Arizona walked up to them. "Good evening gentlemen. I assume I can thank you for my interview taking a turn?" She questioned. Trying to stay calm.
"Well, I did say you were sleeping your way to the top. But we have no idea what you are talking about." George responded. Burke just sitting next to him looking like he won the lottery.
"Whatever. We will settle this on the course. Have a good night" Arizona turned to walk away.
"Tell Callie we say hello." George yelled. Yup. Suspicions confirmed.
Arizona picked up her phone and dialed Callie's number…ring…..ring…ring….voicemail.
"Shit!" Arizona yelled. She had to still be with Sofia. Arizona knew she should tell Callie first, but she needed to call Carlos too.
Ring…..Ring….Ring…."Carlos Torres."
"Mr. Torres, it is Arizona."
"Arizona! Good to hear from you. How was the interview? It airs soon right?" Carlos seemed happy to hear from her.
"Yeah. It airs at 8. Listen Carlos, I have to tell you about the interview."
Arizona went on to tell Carlos exactly what happened and what she was worried about. She mentioned she had not been able to get in touch with Callie to warn her but she was already in her car headed towards Callie's house. Carlos took things surprisingly well. He was happy Callie had found Arizona who seemed to really care for his daughter and his granddaughter. He explained that he owned the company so he could sponsor whoever he wanted. Pair that with the fact the contract was signed before Callie and Arizona started dating. He told her not to stress about that. But he did say how Callie needed to be warned so he would try to call her as well.
After wrapping up the call, Arizona looked at her phone. 7:55. Shit. She tried to call Callie again, no luck. Callie made it a point to always have her phone on her unless she was with Sofia. She had mentioned not liking to be on her phone when around her daughter, which Arizona had mentioned she loved. Right now, not so much. She was still 10 minutes from Callie's.
As Arizona turned into Callie's driveway, she saw the lights in the house were on and Callie's car was there. She hopped out of her car and ran up to the front door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
Arizona heard movement inside. The door opened and Callie stood there, looking surprised to see her.
Callie's POV
Callie had just said goodbye to Sofia as Aria picked her up. She sat down on the couch and turned on ESPN. She couldn't wait to see Arizona's interview. She was going to call the blonde, but she honestly had no idea where her phone was. She would find it during the commercial break. The smile that broke out across Callie's face when she saw Arizona on TV was one that made her face hurt. She was so proud of her. As Hannah Storm is asking Arizona about The Race, Callie hears someone pounding on her front door. What the hell?
As Callie opened the door she was met with a frantic looking Arizona.
"Calliope! Why haven't you answered your phone!?" Arizona yelled. Callie was a bit taken back by the greeting.
"Well hello to you too. I can't find my phone. Sofia was playing on it while I was making dinner. It is probably in her room." Callie turned to walk away from the door indicating that Arizona could come in.
"Calliope. You need to listen to me real quick. We don't have a lot of time." 8:15pm
"What is the issue Arizona?" Callie walked out of Sofia's room with her phone in hand. "What the hell? 3 missed calls from you and 3 from my dad."
"Calliope. They…they have video from our first date…they….they said your name." Arizona basically yells.
Callie was now confused. "Who is they Arizona?".
"ESPN!" Arizona screams. "They have a video of us basically going at it in front of the elevator on our first date." Arizona ran her hands through her hair.
Callie perfectly still. Not knowing how to react. She took a deep breath and turned towards the TV. Sure enough, she was looking at a video of her and Arizona from their first date being played on a screen next to Hannah Storm.
"Calliope. I am so sorry." Arizona was now at her side, whispering.
Callie didn't respond. She just turned up the volume on the TV.
"I just got this note card from our producers and there is a name on it. A source is telling us that the name of the lucky lady is Calliope Torres of The Torres Company."
"I am not going to confirm or deny anything. As I said, anyone who is involved with me did not ask for their name to be said on national television. That is what I will say on the matter."
"I won't press you on it. Like I said Arizona, my family is rooting for you this weekend! Whoever the lucky lady is, I am sure they will be grateful how you handled this."
"Thank you, Hannah. Again, I appreciate the support and I understand you have a job to do. Just like my job is to go out there this weekend and kick some butt." Arizona smiled and winked.
Callie watched as the interview wrapped up. She stood, frozen. She turned to Arizona.
"H-how? How did they know it was me? The only people who know about us are your family and my family? Did your family say something?" Callie didn't mean for her statement to sound as accusing as it did.
"What? No Calliope. Why would you say that? Why does it have to be someone I know? It is YOUR hotel's security footage that got leaked to the press!" Arizona yelled.
Callie sat down. All she could hear was her phone vibrating on the table, over and over and over again. How did the footage get leaked? What the hell? Honestly, Callie was not upset that her and Arizona's relationship was public. She was more upset that this happened before she could talk to Sofia and her family about things. Shit. Her Dad.
"Arizona. I-I have to call my Dad. You are a Torres Company sponsored employee." She picked up her phone and saw she had 15 missed texts and 10 missed calls. What the hell?
"Calliope. I already talked to your Dad. I told him before it aired so I could warn him." Arizona stated.
"Wait, what? You told him about this before me?!" Callie was so flustered she had forgotten the fact she had missed calls from Carlos and Arizona.
"I tried to call you 3 times! I raced over here as quickly as I could! When you didn't answer I had to call your Dad. This could impact your business. Granted, he was not worried about it at all." Arizona was visibly pissed off at the accusations that were being thrown at her.
"Shit. Arizona. I am sorry. I am just freaking out right now." Deep breath. "You are right. You came straight here."
Callie's phone continued to vibrate. Over and over and over.
"I need to call the hotel. I need to find out who the hell leaked that footage. Their ass is fired. I also will get to the bottom of who leaked my name." Callie was going into business mode. She felt Arizona's hands on her shoulders.
"Calliope. Deep breath baby. I know who leaked your name. George O'Malley and Preston Burke"
"Fucking George. He is pissed I turned him down." Callie practically growled.
"Um, excuse me?" Arizona asked.
"George asked me out. I said no. He alluded to the fact you and I were together, and I basically told him to go f himself." Callie was 2 seconds away from throwing her phone against the wall. It wouldn't stop ringing.
"Oh. Well. Okay. Honestly, Calliope I am okay with people knowing about us. I meant what I said today. You are my girlfriend. I don't care who knows. I just wish I could have given you more of a warning." Arizona's eyes showed nothing but sincerity.
"While the situation isn't exactly ideal. I feel the same. I need to talk to Sof though. I need to make a few phone calls, and I am sure you do too." Callie's phone's vibrations had finally gotten to her. She pressed answer without even looking at the caller ID.
"What?!" Callie snapped. Assuming it was Aria or Mark.
"Hello Callie."
Callie froze. She looked at the caller ID. "Eric….?"
A/N: I know you guys hate cliff hangers, but I was really happy with how this chapter turned out and decided to leave it as is. We will find out what happens on the call from Eric next week 😊