It had been a hard day; one of many as of late. And late it was. Liz used to dream about full days spent in front of monitors, solving high level crime and talking logistics with likeminded professionals. But here she was in the midst of it, entirely drained and mentally fatigued. The numbers and names and ones and zeroes had started running together an hour ago, the last 60 minutes had merely been spent propping her head in her hands and trying to keep her eyes from closing entirely.
She retreated to her little desk as soon as possible, ready to pull on her coat and call it a day. The first thing she noticed as she walked in the door was not the usual drab darkness of her office. Instead she took notice of one of the most beautiful bouquets of flowers she'd ever laid eyes on, sitting on her desk.
A beautiful crystal vase held cream colored roses so plush and satiny that she was almost sure they weren't real. Regal lilies burst through the clusters of pillowy blooms with tall, elegant petals of stark white. Sprigs of baby's breath peeked around gathering blush pink carnations. A sweet fragrance wafted through the office as she crossed the room to pluck out a little ivory card nestled into the arrangement.
"For all your hard work – it's a pleasure working with such a lovely partner."
She smiled, picturing a weary Ressler trudging through the rainy streets on one of his short evening breaks, picking up these flowers for her. He was so closed off, kept her friendship at such an arm's length… it was delightful to find a little sliver of his softer side. She'd never imagined he was so thoughtful.
Then she heard his familiar footsteps approaching the door of their shared office. She turned around to find him in the middle of a yawn, groaning as he reached for his coat with a beleaguered smile.
"Ressler, this was really too nice of you," she said, holding up the little card.
"They're nice flowers, Keen. I'd take credit but someone spent a small fortune on those and it wasn't me," he said, nodding toward the bouquet.
She furrowed her brow… Cooper? They were certainly not "partners". And he'd been in the office without a break all evening.
She glanced out her window toward Aram's desk to find him looking at her quizzically and mouthing the word "Who?" Not him, she though.
Just past Aram's shoulder, she caught a glimpse of Red donning his hat as he boarded the elevator, his navy windbreaker over his arm. Her breath hitched with a sudden realization as she caught his eye. She could feel her jaw slacken, her chest rising sharply. He smiled at her warmly, his eyes dancing with mischief, his weathered skin crinkling in contrast to his youthful brightness. Before the doors closed, he tipped his hat to her with a nod.
She froze, the card still lifted in her hand.
She turned back to Ressler, whose lips were upturned in a smile.
"Don't say I didn't tell you, Keen. Red's got a crush."