A/N: We have reached the end of The Race! The tournament, not the story 😊. Since you all continue to give feedback, I am going to keep this going. I have some ideas for the future! Sorry this is a bit later in the day than normal. I am getting everything at work ready for my maternity leave!
Not sure if anyone else is watching the Women's College World Series (Softball). It wrapped up last night, but it motivated me to go back and read For Love and Softball by BattleshipTorres. One of my favs out there!
Special birthday shout out to ImSoCooliPissIceCubes!
This chapter will have golf, drama, and a bit more! It is a doozy but I a really happy with it. This is one of the longer ones. Hopefully you enjoy. Remember to review! 😊
Chapter 28
Sunday
Arizona's POV
Waking up in the bedroom of the Presidential Suite Arizona could feel her stomach churning. Today was the day. She was going to have to golf her best to pull this off. Sitting up in bed she felt her muscles were a bit sore. Smiling at the reason for her soreness, she thought back to the night she had shared with Callie. They had quite literally locked themselves in Callie's room unit her alarm went off at midnight. After many rounds of incredible sex, Arizona made her way back to The Calliope to get some sleep. A tiny part of her regretted not utilizing the hot tub last night, but it was worth it.
She sat up and looked over at the clock, 6am. Arizona had time for a nice hot shower that would hopefully loosen her up. Rolling out of bed she already smelled breakfast and coffee. Her mother was truly a saint. Moving into the bathroom she quickly turned on the shower and started to get ready to jump in. Walking past the mirror she froze. Her chest was covered in what looked like little bruises, but were really hickies, and her back had scratch marks down it. Holy shit…. Good think she didn't have to be shirtless! Grabbing her phone, she snapped a few quick photos and sent them to Callie.
This is what 5 hours with Calliope Torres gets you? : p – AZ
The shower definitely helped Arizona's sore muscles and as she walked out into the kitchen she smiled at the sight before her. Her whole family was already sitting down to eat. Fresh flowers were placed in the middle of the table and a chocolate donut sat at Arizona's place setting. Her family was engaged in conversation and as she approached, they all seemed to go quiet.
"Um..Good Morning?" Arizona questioned.
That is when she noticed the tears in her mom's eyes. "Mama, what's wrong?" Arizona questioned.
"I am just so proud of you Arizona." Her mother croaked out. Barbara Robbins only got emotional about her children. Nothing else could shake her except her children. It was no surprise to Arizona this was the greeting she got this morning.
"No need to cry. I could completely blow it today, then you can cry." Arizona tried to joke.
"Oh hush. You are going to do great AZ! Me and you got this!" Tim excitedly stated.
Arizona laughed at her brother and hugged her mother. "I just want to take a quick second to thank you all. Mama, Dad thank you for making the trip down here to watch. It means the world to have you hear. Not to mention you keeping us so well-fed Mama. Teds…you got me in this tournament because you believed in me. I will never be able to say thank you enough for that. We all know you have earned a raise. Finally, Timmy. You and I have had our sights on this from the beginning. There is no one else I could do this with. Thank you for believing in me and always pushing me to do better. Whatever happens today, I am happy. I am so grateful to have you all and I love you all so much." Arizona ended her little speech with a smile and sat down to enjoy breakfast with her family.
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Walking onto the course with Tim as they always did, Arizona stopped and just took in the surroundings. It was the calm before the storm. The fans were filtering in and the other golfers were getting situated. Today was going to be a marathon. She was however so grateful they were starting as early as they were. Hopefully she would be done before the heat came and caused issues. It was supposed to be 98 degrees at noon. No one wanted to golf in that. Callie had given her some cooling towels last night that she swore by. She put them in her golf bag on the way out and would be sure to use them if she needed them. Her girlfriend insisting that she trust her because she was "a seasoned Miami veteran". That woman was really something else.
The same concept as last time applied today. The golfers would be paired based on standings. Today, Arizona was golfing with Jackson Avery. She liked Jackson from the brief interactions she had experienced so far. Anything was better than last round. Noticing that George O'Malley and Preston Burke were paired together seemed somewhat poetic. The two worst people here were playing together. How incredibly fitting.
As Arizona approached the other group of golfers she was met with friendly hellos and well wishes, which she sincerely returned. Just as everyone was getting ready to break off into pairs, George and Preston approached the group.
"Hello everyone. Hope all you gentlemen have a successful round today." Burke smiled. Arizona knew the gentlemen comment was intentional.
"Yeah, gentlemen have a great round. Hopefully no one falls victim to any distractions due to their pairings." George stated looking directly at Arizona.
"O'Malley…you are the one who put your hands on a fellow golfer yesterday. You do realize the only reason your ass is still in this tournament is because Arizona specifically asked them not to kick your worthless self out?" Alex Karev spoke up.
"I am sure she did quite the opposite Karev. Anything she needs to do to get to the top, remember?"
"Tell him Arizona. Tell him you told the PGA not to suspend him the rest of the season." Alex looked to Arizona.
While it was true, she spoke with Carlos Torres on the way to Callie's and she was specifically asked what she wanted to do. Arizona wanted to beat George on the course. She said to leave him in but penalize him by donating any prize money he wins to a LGBTQ charity. A stipulation George had to agree with to avoid suspension.
"I am going to let my game speak for itself. I don't need to explain anything because everyone here knows what George did yesterday. So, if it is all the same to you guys, I don't want to waste my breath on him. I hope most of you have a great outing today. May the best man or woman win." She smiled and walked away.
Arizona knew she handled the situation the right way but when the 6 other golfers left George and Preston to stand there by themselves she knew she had earned their respect. Smiling to herself, she walked up to her brother who looked to be deep in thought.
"Hey Timmy, you ready?"
Looking up at her he smiled "You bet your ass I am. Lets do this AZ. I know you can win this thing."
"Duh" Arizona joked.
"You never were one to be humble." He put his arm around her, and they walked to the first hole.
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The first two holes had been really good to Arizona. Jackson was a great laid-back partner. Playful banter here and there kept the mood light. She had birdied both holes with ease and was starting to find her groove. Because all 10 of the golfers started at around the same time something, she did not agree with, but she understood. Jackson was currently preparing to tee of on the third hole. Behind them stood Burke and O'Malley. They teed off about 10 minutes after Jackson and Arizona. She was looking over some course notes with Tim when she heard them come up behind her.
"Two birdies. Not bad Robbins." George commented. She felt Tim's body stiffen.
"I highly suggest you back up O'Malley. You will not be withing 10 feet of my sister while I am around, is that understood?" Tim forcefully stated.
Clearly George was all talk because he promptly turned around and walked away. Burke seemed to be a bit bolder. "I don't know what you did to him, but he is scared of you. I have to say I am impressed." Burke joked turning to join George.
"I really hate those guys Arizona." Tim scoffed.
"You and me both. But don't let them get to you. In the end, I got the girl and we are going to win this tournament."
She walked up to the tee and set her ball up. Gripping her driver, she looked around to see what the wind was currently doing and where she wanted to go with this drive. This hole was about 400 yards, give or take. Arizona felt no breeze and just pure humidity. The air was thick, so she needed a bit more force for her drive. Squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath, she pulled her driver back and swung through perfectly rotating her hips to get the most umph behind her shot. As she connected with the ball, she felt her favorite feeling, the crispness that comes with a clean follow through. She watched as her ball soared thought he air, the applause from the crowd promptly following. It was a near perfect drive.
She walked up to Tim and handed him the driver. He just smiled at her and they started their walk to Arizona's ball with Jackson and his caddy not to far ahead of them. She had driven the ball about 270 yards, meaning she had the potential to birdie this hole as well. She took the offered 5 iron from Tim and waited for Jackson to proceed. She watched as Jackson swung at his ball that was about 20 yards ahead of her. He seemed to not get a good enough piece of the ball because it shanked to the left and ended up in the bunker to the left of the hole. Feeling slightly bad for him, she stepped up to her own ball. Setting herself carefully she took a few practice swings. Every hole mattered today. If she could birdie this one too, she would be in a really good spot. Stepping up to her ball she pulled back and swung through. She got under the ball perfectly and watched as it soared onto the green. As she watched the ball roll, she went to hand the club back to Tim, but his face was unreadable. She turned around to see what he was looking at but before she could fully turn around, she heard the crowd explode. She watched as her ball rolled into the hole. . She pumped her fists high in the air.
"Eagle baby!" Tim screamed.
"You bet your ass. I was not expecting that. It felt good, but holy shit!" Arizona laughed.
They walked towards the hole and she was met with roars of cheers from the fans. Looking into the crowd she saw her father shaking his head and laughing. Her mother jumping up and down with joy. She waved at them and gave the crowd some love as well. What she didn't expect to see near the hole were a tall beautiful brunette and an almost carbon copy of her. Arizona couldn't help the blinding smile that came across her face at the sight of Callie and Sofia. She had not expected them to make it today. Callie had briefly mentioned a brunch at her father's so that is where Arizona expected her to be. When she looked over at her two favorite girls Sofia was jumping up and down.
Jackson still had to finish, and he currently was assessing his shot from the bunker, so Arizona walked over to Callie and Sofia, signaling to Sofia that she had to be quiet since Jackson was still playing. She gave Callie a quick kiss and bent down to give Sofia a hug.
"You got it in the hole from so far away!" Sofia excitedly whispered in Arizona's ear.
"I know. I was surprised. You must be my good luck charm, along with this bracelet." Arizona whispered back. Sofia looked up at Callie like a kid in the candy store. Arizona heard the crowd clapping signaling that Jackson had taken his shot.
Arizona knew she had to get going to the next hole but having Callie and Sofia made it hard to move on.
"I have to head to the next hole okay. Thank you both for coming out. I am good to go now; my girls are here." She winked and walked away.
Tim was smiling a smug smile when she walked up to him. "You got it baddddd Robbins." He joked.
"You have no idea, Tim." She seriously answered.
Jackson ended up bogeying the third hole, so he was much less talkative. A bogey today was basically a death sentence. He did congratulate Arizona on her eagle, which said a lot about the type of person he was.
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Hole 9
Arizona was already 8 under par for the day and she was only on the 9th hole. She was on fire and everyone knew it. The crowd had started to cluster around the holes she was playing. That usually meant one thing, but Arizona refused to look. Historically the bigger crowds formed around the leader. But again, she wouldn't go there, and Tim knew better than to say anything. He was being awfully quiet though. The heat was starting to kick up and Arizona was ready to finish this hole. She would get a brief break to change out of her sweat soaked shirt and see what these cooling towels Callie had given her were all about.
Arizona had driven the ball 200 yards on this hole and was currently waiting for Jackson to finish his putt. She had the potential to birdie this hole too, but the greens on this hole were a bitch. This hole was 100% shaded. So, the sun didn't do anything to dry these from the rainstorm earlier in the week. She watched as Jackson's putt moved very slow towards the hole, stopping right before it fell in. This would be the second hole that Jackson bogeyed today, he was basically done.
Arizona approached her ball and proceeded to feel how wet the green was. This was going to be interesting. She assessed the terrain and saw that there was a tiny hill a little bit to the right of the hole. Wondering if she hit it towards that hill, if the hill would give her ball the speed it needed to reach the hole. She called Tim over to get his opinion. Laying out her plan to her caddy she waited for him to see what she was seeing.
"No. Don't do that." He blankly stated.
"Um, care to explain?" She said, slightly annoyed.
"I see why you want to do that but all the stock you are putting in it going downhill, you are forgetting he risk of trying to get something to up hill on this shitty green." He stated.
Arizona disagreed. Strongly disagreed. She could hit it harder than she would normally and get it up the hill and have the momentum take it. She hated disagreeing with Tim, especially when he was this confident about his decision, but her gut was telling her how to play this.
"I am going to do it Timmy. Any tips?"
Rolling his eyes, he just shook his head. "Whatever you say boss. My advice is to hit it hard but pray it doesn't bounce." He handed her the putter and walked away.
Arizona walked up to her ball and angled her club a tad to the right. She pulled back much further than she normally would for a putt this distance and followed through. She watched as her ball quickly headed towards the hill. Holding her breath as it seemed the ball was not going to slow down, she watched as it heat a particularly wet patch and immediately slowed. It barley made it up the hill she was aiming at, but it crept up the hill and just over the tip. The ball began to roll directly at the hole, and it fell in with a *pop*. Again, the crowd went wild. She looked over at time who was just shaking his head with a smirk on his face. She walked over to him and winked handing him her putter.
"You just can't seem to be stopped today." He smiled. He was proud of his sister that was for damn sure.
"Well, my caddy basically drove the workings of this course into my head over the last two weeks. That paired with my gorgeous good luck charms over there. I am feeling it today." She walked back towards the 9th hole tee box to head towards the bathroom. Her replacement pink polo and cooling towels in hand.
"Seems this is a family affair today." She heard Preston Burke comment as she walked by.
"Excuse me?" Arizona responded, genuinely confused.
"The whole family is here. Wife and kid too." He chuckled. Arizona watched as his eyes went to where Callie and Sofia were standing, Callie chatting with some random fan. Her ability to befriend anyone was truly something.
"Don't even look at them, Burke. How about you worry about yourself and I worry about me." Arizona had never felt the feeling she had wash over her. It was protectiveness on steroids. The idea Burke was looking at and commenting about Callie and Sofia had Arizona's blood boiling.
" . No need to lose your cool Ms. Robbins. It was only an observation." Burke walked away laughing.
Arizona didn't know why she let Burke and O'Malley get to her. She just genuinely didn't trust them. She had her reasons obviously, but she hated those two and she needed to keep her distance.
Walking into the women's room she took off her saturated polo and chucked it over the stall. She heard the door close and the sound of her favorite little laugh ringing off the walls. Pulling her new polo over her head she quickly opened the door.
"Funny seeing you here." She joked.
"Arizona!" Sofia ran up to her and wrapped her in a huge hug.
"Hey lady, potty break? Make sure you are drinking enough water today. It is hot out there." Arizona stated returning Sofia's hug.
"It is barley that hot out Arizona. This is normal weather." She heard Callie joke.
"Yeah, yeah. Seasoned Miami veteran, I know." Arizona rolled her eyes. Sofia walked around Arizona and into one of the stalls to take care of business. As soon as the stall closed Arizona felt herself pressed up against the cold tile. The beautiful body pressed against her and the cool tile at her back was pure bliss. She felt Callie's lips on hers and grabbed the Latina's face kissing her back deeply.
"You are kicking butt out there." Callie whispered her lips hoovering over Arizona's.
"Well I told you, I have my good luck charms here today." Arizona whispered back. She grabbed Callie's hips and pulled her towards her, kissing her deeply again. Just as the kiss was heating up they heard the toilet flush, signaling that their 1 on 1 time was now over.
Exiting the bathroom hand in hand Arizona walked with the both of them to the 10th hole and was about to say her goodbyes when her parents approached them.
"Bug you are kicking ass!" Her Dad very uncharacteristically exclaimed.
"Dad!" She shot him a look and then tipped her head towards Sofia.
"Oh. I am so sorry Callie." Daniel cleared his throat.
"Trust me, she has heard worse. No worries Daniel." Callie responded.
"Mama, Dad you already know Calliope. I would like to introduce you to my very best friend, Sofia Torres. Calliope's daughter." Arizona winked at Sofia.
"Well hello Sofia. It is a pleasure to meet you!" Barbara exclaimed.
"It is nice to meet you too." Sofia politely stuck out her hand to shake both Barbara and Daniel's hand.
"Fantastic matters Ms. Sofia. You must have quite the Mother." He winked at Callie.
"Alright guys, I have to go. Feel free to hang out and do whatever. I have 9 more holes to go. See you all at the end of this!" Arizona said her goodbyes and headed back towards Tim.
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Hole 15
Arizona was starting to get antsy. Including this 15th hole, she had 4 holes left to make her final stand. She was well aware that she was golfing particularly well today. She had a shot to win this, she felt it in her bones. Hearing a few screams and expletives ahead of her and behind her made it clear a few other people were not fairing the same. Arizona and Tim both agreed they would look at the scoreboard on the 17th hole today, instead of the 18th. That was Arizona would know if she was close, and what she needed to do in order to win.
Arizona squared up to drive the ball and pulled back, as she put all her strength into driving through the ball, she felt a pinch in her back. She watched as her drive took a sharp hook to the left landing her in a patch of trees. Shit. Her hand immediately flew to her back and she steadied herself to breathe through the pain. Arizona slowly turned around and handed her driver to Tim. The smug faces of George O'Malley and Preston Burke were the first thing she saw. It was clear as day Arizona had tweaked her back on that swing and the silent crowd indicated that everyone knew it. Tim rushed to her and she could see the concern evident on his face.
"Talk to me Arizona. What just happened?"
"My b-back." She mumbled in pain.
"Shit. Try to walk, see how bad it is."
Arizona took a few tentative steps. Every time her foot hit the ground pain shot up her back.
"I tweaked it Timmy. I can't swing like this." Arizona was on the verge of tears. She couldn't lose this, not because of her back.
"Okay, let's get you to the medical tent and see if they can give you a quick steroid and pain shot. We get a 20 min injury break if we need it. You have to finish this hole though…"
The finals rules were that if you were injured, you have to complete the hole and then get medical attention. While no one agreed to it, it was their current reality. Arizona very slowly walked toward her ball, wincing with every step. She had no idea how she was going to do this. She looked over to the crowd and noticed Callie urgently speaking into a walkie talkie. Arizona was silently praying that Callie was calling for a golf cart to take Arizona to the tent after this hole.
As they approached Arizona's ball to add insult to injury, Arizona had to climb a few hills to get to it. Tim basically carried her the whole way up the hills. She was not going to be able to get this shot off. No way in hell. Arizona looked over at Sofia who was staring at her with so much concern, she looked like she was going to cry. Arizona gave Sofia a wink and took a deep breath. She squared her shoulders pulled back and swung her iron with every ounce of power she had left in her body. The pain that shot through her back literally took her breath away and brought her to her knees. She didn't even see where the ball ended up.
Fighting back tears Arizona, with the help of Timmy, stood up and walked towards her ball. The audience's cheers paired with the fact with her back and legs were not basically numb were what got Arizona to her ball, which had thankfully ended up on the green. Taking one more deep breath she stepped up to the ball with her putter. Praying to whatever God was out there she took her putter, without even assessing the green, pulled back, and hit the ball towards the hole. The ball rolled until it landed about 6 inches shy from the hole. Arizona promptly walked up to the ball and hit it in, finishing this hole from hell. Leaning down to get her ball out of the hill she stopped as the worst pain of her life shot through her legs and back. Looking over at Tim with pleading eyes he dropped her bag and ran over to help. Before she could even blink, he had her in his arms, carrying her to the golf cart she was sure her girlfriend had called for her.
The PGA official approached them letting them know that her 20 minutes started the second she got to the medical tent. She didn't even notice the fact Callie, Sofia, and her parents were following behind them in another cart. As soon as she was out of prying eyes and cameras, she let the tears begin to fall. Tim was flying in the golf cart not even paying attention to anything around him. As Arizona closed her eyes and leaned her head back, she knew she was going to have to withdraw. She couldn't play through this. No way in hell. That last hole took every ounce of strength she had. Her body was shaking between the pain and the tears. As they basically flew up to the medical tent Tim grabbed her and ran her into the tent. Thankfully no one else was currently there. Just then a sandy blonde-haired doctor walked towards them.
"What is going on here?" The doctor asked.
"Who are you and what are your credentials?" The voice of her girlfriend rang out.
Laying back onto the table Arizona felt like someone was sticking needles into her back and her legs.
"Dr. Meredith Grey, head PGA doctor. Dartmouth medical school finished top of my class. Who are you….?"
"A-as much as I am lov-ving these introductions. I have 20 minutes. So s-s-someone please give me some fucking drugs!" Arizona yelled.
She watched as Sofia stepped behind Callie's legs. Clearly her outburst had scared her.
"Sof. I am sorry sweetie. I am just in a-ahhhh a lot of pain right now. Callie, take her out of here. She doesn't need to see or hear this." Arizona looked up at Callie, basically pleading. Callie leaned down to give Arizona a brief kiss looking like leaving was the last thing she wanted to do.
"Callie dear, let me take Sofia. You stay with Arizona. We will be right outside." Barbara Robbins whispered. She couldn't watch her daughter in pain like this.
"Thank you, Barbara." Callie sincerely thanked her.
"Okay, so tell me what is going on." Dr. Grey chimed in.
Tim explained Arizona's whole history including the accident, surgeries, everything he could think of. All while Callie sat at Arizona's bedside playing with her hair the way she knew the blonde loved. Tears were streaming down Arizona's face at the thought of having to withdraw from the tournament. Callie whispered love and encouragement the whole time.
"I really would like to get some imaging done so I know what is happening." As Arizona was about to interrupt her to objection Dr. Grey put her hand up. "Buuuuut I know we only have 15 minutes left so I am going to do a steroid shot and then a shot for the pain. Nothing drastic but it should be enough to get you through." Dr. Grey stated.
"Can she have a pain shot…? Don't they drug test the golfers?" Callie asked.
"She can if I give her a note for it. I normally wouldn't, but my husband can't stop talking about you and how talented you are." Dr. Grey winked at her.
"Wait, who is your husband?" Arizona asked.
"Derek Shepard." She smiled and walked to get the medication.
The next 10 minutes passed in a blur. Arizona winced as two huge needles were stuck in her back. Callie, Tim, and her father never leaving her side.
"Now, these are going to take a few minutes to kick in. I assume Jackson finished the last hole better than you, so by the time you get back and are ready to hit I expect you should be okay. Arizona…. this is going to hurt like a bitch tonight. I want you to come see me tomorrow so we can take some imagines and make sure there is no further damage."
Arizona thanked Dr. Grey and the group headed back to the golf cart. She could already feel the medication starting to kick in. What was shooting pain before was already starting to feel manageable. They had 6 minutes to get her to the 16th hole tee box. Saying a quick goodbye to her group she hopped in the golf cart and Tim floored it back towards the course.
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Hole 16
As Tim and Arizona basically slid into the hole the PGA representative gave her a brief smile.
"Just in time Ms. Robbins" He tipped his hat and walked away.
Jackson approached and ensured she was okay prior to taking his shot. Arizona noticed how Jackson seemed to have taken his time setting up his shot and pretending to read the nonexistent wind. She knew he was doing it to give her medication time to kick in a bit more. Something she would need to thank him for later.
When it was finally her turn the dull pain had turned into basic numbness. Not so much where she couldn't feel what she was doing, but enough to get her though. Tim was kind enough to tee up her ball and hand her the driver. He really was the best caddy and brother.
Arizona stepped up to her ball and took a few practice swings, making sure her back was loose enough to actually do this. Feeling sufficiently drugged and stretched she was ready. She pulled back and with all the power she had in her hips drove through the ball sending it flying, perfectly straight, down the fairway. Smiling to herself, she noted she would have to give Derek Shepard a special thank you as well. The crowd exploded, happy that the golfer they were pulling for was back in action!
Arizona walked to her ball a bit slower than she normally would, but she felt good enough to get there on her own. As she stepped up to her ball, she grabbed the iron from Tim without even looking to see what it was. At this point, she was blindly letting Tim lead her. She again chose to take a few practice swings since her iron swing is completely different from her drive. Feeling okay she stepped up to her ball. This particular hole he knew she needed to get under this shot a little more. Swinging through her backswing she watched as she perfectly got under the shot, sending it flying towards the green. The crowd erupting in cheers again. The adrenaline she was feeling as she fed off the crowd was like hitting a whole different drug. She even saw Alex Karev standing at the side cheering for her. She shot him a wink which he returned. He must be done for the day if he was watching her.
Again, gingerly walking towards the green she took the putter from Tim. She walked around the hole and assessed the terrain. Doing so to give herself some time to shake off the last shot and to assess the situation. As she walked up to her putt she heard the PGA official call time.
"What is going on?" Jackson asked.
"There has been a delay of play complaint against Ms. Robbins." The PGA official hesitantly informed them.
"Delay of play?! Who the hell complained? She is moving right along. I have taken longer on this hole then she has!" Jackson was now yelling.
"Avery, do you really not know who did it?" Alex responded.
"This is just a warning Ms. Robbins. Keep doing what you are doing, and it will be alright." The PGA official tried to calm them all down.
Walking up to finish her putt, she quickly drew her club back and tapped the ball. She watched as it gained momentum going over a bump and rolled right into the hole. Birdie.
"Made up for that terrible last hole, huh sis?" Tim joked.
"Yeah, my first bogey of the day. But in my defense, my back was about to snap in half"
"Always soooo dramatic." Tim winked at her as he bent down to get her ball out of the hole.
Hole 17
Arizona and Jackson walked up to the 17th hole. After a rather long TV commercial break in play Burke and O'Malley approached them having just finished the 16th.
"Glad to see you guys sped it up. Can't take all day can we?" Burke joked.
"You know what. I am done. You all are just pissed that she is whooping your ass! Never thought a woman would be in second place after 16 holes!" Jackson got in Burke and O'Malley's face.
Arizona didn't even have time to process the fact Jackson Avery was about to fight the other two golfers.
"..s-second?" She looked at Tim
"You have been for the last 3 holes sis. Finish this." Tim hugged her.
Sure, enough looking at the scoreboard, Arizona saw she had a 2-stroke lead. Over the rest of the field. The only person who currently sat ahead of her was Preston Burke. He was only one stroke ahead of Arizona. If she could birdie at least one of the last two holes it was very possible she would win.
As she walked away from the crowd she took a deep breath. She found herself fidgeting with the bracelet from Sofia on her wrist. As she looked down at the bracelet she couldn't help but smile. She looked over at the crown and immediately found her girlfriend. Looking at that mega watt smile she returned the same. She watched as Callie mouthed 'I love you' and blew her a kiss. Looking at Sofia who was wearing a matching polo, she was immediately calm. At the end of the day, first or second place, she had those two and her family.
Arizona drove her ball straight onto the fairway. A good chip and a clean putt would get her that birdie she so desperately needed. She watched as Jackson proceeded to eagle the whole. She couldn't help her loud cheer for him when he sunk his putt. He looked at her and winked. She grabbed her iron and gently chipped the ball up onto the green, watching as it rolled towards the hole. This green was super patchy and rough. Arizona was not exactly sure what happened to it, but it was not good. Taking her putter from Tim she measured that she was about 20 feet from the hole. Pulling back and letting it roll she hit her ball and watched as it charged towards the hole. Every bump and divet in the green slowing it down just a little. It stopped right at the hole and everyone fell silent. Come on, come on. Just as she was about to turn around, she heard her favorite sound *clink* the ball rolled over the lip of the hole and landed perfectly. Birdie.
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Hole 18
This was it. The culmination of a crazy few weeks. Arizona was trying her best not to look behind her as Burke was playing hole 17. She needed to know what she needed to do to win. Taking a deep breath, she turned her attention to Jackson's ball flying through the air. Damn, nice drive.
When it was her turn to drive the ball, she stepped up to her teed-up ball and took a deep breath. She centered herself and took a second to reflect. The last 2 weeks have been amazing. She had golfed so well, spent time with her family, and fell in love. This one hole did not define her time here. She was proud and she was going to win this.
Arizona hit the crispest and cleanest drive of her life and watched it barrel straight towards the green. Hearing the crowd cheer specifically the signature whistle that came from her Dad had her walking on cloud nine towards her ball. She was on the green. The 18th was a par 3, which was a tad unconventional but that was The Calliope for you. The course and hotel were just as quirky as her very own Calliope.
Jackson pared the hole finishing off strong after a pretty rough initial few holes. He walked up to her and gave her a hug, wishing her luck.
Arizona walked up to the green with her putter. This would be the longest putt of the weekend. If she could sink it, she could birdie this hole. That would put her dead even with Burke. If he didn't at least birdie one of the last two holes, she would win. She slowly approached the hole, circling it slowly to find any defect in the green that could impact her. Looking up at the scoreboard she saw that Burke had pared the 17th. If she sunk this putt and he didn't at least birdie this hole, it was over.
Stepping back up the hole she looked over at her supporters. Callie, Sofia, Mom, Dad, Teddy, and Tim who stood off to the side. They were all smiling at her. Sofia and Callie were tightly holding each other's hand. Centering herself she closed her eyes. Soaking in the last bit of this moment. She gently and methodically pulled her putter back, aiming slightly to the right she hit the ball…..
Rolling….rollling…..rolling…bump…..bump…..
She closed her eyes she could watch. Holding her breath, she waited for what felt like an eternity.
*CLINK*
The applause that followed was deafening.
"YESSSSSSSSSSS!" She heard Tim scream. Her parents. Callie, Sofia, and Teddy were all jumping up and down. The crowd was losing its mind. She took her hat off and waived at them, mouthing 'thank you' over and over again.
Now was the time they were all waiting for. Arizona, along with Tim stood near the scoreboard and watched as O'Malley and Burke played the 18th hole. George was currently navigating a bunker which made Arizona chuckle. But Burke currently stood on the green waiting for George. He had hit a hell of a drive and had a real potential to birdie this hole. Finally getting his crap today, George hit the ball out of the bunker, and it rolled right next to the hole. Tapping the ball in, George was able to finish the 18th hole with a par.
It all came down to this. Burke assessed the terrain just as Arizona had. He seemed to be confident in his shot because he didn't even walk fully around the hole. Stepping up to his ball he looked at Arizona and winked. Ass hole.
Burke pulled back and knocked his ball a bit harder than Arizona would have. Everyone stood silent as the ball rolled quickly towards the hole.
"I can't watch Timmy." Arizona buried her head into Tim's shoulder.
"You are watching this." He took his giant hand and turned her head towards the hole.
"It's going to fast." She heard Tim mumble. He was right…it wasn't slowing down.
Arizona watched as the ball was moving so quickly it bounced over the hole before coming to a stop on the other side.
"He missed." She whispered.
"He fucking missed." Tim yelled.
The whole crowed was losing their ever-loving mind. She watched as Burke snapped his driver over his leg and shouted a few choice expletives. She was frozen in place. Before she even knew what was happening Tim was pulling her into a hug.
Carlos Torres had grabbed a microphone and she was being ushered to the front of the course. It was all a blue.
Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of The Race, ARIZONA ROBBINS!
Arizona looked around and saw her Mom and Dad. They were embracing and crying. Callie and Sofia were hugging. Tim was kissing Teddy.
. She won…
"I won." She mumbled.
"Yes, you did, Ms. Robbins" Carlos whispered. "Congratulations dear. I knew you could do it."
Finally shaking herself out of her daze she took the trophy that was being handed to her and held it over her head. A giant dimple smile shining on her face. She waved her team over and handed the trophy to Tim to hold. She hugged her parents, whispering her thank you's and I love you's to them. The same for Teddy. She was now openly crying.
"Thank you for fighting for this Teds. Thank you for believing in me." She said through tears.
"I knew you could do it Arizona. I knew it. I love you." Teddy replied. Tim grabbed Teddy again and bear hugged her.
Arizona looked up and was met with tear filled brown eyes.
"I told you my girlfriend had this in the bag." Callie flirted. Wiping her tears away. Arizona grabbed her by the arms and crashed her lips into the perfect full red lips she loved so much. She kissed Callie with so much passion it took both of their breath away. Pulling back, she grabbed Callie's face and looked in her eyes.
"This tournament has been amazing, but meting you was the best part. I love you Calliope Torres."
"I love you too Arizona Robbins." Callie replied
Confetti was coming down from God only knows where. She felt little arms wrap around her legs hugging her fiercely.
"Sofia!" Arizona yelled. Lifting the little girl up and putting her on her shoulders, no matter how much her back was protesting. She had Sofia on her shoulders and her arm wrapped around Callie.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Arizona Robbins! Carlos Torres had surrendered the microphone to Hannah Storm from ESPN.
Arizona, congratulations. We are so happy for you. What do you have to say? You came in and made everyone know your name
"Well Hannah. I worked my butt off and I earned this. I need every little girl watching to know that you can compete with the boys. Not only compete, but win!" Arizona shouted.
You heard it here ladies and gentlemen. Arizona Robbins, previously the first woman to compete in a PGA tournament, now the first woman to win too! Congratulations Arizona!
"Thank you Hannah!"
What are your plans now?
"Well, I have accepted invitations to the last two PGA tournaments of the season. I am going to get my back checked out tomorrow. Then after that I am coming back to Miami to be with my girls." She smiled up at Sofia and leaned into kiss Callie's cheek.
Hannah just smiled at her and turned around to address the camera, wrapping up her segment.
"Your girls huh?" Callie whispered.
"My girls." Arizona smiled. Spinning with Sofia on her shoulders. She pulled Callie into one more show stopping kiss. Best two weeks ever!
A/N: There you have it. The tournament is over, Arizona is a champ, and she has her girls!