A/N: Hey guys… so I know they both seem awkward as hell at this point but I really wanted to capture that nervy feeling you get in the beginning – because I think that happens to the best of us. I have no idea really how this story is going to unfold but I'm trying. Short chapter, so sorry!
Arizona's POV
The wait between 9:00 and 9:15 was nerve-wracking enough to make me want to light a cigarette. Only a few more minutes to go and I can call – although I should be at least two minutes fashionably late. Or else it seems like I have no life. Unless it seems like I can't keep an appointment… Shit.
I realize I've been peeling the label off my beer bottle for god knows how long, the little shredded pieces making a mess of my carpet. I've heard that beer label peeling is a sign of sexual frustration, and maybe that's true. Except that I pretty much had sex in a public train this morning.
But let's not get out of hand. I mean, I can't be the only person this has ever happened to. It's not like I broke the mold on stranger flirting. In fact, I've heard of this exact same thing happening before. On HBO. After hours.
Ugh.
I am a pediatric surgeon, which I think is something to keep in mind before I let my hormones get the best of me.
Okay, it's time. It's time. It's 9:15. When it turns 9:16 exactly I'll call. I'll have her number all ready, and all I'll have to do is hit send.
Shit, 9:16! 9:16! I fumble to hit send.
I hold my breath while it rings on the line. Except that now I can't breathe.
"Hello?" she says timidly. Timid? Well that's certainly a change from this morning.
"Hi!" I say in a rush of breath that is 50% nerves and 50% the result of oxygen deprivation.
"Hi," she said again, chuckling. A moment of silence. Is this awkward silence or comfortable silence?
She speaks:
"New York Pres, huh Dr. Robbins? That's pretty impressive."
"Ah, my business card. Well thank you. And what about you, Calliope…"
"Torres. I work at Mt. Sinai actually. I'm an orthopedic surgeon."
"Wow," I laughed. "What a small world. Of all the people to sidle up to on a crowded subway, and we share the same profession."
"Yeah… About that…"
"What, are you about to "punk" me or something?" I asked warily. "Cause if I was on candid camera I am gonna be pissed."
"Nooo," she laughed. "Nothing like that, I just… I wanted to apologize. I've never done anything like that before. I feel a little mortified actually."
"Please don't." And then, quietly, "I haven't felt that alive in a long time."
Callie was the one who spoke next.
"I'd really love to see you again."
And that was how our first real date was born into existence.