HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICOLE! X
Characters belong to Shonda. The rest is mine.
Chapter Nine
ARIZONA'S POV
Being here with Callie is kinda beautiful. We have just spent the last few hours holding each other and now she has headed to her venue to sound check for this evening. She has promised to make time for me on this tour, and so far, she is keeping her promise. My mind has been focused on her words from earlier this morning and I can't help but think what could have been had I not taken the job as editor. Sure, I enjoyed it when I had nothing else in my life, but that was a long time ago. At least, it feels like a lifetime ago. I'll always love being at the magazine, but things are different now. Everything has changed. I mean, how am I supposed to visit my wife during her next tour? I can't just pack up and leave for another assignment that I'm pretty sure doesn't even exist. We are not a music magazine and we never will be. I know Bailey is just trying to make things work, but why should I be the exception to the job? Other guys at the office have been lucky to just about get time from work for the birth of their children but I've been given a two-month assignment to be with my wife. Something about it just doesn't feel right to me. I don't want to be the talk of the office. I don't want to be the one that gets her own way. I'm supposed to be the boss.
Settled at the window seat, I look out at the busy Parisian streets. It's Friday night and I know that it's going to be one hell of a night for Callie. She's playing at one of the biggest venues in Europe and I couldn't be any more proud of her. I know how much she puts into her music...I just hope her fans appreciate how hard she works. I hope they understand that tour life and the musician life isn't what they all think it is. It's filled with sleepless nights and worn out days. It's filled with missing your people and spending months on end in hotel suites. To some, that may be the life for them, but I know Callie prefers to be at home. At home where she can relax and just be herself.
She knows I support her in everything that she does but right now, I have to concentrate on my own job. The job I'm here to do. I may not be entirely sure about Bailey and her reasons for sending me here, but I've been sent to do a particular job, and that is what I will do. Grabbing my cell from the bed, I send off a quick message before I prepare to head for the venue of choice for the evening.
How're things back at the office? Az x
Not bad. Sales are up on last months issue. Preparing next week's release. D x
Awesome. Anything new in the pipeline? Az x
Nope. Same old. Enjoy your trip with your wife. Keep in touch. D x
Nothing new? Okay, so either Bailey is lying about the reason I'm here or she hasn't briefed the rest of the team yet. I'm hoping it's the latter but something inside of me tells me that my old boss isn't telling me the truth. Dana has become a second me and she would know months in advance if anything new was being brought into the company. She has also become a really close friend to Callie and I and I know she would tell me if something wasn't right. Damn it. Why can't people just be honest with me? Bringing up my contact list, I hit a familiar number and wait for my call to connect.
"Robbins?"
"Hey, Bailey." I breathe out. "So, I'm headed to the first show tonight…"
"And?" I can hear her tapping away on her keyboard. "Are you going to check in with every new venue?"
"Well, no but what are you looking for?" I ask. "Where do you want me?"
"Oh, wherever you want." She replies, nonchalantly. "You know what you want to capture, just go with it."
"Okay, but you must have a particular set of images in mind, no?"
"Haven't really thought about it." She responds. "Whatever you think is best."
"This isn't an assignment is it?" I roll my eyes. "And before you tell me it is, I want the truth, Miranda."
"It is the truth, Arizona."
"Fine." I shrug. "So, I'll come home and work on what I want it to be and then I'll head back out to join Callie for the last month of her tour. You know, get an idea and a feel for what I want the issue to include."
"That's not necessary."
"When do we ever go in blind?" I furrow my brow. I know she is lying to me but I need her to admit it. "And how long are you going to keep this up for?"
"Keep what up?" She asks, her voice not as confident as it was minutes ago.
"This lie." I drop down on the edge of the bed. "I'd sooner just know the truth. I'm not bothered but I don't want to put my all into something that isn't going to come of anything."
"Arizona."
"No, Bailey. I want the truth or I'm coming home." I lie. There is no way I'm leaving my wife. "I already know my wife bribed you…"
"Damn it!" She hits her keyboard a little harder. "Why could your wife not keep her damn mouth shut?"
"Because she doesn't lie to me, Bailey." I smile to myself. "So, truth time…"
"Fine." She grumbles. "Do what you want. Think of this as an extended honeymoon. There is no assignment."
"Why didn't you just tell me from the beginning?"
"Because you would have refused to get on that plane." She admits. "We both know that." She's right, I would have refused. I still don't appreciate being lied to, though. If Callie had said she needed me with her, I'd have worked something out. I don't know what, but I'd have done something to make it easier for us both.
"Thank you for being honest with me." I run my fingers through my hair. "I should go. Callie is expecting me."
"Take care, Robbins." Ending the call, I know Miranda is mad at herself for telling me the truth but I needed to know. I had to know just how much work was required. Glancing over at my camera equipment, I shrug my jacket on and decide against taking it with me.
Heading to the venue now. See you soon. Zo x
I have a car waiting for you. I love you. C x
I love you, too…
I've been at the venue for a couple of hours now and honestly, I can't quite believe just how big it is. My wife is going to be playing to tens of thousands in an hour or so, and I'm not sure I can wait. I mean, she doesn't seem nervous, but I think I'm nervous enough for the both of us right now. My stomach hasn't settled since the moment I walked into the open air space. I mean, they host soccer tournaments here. They have the best of the best playing here. My wife is now being added to that list of sold-out stadium tours and I don't even know how to feel about it. I mean, this is huge. She is huge.
Catching sight of her as she exits the stage they have set up and are making final checks to, Callie approaches me and I close the distance between us. I haven't really had the chance to speak to her since I arrived. I was too engrossed in her voice as she checked everything is as it should be for her show. "Hey…" Pressing my lips to her own, I glance over her shoulder and find Steph watching us. She hasn't spoken to me yet but I'm kinda not surprised. The last encounter we shared involved me telling her exactly how this was going to go so I think she's just avoiding me. I can't blame her. I'd avoid me too.
"You make it here okay?" My wife asks as she wraps her arms around my waist, her body pressing against my own.
"I did." I smile. "Can't wait to see you perform."
"Meh." She shrugs. "It's nothing you haven't seen before."
"Still…it's been a while." I look up and take in the sight of the masses of seats for tonight. "This place is huge, Callie."
"Mmhmm…" She nods in agreement. "Nothing I can't handle, though." Throwing me a wink, she releases me from her grip and takes my hand in her own. "Come on, you may as well head backstage with me for a little while."
"Where is my area?" I ask, leaning into my wife's side. "I hope I have the best view."
"Of course, you do." She laughs. "You're at the front of the stage and nothing will be obstructing your view. You know, for your shots."
"Right, yeah." I clear my throat. "About that…"
"Is your equipment out back?"
"No, it's at the hotel." I give her an awkward smile. "I spoke to Bailey."
"And?" She furrows her brow.
"And I know there is no assignment, Calliope." Giving her a knowing look, she drops her gaze and I stop us close to the stage. "Hey, look at me." I curl my fingers under her chin as I turn to face her. "I'm not mad…"
"Promise?" She gives me a sad smile. "I didn't want to tell you in case Miranda kicked my ass."
"My wife is badass." I give her a look of confusion. "Yet she is terrified of Bailey?"
"Like you wouldn't believe." She admits. "She just…she's very unapproachable."
"Mm, she is." I agree. "But it's all out in the open now and I just want to enjoy the show tonight. Any shots I do get over the next couple of months will be for myself. For us."
"Sounds perfect." She smiles into a kiss. "I'm so happy you're here, Arizona. I hope you know that."
"I do." Pulling her along, I have to stop our intimacy before I take things too far. Callie Torres doesn't only melt my heart, she makes crazy with want too, and I don't think people in the stadium need any kind of private show. Not now...not ever.
Settled in my seat, the lights are dimmed and my wife's fans are going crazy behind me. A full smile curled on my mouth, I can't help but feel super proud of her right now. These people are here for her. These people have paid good money to see my Calliope perform and I know they're going to love it. I'm blessed to see all sides of her, but these guys only get the musician side of her. Sure, they get the intimacy of her music too, but I see everything. I see the broken side. The loving side. The marriage side. I see her crying and laughing and just beside herself with excitement for her music. If I could bottle those sides of her, I would. I'd never be miserable again. I'd never not have a smile on my face.
Usually, I'd feel a little uncertain about being out in public alone because of Jaida, but I'm okay. We are in Europe and I feel safer here than I do back at home. Carlos' security guys are here with us, so I know I have nothing to worry about. The police have been tracking her activity and I know she's going to slip up soon. I know she's going to mess up and it will all be over for her. Sure, I shouldn't still be watching my back, but she's good. Too good. I mean, it took us long enough to even prove it was Callie's ex so I know she has everything planned. Every step is meticulous and she isn't stupid. She's far from it, actually. I'm safe here….
Pulled out of my thoughts by Callie's final song playing out around the stadium, my smile widens at the mention of my name. All eyes are on me and yeah, this is awkward. It wasn't so bad at her smaller shows but she is talking about me in front of tens of thousands, and I'm pretty sure the temperature just rose in this place. I like to be in the background. I don't need to be known or heard of. I'm happy to just be me. It's always been that way and I'm hoping it always will. My wife is a worldwide star now and I pray I'll never become the prey with the paparazzi. I've avoided it for now, but I know what they're like in Europe. They're like hawks. They don't leave you alone. On every corner. At every event. Just…everywhere.
Watching as my wife's soft yet strong fingers caress the strings of her guitar, my body totally relaxes and right now, I'm in heaven. I always am when Callie is singing, and more so when it is aimed directly at me. Mouthing 'I love you' to my wife, she gives me one of her gorgeous smiles before her eyes close.
I found myself dreaming
In silver and gold
Like a scene from a movie
That every broken heart knows
We were walking on moonlight
And you pulled me close
Split second and you disappeared
And then I was all alone
I woke up in tears
With you by my side
A breath of relief
And I realized
No, we're not promised tomorrow
So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
And I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye
Wherever we're standing
I won't take you for granted
'Cause we'll never know when, when we'll run out of time
Callie's eyes opening and finding mine, I have to blink back the tears that have formed in my eyes. Her voice is incredibly beautiful, but I've missed this. I've missed the room disappearing around us and only us two remain. None of the fans behind me matter right now. Callie is mine, and she always will be.
So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
In the blink of an eye
Just a whisper of smoke
You could lose everything
The truth is you never know
So I'll kiss you longer baby
Any chance that I get
I'll make the most of the minutes
And love with no regrets
Let's take our time to say what we want
Here's what we got before it's all gone
'Cause no, we're not promised tomorrow
So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye
Wherever we're standing
I won't take you for granted
'Cause we'll never know when, when we'll run out of time
So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you
My wife's set ending, I head out of my area and straight to the back of the stage. We had already arranged to meet when she came off stage a little while ago and right now, I need to be in her arms. I need to just be holding her. Something about her voice always does that to me, though. Something about how she looks at me and how she sings to me always calms me. Settles me. I just need her. Always.
Weaving through the security and barriers, she catches sight of me and motions for me to head backstage. Her arms enveloping me as I reach her, I melt into her body and she holds me like only she can. She holds me…telling me I'm safe. I'm protected. That I always will be. "I love you." My words barely above a whisper, she runs her hand up my back and pulls me in as close as she possibly can. "That was beautiful…"
"Thank you." Pulling back, her deep brown eyes lock onto my own and her million dollar smile almost blinds me. "You wanna get out of here before the crazy rush of fans tries to get to me?"
"No, it's okay." I disagree. "They're here for you…you should see them."
"But I want to be with you." She furrows her brow as she pulls me away from the rush of backstage people packing up for the night. Now hidden behind speakers and god knows what else, she brushes her thumb across my bottom lip and gives me an adorable smile. "I really want to be with you…"
"I'm here." Leaning into her touch, my eyes close and she grips the back of my neck, pulling me closer towards her gorgeous full lips. "And you are never going to lose me."
"Kiss me, Arizona…" Her voice a little raspy from her hour forty-five set, it sends my mind into overdrive. "And then take me to bed…" Pressing my lips to her own, I swallow her moans and she tightens her grip around my waist. "Let's go." She whispers against my mouth. "Right now…"
"Calliope…" I rest my forehead against hers. "You should spend some time with your fans."
"I am." She smirks, her eyes boring into my soul. "You're my number one, right?"
"You know I am." I agree, a small smile curling on my lips. "Just thirty minutes?" I suggest. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Mm, okay." She rolls her eyes as her hand slips down to my ass. Squeezing, she pulls my center against her own and my breath catches, my bottom lip now firmly between my teeth. "You and I…bed. With a little champagne."
"Sounds perfect." My eyes close, the sensation of her body against my own too much to handle right now. "And if you behave…I may just show you the lingerie I brought with me."
"Mm…is it pretty?" She narrows her eyes as they darken.
"Well, I bought it only for you…" I lean in and take her bottom lip between my teeth. I know she is aching for my touch, but she can wait a little longer. A little teasing never hurt anybody. "To take off of me, obviously."
"F-Fuck." Pushing me back, my body connects with a nearby wall and she cups my sex through my jeans. "You love this, don't you?"
"I've no idea what you're talking about…" I study my wife's face.
"Making me wet." She moans against my mouth. "All I can think about is you screaming my name."
"Mm, me too." I unwrap myself from her body. "The sooner you move your ass, the sooner that can happen." Turning her in my arms, I guide her towards the back exit of the stadium and hear her groan. "Stop pouting, pretty lady."
"I'm not."
"Of course, you're not."
Thanks for reading, guys. Reviews are welcome and appreciated as always.
Song was 'Like I'm Gonna Lose You' by Meghan Trainor & John Legend.