Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Grey's Anatomy or any of the characters. All rights belong to ABC and Shonda.
Rating: M
Having a meeting on a Saturday is unorthodox but it was the only time available and Callie and Addison where not about to say no. To acquire this deal would be huge for both women. An hour and 47 mins after the meeting started they're shaking hands and walking out the door. Callie is in an extremely good mood, not only was the meeting successful but she had her date with Arizona. She thought of the perfect place to take her, she just needed to add some finishing touches and she was all set. Once out she starts sending texts like crazy to make sure everything is perfect. There are few stops she needs to make before picking up her date.
Riding back to the house, Addison can sense the nervous energy coming off of Callie as she drove. She is drumming her fingers on the wheel and biting her lip, classic 'Callie is nervous' tells.
Laughing at her best friend, "so do you know where you're taking her?"
"Yes but I'm starting to get nervous about it."
Addison smiles, "oh I can't tell." She says sarcastically.
"Shut up." Callie says not taking her eyes off the road.
"Do you want to tell me?" She says while she sends a text to Teddy.
Callie takes a deep breath, "I'm taking her to Sunrise."
"Oh my god, Callie that's perfect"
"Are you sure? I want her to love it."
"She will, don't worry so much. Damn Arizona Robbins has you pulling out the big guns already; Sunrise is usually saved for the what, the 5th date if they make it that far." Addison's statement causes both women to bust out laughing.
"Shut up Addie," she says in between laughing.
They make it home in record time and Callie wastes no time getting ready, she made arrangements at Sunrise already so all she has to do is pick the blonde. Making a couple phone calls to make sure everything is in place she grabs her bag, texts Arizona and heads out.
Arizona's afternoon was pretty uneventful. She spends the day going through job applications with Teddy. They also stopped by the store to see the progress without all the construction going on, it was coming along and they were still on schedule. It was a productive Saturday for the blonde but now all she can think about is her date. The thought of seeing Callie again made butterflies the size of birds form in her stomach. She's wearing light denim capris, a blue flowy top and brown sandals, with a blue and while bikini underneath.
She's ready, waiting and second guessing her wardrobe, so to say she's nervous would be an understatement. Arizona walks to the living room where Teddy is watching something being played somewhere and stands in front of the TV. "Come on Arizona, move your ass I can't see."
"I know. You can't hear either. I've been talking to you for like 5 minutes."
"Damn, sorry you know how I get. Just so you know Callie's the same way." Teddy says with a grin.
Arizona just rolls her eye, "I was saying do I look ok."
"Yes you look great now move."
"Come on Teds, you do know where she's taking me don't you."
Teddy just shrugs, as Arizona sits on the couch, "Maybe."
"Well can you at least tell me if I'm dressed appropriately, she said wear a bathing suit but I don't know…" a freak out is building fast.
Teddy senses the start of a classic Arizona ramble and decides to cut her off before she gets rolling. "Ok. You look great, a bathing suit is optional and you will have a great time. Just relax."
They sit in silence watching the game for a few minutes. "So are you gonna tell me where she's taking me?"
Laughing, "of course not." Teddy says not taking her eyes off the TV.
"Ugh, you suck." She crosses her arms and pouts.
The two women sat in silence for a few more minutes, Arizona's arms still crossed and a slight pout still on her lips when she hears the buzzer. She jumps off the couch and turns to Teddy who has been ignoring her. "Are you sure this is ok?"
She blows out an exacerbated sigh, "yes it's perfect, now answer the bell before she thinks you changed your mind."
Arizona runs to the intercom to let Callie know she'll be right down, grabs her purse, asks Teddy one more time about her outfit, to which Teddy's response is a pillow being thrown and she's out the door. The ride down was agonizingly slow, every inch closer made the blonde more and more nervous.
Callie is waiting patiently, leaning against her car. She's getting more and more excited knowing her date is on her way down. All day Callie has been preparing for this moment, after two days she can see Arizona is quickly becoming important in her life. Looking up she sees the blonde coming through the front door and she swears her heart stopped. They lock eyes, their smiles mirroring each other.
Arizona walks up to Callie who in the blonde's eyes looks unbelievably sexy, wearing a red tank top, tan cargo shorts and her signature red chucks. Her hair in a sexy ass messy bun with her sun glasses on her head, 'This woman is the epitome of sex on legs...damn,' she thinks.
"Hi." Arizona says once she standing in front of her.
"Hi beautiful," Callie gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, let's go." Arizona says throwing her arms around the brunette's neck and kissing her on the lips. The kiss is soft and gentle. Callie wraps her arms around the shorter woman's waist bringing her closer, trailing kisses along her jaw line until she reaches Arizona's pulse and she bites down which causes the blonde to gasp. "Fuck Callie," She breathes out.
Callie chuckles into her neck, "come on we're gonna be late." She kisses her neck before letting go and opening the passenger door.
"Such a gentlewoman," she smiles as she gets in the car.
Once the two women are on their way Arizona begins to pester Callie about where they're going, the only thing she'll give her is that she will love it. Callie is really excited to see her face, although she's tempted to spill because the blonde is being a pain and she knows it.
"Come on Callie," she wines.
"No Arizona, I am not telling you, you will see when we get there."
"Well when is that, we've driving forever."
"Oh my god really, it's been 15 minutes," she says getting frustrated.
Arizona giggles at Callie's frustration but keeps going," how come Teddy gets to know?"
"Because I'm not trying to impress her and I had to make sure you'd like it. Now hush up, we will get there when we get there."
"But…"
Interrupting, "Arizona I swear if you ask me one more time I will turn this car around." She huffs. Callie's statement causes Arizona to cross her arms on her chest and pout. Callie glances at the blonde and smiles at how cute she looks. "Damn you're cute," grinning.
"I am not cute, I'm hot. Monkey's and babies are cute." After hearing that Callie lets out a laugh that makes the blonde laugh just as hard.
The rest of the drive is filled with light conversation and laughing, Callie is amazed at how easy it is with Arizona. She's never felt so at ease and comfortable with another person, even when there is a lull in conversation it's never awkward. Glancing at their intertwined fingers, Callie is overwhelmed with this feeling that this woman is slowly mending her heart. Thirty minutes later they are pulling up to their destination.
Arizona is confused at first when they pull into a dirt driveway; once they get to the end she sees the sign and her eyes become this size of saucers. Sunrise Stables. "Callie! No fucking way," she starts jumping in her seat.
Callie laughs at her enthusiasm. "Yes way." She stops the car and they get out.
Running to the driver's side and jumps into the brunette's arms wrapping her legs around her waist, "this is the best date ever."
Callie catches her and holds her tight, breathing in her scent, "you haven't seen anything yet, come on I have some stuff for you." Putting her down, they walk to the open trunk and Callie pulls out cowboy boots, "these are Addie's, they might be a little big but I don't want you riding in sandals."
"Oh how thoughtful." Arizona puts them on as Callie takes out a box. "What's that?" pointing to the box smiling.
Handing it to her, "open it and find out." She takes off the lid to find a cream cowboy hat; a smile immediately spreads across her face. "Callie it's beautiful, you didn't have to get me this."
Shrugging, "think of it like this, some people buy flowers, I got you a hat. Besides it fits the date, here try it on." She takes it out and puts it on Arizona's head. "There you look beautiful."
"Thank you Callie." Giving her a kiss on the lips.
"Come on we have horses waiting for us," Callie puts on her brown hat, takes the blonde's hand and they walk to the stables. Walking into the stable hand and hand they are met by one of the stable hands. "Hey Steph, are they ready?"
"Yes they are all saddled up and waiting for you in the pen."
"Good, Steph this is Arizona, Arizona Steph."
"Hi, nice to meet you." They shake hands.
"You too."
"Are you ready to meet your horse for the day?"
"Are you kidding? Let's go." She starts pulling on Callie's hand. The three women walk out to the pen where there are 2 horses grazing. Callie glances at Arizona and notices the blonde has not stopped smiling since they got there, that fact makes Callie very happy.
Callie enters the pen and helps Arizona. They walk up to a brown palomino with a white mane and tail. "Arizona this is Chestnut, he is your horse for the day. He is very gentle and he loves going for walks."
Arizona starts petting Chestnut, bending down a little to look him in the eyes. "Hi there, I'm going to ride you today. Is that ok?" Chestnut lifts his head and makes a gentle sound. "I guess that's a yes," she starts laughing.
Callie and Steph have walked off to get Callie's horse. "Is everything ready?"
"Yea Michael went to set up as soon as we saw you drive up, it'll be ready by the time you get there."
"Thanks for this Steph, I really appreciate it." They reach her horse and Callie takes the reins to walk him back to where she left Arizona talking to Chestnut.
"No problem boss, have a great time." Stephanie smiles and climbs out of the pen as Callie makes her way back over to her date.
Callie can't help the smile on her face as she walks over to the blonde who is having a full blown conversation with her horse. 'She's gorgeous' is the only thing she's able to hear before the blonde is alerted to their presence. "Well hello there, I see you've made a friend."
"He's so sweet." Looking at the horse that Callie has by his reins, "who is this?"
"This is Midnight, Midnight this is Arizona." Gesturing between the two.
Turning to Midnight and petting him, "Hi there handsome." Callie laughs at the blonde childlike enthusiasm.
"Ok now that we're all acquainted, are you ready to go?"
"Yes! Let's get this show on the road." Callie chuckles and shakes her head.
Arizona whispers something in Chestnut's ear before gracefully mounting him. Callie is so fixated on watching the blonde she doesn't hear what Arizona is saying. The brunette is mesmerized by how beautiful the blonde looks on the horse…damn.
Callie shakes her head clear of the fog that has invaded, "huh." She says realizing she is being talked to.
"I said are you just going to stand there?"
"Right yea, let's go." Callie mounts Midnight and starts walking him around the pen.
Arizona follows, "where are we going?"
"You'll see, follow me," she winks."
Callie and Midnight start walking across the pen towards an entrance at the other end. Arizona, on Chestnut follows behind, once they are side by side she asks again. "So where are we going?"
"You'll see, just a little longer. I promise you'll love it." Callie noticing the beginnings of what she is now referring to as the Arizona Robbins pout, gets an idea. "Do you see that entrance over there?" She says pointing.
"Yea."
"I'll race you," a smile immediately appears on the blonde's face which makes the brunette smile. "I'll take that as a yes." They both stop their horses a little more than half way to their destination. "You ready?"
"Yes…no wait." Arizona leans down and whispers something in Chestnuts ear; the action causes Callie to laugh. "Ok now I am ready." Straightening up.
"Ok…1…2…3…go." Both women take off towards the end of the pen. They only sound you can hear are hoofs hitting soil and laughter from the two riders. Arizona reaches the gate seconds before Callie. Both women are laughing and trying to catch their breath before they go any further.
Laughing and trying to catch her breath, Arizona says, "Good job Chestnut. That was awesome."
"Yea…come on let's go," smiling Callie opens the gate and lets the blonde go through before going out and closing the gate behind her.
Callie leads the way along one of the paths, the late afternoon sun peeking through the trees. Arizona is enjoying the view from behind, the way Callie moves on her horse is all types of erotic in her mind. The blonde is able to take in Callie's body from behind, her half sleeve tattoo on her left arm, her tribal band on her right. The way the muscles in her shoulders and back move while she's controlling the reins. Callie is hot and Arizona wonders if she knows just how sexy she is. Coming out of her inner thoughts, the two women continue their walk engaging in light conversation.
They continue their stroll, laughing and talking until they come to a clearing that leads to a private stretch of beach; the sun is bright over the water. Callie leads the way further down the beach, there's a light breeze off the water making the humidity bearable.
Arizona is starting to get confused; there wasn't anything or anyone else around just sand and water. Is this it? If so it's been perfect. A few more minutes of walking she starts to see something in the distance, she turns to her right to look at her date and becomes suspicious when she sees the shit eating grin on her face.
Callie knows by the look on the blonde's face what she's about to ask decides to answer before the question is asked. "Just come on, I guarantee you'll like it." With that she takes hold of Midnight's reins and gallops towards the spot on the beach.
"Hey, wait for me. Come on Chestnut," the blonde and her horse follow.
Arizona reaches Callie just as she's dismounting Midnight and walking him over to the shade, she looks up and sees an ATV speeding off in the distance. After making sure the horses are in the shade and secure Arizona is able to take in the scene in front of her. A blanket is laid out under a potable gazebo; on it is a picnic basket, a small cooler and a portable radio.
The blonde is just standing there totally in shock, this is the sweetest and most romantic thing anyone has ever done for her. "How?" she whispers.
Callie smiles, "I had some help. Do you like it?" Suddenly becoming unsure.
"I love it Callie," Arizona gives Callie the biggest smile, dimples popping and all.
The brunette breathes a sigh of relief; she looks at Arizona whose smile makes her heart start pounding out of her chest. She clears her throat. "Take off your shoes and let's sit," they both take off their boots and Callie takes her hand and leads her to the blanket. Sitting side by side facing the ocean they're both lost in their own thoughts. Callie is the first to break the silence.
"Are you hungry?" Taking off her hat.
"Yes, let's eat." Motioning to the picnic basket, "what's for lunch?"
"Well, I had them make you something special at the restaurant. I hope you like Mexican."
"Hmmm let me think…hell yea lets dig in I'm starving."
Callie turns to the picnic basket and starts pulling stuff out. "So we have enchiladas, quesadillas, and some soft tacos and for desert there's flan and tres leches cake, which is a three milk cake. I hope you like it, it's not my cooking but it's good none the less." She finishes with a smile.
"It sounds and looks delicious, I'm sure I'll love it." They begin eating their lunch in silence; Arizona can sense the nervousness coming off the brunette in waves. She smiles to herself and decides to let her out of her misery and initiate the conversation. "I guess this is the part of the date where we get to know each other."
The brunette jumps at the sound of her date's voice, "yea I guess." Callie's nerves are causing her to shut down; things were going so well until this moment. She has her head down and is picking at her food; opening the cooler she takes out a corona for herself and one for Arizona.
Arizona places her hand on Callie's knee, "hey, I know you're nervous I am too but I was telling the truth when I said I want to get to know you."
Looking up and into her eyes, "where do we start?" taking a sip of her beer.
Smiling, "how about 20 questions?"
Arizona's smile is soon becoming one of Callie's favorite things, "ok you first."
"Ok…hmm…" tapping her finger on her lips, "let's see…oh is Callie short for something?"
Wincing knowing that question was coming, "yes it is, it's short for Calliope but I don't like it and my father is really the only one who calls me that."
"Calliope" she whispers. "I like it, it's beautiful," looking into each other's eyes. Callie is lost in a sea of blue, another thing to add to the list of things she could get used to having around.
Blushing, "thanks, it means…"
Interrupting, "beautiful voiced…it fits." Arizona says not able to break her eyes away.
Clearing her throat, "my turn, what about you? Arizona isn't really a common name." she says with a chuckle.
"Ha…tell me about it. It's your basic grandfather was serving on the USS Arizona when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and saved 19 men before he drowned kind of story."
Callie's speechless, "wow, kinda makes my mother's obsession with Greek mythology seem stupid." They both start laughing and can feel the tension that was there a few minutes ago disappear.
The two women spend the next couple hours talking, laughing and getting to know each other better. They talked about everything from their lives to Arizona's unhealthy obsession with chickens. Callie opened up about her past relationships, even though Arizona could tell she wasn't telling her everything, she let it go. Arizona talked a little about her brother Tim, who died in a car crash. Callie told her a little about her family but not much, the blonde could sense there's more to the story. Arizona knew the brunette was holding back but she didn't push it, she'd open up when she was ready.
Food was long gone, soft music and the sounds of the waves in the back ground, things were going great. Periodically they check on the horses, feed them carrots and water that Callie made sure was there for them. It's back to being easy; the date's going great now that the initial nervousness is gone. As afternoon turns to evening, Callie and Arizona are watching the sun set both with smiles of content on their faces. When Arizona hears the beginning of one of her favorite songs she asks Callie to dance, so here they are dancing on the beach at sunset to Total Eclipse of the Heart.
As the song plays Callie is holding Arizona close, her arms are wrapped around her waist and the blondes arms are around the taller woman's neck. "You are so beautiful, you know that?" Callie says placing feather light kisses on her lips.
"Thank you, so are you." Arizona melts into the kisses; she lets out a small moan and presses her body further into Callie's. When Callie hears Arizona moan it sends all the heat to her core, Callie brushes her tongue against the blonde's lips causing them to part as if they have a mind of their own. Callie growls deep in her throat and in a fast motion opens her mouth to capture Arizona's tongue. The kiss soon turns heated with tongues fighting for dominance. The need for air becoming necessary, Callie pulls away and places soft kisses on Arizona's swollen lips.
Forehead against forehead, both women breathing deeply. "Wow, I could really get used to that." Arizona giggles, moving her hands that made their way to Callie's hair to the back of her neck.
Chuckling, "me too." Callie rubs her hands up and down the length of her back and notices she's wearing her bathing suit like she told her to. "Hey, do you want to get in the water?"
Putting her face in the crook of the taller woman's neck, "no I'm ok right here." Placing small kisses on her neck.
"You won't hear any objections from me but are you sure?"
"You just want to see me in a bikini. Don't worry we'll have plenty of time for that." They start laughing as the song comes to an end. Neither women moves, they just stand there looking into each other's eyes.
Callie can't take it anymore and kisses the blonde, her tongue swipes the seam of the blonde's lips and she gladly grants entrance. They both moan as soon as their tongues touch, as the kiss cools down she sucks on Arizona's bottom lip before pulling back. Opening her eyes she sees the shorter woman's are still closed, "Sorry I couldn't help myself."
"You never have to apologize for doing that, and for the record you can do it whenever you want."
"Good to know," looking at the horses. "We should really be getting them back." Signaling towards the horses.
"Yea I suppose you're right." They finally break apart and start to gather their things, Arizona notices Callie isn't taking steps to clean up their picnic. "What about this stuff?"
"Don't worry about it, it's taken care of." Putting on her shoes and hat.
Five minutes later they're back on their horses walking up the beach towards the trail. Thirty minutes later they're in the car heading back to Arizona's apartment. Basking in the daze that is first date success, their fingers intertwined.
Callie can tell Arizona is sad about leaving Chestnut; they seem to have developed a bond. "I'll bring you back so you can see him."
"Good because I promised him and I'd hate to break it."
"You made a promise to a horse, that's nuts." Callie starts laughing.
Arizona shrugs, "Hey, it's not funny. He may seem all big and intimidating but he's just a big softy, he reminds me of you."
Feigning offense, "are you seriously comparing me to a horse?"
"No I'm comparing a horse to you, besides he's sweet and so are you. I bet not everyone gets to see this side of you."
"Nope, honestly you're the first in a very long time."
"Well I am extremely flattered." Callie smiles and gives her a wink.
Callie pulls up outside Arizona's building and gets out to open the door. They're leaning on the car, well Callie's leaning on the car and Arizona is leaning on Callie.
"Do you want to come up?"
"I would love nothing more but I don't think it's a good idea."
"Oh ok."
Callie places her finger under the blonde's chin and lifts her head up so they're looking at each other. "There is nothing I want more than to be with you but if we're going to do this dating thing I want to do it right, no rushing. Ok?"
Arizona smiles, "ok."
"And just so you know I want you, I want you really bad." Smiling seductively.
"I want you too," she whispers. "Maybe I should go."
"Yeah." Their lips moving closer and closer until they're touching.
Breaking apart, "I had a really great time, thank you it was…"
Interrupting, "cheesy."
"Yea but a little cheese is good."
"I was told you'd appreciate the cheese." Callie says, smiling wide.
Arizona smiles back, "well your source is correct, I appreciate the cheese."
"Good…I really should go."
Backing away from Callie, "night Calliope, sweet dreams."
Hearing her name coming from the blonde sends her heart beating hard against her chest. "Sweet dreams beautiful." They kiss before Arizona turns into the building.
Callie's drive home is filled with thoughts of a certain blue eyed blonde; their date couldn't have gone any better, she's happy. Arizona Robbins has made her happy by just being around, this is going to be interesting. Callie couldn't wait until they saw each other again…she is definitely in trouble.
Arizona is lying in bed replaying her date in her head, never has she felt this way about someone so quickly, there is definitely a connection. She smiles at the thought of exploring where their relationship can go, she could easily fall in love with Calliope Torres.
Both women fall asleep with one thought on their minds, tonight was without a doubt…The. Best. Date. Ever.