I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland
Chapter Twenty-Three
Callie's POV
I'm anxiously waiting for Addison to arrive at the airport. Sofia is attached to my hip playing with my necklace while I scan the crowd looking for a tall redhead to make her appearance. Even though I haven't seen Addison in a while, every time we get together things just pick up where the left off before. We've shared a lot of information with each other ever since we were little and I can't imagine not having Addison with me to pick out my engagement ring for Arizona. I pace slowly waiting for Addison to arrive; I think Sofia can sense my nervousness because she is getting a little antsy in my arms.
"Callie!" I hear my name called and I immediately look around. I see my best friend hurry towards me, and both our faces light up in smiles.
"Addison!" I engulf her in a hug, mindful of Sofia, and melt in her familiar embrace.
"Ohhh myy goshhh. Is this Miss Soifa? She looks exactly like you, I see no hint of Mark!" She playfully says and takes Sofia from me and holds her up.
"I doubt he liked to hear that, he's convinced that his 'little Sloan' can do no wrong." I say rolling my eyes.
"Oh he'll be fine. Callie, she's so beautiful. Now I'm mad that I haven't been here sooner to see her." She's still enamored with Sofia and continues to her little hugs and kisses. Sofia loves all the attention and her goofy grin appears on her face.
"Oh thanks." I say sarcastically.
"Oh you know what I mean," she says swatting my arm lightly. "Now what's this I hear about ring shopping?" She asks raising her eyebrow. I take her duffle bag from her shoulder while she carries Sofia, and we walk towards the parking garage. After a fifteen-minute drive we arrive back at the apartment and find Arizona back from grocery shopping.
"Babe, we're back!" I call out entering my apartment. I see the grocery bags on the counter so I know Arizona's home, but she must be in the bedroom. "She must be in the room, I'll go check. Sof's room is down the hall, you can do put her down if you want." I suggest.
"No way! I'm getting all the Sofia time I can, you go search for your girl, I'm gonna hang with my princess. We'll be fine." I walk into the bedroom and see that Arizona is sleeping on the bed. I walk over to her slowly and kneel down in front of her face.
"Arizona…babe we're back." I whisper to her and she slowly starts to stir. I rub her back and give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Calliope..." She says sleepily.
"Yeah, it's me…we just back from the airport, Addison is here playing with Sof. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine, I just came in here talking to my mom on the phone and I guess when I hung up I fell asleep."
"Okay, well get up and come out, I want you to meet Addie."
"Alright, I'm just going to freshen up in the bathroom. I'll be out in a sec." She says and gives me a quick peck on the lips and I get up and head out the room.
"Everything okay?" Addison asks when I come back into the living area.
"Yeah, she just fell asleep talking on the phone, she will be right out. So, have you decided where you want to stay?" I told Addison in the car that Arizona offered her place to her so she won't have to sleep in a hotel, even though I'm sure she reserved the penthouse suite at the T Hotel downtown.
"I'll stay across the hall if you're sure it's okay."
"Of course it's fine! That just means you can drink as much as you want tonight!"
"Oh Callie, I planned on drinking a lot anyway, you were going to have to drive me back to the hotel." Addison points out.
"Here she is!" I exclaim when Arizona comes out of the room. Addison quickly gets up from the couch and passes me Sofia.
"Arizona Robbins. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so, so much about you." Addison says before giving Arizona a big hug.
"Really?" Arizona says giving me a knowing glare, "I've heard a lot about you too. It's good to put a face to the name. We're really glad you're here."
"Well thank you for letting me stay at your place." Addison replies. Arizona and I sit down on the couch next to each other, and Addison sits down in the chair across from us with Sofia playing around on the floor with some toys.
"I have to say, Arizona when Callie told me about you I was a little surprised." Addison says with a stern voice.
Arizona squirms a little in her seat, but I rest my hand on her thigh to calm her, "Really? Why is that?"
"Well because you're new to the city, got a new job, a few years younger then Callie, then add a baby and a baby daddy in the mix. It's a lot for anyone to handle."
"I guess I just didn't see it like that, she's just a girl who I fell in love with and just so happened to be my neighbor too." Arizona answers with a sparkle in her eye and I give her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Welp! That's good enough for me! Basically if you hurt her or my darling Sofia you'll be sorry, otherwise I like you. I like you a lot. From what Callie has told me you seem perfect for each other." Addie rattles off with a total change of demeanor.
"Uhh, thanks…" Arizona says slightly unsure of everything.
"What the hell, Addison? First you're all firm and direct and now you're all light and fluffy." I ask kind of confused myself.
"Oh Callie, I trust your judgment more then mine, but why kind of friend would I be if I didn't at least and act all tough and stuff. And watch your language, I don't want Sofia learning from your bad habits."
"What bad habits?" I ask slightly offended.
"Well for starters, getting drunk, having unprotected sex, and getting pregnant." Addison deadpans. Arizona and I just stare blankly at her totally taken back by her answer, "Oh and for cursing. We both know you have a very foul mouth." She finishes.
"Ummmm….okay! Well how about I show you to where you'll be staying." I say jumping off the couch to avoid this awkward situation.
"I'm going to put Sofia down for a nap." Arizona says while scooping up Sofia from the floor and heading towards her room. I grab Arizona's key and Addison's duffle bag and head across the hall.
"Wow, she has good taste. Much better then yours, Cal." Addison notes walking into where she will be staying for the next couple of days.
"Hey, I take some offense to that, but you'll be happy to know that she's decorating our new house."
"Shit, Callie you didn't tell me about a house! When did this happen?" She says surprised.
"A few days ago…a lot has been going on, must've slipped my mind." I answer plopping down on the couch.
"Wow, well I'm truly happy for you guys. So when do we get to go ring shopping!?"
"I was thinking tomorrow. I have to be in the hospital early, but I should be done by mid afternoon. I'll just pick up Sof from daycare and we can head over to the store. There's a Cartier store downtown that I peaked in a while ago they have some nice stuff."
"If you want I can watch Sofia tomorrow. I would love some more time with her, plus I'm sure she wouldn't mind a day away from daycare." Addison suggests.
"Are you sure? It's really okay. I know this is a mini vacation for you, I don't want to tie you down with my kid."
"Oh please, Callie. There is no such thing as a vacation in Seattle. I don't know how you deal with this weather. Plus, I'm a doctor so she will be in good hands. I love kids. Please, come onnnn." Addison whines.
"Fine. If she's too much trouble though, just bring her to the hospital and I can check her into daycare."
"We'll be fine. Now, back to the ring. You said Cartier…how much are you thinking about spending?"
"I don't really have a budget, the ones I saw a while ago were a couple thousand. Plus I think I may tap into my trust fund as a way to get back at my dad. I'm sure he will be so happy to know he brought an expensive ring for his daughters potential wife." I say sarcastically. "Plus, ever since our dinner conversation I've started transferring some money from my trust into a separate account in case he decides to cut me off. I doubt he'll do that though. Aria says he has alerts on my account whenever I go into my trust fund because I hardly use it. I can't wait to have the conversation with him on why I spent thousands of dollars in a single transaction, but hey why have millions of dollars in the bank if your not gonna use them!" I say shrugging my shoulders.
"Ha! You do have a point there. That is kind of funny. I'm sorry about your dad though. You seriously don't think he's going to come around?" She asks finally sitting down in a chair next to me.
"Honestly, I don't know. The cards are in his hands now. I told him everything. It's up to him to decide if he wants to be in my life. Enough about me though, how are you? How's California treating you?" I ask trying to change the subject.
"Good, residency is a bitch, but I'm enjoying it. I've never been around so many pregnant people and vaginas in my life. I'm not sure how you do it, Callie. If anything I've become an even bigger fan of penis. Literally vaginas everywhere!"
"Addison!" I blurt out.
"I'm serious, Cal. Kudos to you." She says giving me a nod.
"I think vagina's are pretty," I state confidently, "I mean Arizona has a—"
"Whoa! Okay, Callie. I love you like a sister, but I don't want to her about Arizona's vagina. I'm sure it's..."
"It's lovely." I say with a big grin making her blush.
"Aren't you supposed to be making me dinner or something?" She says trying to change the conversation.
"You make it too easy, Addison…yeah I'm going to go get started. You can freshen up in here if you want, and when you're ready you can come on over. I'll have a glass of wine waiting for you." I say getting up and heading towards the door.
"What are you making?"
"Your favorite, chicken piccata" I say smugly.
"Oh yes, Calliope! That's my favorite. Gosh, I miss your cooking so much."
"I know…" I answer with a wink before heading out.
Dinner last night with Addison brought back so many good memories of us going out to eat and talk with one another. What made last night better was that I had Sofia and Arizona there with me. Addison is in love with Sofia and I think the feeling is mutual. Arizona and Addison got along great, and we promised Addie a trip out to LA soon. I had to be in the hospital at six this morning and I didn't get to see Arizona off in the morning. I texted her and told her that I would be home later then normal because I was headed out with Addie and Sof. It just finished my shift and I'm headed back to my apartment to meet the girls for our outing.
"Helloooo? Is my kid still alive?" I ask walking into my place.
"Ha-ha, Cal. She's actually down for a nap. I'll have you know I fed her, changed her, and we played with some toys and practiced walking some more."
"Seems like you had a good day. I'm going to take a quick shower and change out of these scrubs then we can go."
"Okay, I'll get Sof up."
Thirty minutes later we are walking into Cartier. Addison insisted on pushing Sofia's stroller something about her wanting to feel 'maternal'. I ignore her comment as I've become more focused on the big acquisition that's about to take place.
"Hi again, Ms. Torres. Can I help you today?" A clerk asks me as I walk in. I remember him from the last time I was in the store. Last time I was just browsing, but today I'm here to make a life changing purchase. As soon as I introduced myself to him last time he recognized my last name and I got some excellent service. Times like that when I'm thankful for my last name.
"Hey Steve. I'm here to buy a ring, well an engagement ring, today." He looks to Addison and glances towards Sofia in the stroller and gives me a warm smile.
"Sure thing, Ms. Torres. Is this your future fiancé?"
"Actually—" I start.
"Me? No way. I like penis. She's the one singing the vagina monologues. She used to be a fan of penis like me, but then she switched. Well she's actually bi so she like's both, but—" Addie interjects.
"ADDISON!" I say raising my voice, "Stop. Talking. Now." I grit out. I look to Steve and his eyes just go wide. I'm completely embarrassed and flustered at what Addison just said. Sometimes she just needs a filter.
"What? Did I say to much?" She asks looking between Steve and I.
"Can you just go look at earrings or something? I'll call when I need you." I just shake my head and try to compose myself again. Luckily no one else was in the store besides a few other clerks. I turn back to Steve, who is still clearly blushing.
"I'm sorry Ms. Torres I didn't mean to—"
"No, it's okay, Steve. Anyway like I was saying I'm looking for an engagement ring for my girlfriend."
"Well I'd love to help you find the perfect ring. We recently just got some new rings in this week." He says and opens a glass case and pulls out some rings and lays them out on a black, velvet cloth.
"Oh wow…"I say as my eyes light up. He places five rings in front of me in different sizes and shapes.
"I want to get her something big, but not too big. She's very modest, she's not into all the flashy stuff…Addie come look at these!" I wave over to her.
"Oh, now I can talk."
"Addie, not now. Look at these rings…" I say directing her to rings placed out in front of me. I pluck Sofia out the stroller so she can see too.
"Totally not fair, I want to get engaged!" She says fake pouting. "All of these are gorgeous, Callie but nothing really stands out. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful but they don't scream 'Arizona'…no offense, Steve."
"No offense at all Ms…"
"Forbes Montgomery…Addison." She finishes. Steve catches on to the name and quickly registers who he's talking to.
"Of course, Ms. Montgomery. Ms. Torres is there something special that stands out about your girlfriend?"
"Her eyes. They are like ocean blue. Every time I look at here I get lost in them." I say dreamily. "Almost sapphire like…"
"We have a sapphire collection if you were prefer to see that." He suggests.
"Yeah, let's check that out."
"Right away, Ms. Torres. I'll be right back." He says leaving.
"Callie, I saw some cute earrings for Sofia that I'm dying to get her."
"Addison, her ears aren't even pierced yet."
"Really? I got mine done when I was a baby. I've been wearing diamonds and pearls ever since." She says puffing out her chest.
"I just haven't gotten around to it yet I guess…"
"Well can I get them for her anyway? I would love to get Sof her first pair of diamonds."
"Addie…"
"Oh please, Callie? Come on…plus it's my money anyway so I'm just going to get them. You'll thank me later, and if not I'm sure Sofia will."
"Do what you want." I say with a small grin.
"See! I knew you wanted me to get her some. I know you don't like to splurge a lot, but I don't have any problem with it."
"Ms. Torres, I've returned with the Sapphire collection." Steven says coming back and revealing some more rings.
"Oh fuck… Shit, sorry Sof." Addison says while Steve chuckles to himself. I have the same reaction as Addison; the new rings he put out leave me completely speechless.
"Callie, ask me to marry you quick so I can get one these." Addison says half serious.
"I'm sure there's a person out there for you, Ms. Montgomery." Steven says.
"Thanks for the support, Steve." She says laughing. Even though there are six rings in front of me, my eyes stay focused on one ring in particular.
"That one…that's the one." I say pointing to a ring with a Sapphire square diamond in the middle surrounded by diamonds on the band. Steve puts on a white glove and picks it up to give me a better view.
"This one is called 'an exceptional sapphire ring' by Cartier of course." Steve says. Sofia starts to wiggle pulls me out of my trance.
"Sof, do you like this one?" I ask her trying to calm her down a little bit.
"Addie, what do you think?"
"I think it's perfect, Callie. Seriously. It's certainly Arizona in terms of color. A little flashy, but it's totally worth it. I'm sure she'll love it."
"Okay then, I'll take it Steve!"
"Excellence choice, Ms. Torres. I'll go put wrap it up for you." He says happy to have made a sale.
"Just out of curiosity how much is it?" Addison asks.
"This one is seven hundred thousand dollars, Ms. Montgomery."
"Money is not option for this, thank you, Steve." He nods then goes to pack it up.
"Callie, you just dropped over half a million on an engagement ring! How much are you going to spend on the actual wedding band?! Talk about splurging!" She exclaims.
"Addie, I've seen you make bigger purchases before." I quickly snap back.
"Touché"
"Arizona is one lucky girl. I'm really happy for you guys." She says giving me a hug. "Alright, now let me get Sof here some earrings." She walks off and starts talking with another clerk.
"Here you go, Ms. Torres." Steve says coming back and giving me a small bag. I hand him over my credit card and he rings me up. Five minutes later we finish the transaction and I walk over to Addison and she's just wrapping up her purchase as well.
"Thank you ladies for coming in, I hope she says yes." Steve calls out as we leave. We wave goodbye to him as we exit the store.
"I bet she will once she see's the ring." Addie mumbles.
Twenty minutes later we arrived back at home and Arizona is sitting on the couch watching television.
"Hey, where did you guys go?" Arizona asks getting up to greet us. She picks up Sof and gives me a kiss on the lips.
"Ummm…" I say nervously. I hadn't thought about what I would say when she asked. Luckily the ring is in my purse.
"I wanted to get Sofia some earrings!" Addison answers.
"Oh, well that's nice of you. Must be a nice pair of earrings if they came from Cartier." Arizona says glancing down at the bag in Addison's hand.
"Oh believe me, if you think these are expensive wait until you see what Cal—"
"Addison! Don't you want to go back to room and freshen up?!" I say giving her a look to the shut the hell up.
"Right, yeah…of course. I'll be back." Addison answers and leaves right away.
"What was that about?" Arizona asks giving me a questioning glare.
"Nothing…how was your day?"
"Umm, okay…well my day was good. It's better now that I get to see my two favorite girls." She says bouncing Sofia up and down. "Mommy missed you guys….wait? I didn't know Sof's ears were pierced?"
"Oh they're aren't but Addison insisted on getting her some diamonds."
"Diamonds? Wow you rich kids sure like to spend money?" She says half joking. If only she knew how much I just spent…I move to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of wine and chug it fast, then I pour myself a second glass and down that one quickly too.
"Uhh, babe are you okay?" She asks putting Sofia down and walking over towards me.
"Yeah, I'm good. Today was just an eventual day that's all. How about we go out to dinner?"
"Sure, I don't mind. When Addison comes back we can head out…you sure you're okay?"
"I'm perfect, really." I moved closer to her and give her a tongue filled kiss and end it before anything more can happen. "I love you."
"Uh, I love you too."
With that I'm off to our room to find a hiding place for her ring…I'm going to ask her soon, and I think I know when I'm going to do it…