Thank you guys so much for all of your support for this story. Here's the next chapter. As always, I welcome your feedback.
I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters.
Chapter Ten
Andy had been a mess of emotions since coming to the realization that he was in love with Sharon. If he was being honest, he had been in love with her for a long time, definitely before they ruined any chance of being in a relationship by hastily jumping into bed together. He really could kick himself for that decision. He had let his libido lead the way, and now his heart was suffering.
Somehow, he had conned himself into believing that being with Sharon in a casual capacity would lead to something more, and even if it didn't, it could be enough for him. But he was greedy. He wanted the dinner dates, the walks on the beach, the holding each other after a long day, the friendship, the intimacy, and the whispered "I love yous". Anything less, was leaving him empty and broken.
A few weeks after their successful friendly night at Hollywood Forever, Andy found himself still thinking about the feel of her lips on his at the end of the night. He knew she had only meant it as a friendly goodnight kiss, but it had sent warmth and giddiness throughout his body and left him wanting. In the weeks since, they had spent time together, and everything felt normal and back to the way it was before. Except, everything was different now that he recognized and embraced his own feelings. Every look, every touch, every moment felt more alive, more colorful. And the end of the night always brought a sadness that Andy was slowly growing accustomed to. He wanted to do something about it, but he felt completely helpless.
The LAPD was hosting a charity dinner for a local children's hospital and everyone was strongly encouraged to attend. Andy desperately wanted to ask Sharon to go with him. He thought up dozens of ways to make it sound as friendly as possible, but in the end, he never mustered the courage. So he found himself dateless at a table filled with happy couples: Provenza and his new "friend" Patrice, Sykes and Cooper, and whomever Sharon decided to bring as her plus one. He was hoping the extra seat next to hers was a simple mistake, but when she entered on the arm of a younger, handsome man, that hope was dashed.
He watched as she crossed the room, her arm looped through his, in an elegant floor-length tight-fitting emerald green dress with long sleeves and a deep V neckline. Her hair fell in stylish, soft waves past her shoulders. She was breathtaking, and her date wore a smile that made Andy sure he thought the same thing. His heart sunk as the mystery man pulled out her chair and politely pushed it back in when she was safely seated. She greeted everyone and then turned to her date.
"This is Brandon," she said, offering no other details before she introduced him to the group. He shook everyone's hands and offered a genuine smile. Brandon... The name even sounded young and handsome. When the man shook his hand, Andy couldn't help but notice his smooth, strong hands. His thoughts instantly drifting to those hands moving along Sharon's perfect skin, caressing her, teasing her, holding her. He felt sick.
As it turned out, Brandon wasn't just polite. He was also friendly, smart, funny, and an excellent conversationalist. He owned an art gallery, so he was also quite cultured. Just great, Andy thought. He wanted to hate him, he really did, but the truth was, it was pretty much impossible to hate Brandon. The only comfort Andy took in all of this was the fact that Sharon looked happy and Brandon seemed to be a great guy.
As the night wore on and dinner wrapped up, couples began making their way to the dance floor. Had Sharon come alone, Andy would have asked her to dance. He wasn't sure if Brandon was going to, but then he saw them vacate their seats and find a place on the crowded dance floor. He watched as Brandon skillfully moved her around the floor and in between the other couples. Of course, he could dance as well. They did maintain a respectable distance, and Andy was thankful for small favors.
"So, I see doing nothing has worked out great for you," Provenza said with a roll of his eyes. Both of their gazes focused on their stunning captain and her dashing date. Andy was silent for a moment.
"What other choice did I have?" Andy replied annoyed.
"Well, you could have done what I suggested and told her how you feel," Provenza said, his annoyance with his partner's inaction evident.
"I would have lost her," Andy replied quietly.
"Isn't that what happened anyway?" He retorted, head indicating Sharon and her megawatt smile focused solely on her date. Andy watched her float across the dance floor, her emerald dress catching the light just right and illuminating her beautiful eyes.
"Yeah, I guess it did," Andy realized. The song came to an end, and another, slower one took its place. He watched as Brandon pulled her closer and began swaying to the new beat. Their bodies moved in sync. Their eyes focused on each other. Nausea danced in Andy's stomach.
"It's not too late, you know," Provenza offered suddenly. Andy turned to face him, disbelief evident. Provenza offered a dismissive gesture. "She's not in love with him, and things don't even look that serious. Maybe he's just a date for this stupid dinner thing," he added. Andy wanted to believe it. He really did, but looking at her, he just couldn't let himself fall for false hope. He let out a sigh.
Sharon was enjoying being expertly lead around the dance floor. Her partner was skilled, and she took full advantage of his expertise.
"Everything okay? You seem distracted," Brandon said quietly. She gave him a small smile before nodding her head.
"Yeah, this is just harder than I thought it would be," she said. He gave her a knowing look.
"That's why I'm here," he said with a smile. "And hey, at least he didn't bring a date like you feared," he added. She nodded.
"Yes, but still..." She trailed off lost in thought. "I just wish things were different". They continued to dance until the song came to an end. Sharon excused herself to get some air and Brandon made his way to the restroom. Provenza saw the scene unfold, and elbowed his lovesick partner.
"What?" Andy asked annoyed.
"Now's your chance," he said indicating their retreating captain as she moved through the open balcony doors.
"I can't talk to her here," Andy said.
"Why the hell not? She's out there alone. Now's as good a time as any," he nudged. Andy grudgingly got up and slowly stepped in the direction of the woman he loved.
When he got outside, he was surprised by the spacious tile balcony. It was almost as grand as the ballroom inside. There were various groups and couples milling about or engaged in conversations. He scanned them, and then he saw Sharon by herself against the intricate wrought iron railing. She was leaning on it, her body language indicating she was lost in thought. He walked up behind her slowly and then took the place next to her. She glanced over at him as he leaned his arms on the railing as well.
"You looked like you were having a good time," he said, his tone friendly. She nodded.
"It's been a nice evening. I just came out here for some air," she said. He studied her before turning back to the vivid darkening pink-soaked sky.
"Little stuffy for my taste," he said with a smile. She laughed quietly.
"You did look a bit miserable," she replied. He wanted to tell her it had nothing to do with the event itself.
"That obvious, huh?" He joked. She smiled.
"No, only to me," she assured him. They were both silent for a few moments. The intimacy of her statement settling between them like a heavy weight.
"Brandon seems nice," he said, and he tried to sound as casual as possible. She smiled knowingly anyway.
"He is," she said simply.
"And this is totally his scene," he added. She laughed.
"Yes, indeed," she replied, keeping her focus on the setting sun. It was almost completely swallowed by the sea now.
"And he seems to make you happy," he said, but he could hear the poorly-hidden emotion in it. He cringed. She turned to face him.
"He does," she said meeting his gaze. "Andy, are you jealous?" She asked, and he began to internally panic.
"What? No. I mean, I wouldn't have any right to be," he rambled. She nodded.
"No, you wouldn't," she agreed and it felt like a punch to the gut anyway. "But we can't always control how we feel, can we?" She asked, inhaling thickly with emotion. Wait, what was happening? Was she admitting something or simply referring to his now obvious affection for her?
"No," he rumbled quietly. She let out a breath and then swallowed the lump quickly forming in her throat. This was it. The conversation she had been dreading. The more she tried to avoid it, the more inevitable it seemed.
"Andy, Brandon is Gavin's boyfriend. He's only here with me tonight because Gavin canceled at the last moment. Something about a huge case and deadlines. He felt badly, so he sent Brandon in his place," she explained, and he felt all of the oxygen return to his lungs. She wasn't with Brandon. It really wasn't too late.
"Oh," he offered. He wasn't sure what else to say. She let out a sigh.
"We really screwed things up, didn't we?" She whispered, and he nodded. His eyes searching her face for any clue as to where this was going.
"Yeah. But I'd like to think that we can fix it," he replied. She looked down.
"I don't know if we can," she said sadly. Andy felt adrenaline coursing through him. Was she giving up? He didn't want to give up so easily. No, he was going to have to fight for her. He gently rested a finger under her chin and raised her head until her eyes met his.
"Anything is possible when you love someone," he whispered, and he saw the surprise flash in her eyes. She had not been expecting that. And then, he saw the panic take over. He had finally been honest, and it was pushing her away. She moved out of his soft touch, and took a few steps back.
"Andy, I can't do this. Not now," she said before turning and walking back towards the ballroom. He followed her, but she quickly disappeared into the crowd. When he got back to their table, her purse was gone. He caught a glimpse of her and Brandon as they exited though the main entrance. He wanted to go after her, but he knew he had to let her go, give her the space she craved. He could only hope that she would come back to him.
TBC