AN: Thank you folks for sticking around even if I have been the total worst in updating.
Callie's POV
"What is it?," I ask straight to the point as I take my seat across Richard in the cafeteria. After barging in my office, I urged Richard to move this conversation to the cafeteria. Richard says it's somewhat important and should just be between the two of us, thus moving this meeting into a place where we can talk in private, kinda. Arizona volunteered to just leave, but I refused. We had set our meeting and tutoring session days before, and I would not bail out on her or set her aside just because someone wanted an impromptu forum.
"We have to stay married," Richard begins, and I immediately interrupt him.
"What the hell, we're already divorced Richard, there had already been a dissolution of our marriage. So what you're….,", set off in a tirade.
"Wait wait, just listen okay…. Let me finish," Richard interrupts.
"We just have to stay married in the eyes of the public," he finishes.
"Huh? What do you mean?," I ask confused.
"We're right at the peak of our careers Callie, and your technology in partnership with our company is right at the spotlight of the medical community. We have developed drug innovations that go perfectly alongside your cartilage. This is the most success this company had since it even began, and our divorce might look like a dissolution of our business partnership as well to the eyes of investors and interested parties. This might just put a damper to our momentum," Richard explains.
We have amicably settled our divorce without any hiccup in dividing our properties, custody agreements and even ownership of the company. Richard had no problem granting my requests when it came to the divorce and custody of Sofia, and his requests were all reasonable as well. This however, I didn't see coming.
"That sounds crazy and absurd Richard. I believe we have both established ourselves individually, you as a business tycoon and me as a doctor and medical researcher, that our marriage or its status are totally irrelevant to our success in the company and in our careers," I say. I can see Richard can hear the slightly annoyed tone in my voice.
"I know Callie, but I wouldn't put you in this difficult position if I don't see it as a necessity. I know you and I can still function as well as we did when we were still married. I even thought at some point that we were better as business partners than we were husband and wife, but people from the outside looking in don't know that. From their perspective we're an empire that is crumbling in its foundation," Richard explains.
"I don't know Richard. It will just make this supposedly smooth divorce complicated and exhausting, and it might cause confusion to Sofia. The divorce is already confusing to her as it is," I say exasperatedly.
"We don't have to stay in the same house Callie. Everything stays as it was agreed upon in the divorce. We simply don't make it public. I mean, our friends and family could know, just not the press and business partners. You know how savage the press could be, they will definitely blow this out of proportion," Richard says.
There, my ex-husband in his power shirt, sleek dirty blonde hair, his stoic and serious demeanor, sitting in front of me with his legs crossed, his head held up high looking around the cafeteria, asking me to pretend that we're still together in the eyes of the public like it's just another business matter. A part of me kind of understands, but a part of me is also fuming mad. It's not a simple as he states it to be, especially to me now that I'm serious in pursuing Arizona.
"What you're asking from me is not easy Richard. I have a life outside of this business and my job, and being dishonest to people even mere acquaintances and colleagues is difficult. And how do you think my parents and friends would react if we are portrayed in TV or print as still married?," I question with my voice raising a little. People are already starting to look. Being a famous couple in the medical world sure has its downsides especially in a cafeteria full of medical professionals. There's really something about the medical world and the love of gossip.
"You also have huge stakes at this Callie. Just give it a couple of months, once we've sunk our teeth into the market and investors then we can make this divorce public," Richard replies calmly.
"I'll think about it," was all I was able to reply before I had to go up and leave.
I walk briskly back to my office, still slightly flustered at what Richard and I had discussed. Before I open my office door, I take several deep breaths. I really don't want Arizona to be alarmed.
"Hey," Arizona greets with a small smile. I can see concern and a little bit of trepidation as she tries to analyze my face and body language as I make my way towards her.
I sit in front of her and I compose myself. I bet Arizona could see the struggle in my eyes. She takes both my hands in hers.
"Is everything okay?," she asks as she searches my eyes.
"Well, kind of," I say with a nervous laugh.
" It's okay, you can tell me anything," she says with a reassuring smile.
I let out a puff of air, then I just get on with it.
"So Richard thinks we have to not make our divorce public, or in other words fake that we're still married for the sake of the company. I know it totally sounds absurd, but somehow it does make sense," I tell Arizona.
"Are you okay with that?," she asks.
"I really don't know. At one point, it is my research that the company is pushing as of the moment. So whatever the outcome is, I will be directly affected by it. But it is also very complicated, it will complicate things for Sofia, and for us," I say in frustration as I bring my face to rest on my palms.
"Hey," Arizona coos as she takes a hold of one of my hands and raises my chin up so I could look at her.
"Do what you think is best for you, for your career, and for Sofia. Don't think about me, I understand," she says sincerity oozing out of her words.
"But we've only just started officially dating, and I said I was gonna woo you, and this is just another step back for us," I ramble, but I was cut short with Arizona's soft lips pressing against mine.
I feel my entire body relax as we move our lips tentatively against each other. We part slowly and we keep our foreheads resting against each other.
"Don't mind me. I know you are genuine with your intentions of pursuing this thing we have going on, and I have no intentions of running. I really do wanna try with us. I know our situation is complicated, and we can't exactly go date publicly immediately as well, so if you have to fix this first, then i'm okay with it," Arizona says reassuringly.
"Thank you for understanding. You really are amazing," I say slightly teary eyed a little bit from frustration with the situation and more from the absolute kindness Arizona is showing.
She flashes me her brilliant dimpled smile, and as if all the tension of the past hour went away.
"Okay, so what topic in Biochemistry are you having trouble with?," I ask trying to divert our attention to a slightly less dreary matter.
"Everything," Arizona says with a huff.
Arizona's POV
So here I am in my dorm, stalking Callie on Facebook.
A few days after she asked me if I am okay with her and Richard still acting as a married couple in public, they had to attend this charity family day for children with Spina Bifida. Callie was still hesitant at first, and she hasn't exactly agreed to Richard's request, but after a few days of contemplating, she eventually agreed. It was her foundation after all, the Torres Foundation, a non-profit charity organization for children with congenital orthopedic and connective tissue diseases. Business affiliates and investors of Sloan Pharmaceuticals constitute the primary financial supporters of the foundation, and it is just about to go big, so Calliope had to consider Richard's proposition.
So now, here I am, Arizona Robbins, a broke college student, stalking her famous, rich, world-renowned, rockstar surgeon girlfriend on Facebook.
Wait wait, girlfriend? What was I thinking? Does Callie think that we're girlfriends? I'm getting too ahead of myself yet again.
So I just pout some more, out of jealousy and confusion. Confused as to what Callie and I are, and jealousy at the photos and videos that are appearing on Calliope's timeline.
Currently, she's being tagged in hundreds of photos. It's sort of a family fun day, so most of the people are in their casual sports wear. I see photos of Callie posing with rich looking people in their sports wear, most of which resemble tennis outfits for women and golf outfits for men. Everyone has a sun visor and a pair of shades on. The children are even wearing the same outfits. Why can't they wear track pants or track shorts and shirts just like normal children do? And do they really have to pull their collars up? Seems like it's very uncomfortable once they play and roll around the ground as all kids do, that is if they do,
I see from the pictures especially of the candid shots of Callie that she's genuinely enjoying the event with her megawatt smile and all that, but what's really poking the green-eyed monster right now are the pictures of Callie and Richard together. I know it's all show, but it still stings seeing Richard be all lovey-dovey with my Calliope.
Okay, maybe not lovey-dovey, but there is this one picture of them two playing a relay where they both have to go through a mini obstacle course at the same time and Richard has taken a hold of Callie's hand.
Ugh….okay okay, the hand holding is part of the game, and I know they are supposed to do that, but it still annoys me honestly. I know I'm sounding totally crazy right now, and I don't even know if I am allowed to feel jealous cause I have no idea what Callie and I are, but sometimes I just lose a little bit of sensibility you know. After all, in Callie's world, I'm just a small insect among giants.
Or maybe it's the nerves. Callie has asked me out on our second date today, and she's picking me up in a few hours. I am not ready at all, I haven't even showered. What's even more nerve wracking is Callie is keeping mum about the date and is asking me to wear something nice. That's kind of vague really, what's nice for Callie who always looks smashing and prestigious may not be the same as nice for me. Probably the only thing I have right now that is close to nice is the dress I wore for my high school graduation. Next to that has got to be my prom dress.
Lucky for me, April from next door has lent me a cute little dress. Not too formal, yet not too casual. It's a navy one shoulder cocktail dress that surprisingly fits me perfectly. That and my nude 4 inch peeptoe pumps, and I'm good to go. I begrudgingly get up and drag my feet to the showers. I am excited and happy to be going on another date with Callie, I'm just nervous as to where this date is going to take place. I don't want to be caught off guard and be in a place I'm totally uncomfortable with or where I might make a fool of myself.
Callie's POV
I am spent. The family day earlier was really exhausting. It was a hot humid day and there were tons of activities and games that I had to be a part of since according to Richard we have to be in the stars of the event. What's more exhausting though was keeping the sharp and clean look despite the sweat and dirt clinging on to me, and keeping this fake façade of a happy marriage. Being hyperaware of when people are looking and what people might be thinking and saying is really really tiring. I'm just glad it's over with and I will be seeing my girl in just a few moments.
My girl, oh how I wish. We haven't really talked about being officially together or the possibility of it since we went to my childhood home, but I still stand by what I said that time, that she is free to be with whomever she wants even if it's not me. Even though my marriage is out of the way now, things are still complicated and I don't want to hold her back. But I still have my hopes up that we can have a serious relationship.
Arizona asked me to just wait in the car instead of going up her dorm, something about rowdy kids in the halls. I really didn't mind, I was in college not too long ago so I'm sued to it, and I kinda wanted to pick her up from her door, but I didn't want to impose if it makes her feel uncomfortable. So instead, I parked just in front of the entrance to her dorms and waited for her outside the car.
I decided to wear a simple short sleeved white dress that falls in my mid thigh. It has a Chinese collar with a teardrop opening just below where the collars meet. I tried going for a little conservative yet still kinda slutty look. Looking at the mirror earlier, wearing this dress with my black heels with red soles seemed like a perfect idea, but standing right now outside Arizona's building, I'm kind of regretting it. In contrast to the hot and humid day earlier, tonight is kind of windy and chilly. Goosebumps are erupting on my skin and I have to rub my arms with my hands to keep warm.
When I look up, I get more goosebumps, but it's not because of the cold anymore. I see Arizona, walking down the steps of her building towards me. Her golden locks, slightly curled, framing her perfectly made up face. She's donning a dark blue dress that fits her curves so perfectly. Her long immaculate delicious legs look more toned and slender with her nude colored heels. She sees me waiting for her, and maybe she's also noticed that I am outright ogling her. She flashes me her drop dead gorgeous dimpled smile, and I can't help but let my jaw hang loose until Arizona is standing in front of me. At that moment I'm just completely speechless.
"Calliope?," Arizona asks as she searches my face for some movement or response or whatever. It's her fault that I'm completely dumbfounded.
"Wow, you're beautiful," was all I could manage to croak out once I was snapped out of my stupor.
Arizona responds with a bashful giggle. She then steps closer and leans her head close to my ear, her hair tickling my neck, "You're quite ravishing yourself Dr Torres," then she punctuates her statement with a soft kiss on my cheek. I can already feel my entire body burn up with that brief contact. This woman is gonna be the death of me.
I proceed to open the passenger door of my SUV for Arizona to get this show on the road.
"Oh how chivalrous," she jests.
"Oh, just a small gesture for a beautiful lady," I banter back.
The ride to our destination was filled with comfortable silence. Longing glances were thrown here and there with some small talk about how our day went. I kinda noticed though that the fund raiser earlier today seems to hit a nerve with Arizona as she visibly stiffened when I mentioned it. I just don't wanna pry about it early on in the date, so instead of asking about it, I just reached out for Arizona's hand and I laced my fingers with hers, and thankfully she seemed to relax. We kept our hands tightly clasped together until we reached our destination after about an hour of travel.
We arrive in Hotel Isabella, the first ever hotel that my father built. The valet immediately approaches us, already recognizing my car, and two hotel staff opened each of our doors helping us disembark. I wait for Arizona to walk to my side of the car, and the moment we were side by side, I take her hand in mine. I can see the nerves in her eyes as she looks around at the multitude of hotel staff that are approaching us. I signal Anton, the general manager, that it is only him I want approaching us as to not overwhelm Arizona. He takes the cue, and signals for the other staff who were supposed to welcome us to go back to their posts.
"It is a pleasure Dr. Torres to have you again in Hotel Isabella, and Ms Arizona Robbins, welcome. I am Anton, the general manager of the hotel, and whatever it is you need, I will make it possible," Anton greets.
I give Arizona's hand a gentle squeeze and a reassuring smile before we proceed to follow Anton. We pass through the hotel lobby, the receptionists and bellhops whom I all recognize regard us as we pass through. He leads us through gigantic double doors into Tartufi, an Italian restaurant.
The restaurant is packed tonight, good thing I already asked for the best seat in the house. I was surprised that Arizona pulled her hand away from mine as she nervously looks at all the staff, waiters and waitresses giving us a small greeting. The diners also seem to turn their attention to us as they noticed that the staff are looking at us. This seems to put Arizona on edge more. Now I'm starting to question my decision of bringing her here.
Anton walks us through the entire restaurant and through another glass double doors with golden accents to the restaurant's balcony.
I had the entire balcony cleared off of tables except for one in the middle with a perfect view of the city. This hotel is perched atop a hill that is overlooking the entire city, so this view right here is one of the best restaurant views in town. I had the balcony closed, so it'll just be me, Arizona and our server. I had lanterns and candles providing ambient lighting, and a small set up of flowers atop the table. I'm just glad that the weather is cooperating as the previously gusty chill has ceased.
"Wow, Callie, it's beautiful," Arizona expresses in delight, and I'm relieved that she likes it. This date is not ruined after all.
I gesture for Arizona to take a seat as I pull out her chair for her.
"Thank you," Arizona says, and I take the seat opposite her.
"I hope you like it," I say earnestly as I reach for her hand across the table.
"It's amazing, how did you do it?," she asks.
"Oh, I'm sorry I forgot to mention, this hotel was the first hotel my father built, and the executive chef of Tartufi is a close friend of mine. So i've got dad and Meredith to thank for this," I explain.
"Ohhhh…that's why….," Arizona says as realization dawns on her.
Our server approaches our table. I order a good bottle of red wine, and the orders started to come in starting with the appetizers. Addison has prepared a six course meal for us, most of them my favorites, some are new creations not even included in the menu.
"I really wanted to bring you here cause this restaurant is my absolute favorite. I'm still a Latina at heart and I love Latin American comfort food, but the Italian food here hits close to home as well," I say.
"You see, when father built this hotel, it started out small. Like from an inn to a boutique hotel then eventually it grew into a 5-star hotel. So along with the growth of the hotel, this restaurant which started out as a café grew to what it is now, an award winning restaurant. We used to eat here all the time," I continue, reminiscent of memories of dining here with my family usually as a treat for special occasions.
"I'm glad you shared this with me," Arizona replies with a sincere smile.
"But I have to admit, this is really not my scene. I haven't been to a restaurant this fancy. I'm pretty sure this is just typical dining for you," Arizona adds with a hint of trepidation in her voice.
"I really couldn't care less about how fancy this restaurant is, I just wanted to bring you to the best seats in town eating the best Italian food for me," I reply.
"You're right, this is food is really good and the view is breathtaking," she says as she polishes off her 3rd dish, one of my favorites and one of the house specialties, truffle risotto.
"Can I ask you a question?," Arizona inquires after a few minutes of eating in silence.
"Go ahead," I reply.
"You weren't afraid to have people see us holding hands? I mean, I'm pretty sure a lot of the people here are some of the country's elite, and there might be talk of the Calliope Torres out with a cheap bimbo," Arizona rambles on but I immediately cut her off.
"You are not a cheap bimbo," I say sternly, and Arizona seems to have been taken by surprise by my sudden outburst.
"You really have no idea how stunningly amazing you are huh? Those people out there cannot hold a candle to your beauty. You're dazzling Arizona, and you look just as prestigious and even more graceful and elegant than those people in there. You are gorgeous, the best looking person in this entire restaurant and I am lucky to be the one on a date with you," I say sincerely.
"You're such a sweet talker," Arizona replies with a shy smile.
"Nope, you know me by now, I am brutally honest, and all I did was tell the truth. I don't care what those people think, they can talk all they want. This is my family's restaurant, and my family's hotel, Richard has already asked me to pretend we're still married in front of business partners. Here, in my turf, I'm not pretending anymore. As long as you're comfortable and okay with it," I say.
"Okay baby, I'm sorry for being so negative. I just didn't wanna cause a scene or make you feel uncomfortable," she says apologetically.
"No need to say sorry," I say smiling at her. "And 'baby' huh?," I tease with a grin.
"Gosh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so presumptuous, It just slipped off my tongue," Arizona replies shyly.
"No no, it's okay. I don't mind at all, I like it actually," I say as I reach across the table once again to entwine our fingers. As with my gesture, our server arrived to serve us our dessert. At his arrival, Arizona tried to pull her hand away from mine but I'm having none of it as I keep her hand firmly in place and I throw her a smirk.
"The entire staff knows that we are on a date, so no need to be shy babe," I declare.
"They do?," Arizona asks in shock.
"They do," I confirm with a smug grin. "Even Meredith knows, and don't be surprised if she tries to pop out. I did tell her that I don't want any interruptions, she can be too enthusiastic at times," I say with a chuckle.
After finishing our dessert, Arizona and I just decided to hang around, peering over the balcony onto the city below us. I've asked our server to give us our privacy, and it's just the two of us now. Arizona has her hands on the balustrade and I have my arms around her abdomen as I stand behind her while we're both looking out onto the view before us.
"This view is amazing," she says in awe.
"It's even more amazing with you here," I say as I drop a chaste kiss on her shoulder.
"I don't want this night to end," Arizona declares. She then turns her head to look into my eyes.
But before I can respond, we both hear the rattling of the doors separating the restaurant and the balcony area. With both Arizona and I startled at the sudden commotion, we jump apart. I have instructed the wait staff to not bother us until we go back inside, so I'm pretty annoyed right now. Ready to chastise whoever ruined the romantic atmosphere we've got going, I was surprised that it was not one of my staff who emerged from the restaurant, but Mr Everett of Everett holdings, one of our business partners and biggest investors. My eyes go wide, I was not counting on running in with anyone involved with work right now.
"Dr Torres!," the short balding man with white hair exclaims. He was followed by a flustered wait staff who appear to have followed him in an attempt to stop him from intruding, he's too late though. I just signal him that it's okay, and I plaster on a big fake smile.
"Mr. Everett," I greet through gritted teeth.
"I knew I saw you come in. What a lovely restaurant your family has here. It's my first time here actually, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations," he says giddily.
Mr Everett seems like a gentle happy old man, but being business partners with him, I know this guy is a shark. You can never be too careful around him.
"I have something very important to talk to you about," Mr Everett begins.
I interrupt him immediately and say in the most respectful voice I can muster ,"I'm sorry Mr Everett, can't this wait, I'm kind of in the middle of something here,".
"Oh, Callie, but this will just be quick, you know an old man like me, having this big epiphany one moment then it's all gone the next. I'm sure this, uhmm….. ," then his gaze shifts to Arizona, "who do you have here.," the old man inquires as he stares at Arizona next to me.
Now I'm caught off guard. I was too annoyed by the intrusion that I forgot to think on how I will introduce Arizona. If it were any other person, I would have easily declared her as my date, but this is one of our big investors and I had a deal with Richard. It's too late to explain that to Arizona now. Gosh, this date is just continuously going south.
"Uhm…this is Ms Arizona Robbins," I stammer out. Maybe if I remain vague, Mr Everett won't prod. I mean, men are like that right? Not as chatty and curious as women.
But I was so wrong.
"Ms Robbins, what a dashing young lady. She must be….your niece?," he asks inquisitively as he reaches for Arizonas hand and gives it a sloppy lingering kiss.
Now I was just a blabbering fool, confused on how to respond to his question and utterly dumbfounded by his obvious lustful interest with my Arizona.
"Uhm….uhmmm….," I start. Wanting to really tell him she's my date and for him to keep his grubby hands off of her.
"I'm Dr Torres's mentee and she's my mentor," Arizona replies with a smile. I really can't read what she's thinking right now, she could be smiling on the outside but seething on the inside. Earlier I was going on and on about how I don't care about people talking or knowing that we are dating, but now we're here stuck in this predicament and I can't even explain myself to her. She must think I'm full of bullshit.
"Well well, a future doctor too I presume, hopefully our paths will cross again soon," Mr Everett says with a lecherous grin directed towards my girl.
"I am looking forward to that," Arizona replies as she gently pulls her hand away from Mr Everett.
"But for now, I would have to go to the ladies room and I let you two here finish talking business," Arizona says, then she gives me a small smile and leaves.
"Arizona, wait," I call out after her. I was about to make a dash to follow her but Mr Everett, being a guy who's used to getting what he wants, takes a hold of my arm.
"Back to what I was saying before my train of thought was interrupted by that gorgeous mentee of yours," he begins.
Then he goes on about how he loved the hotel and restaurant and how he wants stakes in it. I keep on telling him it is still my father's hotel and he should be discussing this with him, but he just keeps going on and on and keeps on making offers. We had been talking for about 5 minutes now, and Arizona hasn't returned. I'm afraid she could have walked out. After having it seem like I was embarrassed to call her my date, and after not being able to defend her while this dirty old man was ogling her, she could be so pissed right now. This is definitely not how I hoped our date would turn out.
After a few more minutes and still no Arizona, I excused myself from Mr Everett, this time telling him that I really need to take a shit. That got him to shut up and finally let me go.
I practically jog to the restroom to look for Arizona, but the nearest restroom was empty. I walk briskly out of the restaurant, hoping I can still catch Arizona. If she's gonna go home she would have to call or wait for a cab.
Then I see her walking across the lobby, and I practically run to catch up to her.
"Arizona," I huff out as I tap her arm gently to let her know my presence once I caught up with her. She could be really angry right now, so I didn't want to jostle her.
She turns towards me and as soon as we're face to face, I start to apologize.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't expect to run into him here. He's one of our company's business partners, so I couldn't tell him we're on a date. But I really really wanted to, and I wanted to break his fat fingers when he touched you….," I ramble on but Arizona takes both of my hands in hers and tries to interrupt me.
"Calliope," she starts, but I keep on rambling on.
" I don't want you to think that I'm setting you aside or that I'm embarrassed of people seeing us together," I continue on.
"Calliope," Arizona exclaims loudly this time, so this gets me to finally stop rambling.
I finally shut up, and give myself a chance to catch my breath. I feel my entire body shaking, and I am so scared that Arizona might break it off even before we get the chance to really see where this can go.
"I got us a room," was all Arizona said.
Then I see Anton from behind the receptionist's desk giving me a wide smile.
"Oh," was all I could muster to say.
AN: I keep on giving up but I keep on going back to it. I guess I'm continuing now more for myself because I keep on having thoughts on how my stories should go and I can't get them out of my head until I write about them. And to be honest, I also lost interest in writing for a while because my favorite authors here have stopped writing. Finding the inspiration to write, and getting new ideas got a little more difficult, so writing became harder for me. But I will persevere, no matter how slow, just so I can finish my stories.
Thank you to those who are still sticking around.
AN2: So I have to make some changes. I'm sorry it's been so long since I wrote that I sometimes forget details the story. And as I tried to inject a minor character in this chapter, I have forgotten that I already have Addison as their OB in this story. So I am so sorry for the fatal error. Thank you for pointing it out DEEG1291 and thank you for the wonderful review.