He didn't see her on Valentine's Day. It hadn't been as hard as he'd imagined staying away from her. She'd been clear with him that she had a lot going on in her life, not that he believed for a minute she couldn't find time for some fun if she wanted, but it was fine. He'd adopted the mantra that she just wasn't that into him. He understood it and had felt the same with women too. Their fun had been convenient, and he really believed that if she wanted to find him for another good time, she knew where to find him.
Andy spent Valentine's Day with Provenza. After work, the two men went to the local bar and grill where they ate and talked for a couple hours. They watched a basketball game on tv there, even though neither really liked basketball. Both men were just over the stupid, made-up holiday. Their night ended with Andy dropping off Provenza, who'd had a few drinks, and then with Andy returning to his home. Andy wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he was a little disappointed Sharon didn't reach out to him that night, even after work, but it was what it was. She'd been a good time for awhile, and it was time to move on.
So, Andy put some effort into that, into getting out and socializing. If he'd learned one thing from Sharon, it was that he needed to get out more and not just pick up random women at the bar with Provenza. She was classy, and he could apparently attract classy if he put in some effort. Now, he could attract younger women too if he wanted. That was always there as a last resort, but he could maybe put more effort into dating and going on an actual date. It was an odd feeling, that in not dating Sharon at all had made him want to date another woman. Andy realized that maybe he was finally growing up and changing his standards, maybe. The temptation of a quick thrill was still there, so he was somewhat torn and decided to just relax. The right woman would come along for him, and with that, he felt it would be clear her interests and intentions. All he wanted to do was treat the woman well, with respect, and he was okay going along with whatever she wanted right now.
Now, that didn't mean he wasn't interested in Sharon. He had to admit if she came looking for him, he would jump at that opportunity again. He almost couldn't believe he was thinking that, that he would sleep with Sharon Raydor again, but he would.
So, over the next few weeks, Andy settled back into his life, the "Pre-Raydor Road Hook-Up" as he was now almost coining it. It became more and more of a distant thought, at least until he would run into her in the building. She'd been fine with him, but the two hadn't been friends before either. They weren't now, but on the rare instances she saw him, she was polite. She'd nod, give a small smile, or say hello to him. It was clear Chief didn't like her, and really, no one in the division did, so it wasn't like Sharon was around his office. When she needed something, he'd watch her, and yes, he'd think of their time together-how could he not? She'd been a lot of fun.
With all this in mind, Andy had been paying attention to women, but he hadn't found one he wanted to take to dinner yet. On this evening, he and Provenza were once again meeting for dinner at the same bar and grill. Andy had gone to his meeting, and Provenza has been asked to come by and see his ex-wife Liz to help her with a broken bathroom faucet. As Andy sat in the bar and grill waiting for Provenza, he started laughing at the mental image of Provenza fixing anything. The guy was a teddy bear, even when it concerned Liz. The two had been divorced now twice and for years, but he still felt the need to help her. Andy shook his head as he imagined Provenza fixing a faucet and was pulled out of his thoughts when the waitress stopped by the table.
"Hey, stranger," she smiled. "You're back again. You were just here a couple weeks ago, right?"
"Umm, yeah," Andy gave her a slight frown as he eyed her. He certainly didn't remember seeing her two weeks ago. She had definitely not been their waitress. He would have remembered. She was small, a petite frame, and she had very long blonde hair, almost to her waist. She was in her early 30's he guessed, and once he'd given her a quick look, he met her gaze. "Yeah, I was in here a couple weeks ago with my partner."
"Your partner?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, yeah, like my partner. We're cops, detectives actually, LAPD, and we're both lieutenants. It's not what you were thinking," he flashed a grin.
"I had no thoughts about it," she grinned. "Can I get your something to drink, Lieutenant? Your regular waitress, Jessie, will be over in a minute. I'm the manager, and I wanted to personally check on you since she's busy."
"Personally check on me," Andy nodded and shifted so he was facing her and not just turned toward her. "Sure, then, please. I'd like a cranberry juice if you don't mind."
"No problem. Are you sure you don't want anything stronger? Oh," she raised her eyebrows, "maybe you are on duty?"
"Not on duty," he raised his hand in defense and shook his head, "and I just don't drink anymore."
"Ahh," she nodded. "I can certainly get you a cranberry juice. Anything else? How about an appetizer on the house? It's the least I can do for a hardworking detective."
"Really?" he looked surprised. "It's not necessary."
"I'd like to do it," she shrugged. "I'm the manager. Could I interest you in spinach dip? That's my favorite here."
"I'd like that," he grinned. "My partner will complain about the spinach, but that is what makes it perfect."
She chuckled and nodded, "You have a good personality. I can tell. So, is this partner joining you?"
"Yeah, he's on his way. He's on a short leash with the ex-wife, but he'll want a beer. Anything you have on tap will work for him."
"Coming right up," she started away from the table.
"Thanks," Andy nodded and watched her walk away. He nodded to himself. She was cute, pretty even, and she had a sense of humor. She'd obviously watched him the last time they'd been in for dinner, and he had to admit that was a bit flattering. He started to think about if he might have noticed her that last visit, but then his mind trailed off. He was daydreaming longer than he realized because she returned to the table, not only with the drinks, but with the spinach dip too."
"You're in luck, knowing the manager and all," she winked at him. "The spinach dip is nice and hot. The kitchen had that ready quickly for me. You sure your partner is coming?" she asked.
"Yeah," he rolled his eyes. "Like I said, ex-wife drama."
She nodded, "What about you? Do you have ex-wife drama, or even wife drama?"
He chuckled, "No, neither. I guess I sometimes have ex-wife drama, but I barely speak to her. There's no drama from any woman in my life."
"That's good to hear," she grinned.
"You seem to be learning an awful lot about me. I know nothing about you. Let's start with you name," he rested his chin on his elbow which he'd now propped on the table.
"I'm Charlotte," she stuck out her hand to shake his. Andy noted her hands were small and soft. He shook her hand and held his eye contact with her.
"Charlotte, like the city?" he asked.
She started to laugh, "I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but my parents moved here when I was two months old. Yes, it's like the city."
"Well, Charlotte, like Charlotte, North Carolina, it's nice to meet you," he flashed a grin. "I'm Andy Flynn."
"Ahh, so you could say, 'In Like Flynn' with your name, then?" she smiled brightly.
He pointed one finger at her as he rested his chin now on one hand, "You have a great sense of humor. I like it."
"Hmm, you have a great smile," she said. "It's almost dangerous."
"Sorry I'm late," the two snapped their heads up as Provenza slid into the booth across from Andy. "Oh, are we ordering already? That's perfect. I'll have a bacon cheeseburger with double onion and fries with that."
"Provenza!" Andy exclaimed. "Charlotte is the manager. That's not her job."
"Oh," Provenza looked to Charlotte who was smiling at him and continued, "sorry about that. I thought Flynn was tired of waiting and had ordered."
"I'll put in your orders, lieutenants," she nodded. "What can I get you?" she grinned at Andy.
"I'll do the veggie wrap with the side Caesar salad," he told her. "Appreciate you taking our order."
"Not a problem," she smiled. "Enjoy your evening, gentlemen."
Provenza watched her walk away and turned to Andy who was grinning and staring at her as she walked. He motioned his hand in front of Andy's face, "What was that?"
"That?" Andy shrugged. "She's Charlotte. She's the manager, not our waitress, but come to think of it, I haven't seen our waitress."
"How do you know her, and more importantly, why haven't I heard about her?" Provenza gestured.
"I just met her tonight," Andy explained. "She did come to the table and said something about a welcome back. She saw us here the other night. We just got to talking. She is pretty hot," he nodded.
"Yes, she is," Provenza told him. "So?"
"So," Andy shrugged.
"I mean, are you going to try and take her home with you tonight? I need to know the plan, so I can get out of here before you if you need time with her to figure out the evening," Provenza told him.
Andy drummed his fingers on the table, "I don't know. I've been thinking for awhile now I need to step up my game. I mean," he shrugged, "sure, I can try to take her home. She was flirting and seemed interested, but maybe I should do more. I guess if there's one thing I saw during my fling with Raydor, it is that it's almost cold to send the person packing right away. I didn't really like the feeling, and it just got me thinking. I've been doing that same thing for years, and for once, it was done to me. Maybe I should see about taking her on a date and you know," he shrugged, "seeing about actually dating."
"Are we really going to sit here and talk about your one-night-stand feelings?" Provenza grimaced. "Raydor really did a number on you. I must admit I'm impressed you two walked away from each other without hating each other or some big dramatic scene. That doesn't mean now you have to date any woman who looks your way."
"I know, but still," Andy shrugged. "Charlotte, she seems nice," he added. "I think I'll see if she wants to go out on a date. I mean, I'm not saying we won't end up at my house at the end of the night. I'm not saying we won't sleep together, but I can put in a little more effort. I might find someone worthwhile to date that way. I also have decided I won't just kick her out after a couple hours. She'll be free to go, if she wants, but I can be a decent guy and at least make her breakfast in the morning."
"You really have been thinking about your fling with Raydor, haven't you? Was she that good? I'm sure you can find someone else," he grimaced.
"Here she comes again," Andy nodded. He looked to the table, "Oh, she brought us spinach dip on the house. We should eat that."
Provenza looked over, now just noticing it. The conversation had quickly jumped into a discussion about Charlotte, and both men had forgotten about the food.
"This was free?" he nodded to the dip.
"Yeah, she suggested it," Andy shrugged.
"I'll eat it, only because it's free. You'd better lock this one down, Flynn. At least I don't have to see this one at work like I do Raydor," he groaned.
"Gentlemen how is everything?" she grinned as she reached the table. Andy raised his hand, as he was still chewing his first bite of chips and dip. He finished and nodded, "Delicious. It's perfect. Thanks," he nodded to her.
"I'll be taking care of you two tonight. Seems your regular waitress is slammed. I hope you don't mind," she smiled.
"Great," Andy flashed a grin. "Maybe you can tell me everything about Charlotte tonight then while we eat. I'd love to learn about the city and the person."
Andy and Provenza walked out of the bar and grill an hour and a half later with Andy smacking a piece of paper against his hand. Provenza shook his head, "I thought I was going to have to give her your number, you idiot."
"What?" Andy grinned. "I was trying to play it smooth, casual even. I didn't want to come on strong."
"Strong? She was the one giving us free food and laughing at our stupid stories all night, all the while she's supposed to be managing the restaurant. It was almost painful to watch you try and flirt with her. When are you going to go out with her?" Provenza asked.
"Not sure," he shook his head. "I'll call her in the next day or so and figure out a date."
"You think you'll take her home?" Provenza turned and asked him.
Andy rolled his eyes, "What do you think? I mean, I won't be taking her home to meet my family if that's what you are asking, but yeah, to take her home for the night-if she wants, yes."
"Good man, Flynn," Provenza patted him on the back. "That's the spirit. Get back on the saddle and have some fun. Thank goodness I can push out the image of you with Raydor now."
Andy found himself excited about a potential date a few days later when he and Charlotte finally connected. He'd left her a voicemail the day after he'd met her, she'd returned it when he had been stuck in a case, and they'd played phone tag for three days. Finally, he got in touch with her, but between her work schedule and his, the two weren't sure when a date could happen. Still, it was fun talking to her, and he could tell she was going to fun on a date; they just needed to find the time to go out. That time seemed to happen at the end of a case. The team finished their paperwork early one afternoon, and the chief sent all of them home early after working several late nights in a row. Andy had decided to give Charlotte a call and see what time she was working because he planned to sit and flirt with her at the restaurant. If they couldn't plan a date between their schedules, he could at least flirt with her on his free night.
"Charlotte, it's Andy," he smiled into the phone as he was getting into his car. "I'm off work early and wanted to see what time you are working tonight because I'd like to make a reservation at the restaurant."
"Lieutenant, Andrew, LAPD," she said with a flirty tone into the phone. "You are in luck. The stars have aligned. I'm not working tonight. I'm free ALL night," she chuckled.
"You are off tonight?" he said hopefully.
"I'm not working. I certainly hope I'm not off tonight in whatever I get into," she said suggestively.
"You're killing me," he chuckled. "Can I interest you in a date? I'd love to take you to dinner."
"Is that all?" she said.
"I'm up for anything," he grinned. "You've already told me your address. Pick you up at 6?" he asked.
"Let's push that back to 5:00," she told him. "I'd like to make the most of our evening."
Andy was proud of the effort he made throughout the evening to take Charlotte out to dinner. He'd picked a sushi restaurant because she'd mentioned she liked sushi and enjoyed a different restaurant atmosphere to where she worked. He hadn't wanted to admit it to her, but Andy wasn't a huge sushi fan. It was okay, but really, the dinner wasn't just about the food. It was about making more effort to date a woman, and he felt like that started with taking her to a restaurant of her choosing. After they finished dinner, Charlotte looked up at him as they walked to his car.
"Do you live near here?" she asked. Andy had picked a restaurant near Charlotte's place.
"No, I'm about a half hour from here," he told her.
"Good," she nodded. "I'd love to take a drive. Interested?"
"Would you like to see my place," he started to chuckle. He liked her flirty tone and just forward behavior.
"I thought you'd never ask," she teased. The two reached his car, and before he opened her door, they stood and kissed against the car. Her hands pulled his dress shirt from his pants, and he almost jumped when her cold hands touched his back. He started to chuckle again.
"You have cold hands," he stated.
She shrugged, "I suppose we need to get going then, I mean, before I catch cold."
"My house has heat," he winked.
"Great," she ran her hand down his side. "I can't wait to check out your place."
Andy continued to eye her on the drive, and she looked at him too. He found it hard to focus as he wanted to stare at her legs constantly. She'd worn a very short skirt, and he did like legs. Hers weren't long, but they were in shape. He'd learned she was into yoga, and he was getting more and more excited about a night with her. He could tell she felt the same way. By the time they made it to Andy's house, the two could barely get into the house before they were tugging clothing off each other. Andy took a moment to turn on the lights and lock the doors before the two disappeared into his bedroom. It was still relatively early since they'd had an early dinner. He wasn't sure if she had plans to stay, but he was going to at least offer.
"Wow," he sighed later when they'd collapsed onto the bed. He glanced over at Charlotte and found her lying there too, grinning.
"Wow, indeed," she giggled. "I'm almost mad you took me for sushi."
"Why is that?" he asked as he sat up to look at her.
"Sushi never fills me up. I mean, I love it, but after doing this a few more times, I'm going to be starving. I'm already working up an appetite. You're pretty good at this," she said as she ran her hand up his arm.
He nodded to her, "I think we make a good team. Tell you what-how about a pizza? I didn't eat much at dinner myself. I'm not big into pizza, but they deliver, and that would be easy."
She thought a moment and pursed her lips, "What time is it? It's what 8:30?"
He glanced at the clock and shook his head, "No, it's not even that late. It's 7:45."
She bit her lip and winked at him, "We're just that fast and good."
"That we are," he chuckled as he shook his head. "So, pizza?"
"Sounds great," she sat up and kissed him. "I'm going to use the bathroom. You can order the pizza. Maybe we have time for this again before it gets here."
"Ahh, maybe," he nodded. "We'll need to rest at some point, but I'll order the pizza."
Andy got up, threw on some boxers, and he went in search of his phone while she used his bathroom. He found his phone in his pants, which were on the floor in the middle of his living room. He surveyed the room and grinned. It was somewhat sexy to see clothing discarded around the room. He shook his head, thankful he'd made some effort, and as he was about to go back to the room, he had a knock at the door. He groaned, knowing that he would have to get rid of Provenza before he ruined the evening. He'd not told him of his plans.
"I'm busy, Provenza," he sputtered as he opened his door. His eyes grew wide at the sight on his doorstep.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, the surprise evident, but welcome.
"I'm sorry to stop by unannounced," she said, staring at him wide-eyed as he stood there in his boxers. "I realize I should have called." He could see her as she looked around him to the messy living room where clothing was all over the floor and sofa.
He eyed her and noted she was wearing a red sweater dress and black boots. Red. He groaned quietly at that sight. Oh, she was wearing red again, his favorite color on her. The red color instantly had his mind seeing her in the red lingerie from Christmas. It was so simple, but so sexy on her. Andy had to snap out of his thoughts to remind himself she was in front of him. He raised an eyebrow at her, "You came here for something. I gave you my address, what, a month ago? Obviously, you didn't just stop by for a social call. What's going on?"
"I wanted to see you," she let out a slight sigh. "I didn't know, I mean, I wasn't sure if I should call or just stop by. I realize I should have called," she shook her head.
"Oh, Andy," he heard and spun around in the doorway. He groaned as he saw Charlotte walking toward him wearing one of his old LAPD t-shirts and his dress uniform cap. Normally, that vision would be enough to have him slam the door on anyone, but he had Sharon standing there, and even now, after all this time, he didn't want to shut out Sharon.
"I'm so sorry," Sharon said quickly. Andy turned back toward her and found her face flushed. She was shaking her head at him, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to intrude on your evening. I should have called. Goodnight," she said and turned away from him and started quickly to her car.
"Wait," he called after her. "Why did you come here?"
"Don't worry about it," she called to him. "Enjoy your night."
"Who was that?" Charlotte walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around Andy as she looked around his side.
"My boss," he said quietly, hoping that was a simple answer, even if it wasn't the correct answer.
"Oh, you don't have to go to work, do you?" Charlotte said giving him a pouty face, not at all worried about a strange woman showing up at Andy's door.
He watched Sharon back out of his driveway as he stood in the door. When he felt Charlotte's arms around him, he started to close the door. It felt like he was closing the chapter on Sharon, which also felt odd to him. He turned back to Charlotte, "I'm yours all night."
The next day at work, he was in the break area making himself a cup of coffee when Provenza walked into the room. Andy didn't notice him because his mind was stuck on Sharon. After all this time, he didn't expect her to show up on his doorstep, but she had. He'd told himself over the last month that if she came looking for him again, he'd go willingly, and he was debating about that now. There was something about her he couldn't shake. His night with Charlotte had been enjoyable, but he still had thoughts of Sharon in his head.
"Flynn, what's into you?" Provenza asked as he stepped up to the counter next to Andy.
Andy looked to him and frowned, "I had Charlotte over last night."
Provenza's eyes grew wide, "That bad? No! Was it really that bad? I didn't expect to hear that about her."
"She was fine, great even," Andy shrugged. "No, get this-Raydor showed up on my doorstep!"
"Raydor!" Provenza's eyes grew wide. "No, are you serious?"
"Of course, I'm serious!" Andy almost yelled. "I told you she'd come back for more. I guess after it's been this long now, I thought she was gone for good. Then, the first night I have another woman over to the house, Raydor shows up unannounced. Unbelievable."
Provenza shook his head, "Don't be stupid, Flynn. You just said things were great with Charlotte. Are you seeing her again? Leave Raydor alone. That's over, and you surprised me getting out of that mess without issue, but just leave it. Charlotte seems like she can keep you busy for awhile."
"I don't know, Provenza. She's like the forbidden, Sharon, that is," he sighed. "I have told you I'd be interested again."
"Flynn, just leave it," he hissed. "Don't call her Sharon! You had a few nights with her, and that's it. She's the captain. You aren't involved with her, and she can ruin your life if this gets ugly."
"I'm not exclusive with Charlotte! I'm not sure we will even see each other again. Look, the least I can do is see what's going on with the captain," he nodded.
Provenza shook his head and looked to the ground. He sighed, "I don't even know why you are telling me. With you, I know your mind is made up already. Just go and find out what she wants," Provenza raised his hands in defeat.
"Now, that's the spirit," Andy patted his shoulder as he stepped around him. "That's exactly what I've been planning to do."
It didn't long for Andy to make his way up to her office. He felt like he had an extra spring in his step as he took the stairs, two at a time, in fact. Doing that left him almost breathless as he found himself face to face with Sharon's secretary.
"Andy Flynn, and I'm here to discuss something with the captain," he said as he tried to catch his breath.
"I don't see you on her schedule," she pursed her lips.
Andy grinned, "I'm not. I ran into her yesterday, and I think if you check with her, she'll know what this is regarding. Please," he asked.
"One moment," she nodded. Andy watched her go to the phone, and while she called Sharon's office, he turned to look around at the room. It was an ordinary office, but any officer summoned here hated this place. No one wanted to be here.
"Lieutenant, she said she's busy at the moment," the secretary frowned as she hung up the phone. Andy was about to speak again when Sharon's office door opened quickly, and Andy made eye contact with her. He flashed a grin.
"Lieutenant Flynn, I am quite busy, but let's make this fast," Sharon said with an edge to her voice. Andy nodded and walked toward her, trying to make eye contact with her. Sharon didn't look at him, but instead, she looked to her secretary. "I'll only be a moment."
Andy waited until she closed the door, and when she turned to him, her hands were clasped in front of her, "I'm sorry about stopping by unannounced last night."
He nodded and looked to the floor. He then looked up to take in her appearance. She was wearing a green dress today with a black blazer over it, and that is when he snapped his head up and snapped his finger.
"St. Patrick's Day," he flashed a huge grin. "That's what this is about."
"What?" she asked, the confusion evident on her face.
"You came to my house last night, so we could sleep together again. Today, it's St. Patrick's Day. It's a holiday, and you want this," he gestured to himself. "That's why you came by my house last night," he chuckled.
She rolled her eyes, "I can tell you I did not come to your home for St. Patrick's Day. Again, I'm sorry I interrupted your night, but don't flatter yourself that it was about St. Patrick's Day."
"Are you jealous?" he said in a teasing tone. "You left quickly when you saw my lady friend. That could have been you with me last night, could be you even tonight. Hey, I can keep this casual. I've left you alone. YOU," he emphasized, "came to me last night. Don't forget that."
She pursed her lips and looked to the ground. He saw her sigh and shake her head, before she looked up at him, "No, I'm not jealous. You are free to date and sleep around. We are nothing. We have been nothing. I'm sorry I stopped by, so please, let's forget it. I need to get back to work."
"You did come by my house," he nodded. "You can't deny that. So?" he asked.
She looked away for a moment, and then she looked right at him, her green eyes matching her dress, "Can we-" she looked up to the ceiling in the middle of her sentence.
He smirked, "Ahh, so you are a bit bashful now," he nodded. "Want to get together tonight? I can come over, that is, if you are okay with it."
She met his gaze, "Come over tonight. I'll see you at 7:00."
Andy winked at her and walked to the door without saying a word. He had been right; she had come back for more.