Andy was confused after her conversation with Nick. She wasn't sure how she felt about him, or if it was even right to feel anything for him so soon after his break-up with one of her close friends. She grabbed a flute of champagne as one of the servers passed by with a tray of them. After only one sip, however, she felt sickeningly comparable her father. Putting down the champagne inconspicuously on a nearby table, she reminded herself that drinking wouldn't help anything. Dancing might though!
She headed out to the dance floor to join Traci, Steve Peck – wait, Steve Peck? – and Dov and Chloe. No sooner had she done so than Oliver had beckoned her over. He was dancing with his beautiful date and she noted with satisfaction that he looked happier than she'd ever seen him.
"McNally, this is my wonderful dance partner and date, Celery. Celery, I taught all my best moves to this copper here, Andy McNally."
Andy rolled her eyes, typical Oliver. She laughed and the three of them moved to the bar so Oliver could get Celery a drink. Sam, who was standing at the bar, turned around at the sound of Andy's laughter and was surprised to find her coming towards him. Then he realized she was just coming toward the bar; not him. He was ashamed at how disappointed he felt about that.
"Hey Sam!" Oliver called. Sam nodded his greeting. "Would you please keep my beautiful date company while I dance with my favourite Rookie?"
"Sure thing, brother." Sam walked over and introduced himself to Oliver's date. He tried to make small talk with Celery, but found he couldn't keep his eyes off Oliver and Andy, which was making a conversation difficult.
"Safe to assume it's not Oliver you're checking out?" Sam was startled out of his reverie by Celery's comment. Embarrassed and unsure how to answer that question, he was relieved when he noticed McNally and Oliver returning.
"Well McNally, you may have two left feet but I have to admit you look amazing! I hope you enjoyed our dance because I'll be busy all night trying to sweep this lovely lady off her feet." He grabbed Celery's hand and twirled her to him, leaving Andy alone with Sam. Great.
Oliver was busy with his date; Frank and Noelle were inseparable. Sam was…bored, lonely, pining… Oh what the Hell!
"How about that dance McNally?" He tried for casual, sounded desperate instead. Thankfully she didn't seem to notice.
"You don't dance," she laughed.
"Not normally, no. But as Frank's stand-in Best Man, I probably shouldn't get trashed. Which is what will happen if I don't get away from this open bar."
"Sure, why not?" She smiled as he led her away from the bar and onto the dance floor. "So what happened to Frank's brother anyway?"
Sam described the events of his day, and asked her about hers. So familiar was the exchange that Andy almost forgot they were no longer together. That she shouldn't crave his touch anymore. That his strong arms around her were holding someone else every night.
"So that's why you had to miss the ceremony? You and Nick were waiting for that guy to come down off the tower to arrest him?" She nodded. He had figured as much. "Talk about drawing the short straw McNally."
"Story of my life. Bad luck seems to follow me wherever I go."
Sam smiled, dimples and all. Andy nearly – nearly – swooned, until Sam responded with: "Speaking of following you wherever you go, what's the deal with you and Nick these days?"
She had noticed that Nick had been watching at her from across the room where he was talking to Chloe. Sam had clearly noticed too.
"We're close." Ambiguous. Sam hated that he would have to do some fishing. Normally he was so good at figuring things out, but when it came to McNally his detective training was useless. He – and probably everyone in 15 division – could tell that Nick liked Andy. Hell it was probably the reason for his break up with Peck. But as for how she felt about Nick, Sam wasn't sure if there was nothing there or if he was just in serious denial.
"Word on the street is that you're together." This time Sam thought he was getting better at sounding casual.
"Word on the street? Since when do you participate in the precinct gossip Sam?" She was indignant and Sam knew he had to backtrack, ASAP.
"I don't, I just listen to it."
"Listening is participating…" Now she was starting to get irritated.
"I mean, I mean I hear it. Unintentionally."
"Whatever Sam. You lost the right to ask about my love life the second you starting dating Marlo! Where is she tonight, anyway?"
The song ended and Sam was simultaneously relieved – because he needed to get out of there, and frustrated – because he needed to stay and fix this. Andy had already started to walk away. Towards Nick. Sam cringed.
He reached out and grabbed her arm and gently turned her to face him. She looked annoyed. He didn't blame her. What the Hell was he doing tonight? Acting like an idiot. Making a fool of himself. Realizing that he'd probably lost her for good.
She was looking at him expectantly, one eyebrow raised. He had to say something. He wanted to tell her that he loved her. That he missed her. That he would give anything to start all over with her. That he never should have let her go, and what's more that he should have taken her home that night. In the rain. Instead of leaving her heartbroken in a parking lot. He wanted to say all those things. But all he said was: "Hey, I'm really sorry if I came off like jerk tonight. Being Frank's best man reminded me of –"
"It's ok. I get it. I completely understand."
"And also… you look…I mean you're always…" He coughed. (Choked more like). "Uhm have a great night Andy."
Andy had never seen Sam like this. He never lost his cool. Wasn't it always her that was bumping into him and awkwardly complimenting his clothes? What was going on with him? Well, he was at a wedding without his girlfriend, his two close friends were happily in love, the whole night was a constant reminder of his deceased best friend… She could cut him a break.
"You too Sam. And…thanks for the dance." She gave him a small smile. He smiled and walked away.
Well now he had no idea what the heck was going on.
But somehow he felt a bit better.
And she had no idea what that was all about.
But for some reason she felt relieved.