ELEVATION
chapter 10
by Stands With a Fic – Camima
Thanks to everyone! Special thanks to Sirabella for sharing her viewpoint with me! Please Review! I'm writing the last chapter of this fan fic. Come on people Sharon and MC are approaching! :) Heartfelt thanks to my beta Cmemlovr for her support, suggestions and kind patience :)
Andy resolved to ask her out on an official date but wanted first to begin properly – he wanted to court her. Of course, this had to be done mostly outside the office. Andy knew she felt something for him, something that went beyond friendship but she wasn't ready to admit them as yet. Nor was she ready to accept him as more than a friend. The courting would therefore start the next morning. Andy couldn't help the feelings of ecstasy rising within him, but was surprised by them as he realized that he was behaving like someone whose feelings were openly reciprocated, which was unfortunately not the case at the moment. Despite that, Andy was elated for numerous reasons, which he mulled over happily as he shaved that morning – the first: he now knew what she felt for him (mostly), second: they felt good together, at work and during their spare time, third: (possibly this should have been the first…) he only needed to see her to feel happy, and for the first time in decades he felt the need and joy of caring for another. He was eager to be with her, but not the way he had been with other women – he loved her and wanted to truly show her - he wanted to win her heart. He knew that it would take time, but was prepared to be patient. He wanted her with all his heart. After all that she had been through, she deserved the most romantic, sweet and passionate courting he could manage. A small grin appeared on his lips at the thought.
Sharon was drinking her first coffee of the morning at home when her phone rang. Smiling sincerely as she answered, Sharon said, "Lieutenant Flynn, good morning! What can I do for you?"
"Morning, Captain! Sleep well? Your voice is delightful as always – more so, in fact!" he grinned at her brief, stunned silence.
"Perfectly, thanks, Lieutenant. And…you?"
"Great!"
"Glad to hear it," she paused, waiting for him to continue.
"Have you already had breakfast?"
"Not really, no, I was just having my first coffee actually. Uh, wh-"
"Alright then, I'll pick you up in twenty, okay?" he said flirtatiously.
"Oh…okay," her voice faltered.
Sat in the car, Sharon rolled her eyes at Andy's teasing expression, "Andy, where are we going?!"
"To have breakfast."
"Where, exactly?"
"Trust me," Andy replied, grinning sideways as Sharon shook her head with a small smile, biting her lower lip. Andy turned right onto a sandy track leading to the beach. Then, stopping his car, he pulled the handbrake and unbuckled his seat belt, winking at Sharon's puzzled expression. Opening her door, he offered her his hand with a smile. She regarded him suspiciously, lips pursed and seat belt determinedly fastened. Sighing patiently, Andy smiled as he leaned down to unbuckle her seat belt, taking the chance to breathe in her scent – a scent so intoxicating he could smell it even when he was not with her. As he drew up, she watched his movements closely, Andy stopping as his face was level with hers. She straightened suddenly, breathing in and swallowing heavily as she noticed that his eyes lingered on her lips as they parted slightly in surprise. Their eyes met and she looked down, at her own hands interlocked in her lap. Drawing up, Andy offered Sharon his hand again with a tender, reassuring smile. Hesitating, she looked at him, and Andy prodded her, "Come on, Sharon," his voice low, "give me your hand," he continued, "hey – at least it isn't a marriage proposal!" his voice light and teasing. Sharon blushed violently, her eyes widening as she shook her head slightly, lips curving as her eyes narrowed once more.
Pressing her lips together she breathed in and out slowly, "Andy, we have to be at work in-" she checked her watch, "forty minutes, and I don't really think we have time for breakfast here, right now."
Andy sighed slowly, his arms folded as he rolled his eyes slightly, "Sharon, would you just trust me, please?" he breathed. She looked at him, abashed, and he offered her his hand once more, her eyes lingering on it as she dwelled upon what he might be up to. When she put her hand in his, he couldn't help the loving smile that spread across his face, his brown eyes shining. She whirled on her seat, legs sliding out of the door first. Letting go of her hand, Andy knelt upon the sand and took her heels in hand, taking off one shoe and then the other. He looked at Sharon's bare feet, remembering the first time he had noticed them.
He had met her outside apartment 321, barefoot with gun in hand after she had saved Rusty's life. In the heat of the moment, Andy hadn't paid all that much attention. He had called to warn her to wait for back up, but she had ordered him to call SIS and had hung up. For the first time in decades, he had found himself praying for the safety of another. After the operation and heartache were over, his mind had alerted him to the fact that she was barefoot. Escorting her down to her own apartment to retrieve appropriate footwear, he had realized that she was trembling from head to foot, and he had put a hand on her shoulder, gently pressing her down on to her couch. Walking to the hallway, he had returned with her shoes and bent down, placing them gently on each foot. Her eyes had shone with tears, lips trembling.
Sharon looked at his face, so focused on her feet, surprised that she enjoyed his care and attention. He took her shoes and put them in the car under her seat, winking at her as he stood up and offered her his hand. Looking into his eyes in surprise, she said, "Thank you, Andy," her voice silky. Andy smiled at her fondly before clearing his throat and moving to the back of the car, pulling out a picnic basket and blanket from the back seat. Locking his car, he stepped towards Sharon and the beach.
"Sharon, I just want you to relax, have your breakfast and have a pleasant time."
She nodded her head once, a sweet smile on her lips. Reaching for the blanket, she placed it under her left arm, her left hand holding her purse as she looked into Andy's caramel eyes. He carried the basket in his right hand and smiled at her brightly. Seeing this, he couldn't help but think that he had the sweetest smile she had ever seen in a man – it was generous and open, and she loved it. She felt Andy's hand wrap around hers, squeezing gently. She squeezed back, but couldn't bare his gaze, noting the smile that lit her cheeks. Andy pulled her gently and steadily along the sandy track, a slight breeze caressing her legs and face. He stopped by a thick brush that would shelter them from the wind and sun. Taking the blanket from Sharon's hands, he flicked it open before laying it on the sand. Placing the basket at the head of the blanket near the brush, he took Sharon's purse and placed it beside the basket. He offered her a hand as he guided them down to sit on the blanket, and she smiled sincerely at him. He took off his jacket and shoes, and sat beside her on the blanket.
"Oh, Andy, this is so…beautiful," she said as she gazed at the ocean, her voice slightly hushed by the sound of the waves but carried by the breeze. Andy was looking at her, legs outstretched but not completely in the sand, his eyes lingered on the perfect bulges of her silken knees, feet perfectly pointed as they moved in small motions. He eyed her tiny ankles and her calves as they pulsated up and down. She was unconsciously rubbing her outer thighs, smoothing her skirt further upwards with each movement. He regarded her profile closely, admiring her neck and chin, eyeing the protuberance of her lips and the tip of her nose, following it up to its bridge and her glasses – he thought that he could love everything about her, especially her dainty nose. As if she had heard his thoughts, Sharon raised her glasses and placed them atop her head, turning to him with a smile, "So, you promised me-"she began, her voice causing his pulse to rocket upwards, "breakfast, Lieutenant!" her voice high pitched and gleeful.
"Oh, sure," he grinned sincerely. Sharon giggled as she watched him kneel closer to the basket and rubbed her palms quickly. She smiled as he withdrew two pink boxes and a thermos from the basket as if handling fine china, in order to keep her in suspense. She giggled and curled her legs under her, kneeling as she took off her blazer and laid it on her purse before sitting back on her heels beside him. Taking the thermos and pink boxes from him she turned slightly to place them in the middle of the blanket before they both turned to face the ocean. Andy hadn't stopped smiling once, and she realized that she hadn't either. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this way - relaxed and happy – in a man's company, and was glad that it was Andy and not just any other man. She shook her head slightly at this realization.
"What?" Andy said in a puzzled voice.
"Oh, nothing." She smiled, her eyes widening under a slight frown. He smiled apologetically, feeling somewhat responsible for her small frown.
"You alright?" he insisted warmly.
"Perfectly!" she countered, "Andy, this is all so sweet of you," her voice a sultry whisper. He colored at the sound of it, and almost missed her next words, "I hadn't ever realized until now how much I've missed – and needed- this." She smiled at him, her brows furrowing as her eyes widened. Andy saw her eyes fill with tears as she let out a quick breath, her lower lip trembling.
"Hey, Sharon… come here," he said as he wrapped his arms around her, her face against his chest as she let him cup her head, consciously breathing him in for the first time.
Pulling away slightly, she looked into his eyes and said, "I'm alright, Andy, I'm just…overwhelmed." Her voice was soft and nasal as it shook slightly and she blinked back her tears. A side, sincere smile lit her face and he cupped her cheeks, wiping her tears away with his thumbs as he pulled her face towards him, kissing her wet and salty cheeks, eyelids and brows.
"You deserve this – nobody deserves to be treated more sweetly than you," Andy said, eyes piercingly searching hers, "and I made this my priority," he added in a warm, low, raspy voice. Then, smiling fondly tenderly stroked her neck, her chin on his shoulder, her cheek and temple against his neck and jaw. She tilted her head and pressed her lips on his jaw. He started disbelievingly - she had kissed him. For the first time, she had kissed him. She had spontaneously kissed him, her lips voluptuous and warm against his skin. He looked into her eyes, so close to his, and saw her jade oceans sparkling with gratitude and fond affection. The sight of her so full of emotion was priceless and he never waned to forget it.
Andy lay down on his side, elbow bent with his fist resting against his cheek as he watched Sharon breathing fully and slowly, a beatific smile upon her lips. Her eyes closed to enjoy the salty air, listening closely to the waves of the ocean. Her hair was slightly curlier than usual and it contrasted with her professional, elegant outfit whilst making her look even prettier, like a goddess, born to harmonize that which contrasts in the world. Sharon was harmony. She opened her eyes and smiled, her shoulders lifting at the sight of him, ignoring anything else around them and watching her as though she was a wonder of nature. She rolled on her right side and sat with her legs curled to the side facing him, passing her tongue on her lower lip as she parted her lips to speak.
"We took a day off, Sharon," Andy answered in anticipation of Sharon's unasked question, "I called Provenza and told him," he finished, only his lips and eyes moving as he spoke.
"You what?" she asked, bewildered, "Do you mean that you told Provenza that you – and I – took the day off…together?"
"Well…"
"Alright," said Sharon as she stood up looking horrorstruck and clearly upset.
Andy knelt and looked up into Sharon's eyes, "Sharon! Where are you going?" his palms flew up and his brow furrowed.
"Is this what you meant when you asked me to trust you?" her voice raised but remained within her professional façade, "Telling my subordinate officers that you and I took the day off?!"
"Sharon – relax!"
"Too late – I can't! Don't you realize how suspicious this sounds? You called Provenza on my behalf – without asking me, no less! What were you thinking, Andy?!" Andy shook his head and huffed slightly as she continued, "and..." she raised her voice in panic now, "you told me to trust you! Knowing perfectly that I wouldn't accept the way that you-" she flicked her hands outwards before returning them to her hips. Then, turning to collect her purse and blazer she finished her thought, "set up this breakfast!" She turned to look at him with a hurt expression in her eyes, "how could you do that to me? Don't you know me at all, Andy? You've put me in a very difficult position!" She turned and strode away hurriedly.
Andy stood up to stop her, "Hey! Hey! Don't you think you should just let me explain? Huh?" he shouted as he followed her. Reaching for her elbow, he spun her around to face him.
"Fine, I'm all ears, Lieutenant," she spat as she flung her hand away from her.
"Sharon," he breathed, looking heavenwards, "I called Provenza and told him that I would take this day off to fix some things with my children," Andy held a hand up as he paused to prevent Sharon from speaking, "which is absolutely true since I'm seeing my daughter for lunch today and, okay…I told him that I'd already informed you." He gazed into Sharon's eyes and saw that she had begun to relax somewhat whilst still expecting more plausible reasons for her day off. "Chief Taylor was informed by me – alright, yes, on your behalf – yesterday-"
"What?!" Sharon choked.
"That you probably wouldn't be at work today – of course, you would be available if necessary – and he couldn't care in the least, I mean, y'know-"
Sharon breathed in deeply, her eyes widening as she hissed, "How dare you-" she turned and strode away once more.
"Sharon! Wait, come on! You're behaving as though I've murdered someone! Okay, I know I shouldn't have-"
"Exactly!" she turned away from him, "You shouldn't have!"
"Sharon – okay! I'll never do it again!"
"You can bet on that, Lieutenant! Do you know what I should do now? I should report your behavior to Chief Taylor but, to protect you – to cover up your stupid little lie – I now have to lie myself!"
"Okay, Sharon, alright. I'm so, so sorry – I mean it – but look, don't you think you're overreacting a little? I was an innocent lie…"
"There's no such thing as an innocent lie, Andy! How could you? After all these years, you should know by now-" she dropped her voice as she looked down into the sand with a shake of her head. Andy realized what she meant – she felt betrayed.
Andy berated himself internally, but tried to rectify the situation, "Sharon, I am completely aware that I shouldn't have, but please believe me it will never happen again. I just-" She could hear the mortification in his voice and she couldn't' help feeling sorry for him.
"What, Andy?" she asked in a milder tone as he shook his head.
"I just wanted to surprise you – to make you feel loved and to see you laughing and relaxing; forgetting everything just for a little while. I'm so sorry."
"Oh, Andy. I know you did it with the best of intentions, but that doesn't justify your lie. I need to trust you completely or…" she shook her head sadly, looking upwards.
"Or what, Sharon?"
"Or I can't do this…" her voice shook.
"Okay, okay," he said in a low, rough voice, "just let me collect my things and I'll drop you off at home – you can take your car and go to work." He pursed his lips wearily.
"Thank you," smiling slightly for his benefit as she said it, but upset that she had hurt him. She too was hurt that he was so withdrawn that he wouldn't as much as look at her. Maybe she had overreacted. After all, she had accepted and forgiven far worse from Jack. She may have been too hard on Andy, but she knew that he would understand and behave honestly from now on.
On the way to the condo, they both remained silent. It wasn't an awkward silence, but one laden with awareness of the other. Andy was still shocked at the realization that he had behaved in exactly the worst way to show how much he cared for her. Her words pierced him like a bullet, leaving him physically unable to respond whilst feeling the full gravity of the situation. Sharon didn't dare speak because she had meant what she'd said, but she couldn't deny that she had overreacted – hurting him and burdening him once again. Andy's phone rang and he answered as he drove.
"Hey honey, you alright?" Sharon turned her head to look at him.
"Oh, okay, no problem sweetie. How high? – Right – love you." Andy hung up with a sigh, pouting somewhat.
"Is everything alright?" Sharon asked, unable to help herself.
"Mostly. It's just that Nicole's kids are ill, so no lunch together today."
"I'm sorry, Andy." He nodded his head tiredly.
"It's okay, we'll just reschedule." He forced a smile.
"You look so dim…" Sharon said, hoping there was time to say more now that they were almost at the condo.
"Well, I was just wondering if – how- I could fix things," Andy paused, cutting the ignition as he turned to Sharon, his left hand still on the wheel and his right on the hand break, "with you."
Sharon smiled somewhat bitterly, Andy still not daring to look at her after their discussion earlier.
"Well, Andy," she said, voice as soft as a mother's after a harsh scolding, "you know, I've taken the day off," she put her hand on his and he looked up at her abashed, a glimmer of hope entering his eyes, "and, I'm free," she shrugged, giggling at the expression of elation on Andy's face.
"Oh! Look at my hair!" Sharon giggled as she looked at her reflection in the mirror of her living room.
"I like your hair," countered Andy, and she scanned his expression to determine whether or not he was serious.
"I really need a shower and a good shampoo – I can feel the salt stuck all over me!"
"Good – I've never had a sweet-tooth," replied Andy flirtatiously, his sideways grin back in place. She glanced at him as he approached, smiling as she shook her head in amusement and placed her purse on the coffee table. Looking up, she saw him in the mirror behind her, gazing into the reflection of her eyes, "but you know what? Salt is no good for my high blood pressure." He grinned as she bit her lips in surprise and, perhaps, even slightly disappointed that he had given up so quickly. "Though, I'd bet you taste so sweet," he whispered in her ear, hot breath against her earlobe and neck.
"Oh…" she tilted her head slightly, looking away from the Andy in-the-mirror to look at the real Andy's lips and grin, "then it's a real shame since I'm pretty sure I just heard you say that you're not a sweet-tooth," her voice low and sultry with a hint of challenge. Then, stepping aside she invited him to make himself at home, turning to look at him for an instant before she headed to her bathroom. She stopped, her teasing smile fading at his gaze.
"Hey...are you challenging me?" Andy asked, grinning as his eyes darkened.
"What?" she breathed as he approached her. She backed up slowly, her eyes widening as he followed her. "Andy," she said melodically, "Andy, what are you staring at me that way?" a trill entering her voice as she fixed him with a suspicious stare.
"I'll show you," he said in a raspy, throaty voice.
"Andy, don't!" She pointed at the ground with a forefinger, attempting to stop him in his tracks, but it was too late – Andy had already taken two steps forward, backing Sharon into the corridor as both began to move more quickly. Her giggle and half-scream declared the open chase. Sharon turned and tip-toed around the coffee table, stopping in front of the balcony window and turning to him, "Andy, don't move!" her voice trilled in an excited pitch that sounded more like an invitation to continue. He continued to approach her slowly as if trying to catch a butterfly, holding his breath and heartbeats. Sharon quickly took off her shoes ready to run properly now.
"That's a good start," he grinned "what comes next, your skirt? Can I help you?" He stopped completely, palms up in a gesture of innocence.
"Andy," her voice took on a metallic and scolding tone, eyes wide and jaw slack.
"Okay, okay," he threw his arms outwards, "have your shower – even get dressed if you like," he grinned, brows arching at her muffled giggles filling the room. She composed herself by shaking her head as she walked around the coffee table and couch, glancing at him.
"If you really want to help me," she said in a sultry voice, "I'll let you take off my…glasses."
Andy's lips pursed in amusement and he put on a display of mock-excitement, "Really?!" he raised his eyebrows childishly. She walked past him, giggling as she did. Andy stepped forward, grabbing her wrist and forcing her to turn and look at him, stunned. Andy stepped out and pulled Sharon closer, lifting his hands gently to her face and removing her glasses with care, "Nothing you don't want me to do, trust me," he smiled, moving aside as he gazed into her eyes. Sharon searched his eyes, her own an intense and narrowed gaze for an instant. Then, her lips curved ever so slightly and she nodded her head.
Sharon appeared on the balcony barefoot, wearing a tight, above the knee dress. Her hair was tidy in soft waves again. No earrings - no other jewelry - and no watch or glasses. She wore the barest hint of make-up. Andy smiled as his eyes met hers and he pulled out the chair for her. Whispering, "Sharon, you look fabulous in that dress," as she sat, Sharon couldn't help the blush that rose in her cheeks, and she turned to offer him a smile. Laying the napkin in her lap, she waited for him to follow suit before serving herself.
"Mmm, oh, Andy, this is delicious!"
"Turnip tops Orecchiette for starters, followed by a Caprese salad and Tiramisu for dessert."
"Oh Andy, you're spoiling me too much – what if I get used to it?"
"I'm just appreciating you. And, Sharon? You could never get spoiled – you wouldn't allow yourself," he smiled.
She giggled attractively.
"Oh my God, Andy, I'm going to put on weight – I'll have to swim fifty laps tomorrow!"
"What?! You like swimming?" How could he have missed this? He had studied the pictures on her wall relating to ballet, and knew that she and her daughter loved it – so much so that her daughter was a dancer with the American Ballet. He had noticed some statues that seemed to mimic gymnastics positions (his daughter had practiced it for a few years when she was young), but nothing to do with swimming.
"So, is swimming your sport?"
"I love swimming, sometimes I go jogging, but swimming is my regular activity. That, and Pilates." She smiled at his surprised expression.
"So, after work and everything you still find time to-" he flicked his hand outwards in a gesture of elaboration as he leaned back into his chair.
"It's necessary, Andy. It's not a burden – if it were, I wouldn't do it." He looked at her, stunned, and she giggled.
"Wow. I really admire you." She shrugged with a smile, and he continued, "well, not only for this, I mean, I always admire you. Even now…"
"Now?" she asked with a curious and puzzled expression.
"Yeah, I mean, the way you sit," he gestured towards her current position, "you sit so elegantly, and the way you hold your fork and serve yourself with Tiramisu…there is always something so deeply elegant and classy about you – even when you blush or look awkward, there is elegance in your very nature." Andy saw her blushing and smile widely, sincerely appreciating his compliments.
She said softly "and do you know why I admire you?" He was taken aback and shook his head in surprise, shocked that she admired him too. "Well," she said sultrily, "I admire you because you haven't had a drink in eighteen years." The fact that she had been keeping count warmed his heart. "And because you are dealing," she smiled at her word, "with your family to be there for your children. I admire your generosity and genuineness, your loyalty, humility and strength. I admire the fact that you can recognize your mistakes and apologize- I admire the sympathy you feel for others, your humanity...I'm just so glad to have you Andy." She reached for his hand on the table and squeezed it. He was looking at her, still wondering what he had done in his life to deserve her friendship and admiration, "and of course I admire your cooking abilities," she said, putting her hands on her stomach. Andy smiled sincerely, stood up and took her hands in his pulling her up gently. Sharon stood and let him lead her inside, surprised and amused. Andy made her sit on the couch, then went to her stereo and picked up one of her CDs. As That's What Friends Are For started to fill the air, Andy walked over her and offered her his hands, an invitation to dance. Sharon smiled tenderly in wonder, her eyes narrowing in emotion as she put her hands in his and he slid his arms down to her elbows, pulling her up towards him and leading them to the open space by the couch. He put his left hand on the small of her back as she placed her hand on his bicep, her left hand ensconced in his right hand. She smiled at him and he kissed her hairline, thinking that although he might love her in heels and pumps, he somehow preferred her barefoot. Something about her feet and legs was so elegant and sexy. She wasn't short, and her beauty and grace made her larger-than-life in his eyes, but compared to him she was tiny without her heels on. Her hairline was level with his lips, and it made him ever more willing to protect and serve her. Sharon lifted her eyes as he pulled away to look into her eyes and began singing softly. As the song ended, he looped his arm around her back, dipping her and pulling her up again and spinning her at the sound of her giggle. She bumped into him, her hands landing where his shoulders met his neck, and pressed her forehead against his lips feeling his smile turn into a kiss in the silence around them. She pulled away slightly and their eyes met again, simply enjoying the pleasantness of the moment. The Look of Love suddenly filled the air and Andy felt her stiffen in his arms and become awkward as she pulled away from him, hands curling up. She stepped aside and rushed to the stereo, restoring a much safer silence. Andy pursed his lips and she walked by, heading to the balcony where she started clearing the table. He followed her slowly and leaned his side against the French door, watching her move frantically. He smiled and shook his head, his hands in his pants pockets. He walked over her and silently helped to clear the table, glancing at her once every while as she did the same each time she felt his gaze. Their eyes met; his smiling, hers awkward, though quick to return to his smiling gaze. Sharon carried the dishes, glasses and cutlery to the kitchen as he followed her, carrying the salad bowl, its dressing and orange juice. As they put the tableware in the dishwasher, Andy suggested "How about a stroll?"
Sharon tilted her head to him but looked aside for a moment to consider the pros and cons, "on the shore," she breathed her eyes wide.
"On the shore," Andy agreed, nodding his head once as he smiled at her and tucked a strand of her hair behind her delicate ear.
"Sharon, you really look fabulous in that dress." Sharon smiled shyly, shaking her head. "Every man's turning his head to have a look, if you hadn't noticed!" Andy exclaimed, his voice rising due to his admiration of Sharon and his irritation at the lingering stares of others on her shape. In fact, she hadn't noticed, or maybe she had but didn't care, because she only cared what Andy thought of her. She was wearing a slouch straw hat in a pure Katharine Hepburn style; she swayed gently on the sand her pumps in hand. Andy was in his relaxed style, the top buttons of his shirt unfastened, sleeves curled up. His jacket and tie locked up in his trunk together with Sharon purse, at the security-monitored parking lot near the beach.
"After all we've eaten today and with tiramisu still in my fridge?' she countered, stunned.
"Sixty laps tomorrow!" he grinned. "Alright I know, not healthy," he turned to stare at the stand and she shook her head, smiling.
"Hey Lady!" a younger man approached Sharon and checked her out, wolf-whistling at her. "I've never noticed you around - I would certainly remember you," Sharon was taken aback as she realized the man was talking to her, "What's your name? You're the shy classy kind aren't you? I really like that." The man continued walking around her, checking out her figure, lingering on her curves and legs.
"Hey, hey this lady is with me, idiot, and she is not shy but rather too classy to talk to you, dirt bag."
"Hey who are you? Her buddy?"
"What? Listen carefully, buddy, it's none of your damn business. Now, you'd better run along and leave her alone," Andy hissed.
"Andy, it's alright."
"Sharon, it's not alright."
"Sharon. Okay, so your name is Sharon. Tell me, Sharon, is Andy your husband, fiancé, body guard? I offer myself as your body guard, y'know just in case. I'm on the Police Force, you know."
"Oh really?" Andy grimaced, "so that's something you and Sharon," Andy said her name sarcastically, "have in common. Maybe you also know Sharon as Captain Raydor, Head of the Major Crimes Division? Who is currently, by the way, in the middle of an undercover operation here."
The young man visibly paled, "I am terribly sorry, Captain," he choked and turned to her, saluting.
"I believe you are. Please ID yourself," Sharon smiled, raising her brows.
"Patrol Officer Patrick Lumsey, Captain."
"Thank you, so, Officer Lumsey, I now expect you to apologize to Lieutenant Flynn and to leave us alone, certain you will behave in a manner befitting your title from now on." She assumed a position similar to that of Wonder Woman, her hands planted firmly at her waist. The man apologized and rushed away. "Andy, why did you say we were undercover officers?" she sounded a little bothered.
"Because it's true, you prefer not to be seen in my company outside the Department." his bluntness sounded shocking to her. "We're both officers and we don't want to be discovered since I... lied about the reasons why we both took this day off," Andy continued in a matter-of-fact tone, "so I guess we can call this an undercover operation," he smiled at her, adding, "and from tomorrow, I promise, no more lies."
Sharon smiled bitterly, feeling sorry for Andy, "It's not that I don't want to be seen with you Andy," she looked at him in a sad frown, "I just want to avoid rumors about our friendship, but I'm not ashamed of us as friends," she said as she swatted his arm.
"Sharon, I know -don't worry, it's alright, okay?" He lifted her chin with his fingertips forcing her to look into his eyes, "It's alright because I'm happy to have you."
He smiled sincerely and she nodded her head once, smiling back.