That text made Arizona gives her biggest smile. Amelia surely knew how to make Arizona feels head over heels, even if it was too soon. They both couldn't wait for Friday to come already. At her home, Arizona was putting Sofia in bed, and told the little one about her next trip.
"Sof, Mommy will go to Seattle this Friday, so you're staying the whole weekend with Mama, ok?" – Arizona told her.
"Again? You're going to Seattle a lot lately. Do you want to live there again?" – Sofia asked her.
"Well, Sof, you know how much I like it there, don't you? I really miss living there. But right now, it's just a work trip and soon I'll be back in here, ok?" – Arizona tried to calm her daughter.
"Ok, Mommy. I don't want you to go, but I know you don't like NY" – Sofia affirmed.
"Why do you say that?" – Arizona was intrigued.
"Because your eyes don't shine like they used to in Seattle. Even on the rainy days, you were happier back there" – Sofia said, a little sad.
"Baby, you know I don't lie to you, right? What you say is true, I was happier in Seattle because it felt like home to me. But there's something more important than the city I live on, and that is you. Wherever you are, it will be home to me. My place. So it doesn't matter if we live in Seattle, NY, or any other city. I want to be close to you." – Arizona was honest.
"Do you think Mama would go back to Seattle? We could all go back, then" – Sofia suggested.
"I don't know, honey. I think Mama wants to live in NY. Right now, what I want is for you to go to sleep because it's super late already. Tomorrow we can talk a little bit more, ok?" – Arizona said.
"Ok, Mommy. Good night" – Sofia obeyed.
"Good night, sweetie. I love you" – Arizona kissed her daughter's forehead.
"I love you too" – Sofia said and closed her eyes.
In her bed, Arizona was thinking about what Sofia had just said. She didn't think it was plausible to make this suggestion to Callie, but she couldn't help but wonder how it would be amazing to move back to Seattle, having Sofia and Callie around. Yes, she liked to live near Callie, because not only that makes Sofia happy, but also because it's good to know you have a village close to you that you can lean on. She fell asleep with that thought in mind.
When finally the Friday arrived, Amelia and Arizona were a little apprehensive about the date. Amelia couldn't figure out what to wear, and Arizona was having trouble thinking about where to go, if people from Grey Sloan would see and guess they were on a date, and if that would bother Amelia. No matter how many years goes by, the problems were always the same.
When Arizona landed in Seattle, she texted Amelia.
Just landed. I'm heading to the conference now. Do you have any place in mind for us to meet later? Does 8pm work for you? Let me know!
Reading that text, Amelia couldn't help but smile. Maybe Arizona was a little nervous, too, like Amelia was. That was cute.
I made reservations at a restaurant called Archipelago, in Hillman City. Is it too far? I thought it would be great to have more privacy, but I can find other options downtown!
Hillman City is perfect! Looking forward to see you.
The day passed by quickly for both women. Arizona had a busy schedule at the conference, and met many important doctors of her field, that could do a tremendous impact in her practice with Herman. Amelia performed two surgeries and was grateful that no trauma came in needing her. When her last surgery ended, she went home to shower and change her outfit, which was something new to her: she normally would change at the hospital and wouldn't really worry about choosing anything special. This time, though, she wanted to make it right, and to show Arizona how much she longed for this date.
Amelia arrived first at the restaurant and followed the waiter to their table. The atmosphere in there was amazing: calm, relaxing, romantic. Everything Amelia wanted. The waiter offered her the wine menu, but Amelia ordered just water instead.
Not too long after that, Arizona entered the place. She looked outstanding, with tailored white pants and a white long blazer, a black silk top and golden chain necklace. Her hair was down with soft curls and her makeup was highlighting her cheekbones. Amelia was in an awe.
"Oh, hi! I almost missed the entrance. What an amazing place!" – Arizona greeted Amelia, hugging her.
"I'm glad you liked! I hope you like the food, too" – Amelia said and they were both a little lost on whether they should kiss or not.
"You're stunning!" – Arizona said and pulled Amelia closer – "Come here, Dr. Shepherd"
The blonde kissed the neurosurgeon and immediately Amelia wished they could vanish from the restaurant to Arizona's hotel room. God, she really missed those lips.
They talked a lot about Arizona's conference, her plans with the practice for this semester and Amelia's plans for new studies, like the one she did with Parkinson.
"You could find some research in NY, you know?" – Arizona said.
"Are you serious or it's just a sex talk?" – Amelia joked.
"Both. I mean, there's a lot of investment on that field in NYC. And there's me. For sex, of course" – Arizona laughed.
"Well, it wouldn't be the worst, I must confess. But I have Scout and Link wouldn't let me take him away" – Amelia commented.
"I know. Bad timing for us" – Arizona smiled.
"So, did you tell anyone?" – Amelia asked, a little embarrassed.
"About what?" – Arizona asked back.
"Us. About today" – Amelia explained – "And the other night"
"Hm.. I told Herman. I'm sorry, I should've asked you first if it was ok. I just feel so lonely in NY, and Herman is kind of my closest person now"
"That's ok, really. I'm glad you did, actually" – Amelia smiled.
"Oh, thank God. I thought I've ruined our date" – Arizona confessed.
"You didn't. And what did she say about it?" – Amelia asked, curious.
"She laughed. And then she called me 'predator', of course" – Arizona answered, laughing.
"She hasn't changed a bit, has she?" – Amelia pointed, laughing too.
"She did not. But what about you? Did you tell anyone? Your sisters? Link?" – Arizona asked.
"I didn't. Not because I'm ashamed or whatever. I was just a little scared, maybe" – Amelia confessed.
"Scared? Of what? Of me? Did I scare you? Oh my God, am I a predator? I'm predator, Herman was right" – Arizona was practically talking to herself.
"Arizona, stop it!" – Amelia laughed – "Jesus, you talk really fast!" – Amelia exclaimed.
"Of course I do, I'm nervous!" – Arizona explained.
"I'm not scare of you, silly. I was scared of telling people and this actually never happens" – Amelia confessed.
"What do you mean?" – Arizona was confused.
"This. Us, dating. Like, I know it's complicated, you live across the country and I'm probably the last dating option on your list" – Amelia pointed.
"It is complicated because we live far away from each other, but do you really think you're the last one on my list? You're easily on my top 3!" – Arizona joked.
"Ha-ha! You're funny!" – Amelia frowned.
"I don't have a list, Amelia. You're the only one I'm dating and I'm happy to be here" – Arizona said, while looking inside Amelia's eyes.
"Well, when you put it like that makes me wanna leave this place and go to your room but you haven't invited me over yet" – Amelia said, caressing Arizona's hand.
"I didn't think I needed to invite you. It was clear to me that you're coming with me" – Arizona said, flirting heavily with Amelia.
"Excuse me, waiter. Can you bring us the check, please?" – Amelia quickly ordered, making Arizona smile.
After Amelia paid the check, not letting Arizona split with her, they walked towards the entrance door. Amelia was distracted, searching for her car keys inside her purse, and as soon as she looked up, already outside the restaurant, she was shocked and surprised.
"Hi."