A/N: Once again thank you all so much for your reviews/follows/messages. I appreciate everyone for hanging with me. Special thanks to Ila for letting me know it was okay. haha. I am so sorry this took a little longer than I had had planned. Real life was there, but also I have been struggling with how I wanted to get this chapter organized since before I started writing the prompt...
For What It's Worth Chapter 3
The next morning Sharon stood in her kitchen, waiting for her tea to steep, thinking back to the events of the previous evening. Everything had gone fine. The dinner was not quite what she had expected, but if she was honest she had not really known what to expect. She had arrived on time, having decided to drive her own car to the restaurant. Jon had offered to pick her up to send a car, but she had told him it would be easier for her to have her own car if they were called out for a case, even though they were not on call this weekend. Jon understood how, the call of duty came first, so he had met her outside the restaurant instead. Sharon rolled her eyes at the memory, but still smiled slightly at his apparent eagerness to be one of the guys, even if it was only for a television show.
Dinner had gone well enough. The restaurant was one of those new fusion places that had begun to pop up around town. The wonton nachos may not have been her favorite, but it had been nice to try something new. For his part Jon had been an enjoyable dinner companion. He may have strayed toward talking more about his role and his fans than she would have normally enjoyed, but still it was interesting to learn about the different aspects of the Hollywood world. They had only been interrupted by a small group of fans requesting a selfie with the actor. Not one to disappoint Jon had smiled for the photo before returning his date. After all, he always tried to be nice to everyone. Sharon hummed to herself at the image of how the group had fawned over the man. Sure, she agreed that he was easy on the eyes, but it had not ever been within her personality to be one of those who interrupted someone's private life for a picture just because he was a celebrity.
Across the kitchen her ringing phone brought her back to the present. She picked up her tea and moved across the room before answering -
"You didn't tell me you were going to dinner with Jonny?" Her friend began without any other introduction, "How did that happen? I need details, like yesterday."
"Well, hello to you too," Sharon chuckled into the phone.
"Yes, hello, but there is no time for pleasantries," Andrea explained. "I need to know how dinner went. I will ignore the fact that you did not bother to even tell me that you were going on a date with Jon Worth, if you just let me live vicariously through you for the moment."
"It wasn't a date," Sharon rolled her eyes. "It was just dinner, but if my life is the highlight of yours then I think we may need to be having a different discussion."
"Sharon, please," the other woman teased, "I need to know."
"Fine," She snorted, "it went just fine."
"Oh, well that's fine then," her friend drawled sarcastically. "I'll just see you sometime later, maybe at the next case or something…" Andrea paused, but when no more information was offered she moaned into the phone, "But Sharonnn."
Now laughing outright Sharon began detailing first the confusing invite at the end of Rusty's party before going into the events of the evening. Andrea snorted at the idea of the women interrupting the dinner for a picture, "You have to be cool in those situations. If it had been me I think I would have waited until you all were done eating and then casually said something about enjoying his new show or something along those lines."
On her end of the line Sharon teased, "Maybe to his face, but you found it perfectly acceptable to go all star struck in electronics and almost miss the confession…"
"Yeah, yeah, point taken."
Sharon grinned at her friend's comment, "Well, I guess we talked about the fan interaction after that…
"It must be interesting to be recognized by so many people," Sharon considered. "What do you do when you just want to be yourself?"
Jon smirked across the table, "It is just one of the many perks. I do it all for them, you know? The fans. After all I wouldn't be here today without them. My fans are the greatest."
Sharon hummed, her mind flashing back to images of the Jonny Shrine. "They do seem to be very devoted."
Jon smiled, "Of course, on the flip side, it is also nice to be around people who see me for me. Helping you all with the case yesterday gave me a little taste of that. Although, you did see all of the fans at the department, just can't get away. It comes with the territory."
"Indeed," Sharon agreed not having the heart to tell him many of the "fans" in the department had been a set up to help them insure his cooperation and comfort in the Murder Room. "We haven't had a chance to speak that much more about the case. Was there something in particular you wanted to discuss this evening? You had mentioned a debriefing?"
"I think I may have the gist of it all worked out now. It was just one of those things," he pulled forward in his chair, looking off dramatically, "You don't truly know until you're there." Sharon stared at the actor, not exactly sure of how to respond. So instead she picked up her drink and took a sip. Jon pulled his gaze back to her, "Or, I mean it was very good material for me to apply to my character. Plus, my involvement helped bring some more press to the show. Helped with our numbers, of course sad for poor Zelda, but the show will continue."
Sharon pressed her lips together and nodded, "Well, I guess there's that then, a bit of a silver lining."
"He is a little bit odd, isn't he?" Andrea reasoned interrupting the retelling. "But, at least it was a different evening, something new."
"That it was."
"Different enough that you two will be going out for another dinner? Or no?" Andrea probed.
Sharon thought for a moment, "Well, probably not. I mean I do not really think that was a date-date kind of dinner. It was fun, but not really something to latch on to or to write home about."
Andrea chuckled at her friend's explanation, "Well, like I said, at least it was something different. Surely though you have something more to give me than a few fans wanting selfies."
"Sorry to disappoint you. We discussed a few Provenza-isms and then I took my ticket to the valet stand. He joined me a few moments later, after he had signed the check and a headshot for the waiter."
"That's really it?" Andrea questioned, "I was hoping for a little more excitement."
Sharon pressed her lips together, thankful the conversation was on the phone and not in person, as she did not want to discuss the rest of the evening just yet. "Yes, that's it. I went to the valet stand and waited for my car."
"Well, I guess it sounds like it wasn't too bad of an evening really," Andrea reasoned before changing the subject. "Do you have any plans for today? I need to get out for a bit and focus on something other than trial prep."
"Andy and I are going shopping this afternoon for a gift for his daughter." Sharon shrugged into the phone, "If that sounds like a good enough distraction, you are more than welcome to join us."
Andrea laughed, "I should have guessed you two had plans."
"What? Why?"
"No reason," Andrea grinned into the receiver. "Say, did he know about your dinner with Jon?"
"He was at the party, so yes, he knew," she explained. "We had to change our shopping plans around. Why?"
On the other end of the line Andrea shrugged, as she repeated, "No reason. Okay, so text me what time you all are heading out and I will meet you."
"I will. Talk to you soon." Sharon pressed end and returned the phone to the table. She had not heard from Andy about the plans for the day, but she knew it would not be a big deal for Andrea to join them. As she mentally planned out the rest of the day her mind drifted back to the end of the dinner.
After the women left and their dinner plates were cleared, the two sat in silence for a moment not sure of what else to discuss.
"Can I interest you two in dessert this evening?" came the voice of their waiter as the young man handed Sharon, then Jon a dessert menu. "We have a number of very delicious offerings, the Lemon Tres Leches Cake is very popular, as well as the Churro Bowl."
Jon took the menu and nodded toward her, "What do you say, Sharon?"
Thankful for the interruption she smiled as she ran her eyes down the list of options, "It's doesn't hurt to take a look. I don't always go for dessert, but this is such an interesting place, I am a little intrigued to see what they could create."
"Perfect," Jonny scanned the menu as well. "What about something like a dessert sampler?"
Sharon shrugged, "Why not?" Signaling him to return the menus to the waiter and place the order.
Her eyes followed the waiter as he walked back through the restaurant toward the kitchen with their dessert order. As the man passed the door Sharon caught a glimpse of a familiar grey head of hair and let out a sigh before turning back to Jon. Noting a slight change to her posture he leaned forward slightly concerned, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing," Sharon shrugged. "Just recognized someone by the door."
"Who?"
Sharon sighed reluctantly, "My ex husband, or soon to be ex husband."
"Oh, well that would definitely give you cause to tense," Jonny laughed. "I am never fond of running into exes, no matter the circumstances. We may live in one of the largest cities in the country, but it is odd how we can still run into someone we know. It's like that whole six degrees of separation thing, but sometimes it only seems like two or three. Do we need to cancel dessert?"
Sharon stared back at him, "No, I have never had a reason to run or hide from anyone, including Jack. I won't start that now."
"From just my brief interactions with you over the last couple of days I would have assumed nothing less."
Sharon exhaled slowly before taking the opportunity to steer the conversation away from anything too personal and back to something Jon could possibly use. "That little phenomenon, the degrees of separation, helps with our work as well. In his own way Lieutenant Provenza likes to point out the connections in just about every case."
Jonny chuckled, "Of course, I think I may heard him say something about 'it's always the husband.' I mean it does seem to make sense. The writers should work that in to our next season. It's true and funny, sort of."
"Yes, funny" she smirked. "He is right every once in a while. More often than not someone the victim knows commits the crime. People work, live, and interact in relatively small spheres, no matter if it's in a big city like Los Angeles or somewhere out in the middle of nowhere. Opportunity and exposure play a key role in almost all of our interactions and relationships. So, that idea is a good piece to add to your show if they want to spotlight that trend. However, even if that is the common theme, you still have to be careful not to get stuck in that mindset. You have to work the clues and be open-minded to a variety of possibilities. You do the victim a disservice to not explore every avenue."
"That is a good point, you can't just go off of your gut."
Sharon paused, "Well, your gut does have something to do with it. Not the only thing to rely on, but something that can direct you if you are otherwise unsure. There are a lot of factors."
"So true. This great stuff," for the second time in the evening Jon looked off wistfully, "It is all about finding justice for the victim." Sharon tried not to smirk at the dramatic taglines he seemed to enjoy repeating. Luckily she was saved from responding by the arrival of their desserts.
After they finished dessert Jonny asked for the check and looked over to Sharon, "Did you park or valet?"
"I went ahead and just used the valet. Parking in the city is always such a nightmare. Luckily, everywhere you go has valet."
Jonny nodded, "Definitely. I am thankful I have the car service. Very worth the expense. If you want you could go ahead and give them your ticket while I wait for the check."
"Are you sure? I don't mind waiting here."
"It is totally fine," Jon assured her. "They share their valet with the place next door so there is no telling how long you will have to wait. Plus, we can avoid any chance of running into anybody here we don't' want to see."
Sharon shrugged, but went ahead and got her things together to leave.
From across the room Jack looked up to see Sharon leaving the restaurant. He had not seen her when he had arrived, so it was a little surprising to see her not only there, but also with someone he did not recognize. Jack took the opportunity to excuse himself from his date and sneak outside.
"Well good evening Sharon," Jack drawled as came he up behind her. "Didn't expect to see you out tonight."
Upon hearing his voice she cringed slightly, but forced a stern smile as she turned, "Good evening, Jack." He opened his mouth to speak, but Sharon took a step forward cutting him off before he had a chance, "As lovely as it is to see you and everything, Jack. There was really no need to follow me out here. I'm sure you have a dinner to return to."
"It'll keep," he replied as he waved a hand in the direction of the restaurant. "Say, Sharon, Rusty was under the impression you were still all alone, not dating anyone that is. Looks like you've done a good job of hiding this guy from everyone. I had assumed you were hanging around with that idiot you work with, but I guess even his pathetic little shadowing couldn't break through to your icy heart."
Sharon shuddered slightly, but kept her expression firm, "It is none of your business who I am 'hanging around with', Jack. Really, it has not been any of your business for quite a while, even more so now. How about you go ahead and rejoin your date. There is no reason to do this here." Jack shuffled his feet slightly as her eyes flashed at a second thought, "But, since you mentioned Rusty, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't use him for information about my life. You want to know something you can ask me, or, of course, my attorney. I feel as though I shouldn't have to say this, but all of the kids are off limits."
Jack sneered at her comment, "I thought you would be happy that I was calling them, checking in on them."
Sharon let out a controlled breath, "I have never, and would never, stand in the way as far as you rebuilding your relationships with them, Jack. However, I would greatly appreciate it if you stuck to discussing their lives and not mine."
Suddenly she felt a warm hand slip into hers and gentle kiss across cheek, "Sorry Sharon. That took a little longer than I had anticipated. Did you give them the ticket?"
A little startled at his arrival, but quickly recovering Sharon smiled, "Oh yes, the car should be here any moment."
Jon gave her a wink as he turned to Jack and held out his hand, "Jon Worth."
Jack looked down at the man's hand for a second before returning the gesture and finding his voice, "Jack Raydor."
Jon shook his hand, "Pleasure."
"Yeah," Jack pulled his hand back before looking to his wife and nodding. "Well, I guess I should get back to my dinner. We can talk more later, Sharon."
"Good night," Jon waved as he wrapped his arm around Sharon's shoulders. Jack waved off the pair as Sharon's car pulled up to the curb. He watched Sharon walk around to the driver's side door as Jon opened the passenger door for himself. Even though he was a little stunned to see his wife with someone else he took the opportunity to snap a quick picture. The divorce was going through no matter what he wanted, but maybe he could get something out of this development.
Inside the car Jon leaned forward, "Oh well, that was entertaining."
Sharon rolled her eyes, "That is one word for it." She bit down on her bottom lip for a moment before continuing, "So, well, thank you I guess for stepping in and breaking that up, but you really did not need to do that. I can handle Jack, or anyone else for that matter, just fine on my own."
Jon nodded, "I'm sorry. I just thought I could help. He seemed to be spoiling for something and it looked like a good time to shut him up."
Sharon smiled softly as she turned in her seat, "Well, it did work. Jack will probably be replaying that for a while." Jon chuckled lightly before she sighed, "So, this was a nice evening Jon, but I probably need to be heading out. Thank you for dinner."
"You're welcome, Sharon. I had a nice time as well. Sorry again for jumping in." He looked out the window to make sure Jack was back inside the building before reaching for the handle. "Thanks for indulging my questions and for putting up with the interruptions." He leaned over and patted her forearm. "I'll see you around."
Back in her condo Sharon sighed at the unexpected turn of events her evening had taken. It was not a big deal, but it was still never fun to run into Jack out in the world. Shaking her head at the reality that that was probably just the first of many altercations to come she picked up her phone once again. Flipping through the contacts she typed up a quick message to Andy: "Are we still on for the Grove this afternoon?"
