Been a long time :) Life's been crazy. And this idea just popped into my head. I hope you guys like it! Happy Reading :)
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Shonda, I'm simply playing with them.
I have to admit that the couple in the centre of the dance floor, effortlessly swaying to the breezy number, did look good together. They fit perfectly. And looked very comfortable with each other, a little too comfortable for my liking. As he leaned down to whisper something in the Latina's ear, I saw his lips gently brushing against her exposed shoulder blade. But it was for just a fleeting moment. Whatever he said, must have been funny, because the next moment I see her throw back her head and laugh. But her laugh was interrupted as he pulled her closer to himself and spun them around while their feet began moving faster to keep up with the changed beats of the music. I drowned out all conversation going on around me and concentrated on the happy, oblivious couple on the dance floor. Finally it was too much.
"Calliope, why aren't you worried about the fact that our daughter looks hot and that she's dancing inappropriately close to a hormonal boy?" I whisked my head around to stare at my wife. I was answered with a rich throaty laughter. That's when I realized I couldn't blame my daughter for my wife of 18 years looked equally hot in a vibrant red, knee-length dress with a plunging V neck and a knotted front. She took a sip of her wine and then leaned in closer to me.
"One, because I can't but feel proud of the awesome genes she inherits." She drew out the awesome to tease me. Even after all these years Calliope had a hard time understanding that "Awesome" was as good as it gets in my world. Although there have been nights, when wrapped up in my arms all she could manage to utter was a faint "awesome!"
"And two," she continued, obviously unaware of my interior monologue, "that's Lucas Wilder she's dancing with. And we both know that he is every bit the perfect gentleman." She rolled her eyes in a playful way.
"And weren't you the one who went with her when she picked up that dress?" she continued to counter.
Well yes, I was. But then that dress had looked beautiful on her. It was a satin, A-line, knee-length dark-purple dress with a bow-knot on one shoulder. She had put on minimal make-up and left her hair open, covering the one exposed shoulder. And she had teamed up the dress with 3" high silver strapped heels. And voila! Suddenly my daughter seemed too grown-up to me. I frowned.
"Besides they've known each other since ever." She said more softly, sensing my real concern. "Look at them, Arizona. Don't tell me you don't find them cute together?" She turned her head to look at them, and I followed her line of sight. They did.
"Oh, Lucas maybe a perfect gentleman but its Sofia I am worried about. If she wants something, she will get it any way. And I don't think even Lucas is strong enough to hold his own against Sofia's charm.
"Well she is your daughter, Arizona, what else did you expect?." Her eyes twinkled and then she slowly leaned in to place a chaste kiss on my lips. I smiled as I tasted her red lips drenched in red wine. "Plus you don't look any less hot yourself."
I scoffed. I for my part, had chosen a simple rib-knit dark blue dress with boat neck and cap sleeves that reached till just above my knees. Standing next to my effortlessly sexy wife, as always I felt, inadequate.
"What? You don't believe me?" she asked in mock shock. "Oh Arizona, if I could tell you all the things I want to do to you right now, you would believe me." And just like that, all the playfulness was gone from her voice and I could see the lust beginning to cloud her eyes.
Before I could articulate my thoughts into a coherent sentence, Miranda Bailey's voice drifted over to us "Seriously? One night, that's all I asked." She came into my hazy view. Callie laughed as she moved away from me, but placed a hand at the small of my back. I gathered myself and finally turned my head to look at the diminutive surgeon standing before me, with one hand on her hip, while the other held a glass of wine.
"You guys never got out of that honeymoon phase did you?" she almost scolded.
"We've never done things the way they should have been done" I answer with sincerity. Honestly, we've worked very hard to get to where we are today in terms of our relationship. And while it's not roses every day, we've managed to keep our passions for each other alive. When I have a wife like Callie, it's not particularly hard, I muse to myself.
"Well anyway, Congratulations Bailey on your 10,000th surgery" Callie says steering the conversation away to a more party friendly topic. But her hand on my back, drawing lazy circles, tells me that back home, we would probably just pick up from where we left-off minutes earlier.
"Why Thank You" Bailey beamed. "You see, I got to work with quite a few talented surgeons" she smirked. "And while some tried to ambush me into their department" she met my eyes "I managed to steer clear and hold my own" she finished with a wink.
"I still think you would have been great in Peds, Bailey" I tell her.
Bailey's reply was cut off by Addison who sashayed up to us "Hey Miranda, tell me how come you get such a great party, while all I did to celebrate my milestone was get drunk in a bar with friends." She pouted as she put one arm around Bailey.
"Well there were these two teenage girls who sold me their idea and I don't know when and how, but it seems I hired them to organize the party as and how they liked." She replied with an amused expression. She looked around and spotted Zola by the table serving entrees. "I can find one. Where's the other?"
"Dance floor" I answered.
"Ah, obviously!" both Bailey and Addison shifted a bit to get a better view.
Sofia was currently chatting with a tall blonde by the edge of the dance floor.
"And who's that?" Addison asked
I tried to rack my brains.
"A new intern" Callie supplied.
"Seriously, Callie?" I tilted my head up "Didn't we draw up rules for her?"
"What rules?" Callie asked surprised. Then I saw the realization dawn on her. "Oh no. She's not flirting with her. You can't always assume that. What if they're just normally talking?"
All four of us turned our heads back just in time to notice the blonde leaning over, kissing Sofia on the cheek, before whispering something in her ear and walking off. Sofia grinned.
"Just normally talking, huh?" I couldn't help the sarcasm lacing my statement.
Bailey chuckled and shook her head "I hate to inform you Torres, but that girl just inherited your looks. She is in fact a lethal combo of Robbins and Sloan."
Addison violently bobbed her head in agreement.
"Hey guys" Sofia chirped as she chose that moment to walk over to us. No, she actually skipped over to us. "Whatchya guys talking about?"
"You" answered Bailey simply.
Sofia feigned surprised and then quickly added "I know I'm awesome, but you don't have to always talk about me you know" she flashed her winning smile.
"See I told you" sang Bailey.
Sofia looked genuinely confused now. But before she could say anything a waiter came up with a platter of appetizers.
I picked up one and popped it into my mouth. Instantly, I moaned in satisfaction "What is this thing?"
"No idea" Bailey answered truthfully "I told you I gave these two free reigns."
Sofia looked at us proudly "You like it? It's Honey Orange Firecracker Shrimp." She wiggled her eyebrows.
"It's really good" Callie gave her, her stamp of approval.
"And you thought it was only Tim who inherited your food related skills" she snorted.
"You have good taste, but accept it honey" she placed a hand on her shoulder "You are as bad as your mom when it comes to cooking"
Sofia pouted. "Aww" I pulled her into a one-handed hug. "It's ok, baby. Just make sure to marry someone who can cook. Shouldn't be a problem then."
"Yeah, and given how Lucas is so perfect when it comes to everything else, I'm sure he can cook too" Callie cooed.
I felt Sofia freeze instantly. "Lucas?" she asked incredulously.
"Oh so you guys still beating about the bush?" Bailey joined in.
"You do know we are all secretly rooting for you two to get together, right?" Addison was not to be left behind.
Sofia looked at me helplessly.
"Cooking reminds me, where's Timmy?" I made a crazy attempt to change the topic. When Callie didn't immediately catch on I had to squint my eyes and mouth a "please"
Thankfully, Addison was buzzed enough to take the bait and change the topic "I saw him with Henry. You should be worried." She finished solemnly.
We laughed. Sofia took the opportunity to make an escape. "Any one wants any refills? I'm parched."
I was driving back and so I had finished up my quota of a single glass of wine. I shook my head no. When no one else took her up on her offer she dashed away to the bar.
"What was that?" Bailey piped up immediately. "Commitment phobia?"
"She's smart. Simple." Supplied Addison.
"I think she's still unsure, that's all." Callie said in what I recognized was her wishful voice. "College will clear her head."
I snorted inwardly at that. Knowing my daughter, I prayed silently for all the broken hearts she would leave in her wake.
"Excuse me" Bailey said to us when she caught Ben waving to her. Seconds after Bailey left, Addison's cell rang and she excused herself too, leaving the two of us alone.
But we weren't alone for long as Timmy ambled his way up to Callie's side. In comparison to us three, Timmy definitely looked dressed down in his black tailored corduroy pants and white crew-neck tee. The saving grace was the fashionable grey blazer. Which I had no doubt had been Sofia's selection.
"You abandoned Henry?" I asked my boy.
"More like he found a more interesting companion for the evening." He replied in a bored tone.
"And you are out of luck with the girls?"
He snorted. "Do you see any girls my age here?"
Callie laughed. "That shouldn't stop you from dancing."
Timmy thought over that for a minute and then a large smile dawned upon his face. But he quickly schooled his features and pulled himself up straighter.
"Dr. Robbins" he cleared his throat. "Would you mind if I asked your wife to a dance?"
I played along. "Sure. Just remember to be a gentleman and not drop her on the dance floor."
"Yes ma'am" he gave a curt nod, one that had me flashing back to the memories of another blond I knew so well. Pushing away those memories, I saw a surprised but elated Callie take the proffered hand and walk to the dance floor.
Timmy was quite tall for his age and so he stood an inch above Callie, and he smartly swayed Callie around to the jazz music. Consumed in my observations, I didn't realize Sofia was standing right beside me till she bumped her elbow against mine.
"I didn't think, Timmy could dance with his wobbly legs" she said as we watched Timmy expertly swirl Callie around.
"Well luckily neither of you inherited my dancing skills" I chuckled softly.
There was comfortable silence. But I knew I had to take my chance when I had it "I worry about your incessant flirting" I tell her simply. With Sofia, I've learnt never to beat around the bush.
She looks taken aback for a second. "You always worry." She rolls her eyes. I don't drop our eye contact and wait for her true answer. She sighs "I am who you taught me to be. I promised you I wouldn't knowingly do anything stupid and I intend to keep my promise." Her eyes search mine for understanding.
I do understand her and her need to explore. It's the age. Honestly, I don't want her to be in a serious committed relationship immediately. But I just wished she wouldn't be so harsh on herself and give even a decent relationship a chance.
"Do you promise not to create new heartbreak records at college?" I ask her, in a lighter tone, letting her know I understand.
She smiles and then answers "What? And smash your record?" finishing with a smirk.
That earns her a smack on the arm. And we refocus on Timmy and Callie dancing. After another moments silence, I feel Sofia linking her hands through mine "Why are we standing and watching?"
I grin and then let her pull me towards the dance floor.
So how was it? Am I off my game? :( Ah, lemme know! As always I love reading your reviews and knowing how I can improve myself. Sorry for the long waits. Much love- G