As Sharon exited Police Headquarters, she saw the familiar brunette sitting on a bench, her eyes closed and her head tilted slightly back. There was a hint of a smile on her rosy, full lips, an air of contentment surrounding her.
"You are always a sight to behold," Sharon said as she sat down beside Sharlene.
"Hey," Sharlene said, embracing Sharon in a firm hug. Sharon stiffened under her embrace but reciprocated. This was not a good idea. At. All.
"You ready?" Sharlene asked as she pulled away.
"As I'll ever be," Sharon said, shaking her head in mild disbelief. "Where are you taking me?"
"To a little Italian restaurant not to far from here."
"How romantic," Sharon said dryly as they crossed the street together.
"It's just lunch Sharon," Sharlene sighed.
"I hope you know that," Sharon warned.
Lunch was going better than Sharon had hoped- well, she did envision the ultimate worst-case scenario. The two old friends caught up on lost time. Sharon told her about her new position at Major Crimes and Rusty.
"You always had a soft spot for children, which made you such a great mother." Sharlene smiled genuinely, which only made Sharon blush.
"Thank you, but it was my kids that made the job easy."
"I only give credit where it's due Shar, you know that. Those kids couldn't have been more lucky to have you forever in their lives." Sharlene held Sharon's gaze, suddenly noticing a glimpse of guilt in the woman's eyes. As if on cue, Sharon's phone rang.
"I'm sorry, but I have to take this."
"Sure. The joys of having lunch with a police Captain." Sharon just rolled her eyes and checked the caller ID. Her face dropped a little.
"Hey," she answered sweetly.
"Hey yourself. Where are you? Provenza said you went out for lunch?"
"I'm so sorry, I should have called you. I'm-uh-having lunch with an old friend who just got in town. We're at La Botte's."
"Fancy," Andrea said dryly. "Well I'll see you later, I guess," the disappointment evident in her voice. Why didn't Sharon call?
"See you soon, hon," Sharon replied. The shocked expression on Sharlene's face didn't evade her though. She hung up.
"Hon? You're seeing someone?" She asked.
"Yes." Sharon replied matter-of-factly. "Andrea and I have been together for almost a year now."
"So, does she live with you?"
"No, not yet anyway. I'm trying not to stir Rusty's environment right now. He's been through enough." At that moment, the check arrived. Sharlene got to it first.
"Don't worry, I got it," she said, handing the waiter her credit card. Sharon rolled her eyes.
"The least I could have done was pay for the meal. You're the guest here." Sharon smiled.
"Well, look at it as my way of saying 'thank you'. We both know you didn't have to have this little date with me today." Sharlene smirked.
"It's not a date. It's just lunch between old friends."
As they exited the restaurant, Sharon knew she had to go see Andrea but she didn't need Sharlene following her.
"Maybe we should end our lunch here. You don't need to walk me back."
"So I take it you won't be introducing me to your Andrea?" Even though there was a smirk on her lips, Sharlene's deep brown eyes betrayed her jealousy towards Andrea. The least she wanted was to see the woman to whom she lost her Sharon.
"I prefer not to, no. Take care." Sharon began walking away. Sharlene grabbed her arm, only to receive Sharon's classic glare of disapproval. She didn't care.
"You don't plan on meeting up again?" Sharon sighed with frustration. She wanted to stay far away from the slender, attractive brunette in front of her so no; she wasn't planning on meeting up again.
"I really hope not Sharlene."
"You hope not? Well, I'll take that as a hopeful sign then." Before Sharon could respond, Sharlene turned on her heels and walked away. Sharon closed her eyes for a moment trying to muster up enough emotional strength to face Andrea before she was scheduled to return to her office.