Woody stumbles back into the precinct completely dazed. He has absolutely no idea of how to react. He goes into his office and closes the door softly. He turns to stare at his own personal home away from home. His desk, the centerpiece of this masterpiece he built, the position he slaved away to get, covered in files, folders, writing utensils and pictures. He slowly makes his way to his chair, takes off his jacket, laying it across the back of his chair, and sits down to relax. He tilts his head back and closes his eyes, trying to forget today's events. He opens his eyes half a minute later, to find himself staring at a picture of him and the morgue staff at Nigel's latest bash. At one glance, everyone can be seen smiling, having fun, friends out having a drink. But upon closer inspection, the picture reveals one of Woody and Jordan's better relationship moments. His arm is placed around her waist protectively and she's closer to him than would be expected of just friends. His cheek is nestled against her tousled, curly hair. Just looking at the picture he remembers the smell of her freshly washed hair, the feel of her satin top and the warmth of her fingers as they trailed on his back as they danced. His phone begins to vibrate in his pocket, jolting him out of his memories. He picks it up reluctantly.
"Hoyt", he says into the phone.
"Hey Woody, it's Care." a voice responds, with a succulent whisper.
"Oh, hey, hey… how are ya?" Woody stammers out.
"Fine, just fine. So happy to be able to see you again. Can't wait to see you tonight. Should be lots of fun, catching up on old times."
"Yeah, yeah definitely."
"Well…the main reason I called was to ask if you could give me a ride to Adrianne's tonight since I'm new to Boston and all…" Caroline let her voice trail off, hoping Woody could pick up on her hint of maybe some "together time" between the two of them, before and after the dinner.
"Oh geez, I don't know Care, I was supposed to go out with Jordan tonight, but because of this thing we aren't but I'm assuming I'm still supposed to get her so I don't know how that'll work. I could call you a cab though." Woody tries to excuse himself from a potential hazardous situation.
"Oh no worries about Jordan, I already talked to her about it. It's how I got your cell number. When I mentioned you driving me, she said it'd be no problem and that she would get a ride with Dr. Macy." As Caroline says this Woody draws in a breath sharply. He wanted to talk to Jordan privately about Caroline and just saw his chance slip out the window. "Woody, is that ok? I hope I'm not imposing or anything."
"No, don't worry about it. It's the least I can do right, since you are new here."
"Great! Pick me up at a quarter to 7? I'm on Madison Avenue, apartment 17. Ring me and I'll let you on up."
"Sounds great. See you then."
"Great. See you then, hun." Caroline hangs up.
Woody sighs in relief to be off the phone. Suddenly, his mind has a quick flash of Jordan and Caroline talking about tonight's plans and quickly reaches for his phone and calls her, pressing speed dial 1.
"Cavanaugh," Jordan's voice answers.
"Hey Jor, it's Woody."
"Hey Woods, did Caroline get through to you? She wanted you to get her tonight – "
"Yeah, yeah we talked. Sure you don't want me to come get you still? I got enough seats and I thought maybe we could talk after – "
"No, no, I've got a ride with Garrett. Don't worry about me. Besides, Caroline made it seem like she wanted some alone time with you, I wouldn't want to be stepping on anyone's toes."
"You definitely wouldn't be Jordan… you sure? Can we reschedule our dinner for tomorrow night?"
"I don't know Woody, Caroline might need a tour or something, you should be available for her the next few days. Come on, she's an old friend, old fiancé if I remember correctly. Think of her in this new city by herself except for her long lost love, Woodrow." Jordan chuckles at her own mild humour.
"I'm only thinking of you, Jor."
"Sure, sure, we'll see how much you do after a nice time with Ms. Waters." Awkward silence follows Jordan's comment that she intended as a joke.
"Don't even joke, Jordan. I've waited too long to even get to this stage – ""
"Yeah, yeah I get it. Now leave me alone and let me get back to work before Macy gets on my ass about it."
"Bye, Jor. Miss you."
"See you later Woody."
Both Woody and Jordan hang up, unsatisfied with the call. Neither are sure how Caroline's appearance is going to affect their relationship, yet both have no doubt that it probably won't be good. Jordan puts her phone down, gathers her stuff up and gets ready to leave so she can prepare for tonight. Woody lays his phone to the side, stares at his desk blankly and then grabs the nearest file folder. He might as well get some work done while trying not to imagine the disaster the dinner will bring.