Elliot had been busy with the kids, and hadn't had a chance to call Olivia all day. He knew he had acted like a jackass, grilling her about where she'd been. He knew he couldn't push Olivia like that; that she immediately got defensive and pushed back or ran away. He shook his head. How had things managed to unravel in just 24 hours? They were at a bar, having drinks and laughing and talking and then…it all went to hell. He thought maybe if they could just get together, talk over a couple of beers, that maybe he could apologize and they could get things back to normal. When he finally had the chance to give her a call, it was late afternoon. He was frustrated when she didn't answer, but he also knew she had been up all night. Maybe she was sleeping.

When a couple of hours had passed without a return call, he started to wonder if he should call her again. He had his phone in his hand, but decided against it. He didn't want it to appear as if he was being overbearing. He told himself he would wait until tomorrow morning to follow up with her again. He and the kids were going to dinner and a movie, so that would distract him from wondering what she was doing. And who she was doing it with.

Elliot and the kids had just left the movie theatre and were headed home when he felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out and saw the message was from Liv. He smiled as he opened up the message, but his smile quickly faded as he read the contents. "What the hell?" he thought to himself. Usually, Liv was always up for a movie or takeout. If they weren't working, she usually didn't have much else going on. The only other people she hung around with every once in a while were Alex or Casey. Was she really that mad at him? And then it hit him-she was going to be with Matt. He had been so wrapped up in his thoughts about him and Olivia, that he had completely forgotten what the argument was about. It was about that asshat Matt. She was with HIM. She had spent half the night with him last night, sneaking out after Elliot had taken her home. And was she with him right now? His mind wandered to the two of them together. He could see Matt with his arms around her, his hands on her, kissing her…

"DAD!" said Dick.

Elliot stopped and looked around. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he had walked right past his apartment building. The kids had all stopped at the door and were staring at him.

"Are you OK?" asked Elizabeth. "Did something happen? You look mad."

Elliot shook his head. "Nah. I'm fine. It's nothing." He walked back towards the door, unlocking it and taking the kids back up to his apartment. When they got the apartment, Elliot walked towards his bedroom. "I just need a minute" he said. "I'll be right back out." He went into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. He sat down on the bed and scrubbed his hands over his face.

The thought crossed his mind that he always took Olivia for granted; she was always there for him. Whenever he wanted to talk, whenever he wanted to hang out, she was there. But how often did she go home alone, especially when he was married. Did he ever think about that? Ever think about her needs? He was such a selfish bastard. He told himself that he loved her, but when had he ever sacrificed anything for her? He always told himself that her happiness was all that mattered, but had he kept her from being happy? Had he sabotaged any chance of her having a normal life? The family she wanted? All the innuendo over the years; all the flirting and toeing the line. Did he make promises to her that he couldn't keep? That kept her from the happiness she deserved? If she could be happy with Matt, could he stand in the way?

He groaned and flopped back on the mattress, throwing an arm over his head. This was so fucked up.

EOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOE

Olivia got up early Sunday morning, excited about meeting Matt. It looked like Mother Nature was playing along, as it was a bright, sunny day. Olivia was trying to decide what to wear when she heard her cell phone buzz. It was a text from Elliot.

"Got ur message. Really wanted to hang but OK. Pick u up Mon AM?"

Olivia sighed. She could just see Elliot pouting when he read her message. She really wanted to avoid any time alone with him, because he was just going to grill her about where she had been all day today, and what she had been doing. But she also knew that she wasn't going to be able to avoid him forever.

"Sounds good." She texted back, and dropped her phone back on the nightstand.

She took her time getting ready, eventually decided on a simple pair of jeans, a blue, short sleeved shirt, and some sandals. She did her hair and make-up, and was ready to catch a cab by 1230. She got dropped at Columbus Circle, and looked around for Matt. She didn't see him, so she found a spot of wait, figuring he would find her.

He found her about 5 minutes later. He looked great in jeans and a dark blue polo shirt. Olivia appraised him as he walked over, and thought he didn't really look that much different than college. "Was he that sexy back then?" she wondered to herself. Before she could answer herself, he had reached her.

"Hello gorgeous." He said, leaning over and kissing her on the right cheek. "Been waiting long?"

"No. Just got here." Olivia said with a smile.

"It takes longer than I thought getting here from Brooklyn on the subway." Said Matt.

"You took the subway?" Olivia furrowed her brow.

"Of course. I can't afford to take a cab all that way. And I don't have a car. That's why I had you meet me instead of picking you up. I hope that's OK."

"Of course. That's fine."

"Ready?" he asked. He took her hand and led her into the park. They strolled along the walkway, watching all of the people, walking, biking, rollerblading and picnicking.

"I haven't been here for so long. I used to spend a lot of time here. Do you get her often?" asked Matt.

Olivia laughed. "Yeah, I get here often. You wouldn't believe how many sex crimes take place here."

Matt got a surprised look on his face, and Olivia immediately felt bad.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I forget…I just have a jaded view of the park I guess. It wasn't always that way. I used to love to come here. I just don't get a chance to come here very often…at least when I'm not working."

"it's OK. I just forget that you're a cop. I guess I just don't see you that way. I only know the Olivia I knew in college."

"Yeah, well, I'm not that girl anymore…" said Olivia. She was a little disappointed. She hoped Matt wanted to get to know the woman she was today and not be stuck with thoughts of the girl she was then.

Matt could sense the shift in her mood. He stopped and faced her. "I know…and I am anxious to get to know you again." Olivia smiled.

"OK, and I am anxious to get to enjoy this beautiful park and this beautiful day. I don't get to do things like this very often."

They kept walking through the park, stopping periodically to listen to musicians that were playing, joining in with the crowds watching kids work the crowds with their antics, looking at artwork crowded on stands. They talked about their days together in college, and told stories about their lives after, learning more about each other as they walked. After a few hours of strolling, the grabbed some hotdogs and a drink from a vendor and found a shady spot to sit and eat. They had finished eating, and were content, sitting and watching people going by. Matt had taken Olivia's hand in his, and they were leaning against each other lightly.

"I can't think of the last time I have had such a relaxing day" said Olivia. "If I'm not working, I am catching up on paperwork, or running errands or trying to squeeze in a workout. Thank you."

Matt turned his head to look at Olivia. "I'm glad you could fit me into your busy schedule" he said with a smile.

Olivia bumped is shoulder. "I didn't mean it that way."

"I know" he said quietly. "But I am really glad you could spend the afternoon with me. I was really having a good time with you at the diner on Friday night and was really bummed when you had to leave."

"Now you know why I don't date much. That's how my life works." said Olivia. "It's hard for regular people to get used to."

"Regular people?" said Matt, laughing. "Is that what we are? Regular people?"

"I guess that sounds funny, now that you said it." Laughed Olivia. "But it's true!"

Matt put his arm around Olivia's shoulders. "God, I missed that laugh. You have the best laugh, and the most beautiful smile. When you smile like that, your eyes light up and it's just…breathtaking."

Olivia rolled her eyes. She wasn't used to all of these compliments, and it made her uncomfortable. Her eyes landed back on Matt's face, and he was staring at her. Olivia's breath caught as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. When she didn't resist, he kissed her again, and she found herself kissing him back. She lifted her arms around his neck, giving into the feeling of his lips on hers. Matt pulled her a little closer, intensifying the kiss.

Olivia pulled back. She wasn't one for big displays of public affection. Matt pulled her back towards him, kissing her gently again. Olivia's mind and heart were racing. She couldn't believe she was kissing Matt; she wasn't sure how she felt about it.

As he was kissing her, Olivia heard her cell phone ringing. She broke off the kiss, somewhat glad for the interruption and a chance to catch her breath.

"Sorry, I have to get that." She pulled it out of her pocket and saw it was Elliot. Of course it was. His timing was impeccable. It was like he knew she was kissing someone and wanted to put an end to it. She debated about answering it or not. After a few seconds of debate, she hit connect.

"Hey" she said, slightly out of breath.

Elliot was surprised she answered, so he didn't answer her right away.

"El?" she asked.

"Oh, yeah. Hey. I'm driving back from Queens right now and thought maybe your plans changed…"

"No." Olivia replied. "I still have plans"

"Are you with Matt?" asked Elliot. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted it. He didn't want her to know that he was thinking about it, about her and Matt.

Olivia looked over at Matt, who was watching her.

"Elliot." She said sternly. "I will see you in the morning."

"Liv. Just.."

"I will see you in the morning El. Goodbye." Said Olivia, ending the call.

"Problems?" asked Matt.

Olivia sighed heavily. "No."

Matt debated about pushing it. It seemed like he was stepping in the middle of something, but he didn't want to push it. He really wanted to spend more time with Olivia, and if she said it wasn't a problem, then he was going to believe her.

"It's getting late" said Olivia. "And I have to work in the morning."

"It's only 5:00." Said Matt.

"Ah, musician's hours. You probably sleep until noon and go to bed at 4AM. I, on the other hand, have to get up at 6AM every day."

"Just let me buy you dinner. Nothing fancy. A hotdog and a Coke in the park don't really count as a meal." Said Matt.

Olivia looked at him and could tell he wasn't ready for the day to end. And frankly, she was having a good time.

"Fine. Let's just grab a bite somewhere around here and then I have to head home and get ready for tomorrow."

They strolled out of the park, hand in hand, and found a small bistro to have dinner. After dinner, they walked out of the restaurant.

"Thanks for dinner Matt. And for today. I had a great day." Said Olivia.

Matt took her hands in his. "I had a FANTASTIC day Olivia. I don't want it to end."

"I know but duty calls. I have to get home." Olivia wasn't sure if Matt was hoping she would invite him back home with her, but she wasn't ready for that. "I'm just going to grab a cab."

"I can see you home." He said.

Olivia laughed. "I'm a cop Matt. I don't need you to protect me. But I appreciate the offer. You have a long enough ride home." She said, putting any debate in his and her mind to rest.

Matt looked disappointed. Olivia knew he was still caught off guard sometimes with the woman the young girl had turned into. "OK. Got it."

"Matt. It's been a great day, and I have had a great time reconnecting with you. But it's been two days…let's just see what happens, OK?" she leaned in and kissed him gently. "Call me tomorrow."

She let his hands drop and walked away, hailing a cab. She turned back when the cab stopped, and saw him standing there looking at her. She waved as she got into the cab, headed for home.

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