Rusty avoided any personal conversations with Sharon over the next two weeks, which was honestly, fine with him. Nicole had really started to stir things up, pointing out her suspicions that something had happened between Sharon and the lieutenant. He didn't want to think abut it, really, but the fact that Nicole had put that idea in his head had him kicking it around on occasion. Sure, he'd questioned Sharon. She'd told him things were fine, and he was trying to just let that be because it was Sharon. She did her own thing and kept her life private. Problem was that he did worry about her. This was Sharon, the woman he was now almost legally related to, the woman he'd grown to love. Care and concern for another person was something somewhat new to him on one level, except that he'd always been worried about his mother, his biological mother, Sharon. Now, he was worried about both of his moms, both Sharons, just in different ways.
Because, as much as Rusty wanted to believe Sharon, believe that things were fine, something did seem off. He'd been observing, silently observing the last two weeks. Sharon was okay, but something was different. He couldn't help but think Nicole was right. Something had happened between Sharon and Lieutenant Flynn. Gone were their dinners. Gone were the outings, the movie nights. She hadn't mentioned his name, and she wasn't on the phone with him like she'd been before. Sure, she spoke to him. He saw that and heard it, but it always seemed to be about work. Sharon was talking to Lieutenant Flynn like she'd talk to Lieutenant Provenza. As much as he wanted to forget anything Nicole had said, it appeared she was right.
Today, though, he was finally going to have a fresh set of eyes and ears on Sharon. Emily was on her way, well, had arrived. He was waiting for her outside the airport. Sharon was going to be so surprised, thrilled he hoped. It was 10:30, and Emily had landed a half hour ago now. He checked the clock again; he expected her to appear momentarily. Sharon still had no idea Emily was coming to town, and Emily had asked that Rusty take her to Sharon's office to surprise her. He'd deliver Emily, let the two go to lunch. He, then, wanted to go home and sleep a little on his day off. He'd started his job at Badge earlier in the week. It was okay, but it wasn't what he expected. In reality, he wasn't sure what he expected, but delivering coffee wasn't it. It was fine, though, because it was a job. He was taking a break from school, a much needed break, and the job was a way to earn money. Sharon had been great, supporting him in every way possible, but for once, he needed to earn money for himself, working a normal job. He felt normal for the first time in a long time.
A text message snapped him out of his daze, and he looked at it to see that Emily was ready. Rusty took a deep breath. He was meeting Emily, finally. Things hadn't gone well to start with Ricky, but Emily had been more welcoming on the phone. Rusty pulled into traffic again and made his way toward the pick up area. He scanned the crowd as he watched the road, looking for his, what, sister? That sounded weird. It was weird. He knew that, but he also felt comfortable about it. He liked Sharon; he loved Sharon and was stunned and grateful for all she'd done for him. Knowing Sharon, adoption was the end all; she'd told Rusty she wanted him in her life for good, and she was making it official. He couldn't argue. He knew he'd found an amazing person in Sharon Raydor; he just wanted her to be happy and knowing how she kept to herself, he wasn't sure if she was.
"Rusty!" Emily said in a happy tone when she opened the car door. He wasn't sure what to do, whether to get out and help her or stay in the driver's seat. She only had a pull bag and a large tote bag. She didn't seem to want help, but she smiled warmly at him as she leaned her head in and threw the tote bag on the seat. He popped the trunk, and she grinned, "It's great to meet you."
"You too," Emily, he said with a small wave and a half smile. It seemed she was okay with not hugging him; he still wasn't a fan of much affection, and he glanced in the rear view mirror to see her putting the bag in the car. He sighed, realizing he should have at least helped her. He had manners, but whatever; he shook his head, trying to clear it. Quickly, Emily flopped in the car.
"Wow," she said glancing around to it. "I haven't been in this car in years. I'm impressed it's still running as well as it is, and it looks pretty good. Nice job."
"Yeah, umm, thanks," he said, glancing over his shoulder to pull away from the curb. "You know, like, Sharon let me use the car."
"Rusty," she said, touching his shoulder. He didn't flinch, but he thought about it. Instead, he looked to her and saw she was giving him an encouraging look, "I'm glad Mom gave you this car. It's just been sitting in her parking garage, unused, waiting for Ricky or me to visit. We barely visit, which is only the reminder the car is sitting there, unused. Hey," she nodded to him, "good to finally meet you in person."
"You too," he said quickly, his eyes focused on the road. "Ahh, since this had been your car, you can use it whenever you want. I mean, I have to go to work, but if you want it-"
"Nope," she shook her head, "I'll be fine with Mom. She doesn't know that I'm here, right?"
Rusty shook his head, "You'll totally surprise her. No clue. She even sounded discouraged with the wilted salad she pulled out of the fridge this morning for her lunch," he chuckled. "She'll be glad to see you."
"Great, I am excited," Emily said, sighing as she leaned her head back. "Long day already, and I'm starving. So, Mom will be okay with lunch? She's not working this weekend, right? That's still the plan?"
Rusty chuckled, "Man, you sound like Sharon. To answer your list of questions-she'll be glad to go to lunch. She didn't think they would be busy today. Their last case closed on Wednesday, and they are all doing paperwork. I think some of the team had court and training, but Sharon is working in her office."
"Great," Emily said, her head still against the headrest. "I hope you don't think I'm rude, but I'm exhausted and want to just close my eyes before we get to the office. You okay with that?"
Rusty waved his hand at her, "More than okay. I'm kinda a loner, so rest all you want."
45 minutes later, after weaving through heavy traffic, Rusty and Emily were on the elevator, heading upstairs to Sharon's office. Not much had been said; it was slightly awkward, even though, he had to admit that things were going better with Emily than they'd gone with Ricky. He glanced over at Emily and saw that she was looking at the floor. She seemed cool and hoped they would get along this weekend.
"So, like Sharon runs the team," Rusty said after he cleared his voice. Emily looked to him and nodded.
"I know I haven't been home in a long time now, but I am used to her running teams," she told him.
"Right," he waved, "because before Major Crimes, she ran FID. I guess she's told you about the team?"
Emily smiled, "I know the names, and I've met several of them over the years. Lieutenant Provenza drives her crazy sometimes, but she thinks he does a good job."
"Yeah," Rusty grinned. "He's a cool guy."
"Things better with Andy? I mean, you were all worried he and Mom weren't getting along," Emily asked.
Rusty shrugged, "I guess, but I've not asked. I'm trying to stay out of it. It's Nicole, really. She put the idea in my head and had me asking Sharon. I mean, like, I want Sharon to be happy, and you know that she doesn't say much about her personal life."
Emily just nodded, "I know. I'm so looking forward to talking to Mom and hanging out with her all weekend. Oh," she clasped her hands together in front of her mouth, "I'm really excited."
The elevator opened, and Rusty led her down the hall to the office. He opened the door for her, and then, he followed her inside. The office was quiet, and at a quick glance, most of the team was out of the office. He looked to Sharon's office just as Emily had almost reached it. The blinds were open; Sharon was hard at work, bent over her desk, writing out something. Emily glanced back at him, almost wanting the okay, and he nodded. She knocked on the door, and both saw Sharon look up. Sharon's facial expression changed, and in that instant, Rusty knew the surprise was completely worth it. Sharon's face changed from a questioning glance to that of a thrilled mother. She almost jumped from her seat. Rusty stood back to watch, glancing to the team area. Julio was the only one there, and Rusty gave him a nod. As he did that, Sharon's door opened, and Emily threw her arms around Sharon, who was ready with open arms.
"Mom!" Emily squealed.
"Emily," Sharon said in a giddy tone Rusty hadn't heard. "What are you doing here?"
"Surprising my mom, coming home for the weekend," Emily said happily. "Surprise."
"I am so surprised! I had no idea," she said, looking toward Rusty. "Rusty, you helped with this? You and Emily met?"
"Nah," he threw a wave. "I just happened to be trolling around the airport, you know Sharon," he smirked. Sharon rolled her eyes and pulled Emily to her side to both look at Rusty. Sharon's eyes were glistening.
"Well, this is a wonderful surprise, just wonderful," she said, her voice wavering.
"Mom, you can't cry!" Emily said, letting out a nervous laugh. "You'll make me cry. Yay, I'm so happy to have surprised you."
"Shocked, surprised, yes," Sharon nodded. She looked to Emily, "Let me get a look at you. Oh," she shook her head, "such the beautiful ballerina. I hope you have been eating."
"Saving my calories for this weekend," Emily grinned. "I hope you are ready for some junk food because I haven't had it in forever."
"I live with junk food all the time," Sharon laughed, hooking her hand to Rusty. "Rusty loves burgers."
"I do," he nodded.
"Speaking of," Emily eyed her mother, "I'm starving. I flew this morning and would love lunch. Are you able to get away?"
"Of course," Sharon replied instantly. She looked over to the room, "Julio," she grinned. "This is my daughter, Emily."
"I figured, M'am," he nodded to Emily. "Nice to meet you."
"Hi, Julio," Emily said with a small wave. "I feel like I know you. Nice to put a name to a face. Thanks for taking care of my mom," she nudged Sharon and continued, "not that she'd ever need anyone to take care of her."
Julio smiled, "We have the captain's back, and she has ours. That's teamwork."
"Julio," Sharon said, clearing her throat, "I believe I'm headed to lunch. Do you have an update on the team?"
"Ahh, yes, Sykes is still in court, might be the rest of the day," he told her. "Buzz is in that training class until after lunch. Tao is in his training until 2:00, and well, the lieutenants," he grinned.
Sharon waved her hand at him, "Say no more. Andy and Lieutenant Provenza are following up on some new training requirements and then going to the range, that is, if they don't get into a mess before then. I expect them back mid-afternoon."
"I think their range time was 11:15 M'am," he said with a puzzled look.
Sharon rolled her eyes, "Let's remember Lieutenant Provenza likes lunch, specifically junk food as well."
Rusty let out a laugh at that, and he nodded. Julio grinned and gave a single nod to Sharon.
"I suppose what I'm trying to say, Julio, is go, enjoy you lunch too. I'm going to do that." Julio nodded and collected his suit coat. Sharon turned to Rusty, "I expect you are joining us too?"
"Ahh, no," he said, putting his hands in his pockets. "You two enjoy your time. I'm going to get back to work."
Sharon frowned, "Rusty, I thought you were off today."
"Called in," Rusty held up his phone, hoping Sharon would believe his story. He really wanted to give Emily and Sharon their own time, and he knew he'd feel like a third wheel. "So, I'm going to head to work if you are okay getting Emily home?"
"Of course," Sharon said, squeezing Emily's shoulder. "Will you be home for dinner?"
"Yeah," Rusty gave a nod. "I don't think this will take long. Emily," he nodded to her, "great to meet you, and I'll see you later."
As Rusty turned to walk away, he heard Emily, "So, Mom, I was hoping to meet or see the rest of your team. I mean, I know I've met Andy and Lieutenant Provenza before, but it's been years."
"Oh," Rusty heard Sharon say, "they're around, as you heard. This team, they really are wonderful people, good friends."