Right at this moment, Arizona thought about Amelia. Her smell was probably the nicest thing in the world and Arizona felt sad for not being able to be this close to her right now.
"That's a good answer. And also applies to coffee, its smell is heavenly" – Arizona joked.
"You're right about that" – Mel agreed.
"Ok. Next subject. Girlfriends" – Arizona teased, trying to get her mind away from Amelia. – "Many of them?"
"A few. Ex-girlfriends, of course. Just one really special, though" – Mel said.
"Lauren?" – Arizona chuckled.
"Gosh, no. We were toxic. My first girlfriend was the special. I thought it would be together forever" – Mel said, sweetness in her eyes.
"How old were you?" – Arizona asked.
"19. I was at my first year in college" – Mel told her.
"What happened?" – Arizona asked, curious.
"Her family didn't approve. We've tried to handle it, I've got addicted to pills because that was what got me going through this shitty situation until I was wasted and doing no good to both of us" – Mel explained.
"That's awful, I'm sorry Mel" – Arizona was sincere – "Did you get treatment?"
"I did, which only made my relationship with my mom worse. But now I'm ok. I'm good" – Mel said.
"I'm sure. Do you still talk to that girlfriend?" – Arizona asked.
"No, she hates me" – Mel chuckled.
"I don't think it's possible to hate you. You're adorable" – Arizona said without thinking it straight.
"I'm glad you think so" – Mel said, touching Arizona's hand, when they finally arrived.
Mel parked the car in front of a nice residential building and motioned to Arizona to get out of the car. Arizona was delighted to watch a very different Mel rising just before her eyes. Instead of that shy and polite woman that approached her a few nights ago, a free spirit, joyful and fun woman who often reminded Arizona of how she used to be back in the days.
They got out of the car and Mel put her sunglasses back on, making Arizona sigh, since she was very charming with those.
"We're here. That's where I live" – Mel pointed, smiling.
"Well, that's very nice. It seems cozy" – Arizona affirmed.
"It is cozy, but doesn't feel like home so far. It's just as home as a hotel room for me" – Mel said.
"You must miss Mexico very much, don't you?" – Arizona asked and somehow they became really close to each other.
"I do. I feel like people are warmer over there. Americans can be very cold, you know?" – Mel took a step forward, making Arizona swallow hard.
"I agree. We can be" – Arizona could hardly speak out with Mel standing so close.
Mel took Arizona's hands in her, caressing the back of her hand with her thumb, looking up and down to Arizona's lips and eyes. The moment had arrived and the ball was at Arizona's court. She should make the next move since Mel was trying to let her know what she wishes to do. Arizona was feeling like hundreds of flying things were swooping around her stomach. She wanted to kiss Mel, of course. But the feeling, even the anticipation, wasn't the same she felt with Amelia. It was good, it was comfortable, but those were not butterflies. It was something else. Mel decided to break the silence anyway.
"I believe you know what I'm about to do right now" – Mel said, her voice barely audible.
Arizona lean on and kissed her. She needed to try. She needed to feel something other than empty comparisons between Amelia and everyone else. Amelia wasn't there. Mel was. Mel was kind, generous, cheerful, fun. She was gorgeous. Most importantly: she wanted Arizona, right here, right now.
The kiss started slow, like they were still afraid if they could do that. Soon, Mel's tongue started to play with Arizona's lips, asking for entrance. Arizona let it happen and their tongues were dancing inside their mouths. The heat between them could warm their bodies even in a cold winter day. Once they pulled back, Mel smiled. She was genuinely happy.
And then, it hit Arizona like a thunder: she was in love. With Amelia.