The next morning was busy at the conference. Arizona was making many new connections prioritizing her clinic, since she needed funding to increase the number of women assisted in there. After one of the talks scheduled that day, Arizona was chatting with an old friend and colleague from the time she was a resident at Hopkins. Suddenly, a woman showed up.
"Arizona Robbins, long time no see" – The woman greeted her.
"Lauren, hi" – Arizona was surprised to see Boswell in there, since she wasn't a regular guest at these conferences, something that Arizona was grateful for.
"How are you? I didn't know you were back in Seattle" – Lauren commented.
"I'm not, actually. Just came for the conference. What about you?" – Arizona asked, looking around and hoping she would see someone that could save her from that small and uncomfortable talk.
"Same. Wait here, there's someone I would love you to meet" – Lauren ran towards a tall woman standing near the coffee machine and came back quickly, to Arizona's surprise – "This is Dr. López, my ex-girlfriend but most importantly, a brilliant resident"
"Lauren, please…" – Mel scolded Boswell looking very embarrassed – "Hi, Dr. Robbins"
"We already met, actually" – Arizona told Lauren, who seemed bothered.
"Oh you did? How?" – Lauren asked, sounding jealousy.
"At the hotel bar last night" – Arizona told her and flashed a little smile, knowing she was bothering Lauren.
"I introduced myself to Dr. Robbins to congratulate her for the amazing talk the other day" – Mel tried to explain.
"I see. Glad to know you two are way ahead than me, since I didn't even know Arizona would speak at this Conference. Well, I need to go now, I have a flight to catch. Keep an eye on her, Robbins" – Lauren said, making Mel rolls her eyes.
"I'm sorry about that, Dr. Robbins. She's a difficult one" – Mel apologized.
"Please, call me Arizona. We've talked about that" – Arizona said, touching Mel's hand – "And I know Lauren, don't worry"
"Worked together?" – Mel asked.
"In some cases, yes" – Arizona said, trying to disguise her discomfort.
"What's wrong?" – Mel asked, smiling. She knew there was more.
"Well, it's weird now that I know you're her girlfriend" – Arizona stated.
"Ex-girlfriend, please! I wasn't doing so well back then" – Mel joked and Arizona laughed.
"Well, Lauren and I had a thing. It was actually my biggest mistake" – Arizona confessed – "I was still married, but my marriage was falling apart and sleeping with Lauren was the last spade of lime"
"Oh, Gosh. I can only imagine" – Mel agreed.
"Yeah, but that was ages ago and we only hook up this time. So there isn't anything between us, for real" – Arizona tried to explain.
"Please, believe me, even if it was, I don't care at all. We've dated a few months once I settled in Portland, she helped me through this journey of moving to a new country, but we weren't good together" – Mel explained - "We were both lonely, I guess"
"Well, knowing Lauren, I think it's hard to believe she was lonely. She's not a bad person, but she's very persuasive. I think she wanted you and went after that. I have to admit, though, I was kind of surprised that you date girls, too. I mean, we don't know each other but you didn't say anything last night when I told you I was married to a woman" – Arizona said.
"Well, I thought it could be weird to mention that right after you said. I didn't want you to have the wrong idea" – Mel explained.
"Yeah, it makes sense" – Arizona was interrupted by a phone call – "Just a sec"
- Maggie, hi!
- Hey! I'm calling you to set up our dinner tonight. Is 7pm good for you?
- Yes, it's perfect. And where are we going?
- Meredith's. I thought we would be more comfortable there than in a restaurant. Is that ok for you?
At this time, Arizona looked at a quiet and shy Mel, and thought she could do something for her.
- Yeah, sure. Actually, can I bring someone?
- Of course. I'm sorry, I didn't mention it because I didn't know you were dating someone. Rude of me!
- No, it's not a date. It's a friend, if that's ok.
- Sure! Can't wait to see you.
- Me too! Bye Maggie!
- See you later.
"Do you have plans for tonight?" – Arizona asked Mel.
"I don't. Why?" – Mel answered, slightly curious.
"Do you want to know Meredith Grey?" – Arizona asked, putting a giant smile on her face.
"Are you serious?" – Mel asked.
"Yes. She's hosting a dinner tonight for her sister, who I was talking to just now. I mean, we could talk to her about maybe considering transfer your residency to Grey Sloan and introduce you to some of the best doctors in Seattle" – Arizona suggested.
"That would be awesome. Oh my God. Thank you, so much. But are you sure? Don't you prefer to bring a date with you?" – Mel asked.
"I'm sure. It will be a pleasure" – Arizona said, smiling.
"Thank you, Arizona. So, what time and where do we meet?" – Mel asked.
"We're staying at the same hotel, right? Meet me down there at 7pm, is that ok?" – Arizona asked.
"Perfect. See you then" – Mel said, touching Arizona's arm.
"See ya" – Arizona left the hallway, heading to her last talk of the conference.