Chpt 19

Callie's POV

I finally got to the hotel after trying to put what had just happened out of my mind, which was virtually impossible. I wanted to see Arizona now, but unfortunately my presence at the award dinner was something I probably couldn't cancel Being the reason it was happening and all.

I walked into the lobby, searching for a familiar face when a short, balding man approached me.

"Dr. Torres" he said taking my hand in for a very vigorous handshake."I am Gavin Williams. I'm here to escort you to today's events and to answer any questions that you may have"

I knew these award dinners were a big deal, but an escort? Seriously.

"Here is an itinerary of today's proceedings. We have a lunch and lecture starting in 15 minutes in ballroom 1, followed my a photo shoot, cocktails and finally the dinner at 8:00 sharp" he guided me thought the busy lobby towards a room marked "HA Awards luncheon"

My nerves were back in full force and I again searched the crowd for a familiar face. Finally I saw someone.

"Daddy" I called leaving my escort Gavin at the door and ran back to where my father and mother were standing. My parents had arrived 2 nights ago and were actually staying at the hotel.

"Mia" he pulled me in for a double embrace as my arms found themselves around both their necks. "We are so proud of you Calliope. This is all very exciting" he says as the three of us sit in the waiting area of the lobby.

"How are your nerves holding up sweetie?" my mom says taking my hand into her lap and squeezing it tight. I was always nervous when it came to anything formal, especially if it meant me having to get up in front of a group of people and speak. I wished I could look in Arizona's eyes right now and have the nerves fade away.

"You know me" I said "About ready to empty my stomach on this porcelain floor and run for the hills" I flopped down against the back of the couch and shut my eyes. In a perfect world, Arizona would be here with me now. The most important day of my life and I can't even share it with her.

"I guess you haven't reconciled with Arizona yet" my dad said as he now leaned in from the chair along side us and placed his hand on my knee. My father knew all. I had told him about her the minute I met her. I had told him everything. I always told him everything. And I could see in his eyes that his heart bled for me, knowing that she wasn't by my side.

"Well," I flashed him a grin "That's not entirely true" I proceeded to tell my parents about the flowers, the note, the pictures, the song, and about how I needed to see her more than ever now but had to get throught today and tonight first.

"I'm so glad you guys are here" I took both their hands into mine as I noticed Gavin the escort heading our way. "And that's my cue to bounce" I said kissing both my parents and searching the faces of the lobby one more time. I was looking for her. Wish full thinking Torres, as I headed into the crowded ball room.

Arizona's POV

"What do you think of this one?" I asked the room full of Seattle Grace Mercy West's finest as I modeled what felt like the hundredth outfit.

"Now that, is hot" Alex Karev said as I twirled around on my tip toes. The black dress was by far the most revealing of all I had tired on, but I had to admit, Karev was right. It was hot.

"I don't think Torres will be able to sit through the speeches once she sees you in that one Robbins" Mark added as he sat on my bed rocking Lexie like a baby in his arms. Those two were by far the cutest couple I had ever seen. "Slexie" I thought to myself. That was a good one.

"I don't know" I look in the full lenght mirror on the wall "You think It makes my ass look fat?"

"Robbins" Teddy laughs "I'm getting you a consult with psych first thing on Monday."

We all laughed as I pulled at the dress around my hips and looked one more time. It was black and came to rest just above my knee. It was sleeveless with a low sweeping neck line that left just enough for the imagination. The back was was sold me. It had a v cut that traveled down to end just in line with my sacrum. Again, little to the imagination.

"Well I guess this is it" I turned to face them again. "I'm pretty sure that the flowers and pictures did her in already, " I knew this thanks to the text she had sent just after 10:30 this morning. Right on schedule according to Operation: Calzona. "..but this is really gonna make her see"

I couldn't help but smile as I thought about her and how she had change my life. I couldn't wait for this to all be over tonight so I could finally hold her in my arms again. Well, that was the plan anyway.

"We should probably head down" Lexie said jumping out of Marks grasps to walk over to me and wrap her arms around my neck. She was super cute. I liked her. "Good luck Dr. Robbins. Don't be nervous either. We are all behind you on this and we are gonna be right there the whole time, cheering you on"

"I'm gonna be doing a lot more then cheering if this all goes according to plan" Karev says walking over to me as well. He wants a hug too? If there's one other thing that Karev is good at besides Pediatrics, it sucking up. He pulls me in as I glance at Teddy rolling her eyes at his display of affection.

"Oh come on Teddy" I smirk at her "Don't you want one too?" I laugh as she rolls them again and makes her way over to where the two residents and I stood.

"Now I want in on this too" Mark jumps up and follows her. We all stood there in a giant group hug for a minute until I finally had to break it up.

"Ok guys I know your all secretly in lust with me, but I kinda need to get down there so I can get my girlfriend back" as we all broke away and laughed together. Girlfriend. I liked that way that sounded. I liked these people. They had really become my friends through all this. I found my shoes and looked one more last time in the mirror as everyone piled out of my hotel room.

"Your gonna do great Robbins" Mark was standing in the door "You are great. And Callie is great. And you guys are gonna be great together"

Here goes nothing.