Chapter 27
Calliope Torres was back. Or had Calliope Torres never left? That was the question most news outlets were asking themselves—or, rather, their readers. Callie's abrupt return to Seattle had stirred quite a buzz, and everyone wanted to know what had driven her away and what had brought her back. She was even more ruthless than before, like the true head of Torres empire, she had brought her business right back up and even higher than it was before. However, her conversation with Mark had grown much more relaxed, just like they were—friendly and a bit flirtatious. Mark had started dating someone new now, and Callie liked to keep him on his toes. She knew that he didn't mind, but she loved teasing him a bit too much. But when things were professional
Callie sat at the head of the conference table, her presence commanding and unyielding. She glanced at the faces around her, each one representing a key player in the acquisition she was about to finalize. The air was thick with tension as the discussion reached its peak.
"Ms. Torres, we've reviewed the proposal, and while it's generous, we're concerned about the potential downsizing that might follow," one of the executives from the target company spoke up, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his anxiety.
Callie leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "I understand your concerns, but let's be clear. This acquisition is not just about trimming the fat. It's about revitalizing a company that's been stagnating. The strategic cuts we make will pave the way for new growth opportunities. My team and I have a clear vision, and I assure you, it's one where everyone benefits."
Another executive, clearly more skeptical, chimed in. "And what guarantees do we have that our employees won't be the first casualties of this 'revitalization'?"
Callie met his challenge with a steely resolve. "Your employees are your greatest asset, and that won't change under my leadership. We will be transparent in our processes and ensure that transitions are handled with care. However, it's crucial to understand that in order to move forward, certain changes are inevitable."
She glanced at Mark, who was sitting to her right, providing silent support. He gave her a reassuring nod, his expression one of confidence in her abilities.
Before the skeptical executive could respond, Callie's phone buzzed discreetly in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw a number she recognized but hadn't expected. She stood up, her demeanor shifting to one of urgency.
"Excuse me, gentlemen. I'll need a moment," Callie said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Mark shot her a curious look as she walked out of the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She found a quiet corner and answered the call, her voice low.
Callie ended her call with a simple thank you and a nod. Turning back to the room, she didn't sit but instead stood at the head of the table, her palms resting on it. "That was Freeman International," she announced. The people in the meeting looked at her in disbelief, including Mark.
"But Ms. Torres, that's our competitor! Why are you speaking with them?" one of the executives asked, his voice tinged with panic.
Callie brushed a few stray strands of hair back, her expression calm and composed. "They got wind of your company being available for purchase and tried to use their resources to see how much I'm offering you."
One of the men banged the table hard, his face flushed with anger. "But if they buy us, we will be finished! There won't be scraps left of our company to sell. We might as well throw ourselves to the dogs!"
Callie raised an eyebrow at his fist resting on her conference table, clearly displeased. She carefully walked over to the man, removed his pocket square, and wiped the table beneath his palm before flicking it back at his face. "The way I see it, I made you an offer. If you take it, I can try not to make any serious budget cuts, and I give you my word that there won't be layoffs. Or, you can pass and never hear from me or my team again. You go into bankruptcy, or Freeman International buys you and does what they do best: obliterate the company. Time is of the essence, though. I don't think I have any left for you."
The men exchanged nervous glances before standing up and shaking her hand. "We have a deal," one of them said, handing her the papers, which both he and Callie signed before they left.
As the door closed behind them, Mark's tension was palpable. He walked over, closing the door and shutting the blinds. "Have you lost your mind? Why did you, how did you—Freeman knows they were on the market! We are finished, Callie!"
Callie let out a deep breath, her eyes steady on Mark. "Relax, Mark. Freeman doesn't know shit."
"But that call? It wasn't Freeman?" Mark asked, his confusion evident.
"It was a bluff," Callie admitted.
Mark stared at her, stunned. "That was wild and extremely dangerous. Why did you do that? We had them!"
"No, we didn't," Callie replied, her voice calm but firm. "They were on the fence. They needed a push, and Freeman International was that push. Sometimes, Mark, you have to play a little dirty to get what you want."
Mark shook his head, a mixture of admiration and disbelief in his eyes. "You're something else, Callie Torres. You took a huge risk."
Callie smirked, her confidence unwavering. "And it paid off. Now, let's get back to work. We've got a company to integrate."
"Who called you?" Mark asked.
"Spam." Callie lied not wanting to tell him her secret business venture until it came to fruition.
"What's going on, Callie? You seem... distracted. Have you heard back from Blondie?"
Callie shot him a look, her tone sharp. "Mind your business, Mark."
He raised his hands defensively. "Hey, I'm just looking out for you. You know that."
"Arizona is old news," Callie snapped, trying to sound convincing. "The only thing on my mind is my company now."
Mark studied her closely. "What happened in Michigan, Callie? You never really talked about it."
For a moment, Callie's tough exterior cracked. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she thought about their child, the loss, and the pain Arizona endured. "I don't want to talk about it," she said quietly.
Mark's expression softened. "You know I'm here if you need to."
Callie nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "After Arizona told me to leave, she asked me not to check up on her. She wanted me to focus on myself. So, that's what I've been trying to do." It wasn't exactly a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth.
"Have you?" Mark asked gently.
"I couldn't risk the media finding out if I went to therapy," Callie admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Instead, I've taken up yoga. It's helped, but I've honored her wishes and not contacted her. I've thrown myself into the business."
Mark placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You did what you had to do, Callie. But don't forget to take care of yourself too."
Callie gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Mark. I appreciate it."
Callie couldn't help but feel a pang of longing and concern for Arizona. She wished the blonde was okay, that she had found some semblance of peace and healing. But for now, all she could do was respect Arizona's wishes and focus on the task at hand.
Mark looked up from the paperwork and grinned. "Are you excited about tonight's party?"
Callie sighed, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over her. "I don't know, Mark. I haven't been getting out much lately."
"One of your clubs is turning 50 years old, Callie. That's a big deal! You acquired it about three years ago, and people were scared you were going to demolish it and make it into something trendy. But you did minor renovations, preserved as much of the architecture as possible, and worked on providing better service. It's now the top spot in Seattle, with frequent celebrity visitors. You should be proud."
"I know," Callie admitted, looking down. "But I just don't feel like celebrating right now."
"Callie-"
"I don't know, Mark," she repeated, more softly this time.
"Hey, listen," Mark said, his tone serious now. "I haven't seen you outside of this building in months. I feel like you've been sleeping here. Every morning, you come in early, and you leave late at night. You need a break."
"Mark, I'm not in the mood," Callie protested.
"I'm not asking you to pick up a woman," Mark said, leaning in. "I'm asking you to get a drink in your establishment and celebrate the club. You deserve it. And I won't take no for an answer."
Callie sighed again but finally nodded. "Okay, fine."
"Good, because you're buying," Mark quipped, a grin spreading across his face.
Despite her initial reluctance, Callie couldn't help but smile. She appreciated their friendship more than she could express. Things with Arizona were nonexistent, and that void still ached deeply. But she was glad to have Mark's support and friendship to lean on.
Later that evening, Callie stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress and giving herself a pep talk. The party was a significant milestone, not just for the club but for her journey as well. She took a deep breath and headed out, determined to make the most of the night.
As she entered the club, the vibrant atmosphere hit her immediately. The music was loud, the lights were bright, and the energy was infectious. Mark spotted her and made his way over, a drink already in hand for her.
"There's the woman of the hour!" he shouted over the noise, handing her the glass.
Callie took it, feeling a bit lighter already. "Thanks, Mark."
They clinked glasses, and Callie took a sip, looking around at the crowd. For the first time in a long while, she felt a spark of joy. Maybe tonight could be a step towards reclaiming a part of herself that she thought was lost.
Callie was dressed sharply in a nice button-down shirt with deep brown trousers and a jacket. Her hair was styled back, with the sides freshly shaved, giving her a clean and polished look. Mark quickly ordered two drinks for the two of them before turning his attention to the crowd.
"You did this," Mark said, admiration clear in his voice.
"No, Mark, we did this," Callie replied, clinking her glass against his.
Just then, a hot brunette approached them. Mark stepped in quickly. "Have you met Rebecca?" he asked Callie.
Callie shot him a death glare. "So this is the Callie I've been hearing about," Rebecca said, shaking Callie's hand. "Yeah, she's as beautiful as you described. Would you like to dance?" Before Callie could turn her down, Mark chimed in for her.
"She would love to," he said.
"Mark!" Callie protested, but he took her drink out of her hand, and Rebecca led her to the dance floor.
Callie had to admit that it felt great dancing with a woman again. Rebecca was attractive, and the playful touches here and there didn't go unnoticed by Callie. One song turned into five, and before she knew it, Rebecca was pulling her out of the club.
As Callie sent for her valet to get her car, she saw another blonde wearing a nice red dress that hugged every single curve of her body. Her blonde hair flowed long and free, cascading down her back. But it was the blue eyes, filled with unshed tears, that caught Callie's attention.
Arizona.
Time seemed to stand still as Callie locked eyes with her. The bustling sounds of the club and the city faded into the background. All she could see was the pain and longing in Arizona's eyes.
Rebecca tugged on Callie's arm, snapping her back to reality. "Hey, everything okay?"
Callie nodded absently. "Yeah, just... give me a minute."
Rebecca followed Callie's gaze and then nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "I'll be inside if you need me," she said softly, squeezing Callie's hand before heading back into the club.
Callie took a deep breath and walked towards Arizona, her heart pounding in her chest. "Arizona," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
But before she could take a step closer to the blonde, she watched her get back into the cab she come in and drive away leaving her alone, more lost than she was before.
