Actually having been able to fall right to sleep when she got home, Andy woke early the next morning. Unfortunately for her, her overthinking brain flipped on full force at daybreak. She decided the best course of action would be a good run before work. Making her laps around the park, she realized, surprisingly, the thoughts that were tumbling around in her mind were more about Nick and his confession to her and less about her less than stellar night with Sam. (She wondered if that was a good or bad thing?!) Making her way back to her apartment, she showered and grabbed her things for work.
She changed into her uniform and stepped into the break room for her coffee. Seeing Sam, barely alive and lumped over the counter, she knew this would definitely be a no sugar, lots of cream, extra hot kind of morning. She eased herself over to him, taking in his day old stubble and bedhead, tentatively asking 'Soooooooooo…..You ok this morning?' Getting a faint grunt in reply, Andy nodded and turned towards the door. Mustering anything close to courage, Sam spoke 'Uh Andy, Umm about what I said last night…' Turning around, and noting Marlo coming towards Sam from the other door, Andy taunted 'Don't worry Sam. I'll make sure Collins knows you're not REALLY his type.' Smiling, she stepped into the hall as Nick was coming passed the door. Hip checking him playfully she greeted, 'Morning Budddy!' He replied with a smile, 'Morning Partner,' plopping an arm around her shoulder.
Leaning against the counter, Sam watched the exchange, as a curious Marlo angled to his side. Observing his obviously disheveled state, she didn't need to be a detective to realize he was battling a raging hangover. Acknowledging that he was being studied, Sam explained 'Open bar at the reception…. Had a little too much to drink,' hoping it would relieve her need to ask questions. Of course, his hope was short-lived. She furrowed her brow, as if his explanation only peaked her curiosity, and asked 'So you got drunk and made a pass at Collins?!' She asked in shock. Slightly amused at her conclusion, but deciding this was better than the alternative – (explaining that his ex drove him home, helped him undress and get to bed while he confessed he that he missed her) – Feigning embarrassment, he offered an innocent shrug, and replied 'Yep,' popping the P. Surprisingly, she accepted this strange confession and shook her head with a smirk. She headed to parade and he let out a sigh of relief as he headed to his to the D's office. 'God, when had he become such a tool?' he asked himself.
Passing in the hall, Oliver clapped a hand on his shoulder and offered his sage wisdom 'Hair of the dog my friend – The cure for what ails you.' Sam grunted in reply, but not before Oliver muttered 'that and McNally' under his breath.
Rolling his eyes under his lids, he made it to his office. 'Thank God I made detective' he thought, grateful that he could work with paper today rather than people. He wasn't sure if he was safe for human contact – today especially.
He dropped himself to his chair with a groan and let his head fall to the desk, knocking it against the laminate top before sitting up and making eye contact with his partner. Traci had that look in her eye, a glance that held both sympathy and disapproval. It hadn't been the first time she had looked at him like that; though he wasn't sure which part of that glance he was most ashamed of. Poking his arm with the end of her pen as she walked out to the evidence room, 'Lunch is on me today' she offered casually. Sam knew she was just having his back, and he had grown to appreciate having her as a partner. She had good instincts and detective work came naturally to her. She never pushed him to share much personally, but gradually he was learning to trust her more. If he were being honest, he was grateful because she allowed him to maintain a shred of connection with both Jerry and Andy.
He finished some case notes and before he knew it his stomach was growling – he hadn't trusted himself to keep anything solid down at breakfast. Traci laughed, saying 'I guess that's my cue to buy you lunch. Come on partner let's get outta here.' Nodding with a smirk that didn't meet his eyes – let's be honest no smile, smirk or grin ever met his eyes these days. In fact, he couldn't remember the last time he genuinely laughed – He grabbed his brown leather jacket and headed out.
Traci picked a burger joint a few blocks away – promising Sam the greasy food would work a miracle for his hangover. They sat quietly, much like the time with Andy on their way to Sudbury. Traci wasn't going to prod him, but she hoped her patience would pay off. Pushing a fry to the inside of his cheek and looking down at his plate, Sam blurted 'I told her I missed her!'
'Ok….' Traci said, raising and eyebrow with a hopeful smile. Her smile faded, however, as Sam explained his drunken fiasco. 'She doesn't believe me, Traci.' Sam said, as if confused, and with his eyes still fixed on his plate. Traci listened and gently offered, 'Sam you were drunk and are still dating someone else. What part of that seems believable to you?' Sam huff out a tired breath and nodded with a self-deprecating shrug.
They walked back to the barn, neither of them knowing what else to say. Traci giving Sam some space, knowing that it took a lot for him to open up to her. As they got to the station, Traci nudged his elbow asking 'How about you come to Leo's birthday party – it's two Sundays from now at the rec center park? He wanted a basketball party this year. He'd really like it if you came – I think he's pretty fascinated by the mysterious Uncle Sammy….' Earning a chuckle from Sam, she settled for his 'We'll see' answer.