A/N this took longer to edit than I was planning. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 7

The day seemed to drag on and on. With no real case, it was just an endless parade of paperwork.

Lunch brought a few moments of relief. Andy had suggested they take a walk and grab something. The mountain of paperwork on her desk made saying yes very easy. Unfortunately before they could make their escape they had a laundry list of lunch orders.
"Don't we have any interns for this?" Andy asked holding up the list.

"Nope," Sanchez chuckled.

Andy gave Sharon a pitiful look.

"Oh it's not that bad, Lieutenant," she laughed as she walked toward the elevator.

Andy glared at his partner as he passed his desk.

"Next time don't offer," Provenza shrugged.

"I didn't offer," Andy hissed.

Provenza's eyes went wide his hands held up in feign surrender, "So...rrr...yy, didn't realize you had big lunch plans there lover boy."

When the Captain called back into the room, "Andy, are you coming?" Sanchez nearly choked on his coffee, causing most everyone else in the murder room to laugh.

Andy bit his tongue, swallowing the urge to shout at them knowing that wouldn't end well. With an aggravated sigh he stormed out of the room.

Sharon was waiting by the elevators. Seeing his dark expression, she stepped toward him, her head tilted slightly, her hand sliding up his bicep, "Andy?"

She didn't need to say more. He just shook his head. "Juveniles," was all he could muster by way of an explanation.

Sharon smirked knowing the team was giving him a hard time and it most likely had something to do with them. "Do I want to know?"

His expression spoke volumes. "I didn't think so," she laughed. "You'll feel better after you eat."

The elevator opened and they stepped inside. Being the lunch hour the small space was rather crowded. Several uniformed officers took a step back to allow them to enter. With barely enough room, Andy couldn't hide a little smile when he stepped into her personal space. With no room to maneuver, he kept his back to the door, facing her with that smirk on his face. Sharon only slightly rolled her eyes at him shaking her head. They needed to exit the elevator once to allow those behind them to leave. The added room allowing them to finish their trip to the lobby in a more traditional fashion much to Andy's dismay.

Once outside, Andy slipped his arm around her waist holding her close as they walked down the street toward the bank of food trucks.

Standing in line, Sharon was trying to decide what she wanted. She was finding it hard to concentrate with Andy standing so close behind her and murmuring food selections from the menu into her ear. His hands her on her hips and his breath was warm against her neck.

"I'm never going to be able to decide with you distracting me," she finally said, bumping him with her body. She stepped away from him to get a better look at the menu board. Once she made her choice she turned back to him.

He extended his hand to draw her back to him. Giving her a hug, he said, "See was that so hard?"

She hummed before turning and stepping away again.

"Oh no," he teased slipping his arms around her waist. She laughed and playfully pivoted away but remained in his embrace.

He laughed into her neck then felt her go stiff in his arms. A moment later, Andy heard an all too familiar voice and cursed under his breath before standing up straighter but not relinquishing his hold on her.

"Well, well, well," came the unmistakeable voice of Jack Raydor, "Why Sharon? Such a surprise running into you here," Jack spoke more jovially than he felt at seeing her, especially happily wrapped in another man's arms. He met Andy's gaze, barely giving him a nod in the way of greeting, "Flynn."

"Hello Jack," she replied coldly. Andy raised his head to look around Sharon. Andy was surprised that she hadn't broken their embrace. In fact, she leaned back into Andy's arms and wrapped her hands around his forearms which were encircling her waist.

"Jack," Andy replied with a smirk giving Sharon's waist a little squeeze. He could feel her slowly relax against him, her hands loosening their grip on his wrists.

"How are you these days Andy? All healed up?" Jack remarked over his shoulder as he was now looking behind him.

Andy gave Sharon a squeeze before he answered, "Ah... Never better, Jack." He gave Sharon a puzzled look as Jack still had his back turned. "You... Ah... Lose something?"

Sharon watched as Jack waved his hand. At first, she couldn't see what or who he was waving at, then it became clear. She saw a young redhead waving back.

"Ugh, let's get out of here," she whispered to Andy. Who hummed in agreement but it was too late to just slip away without appearing extremely rude. The young woman who had joined them taking Jack's arm, didn't deserve that.

"Sharon, I'd like you to meet Brittany," the sickeningly sweet tone of Jack's voice made Sharon's stomach churn.

From Sharon's quick assessment of the young woman, she couldn't deny she was stunning, flowing red hair, blue eyes, long willowy limbs. Even without Jack's pompous grin, Sharon was certain he was sleeping with her. Not that Sharon really cared who Jack slept with, but somehow this girl just seemed to personify every one of Jack's infidelities over the course of their marriage.

"So nice to make your acquaintance," Sharon brought the back of her hand up to touch Andy's shoulder, "This is Andy." Sharon did her best to appear pleasant and welcoming.

Andy nodded, "Hi." Andy did his best to sound cordial. Jack being an ass was not this young woman's fault.

"Do you work with Jack?" Brittany innocently asked.

Sharon replied quickly, "No, Jack is my ex-husband," she put extra emphasis on the ex.

All she wanted was for Jack to keep on walking but of course he didn't. Jack flashed his most charming smile and wrapped his arm around the young Brittany. Sharon narrowed her eyes and hands involuntarily tightened around Andy's wrists. Sharon knew Jack well enough to know he wouldn't miss an opportunity to try and make her feel inadequate. Parading this girl, who couldn't be much older than their daughter, in front of her was just too irresistible of an opportunity to let slide.

"So you and Jack were married?" Brittany bubbled. "I can't imagine how you let this charmer go?"

Sharon used every ounce of will power to maintain a pleasant expression. The urge to roll her eyes and sigh was almost overwhelming. She planted an elbow in Andy's side to stifle his laugh at the Brittany's naive statement.

Andy piped in at that moment, "Well his loss is my gain." He felt Sharon rub her fingers across the back of his hand.

"Sharon never learned to appreciate my finer qualities," Jack smirked winking in Sharon's direction. Then flashed his most charming smile at Brittany, who giggled.

Sharon couldn't help the eye roll that followed that comment, "No Jack," she started before Andy interrupted.

As the food line moved Andy added, "Looks like we're up." He held the list up in front of them. "Sharon do you mind? I can't read these chicken scratchings."

She slowly took the list from his hand as he released her. "Ah sure." She turned toward Andy mouthing 'behave.' The smirk that she received in response only made her shake her head as she walked to the order window.

"So Jack, you don't need to hang around on our account. I'm sure you and ah," Andy gestured toward Brittany who brightly supplied her name, "Yeah right, Brittany, have some place to be."

"We were just grabbing a quickie." He laughed at his own joke. "I mean quick bite to eat," Jack's jab was interrupted by Brittany's shrill giggle and a playful tap on his shoulder.

"Jack," Brittany giggled his name, "Don't be naughty."

Jack chuckled, "Well you know how it is, Flynn" a broad devilish grin on his face.

Andy cringed and rolled his eyes. Jack may have thought his expression was all charm and mischief. But to Andy he just looked like a lecherous old man. Andy just hoped Sharon was too far away and preoccupied with the food order to overhear anything that came out of Jack's mouth.

Moments later, Sharon was back at his side. Her expression revealed that she had heard it all. Andy leaned in and kissed her cheek whispering, "sorry," in her ear. She squeezed his arm in acceptance.

Jack sized up his replacement. "Well maybe you don't," Jack finally said as Sharon rejoined them. "Shar here was never too interested in the bedroom," he laughed. " I'm surprised we managed to get two kids," throwing a sideways glance in Sharon's direction. "Usually needed a little liquid courage to loosen her up." Jack was finding himself very amusing.

Sharon stood ram rod straight a stoic expression on her face, only the hint of pink coloring her cheeks gave away the stinging effect of his words.

Before she could form a response, Andy took her hand and brought it to his lips. Then he turned his eyes toward Jack. Taking just a step forward as he spoke, "Jack in your entire life you."

Sharon pulled on Andy's arm, "Don't Andy, he's not worth it." She glared at Jack, "Let's go."

"No Sharon, let the Lieutenant enlighten us," Jack's bombastic voice drew her attention. Brittany giggled nervously as the tension between Andy and Jack escalated. "You have some pearls of wisdom, Flynn?"

Andy ground his teeth, "Yah Jack, you had a good thing." Jack smirked and looked skyward. "3 in fact," Andy held up his finger for emphasis, "Sharon, Emily and Ricky."

Jack opened his mouth forming a witty response when Andy continued with a genuine smile this time directed toward Sharon, "But really Jack I should be thanking you."

"Thanking me?" Jack laughed, "Whatever for?" He flashed a look of utter amazement.

"For being such a royal dick, Jack," Andy leaned in close and almost whispered. "Had you been a halfway decent father and husband, Sharon might still be married to you." He looked back at Sharon, "But like I said, your loss is my gain." Andy reached for Sharon's hand and gave it a small squeeze when she slipped her fingers into hers. "So thanks Jack," Andy stepped back daring to slip his arm back around Sharon's waist. As he turned and smiled at her, he added, "Thank you very much." Andy knew Sharon would probably be upset with him for picking a fight with her ex but the smile that tugged at her lips told him he might get off with a warning this time.

Jack's eyes narrowed. "You haven't won a prize, Flynn," Jack growled.

Andy glanced at Sharon, "I beg to differ."

"Don't let him fool you sweetheart, it's all smoke and mirrors," Andy directed his comment to Brittany, who was watching the exchange with an uncomfortable wide eyed expression.

"You're one to talk Flynn. Don't you go foolin' yourself. You're no better than me," Jack spat back.

Andy volleyed back his tone calm confident, "I admit, I'm no saint. I let my addiction destroy my family. I treated my ex like crap and my kids. The difference between us Jack." Andy gestured between them, "I've admitted my faults. Learned from my mistakes. Am making amends to my family. Can you say the same?"

Jack opened his mouth to respond but snapped it shut. His face growing flush.

"Who are Emily and Ricky?" Brittany's sudden question drew everyone's attention. She desperately wanted to change the subject.

Sharon looked at the younger woman dumbfounded. "My children," she said a puzzled look on her face.

"Our children, or have you forgotten, I'm their father?" Jack's remark was laced with venom.

"No, Jack," Sharon replied, "but I often wonder if you have?" her words were said with more calm than she was feeling.

A voice could be heard calling, "Mom, mom." It took a moment for Sharon to place it. Once she did she looked around and located Rusty trotting toward them.

"Hey, mom," Rusty greeted her a little breathless. As usual Rusty's single-mindedness had blinded him to his surroundings. He had noticed Sharon and Andy but had failed to register who they were talking to.

"Is this Ricky?" Brittany bubbled sounding thankful for the chance to change the course this interaction had taken.

Pointing his finger at Rusty, Jack spat, "He's not mine."

"Rusty, what are you doing here?" Sharon asked reaching out for him and glaring at Jack. "He's all mine," Sharon smiled sweetly at Brittany, pulling a surprised Rusty in front of her.

Rusty knew he had walked into something unpleasant when he saw Jack. Sharon had pulled him into an awkward embrace before he could answer her question of concern.

"Oh," Brittany stammered.

Sharon wanted nothing more than to take Andy and Rusty and simply walk away but she didn't.

"Hey kid," Andy said patting Rusty on the shoulder.

Jack scowled and Brittany smiled uncomfortably. "You have a lovely family, Sharon," Brittany said with a nervous giggle.

Sharon smiled. Family. She liked the sound of that. Andy's gentle squeeze broadened her grin.

"They are not a family. He's the reason we got divorced," Jack's annoyance was evident in his tone.

"Oh god this is ah, I'm sorry," Brittany's shrill laugh made the trio cringe. "He's ah... your," she began gesturing between Andy and Sharon.

"No, Rusty is not our son," Andy answered Brittany's unasked question not certain why he even cared what this woman thought or knew about them. Then he added looking over at Rusty, "But I would be very proud to have a son like Rusty. He's a great kid."

Rusty was surprised by Andy's spontaneous declaration and looked down at his shoes before looking back at Andy. Sharon couldn't help the smile that crossed her face.

"What," Andy shrugged, "It's true. Any guy would be lucky to have ya, kid." He shrugged again looking back at Sharon. Her gaze held such warmth Andy couldn't help but grin back at her. Rusty rolled his eyes thinking here they go again.

"They're sweet," Brittany cooed leaning into Jack's shoulder.

Jack sighed roughly, "Yah, downright adorable."

"Order 253...253," the growing shouts of the food vendor had Sharon look down at the ticket in her hand. "Oh that's us," she said looking at Andy.

"As always Jack, it has been anything but nice to see you," Sharon said as sweetly as she could. She leaned in to Brittany, "Good luck sweetie."

"Goodbye, Jack," and with that she turned drawing Andy and Rusty along with her.

Sharon paid at the window all the while feeling Jack's gaze burning a hole in the back of her head. Andy took one bag while Rusty carried the other.

Jack watched them walk away. His bruised ego egging him on not being able to stand not getting the last word, "Hope you like cold showers Flynn, cause you better get used to them!"

Sharon had looped her arm through Andy's as they walked away. She felt Andy bristle at Jack's last demeaning comment. She sighed.

"What a prick," Rusty said shaking his head.

"Language young man," Sharon reprimanded, however her voice lacked any true force and her eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Next time can I please shoot him?" Andy asked looking down at her.

She gave a little laugh putting her head into his shoulder as they strode away. "You'll have to take a number."

Andy stopped by a bench. "Hey kid you mind running these up to the squad? I just need ... a minute," he asked holding up his bag.

"Ah... Sure, Andy," Rusty gave Andy a knowing look them reached for the bag before turning to head inside.

Andy turned to Sharon, taking her shoulders, he looked into her eyes trying to gauge how this encounter with Jack had truly effected her, "You ok?"

"It will take more than that to ruin my day," she replied, tilting her head in the direction they had come. "But ...Andy, I don't need you to fight my battles especially with Jack."

"I know," he said brushing her hair back from her shoulder.

As much as Brittany tried to draw Jack away. He stood and watched his ex and her 'boyfriend' walk away arm in arm. When they stopped at the bench, Jack was certain Flynn would get an earful, especially when Rusty was sent away. The Sharon he knew, hated when someone tried to fight her battles.

"Andy," she touched his face, "What you said about Rusty." She smiled, her eyes shimmered brightly. She stepped close and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

With her so close Andy turned and stole a kiss. She smiled wrapping her arms around his neck.

Andy noticed Jack staring at them from down the block.
"Jack's watching us."

Resisting the urge to look back, Sharon hummed against Andy's neck then sighed.

She leaned back meeting Andy's gaze with a mischievous smile. "Well I wouldn't want to disappoint him," she said sliding her hands to cradle his face pulling him to her and kissed him.

When she pulled back Andy laughed, "Oh we can do better than that." With one hand in her hair the other at her back, Andy dipped her causing her to squeal before devouring her mouth. She clung to him lost in the moment.

Jack's blood boiled as he watch Flynn man handle his wife. Ex-wife that tormenting little voice in his head reminded him, ex-wife. He snapped his arm away from the incessant tugging of Brittany. She was saying something but the sound of her voice was drowned out by the blood pounding in his ears. When Sharon's foot snaked around Andy's calf he had seen enough. Jack pivoted abruptly and stormed off with a bewildered Brittany close behind.

"That was better," she gasped as Andy righted her. Her cheeks flushed, she glanced around hoping no one who knew them just happened by. What just happened between them was definitely not workplace appropriate.

"Come on, we better get back," Andy said with a grin. Not bothering to look back he tucked Sharon into his side and headed back inside.

A/N again this story keeps morphing into something different from how it started and making me go the long way round to the ending I had envisioned, hopefully I get there. Thank you to everyone again, your support & suggestions are valued.