First thank you for the continued support. This one is for KarolAxoxo9, she asked for a birthday and I'm sorry it won't be rainbows and butterflies. I will try and do better next time... Enjoy!
A week had passed since Rusty had first woken up his progress had been 'extraordinary' and 'possibly because of Sharon's determination.' Were the doctor's words. Sharon had occupied the bed next to him now as they had a private room never leaving the hospital. He had his morning therapy today and she was sitting on Rusty's bed, her knees folded up to her chest elbow to elbow as they watched a movie together.
"Hun, that's why I brought in the bed?" Sharon smiles as Mary walks in, with a tray and cake in hand putting Rusty's food on the tray table in front of him. He groans at the contents. Mary smiles. Sharon looks at it and has to agree it looked even more unappealing than the first day. "The cake, Hun?" Sharon stands up and takes it from her. "Rusty two more days of this diet, than I promise home cooked meals." He smiles taking his time to poke at the food.
"Thank you Mary." Sharon says giving her a big bug. "We would be completely lost without you." She looks at the cake in hand. "He'll love it even more because you made it." Mary smiles rubbing her shoulder.
"Can I have cake?" Rusty points at it frowning a little as Sharon puts it on the other tray table.
"No you can't." Sharon says softly.
"I don't think it will hurt." Mary answers checking his fever, Rusty grins but Sharon watches him with her hands on her hips. He knew how much Mary cared for him and was too lenient sometimes.
"Mary will you come live with us?" Rusty says playfully. Mary laughs.
"I have a husband at home who needs me, more than you. He would die of hunger." She looks at Sharon. "Plus Sharon's right you shouldn't have cake but since you set this up." She lifts him up to sitting position with Sharon's help. "I think a small," Rusty's eyes light up. "Very small piece won't harm you, but after you eat all of that." She gestures to his tray, Rusty nods saluting her playfully and eats Sharon smiles she checks her watch. "He's late." Sharon nods looking sadly at her. "He'll be here. He loves you two too much to miss a day." Mary says with a soft smile.
"You arrive at seven then he arrives at seven-ten." Rusty looks up and sees that he's ten minutes late. Sharon steps to the door and doesn't see him. She frowns, looking up at Rusty and smiling. "Do you mind?" She points out the door he shakes his head. He had encouraged her to go home and rest to get out of the hospital but she was determined to stay at his side. He liked her company but he knew she missed Andy's too.
"I'll stay till you come back." Mary says softly, Sharon goes not paying attention to where she is going but moving quickly. Distracted by recent events she had read Rusty's testimony, he had been brave and never gotten nervous but she couldn't imagine him having to go through all of that alone. There was still Sharon Beck who had been taken to a mental health facility, her fate was still unknown. Depending on psychological evaluations she may not be tried in court. Sharon swallows and runs her fingers through her hair. Rusty and her were closer than ever, she hardly saw Andy since he had returned to work. He briefly stopped by every morning and after work but they knew their jobs and it was usually only one visit in the mornings.
"Slow down there." She looks up and turns around just walking past him. "Where are you going?" He says with the smile she missed so much.
"To look for you." She says walking towards him and hugging him tightly, he is a little surprised but nonetheless is happy to be embraced this way. "Happy Birthday," he smiles as she kisses his chest and looks up and stands on her tippy-toes holding onto his arm muscles and kissing him. "I'm sorry I wasn't with you when you woke up." He strokes her hair.
"I didn't think anyone would know or remember." She frowns, he tries to fix his error. "You're still the first one, so thank you." He runs his hands up and down her arms kissing her softly. "And as much as I miss you at night, I know Rusty likes your company." She takes his hand and leads him to Rusty's room.
"Happy Birthday." Rusty says as he walks in.
"Andy, Happy Birthday." Mary says giving him a hug. He thanks them both.
"How are you feeling Kid?" He comes to him and looks at the food. "It's not getting any better." Andy frowns.
"You see." Rusty says quickly to Sharon and Mary. "Andy is a vegetarian and he won't eat this." They all smile, Andy nudges him playfully.
"Don't encourage him." Sharon bickers to Andy. Mary shakes her head smiling it had been a similar routine every morning.
"I will be back I have other patients to see." She waves the clipboard.
"Wait Mary." Rusty calls, she stops. "Thank you." She smiles and leaves. "I had her help me with something I was planning on doing." Rusty shrugs. Sharon steps to the tray and brings the small round cake around to him. Andy looks at it shocked taking it out of Sharon's hands. Happy Birthday Andy! "I'm sorry were not celebrating at home." He shakes his head.
"Thank you." He says smiling at Rusty. "Can you have some?" Rusty nods eagerly.
"After you finish your food." She says slightly exasperated, he pokes around.
"Have you eaten?" Andy looks at Sharon.
"No she hasn't." Rusty says forcing a forkful of food into his mouth. Andy glares at her setting the cake down and runs his fingers on his forehead. Rusty looks at them upset at himself for opening his mouth, it was obvious he had touched a sore subject.
"We made a deal Sharon?" He looks as she steps closer to him. "You're making this a game." He says frustrated.
"No, no." She tugs on his hand. "Rusty planned for Lieutenant Provenza to come in so we can go have breakfast after the cake." Andy looks at Rusty who is watching them carefully trying to figure out what he missed.
"She's saying the truth." He says. Andy looks at Sharon who is begging him to believe her.
"Let's cut the cake." He pulls his hand out of her hold. And takes the lid off, she frowns at herself.
"Wait, wait we have to sing Happy Birthday." Rusty stops him as he begins cutting into the cake. Rusty looks at Sharon expectantly, she clears her throat and swipes her hair behind her ears forcing a smile and begins singing to Andy and Rusty joins in, she finishes smiling weakly. Andy kisses Sharon's temple knowing he should have never pointed her out the way he did in front of Rusty. He cuts into the cake and playfully looks over Rusty's plates and grins when he rolls his eyes. "I ate it all." Andy gives him a small piece and hands another to Sharon she takes it hesitantly. He can't catch her gaze.
"Rusty close your eyes and cover your ears, count to fifty." He does as told, Sharon smiles at the image, he grabs her chin and makes her look at him. "I'm sorry." He whispers on her lips and kisses her. She hums, her hand running along his face.
"Fifty." Rusty says out loud cautiously. Sharon pulls away from Andy and looks down at her cake and pinches it with her fingers bringing it to her lips, Rusty already finishing his slice as Andy cuts himself a piece. "Andy in the condo under my bed," Andy nods taking a bite of the cake and humming at its taste. "There is a gift for you." Andy smiles looking at Sharon, she shakes her head telling him she had no idea what it was.
"I'll wait so you can give it to me." Rusty nods. "Thank you for this." He smiles at Rusty.
They all look towards the door and Provenza appears. "Hey Flynn, Happy Birthday." He grins. Andy knew he was up to trouble. "You and I are going out this afternoon." Andy frowns.
"We are?" He asks curiously.
"Yes." He says simply. "Hello Captain." She does a simple nod. "Rusty how you're feeling?" He tosses him a crossword puzzle book and he examines it curiously.
"Good, thank you." He says opening the book and looking for a pencil. Andy takes one out of his jacket and hands it to him. "Thanks."
"Lieutenant thank you for being here." Sharon tells him as they smile at Rusty trying to figure it out. He had become incredibly bored with sitting around. The team had made it a challenge to bring things to occupy him with.
"No problem Captain, get out of here." She smiles and goes over to Rusty and kisses his forehead, grabbing her purse and taking Andy's hand as they leave.
"Where are we going?" He asks her, she shrugs but gives him a faint smile. As they get to the car he stops before opening her door. She reaches for the door herself. "No." He says giggling a little at her misunderstanding, she looks at him, he takes her extended hand and kisses it. "I'm sorry." He swipes her hair behind her ear. "You're not well and I'm attacking you that way in front of Rusty." She shakes her head, but before she can talk he does. "I did do wrong."
"I really am okay Andy." Her voice gentle but sincere. "I really just want to spend time with you that's all." He meets her eyes, he can see sadness but he can't read her. He moves closer and grabs her by the waist and pulls her close gently she relaxes in his embrace.
"What are you thinking Beautiful?" She hums, telling him that too much is in her head. "My birthday?" She nods this being a primary thing, he should have something better planned for him, her hands run along his chest. "I hadn't had a birthday cake in." He raises his eyes to look up. "Fifteen years?" She looks at him sadly. "So this one is much better than those." She kisses his chest. "You know what trumps them all?" She meets his eyes. "That I'm with you, oh god that makes all my birthdays seem so small." He smiles and tries to kiss him but he grins pulling back. "Wait I lie." She smirks watching as he thinks about it. "I was six or seven. You know those racecar beds?" Sharon nods smiling. "My grandma bought me one, I wanted it so badly." She smiles. "We couldn't afford it but she got it."
"A racecar bed trumps me." She nods teasingly he tickles her and she squirms. "Okay, no more teasing." She pleads, he stops and kisses her. "I love you, stay with me at the hospital tonight." He smiles weakly, he realizes now what is wrong.
"You haven't slept?" She shakes her head. "I will cuddle with you but we will have to pull the curtain or else Rusty won't be able to sleep with the image." She smiles as he opens the door and helps her in. They arrive at the restaurant deciding on a simple place, he helps her into her side of the booth and takes off his jacket.
"Sit with me." She says as he's about to sit on the opposite side, Andy sits by her side, they take the menus and ask for their drinks. Sharon leans into Andy and kisses him. "I've been drinking the medicine and vitamins the doctor prescribed and I'm eating, I promise." She runs her hands on his face. She knew even after apologizing that he was still worried. "I promised you and I am."
"Yes, just forgive me for pointing you out the way I did." She kisses his neck.
"I miss you." She pulls out and leans in and kisses him.
"I do to Beautiful." The waiter gives them their drinks and gets their orders. "I'll spend the day with you." He says putting their straws into their cups.
"No." She says after taking a sip. He frowns. "After Breakfast you have a few hours before lunch with Nicole, Jeff and the boys." He looks at her shocked. "Then Provenza." He frowns.
"When do I get to see Rusty and you again?" His voice deep.
"Hmm, after Lieutenant Provenza." She chuckles. Their food arrives as they talk , Andy switches their plates as the waiter leaves. She smiles seeing the mistake. "Andy, I love you." She whispers into his ear.
"You do?" She nods. "So much that I won't see you all day." He looks at her.
"They asked," she meets his eyes. "Nicole asked me she must of thought I told you. And Provenza just invited you." He smiles putting his hand bellow her ear and kissing her.
"I love you too." He gives her a peck than watches her take a bite first, he follows. "I get breakfast, lunch and probably dinner for my birthday." He says after a while, she smiles. "Then desert with you and Rusty again." She raises an eyebrow. "The cake."
"Andy the team comes by through the day especially on weekends, it'll be gone by tonight." She grins.
"Maybe Mary will hide it." Sharon giggles. "Taste?" He moves the fork to her mouth she takes it. "You like it." She nods chewing through it. He watches her and smiles kissing her. She giggles, putting a hand on his cheek. "You taste like strawberry syrup." He gives her a gentle peck, licking his lips.
"Maybe that's because you taste like it." She says still giggling, he brings another forkful to her mouth. "Andy I won't be able to finish mine." She smiles, he pouts eating it himself. Sharon kisses his shoulder and lingers there till he looks at her, still with a pout, she grins causing him to smile as she looks up at him. She gives him another kiss on his shoulder and turns back to her food, he shakes his head finding her to be the most incredible thing he's laid eyes on. They finish their food at a leisurely but quick pace with insistence she pays for breakfast. As they walk out he grabs her from behind around her waist.
"Thank you." He kisses her neck as they move that way to the car. "It was the best Birthday breakfast." She smiles. "Wait no I had breakfast on the racecar bed." He teases, they walk like this with him holding her from behind not carrying at the people passing by watch them as they giggle at each other. "Can I take you somewhere?" He asks her as he starts the car. Sharon nods curiously, he simply takes her hand and instead of turning left he turns right. They come to a hill top and he helps her out of the car. Andy sits on the ground knees bent up. She looks down at the city then at Andy and smiles, he is surprised when Sharon sits in between his legs resting back into him but sighs at the familiar contact he misses. Her hands run up his arms that rest on his knees. He kisses the inside of her neck, she hums a soft noise. "I used to come here when I was young." Sharon listens to him how his voice is trying so desperately trying to reach a memory. "Before you, before Lou, before AA when I went through those moments of I can do this on my own. This was the place I came up to and sat in this very spot. I cried, I laughed, I sat here for hours till I convinced myself that I would never drink again. I'd come up with dreams or visions in my head of the future I wanted. So as my rank moved up, I came here and sat for hours it was a goal I accomplished. I brought Nicole and Nick up here, they were dreams come true." Sharon only hums, they stay silent for a long time both contemplating the words he just shared. "I dreamed up my ranks, my children but never you. And here we are. You are the last part that I never knew I needed." Sharon looks up at him and he leans down and kisses her. She pulls out turning her knees under his bent one her back on his other knee. He smiles understanding she's positioning herself for a better way to make out, and they do. His hands in her hair and on her back hers at the sides on his stomach, scratching lightly. It was a feeling they both longed for.
"I love you." Sharon says as she pulls out for air. "Thank you for bringing me here." He takes her mouth into his again. She grins. He pulls out and looks at her.
"What is it?"
"I was just thinking how good that story is to get a girl in the back of your car." He smiles. "Was that your plan? To get me like this." She teases.
"I don't have any game. I have no idea how you fell in love with me." She hums leaning up to gain access to him again. She pulls out and leans into his chest, she unbuttons his shirt he looks down as she gently strokes his chest. He smiles looking out into the distance.
"Sorry I didn't get you a gift." He smiles. "Rusty and I had planned a party for you at the new house. But I didn't want to leave him out of it." He strokes her arm and kisses the top of her head.
"Getting this time alone with you is more than I need today."
"Andy, hold me." Andy sighs and wraps his arms around her, resting his head on top of hers. He doesn't let her go and she relaxes into his skin, they hadn't had a moment alone all week. She missed him and he understood.
"Remember the first time you asked me to hold you?" She thinks for a moment but shakes her head. "You were injured, the suspect had thrown that chair at you." She smiles remembering now. "It was a few days later and you were in the bathroom. You were so determined to get me out, I was so persistent to be by your side." She chuckles.
"I just didn't know what to do anymore, I had a fever." He smiles. "And I asked you if you could do something for me." They both smile closing their eyes, "I asked you to hold me," they would have continued this way maybe permanently, when his phone rings. He slowly lets her go but she stays attached to him.
"Flynn."
"Dad?" A soft, worried voice comes through.
"Nick." Sharon looks up at him, when she hears his son's name come out of him.
"Happy Birthday." He says gently, Andy lets out a sigh.
"Nick." He says again. "Thank you. I, I never expected your call." Sharon can hear and see the emotions running through him.
"I'm in town, Nicole invited me to this lunch you are having with Sharon, is her name right. I don't want to make it awkward for you."
"Of course not, I'd love to see you." He smiles down at Sharon and she smiles too. "I'm not sure Sharon will be there." She frowns.
"Um, okay." He says a little hesitantly. "I'll see you soon." Andy hangs up shaking his head confused. Sharon buttons up his shirt.
"Your son." She says sweetly, he nods. "I'm invited to this lunch?" Andy smiles.
"I would think so, Beautiful." He kisses her, she hums holding onto the back of his neck. "You don't have to go?" He looks at his watch. He can see the wheels turning in her mind. "I understand, Nicole will too." He stand up helping her.
"Andy I'm sorry. It's just Rusty." Andy shakes his head, but she can still see the disappointment in his eyes. He drives her to the hospital and they find Rusty playing Chess with Kate, Provenza occupying the crossword puzzle that he had given Rusty just a while ago. "Bean." Sharon hits her bottom startling her, missing Rusty's move.
"Hey!" She puts her hands at her waist and turns to Sharon. "What did he do?" Sharon shrugs, Rusty smiles as she comes around and sits on his bed kicking off her shoes. "Rusty?" She frowns, he shows her his last move. Sharon folds beside him watching as Kate contemplates her move. Andy walks over to Mary and gives her a kiss on the cheek by surprise. She lets out a little gasp and her cheeks go red as he thanks her for the cake, she tells him she stored half of it for him another kiss on her other cheek as she leaves. Andy sits beside Provenza.
"So where are we going Louie?" Andy peaks over at his crossword. Provenza puts a finger up to his lips shushing him, darting a look at Sharon. Andy pulls the book out of his hand. "What do you have in mind?" Provenza grumpily pulls it back. Sharon watches them and Kate makes her move with a HA, turning to Andy.
"Happy Birthday, Mr. Perfect." Provenza frowns, she goes to her purse.
"Mr. Perfect?" Provenza says almost laughing. Andy darts him a look to not offend Kate. "Kate I think your mistaken." He simply says.
She turns around and pulls out a wrapped gift, handing it to Andy. "I thought on more couldn't hurt." She shrugs and turns to Provenza. "He's very perfect for Mom which make him, Mr. Perfect."
"Checkmate." She spins around to a grinning Rusty.
"He cheated!" She walks closer, Sharon shakes her head. "Oh." She puts her hands on her waist. "I had it all planned." Andy stands up and rubs a hand on her back she turns around.
"Thanks." He holds up the tie, Sharon takes it smiling. Andy puts pieces back on the board reversing the last few moves. Rusty looks at him but says nothing. They all watch him carefully as he moves a piece and waits for Rusty, Rusty squints his eyes and moves a piece. "Ah." Andy shouts. "No one wins." He moves the piece. Rusty examines the board as he moves over to Sharon and gives her a kiss, he takes the tie from her hands. "Thank you again for the tie Kate, you're right I can never have too many." She smiles giving him a hug.
"That doesn't count." Rusty says. Andy smiles waving goodbye. "It doesn't." Andy stops at the door and winks at Sharon and moves away.
"Mom, why don't you go with him?" Sharon wiggles her toes as her arms are wrapped around her legs. Provenza stands up.
"Captain, go I'll stick around." Rusty's about to say something. "He's a big boy, we know Rusty." Sharon smiles looking at Rusty.
"Go Sharon." Rusty pushes her lightly with his shoulder. "I'm not moving from this bed, I promise." He says jokingly.
"He's probably gone by now." She says getting off the bed. Kate tosses her keys, Sharon catches them, she looks at all of them. And looks up to see Tao and his family coming in. Tao's son saying a quick hello and bringing a game over to Rusty.
"You see he won't look up for another hour." Provenza says as Sharon hugs Tao's wife.
"It'll be an hour the most." They all smile.
"No, you're gone till tomorrow." Sharon looks at Kate. "I am here all the time anyway. He has visitors all day." Sharon is ready to argue. "Wait, I will sleep on the bed tonight." She looks at Rusty, he looks up.
"Do it for me Sharon." She smiles, they all do knowing they got her. Tao's wife runs her hand on her arm.
"I'll make sure he eats his lunch and will tell Buzz about his dinner." Sharon smiles at all of them and nods. She grabs her purse and gives Rusty his phone.
"You answer every time I call." He nods turning up the volume. "If you need anything you call me first." They all smile. "Kate snores so, if you miss me." Rusty leans forward and hugs her.
"You snore too." He whispers, she chuckles. "Give Andy a birthday he deserves." Sharon smiles pulling out wiping her single tear and kissing his forehead holding his chin before he looks at the game again. "I will call you if I need anything," he raises his hand. "I promise." She smiles with a single nod.
"Bean, no going off to Lewis when Rusty's alone." She rolls her eyes.
"Better idea." She puts up a finger. "We have Lewis in here that way they're never alone." Sharon gives her a look, she brings her had down. "Yes." She says simply giving her a hug. She turns to the others and thanks them all of them smile to one another never expecting her to have ever left.
Andy enters the restaurant. "Hey sweetheart." Nicole stands up and smiles, giving him a hug. "Oh thank you for inviting me." He says holding her tight.
"Happy Birthday Dad." She kisses his cheek and pulls out giving him a box, she shrugs when he looks at her. "It's old, I kept it after you left." He opens it and smiles taking out the pen engraved with 'I love you Daddy,' on it. "I gave it to you…"
"Nineteen years ago for my birthday." She smiles as he closes the box, he hugs her again. "I can't believe you kept it." She just hugs him tighter the idea of her holding on to something so small but memorable tugs strings inside him. "Where's the family?" He asks as he holds the seat for her to sit.
"Nick is coming so I asked Jeff to stay with the boys." She holds out a paper, he giggles. "The boys wanted to see Grandpa Andy so they sent you a card. He reads over the words and focuses on the picture and smiles. Two boys holding onto an adult's hand.
"I'm going to frame it." She smiles. "I'll stop by on the way to the hospital, to thank them." Nicole looks towards the door and smiles, Andy turns around releasing a heavy sigh a pain and knot meeting his chest. She squeezes Andy's hand as he stands up. It is a younger version of him, dressed similarly as him, jeans and a white shirt. The man must be thinking the same thing when he smiles, he walks towards him.
"Happy Birthday Dad." He says nervously.
"Can I have a hug?" Nick eyes widen not expecting this but he nods. Nicole smiles as the two of them embrace. "Oh I've missed you son." Nick holds him tightly.
"Me too Dad." They pull apart both of them with tears in their eyes. "I wasn't planning for this so I didn't have time to buy a gift." He puts his hands in his pockets as if searching for something.
"Are you kidding me, I have both my children together. That's enough." Andy says honestly.
"Sit guys." Nicole tells them, wiping her eyes.
"Sorry I was late." Nick says as he takes a seat. "I'm staying with Mom and she, well." Nicole glares at him. "Sorry." He shakes his head, it was a bad habit he had.
"No it's fine, I'm very well aware that your mother hates me." Andy says calmly.
"Dad where is Sharon?" Nicole looks around, expecting her to have been in the restroom.
"At the hospital." Andy shrugs a little disappointed, Nicole takes his hand and smiles softly.
"Jeff and the boys didn't come and now Sharon. I should."
"No, I don't think she ever planned on coming, I think she thought it was something between us. Then when she found out she was invited, well Rusty is in the hospital." He can't find an easy way to explain it. She was still having problems eating, she couldn't sleep and she spent her time in the hospital.
"How's Rusty?" Nick asks, Andy looks at him shocked and back at Nicole she winks at him with a smile. "Yes, I would never have been here." They look at him. "Honestly if it weren't for Mom and Cole." Both of them frown.
"Mom?" Andy asks.
"She went on about Nicole not showing for these book clubs to be with you." He looks at Nicole for input but nothing comes. "Anyway she was so adamant about talking negatively I called Nicole." Andy holds her hand tighter. "She told me about your life now and I thought it was good to talk now." He meets Andy's eyes.
"Nick, I messed up my.." Andy starts, but his son puts up a hand.
"No you made your amends thirteen years ago." He says clearly. "I'm sorry it took me this long to actually listen to them." He scratches the back of his neck. "You know I'd love to blame you and Mom for being so stubborn but I was.." He shakes his head starting to get tears in his eyes. Nicole takes his hand. "You've been saying sorry for too long Dad it's my turn." Nicole smiles. "I know things don't get better this quickly but I'd like to try." He tilts his head behind Andy, they turn around and they all stand in unison. Andy smiles walking over to her.
"Sorry for interrupting. I wanted to be here but I thought the boys would be here too." Andy shakes his head running a hand down her arm but they are interrupted.
"So did I?" Nick comes around. They had seen each other before at the wedding, but Nick had refused to say hello. She can see the younger Andy she smiles, shaking his hand. "Nick." He says. "Please don't feel uncomfortable. I thought you weren't coming because of me. So thank you for showing up."
"Sharon." She says shaking his hand then swiping her hair behind her ear. "My son is in the hospital, I didn't want to come but they practically kicked me out." He smiles, reminiscent of Andy's. "Hey Sweetheart." Sharon hugs Nicole. They all take a seat at the four sides of the table, Andy holds Sharon's hand.
"I saw you at the wedding but you.." Nick begins
"Nick be nice." Nicole scolds him feeling defensive over Sharon.
"No, gee Cole." He frowns. "I'm not Mom." He looks at Sharon. "You're very beautiful, that's all I was going to say. Even more so than the wedding." Sharon blushes and frowns a little but still smiles, she was not dressed at all, she hadn't wore much makeup but she can hear the honesty in his words.
"Thank you for the compliment. You're very handsome."
"I can't say you're lying, I look exactly like Dad." Sharon nods.
"Yes," she glances at him quickly and smiles. "I think he was a Sergeant when he looked just like you." She looks back at Andy and he nods.
"You two go that far back?" He asks taking a drink.
"We do, but your Dad and I were married, than I just crossed paths when needed to investigate him." She shrugs. "We were never friends."
"I should apologize for my behavior at the wedding." She stops him.
"I have children too from a divorced marriage. I understand." She says quickly. "And thank you. How is the architect firm going?" She says too quick to stop herself, just trying to change the topic he gives her a curious glance. "Sorry, your Dad talks so much about you, I feel like I can start this conversation off." She looks apologetically at everyone but Nick is looking at Andy, they hadn't talked in a long time.
"Dad is always asking about you Nick." Nicole tells him. "I just filled him in with what I knew." He nods looking at his Dad who looks embarrassed. Sharon tightens her grip of his hand.
"Business is good, I'm branching out to LA so hopefully I can see my nephews more often." Nick smiles at Nicole. "Mom is always nagging about being too far." He stops looking at his drink, his phone buzzes. "Oh, sorry I need take this." He gets up and goes.
"Andy I'm sorry. I shouldn't have."
"Don't be ridiculous." Andy kisses her hand. "I couldn't spend my life without knowing anything about my son." He shakes his head. "I'm going to the restroom." He kisses Sharon's hand one more time and goes.
"Nicole I'm sorry."
"Sharon." Nicole stands up and sits on the chair next to her. "Nick is a proud man, he is realizing how much Dad really loves him and is capable of love. Your comment did more good than bad. It's just going to take time. He looks like Dad but he's Mom in everything else."
"Sweetheart sorry but that doesn't make me feel any better." Nicole laughs. Sharon sees Andy talking to Nick outside and sits up a little straighter, Nicole turns around and takes Sharon's hand.
"Dad, I don't understand you were keeping tabs on me?" He says a little upset.
"You're my son, I want to know how you are what you're up to." Nick scratches his forehead. "That's not what bothering you, you're using that as an excuse to storm off." He can see the anger rising in his son's eyes. "This isn't the first time we've sat at a table without arguments, but when something seems too hard you walk away."
"You're full of it Dad." Andy takes a deep breath internally. "Look who's talking." Andy closes his eyes and nods.
"Alright Nick, I'll be the villain." Andy raises his hand and turns to go inside.
"You see you're doing it now." Andy turns back and in hushed but angry voice he gets close to him.
"I've worked my entire life for you guys. I was an alcoholic. I screwed up, I tried making things right which a minute ago you said you were ready to accept. Let me tell you Nick in case you don't remember. You are embarrassing, I don't want you around. My friends will see the man who is my father." Andy holds back his tears. "That's why I never came around, because you begged me not to. I've worked my entire life to give your mother the home she has, the one you occupied till not too long ago. Your car, your school. That's what the embarrassment of your father did, why he didn't move up like you did he was only ever able to afford an apartment and the same car for years because you, Nicole and your Mother had all the luxuries of the world. I never cared, I never said anything till today." Andy turns around and sees Nicole. He looks at her apologetically. "Honey I'm sorry." She shakes her head, extending her hand. Andy turns back and hugs his son with no returned gesture. "I love you, but stop playing the victim or you will turn out like me one day and I know that's the last thing you want." He pulls away and walks towards Nicole.
"Let's go inside, Sharon is waiting." Andy takes his daughters hand looking back at his son. "I'll meet you inside Dad." He nods, she makes a 'humph' sound shaking her head. "I cried to you Nick." Her voice breaks. "When Dad wouldn't want to meet my friends, come to my parties. You told me it was because he was an alcoholic but you made him the demon in my story. When you and Mom pushed him away."
"Cole." He reaches out to her but she takes a step back. "None of us are saints. I made a mistake, he did too, even Mom, even you." She shakes her head.
"You will not ruin this. Not for Dad and not for Sharon so grow up and come inside." She opens the door and moves inside.
Andy gives Sharon a kiss, she holds her fingers to her lips worried. "Beautiful, everything is okay." He leans in and kisses her again. "This is Nick and our relationship, it's like Kate and Jack we never know how things will go." He takes her hand and plays with the ring on her finger she smiles. "You know we can celebrate in Vegas." Sharon looks up at him.
"Like today." Andy grins.
"You want to?" He asks almost ready to get up in that moment, she bites the inside of her lip smiling ready to say yes.
"No." Nicole sits on her chair. "I refuse to miss your wedding." Sharon and Andy smile. "Please let it be a big party." Sharon frowns. "What?"
"I love your Dad very much and I want to celebrate but intimately. Family is fine but nothing big." Nicole frowns. "Here it's in your Dad's hands, so you can ask him if you can help." Nicole looks at Andy.
"Ok." She shrieks in excitement. "Wait." She stops. "Your mother can't know a thing." She hold her palm up as if in swearing. "Okay." She hugs him excitedly.
"I'm sorry." Nick comes in and sits down. Andy looks at Sharon as she holds his hand tight they weren't expecting him to come back in. "Did we order yet?" He says calmly calling the waiter over. They all place an order and thank the waiter. They sit silently. "Okay Dad." They all stiffen, he slides him a card. Andy looks at it. "It's all my numbers. You call I won't ignore you, if you call the office I'll take it no matter what just like with Nicole, Mom and Anna it'll come right through." Andy smiles still examining the card. "Anna is my girlfriend of five years, no plans of marriage but we do live together." Sharon and Nicole smile. "We have talked about children which is the real reason I'm branching out here." He stops, Nicole takes his hand as he releases a heavy sigh. "Anna told me she thinks I can only be a good father until I forgive mine." They all fall silent. "I'm trying Dad." He says weakly.
"When can I meet her?" They all smile as Andy puts the card in his wallet.
"At Cole's dinner if you're coming." He says thankful it didn't go sour again. Andy looks at Sharon. "Or we can set something up."
"No we will be there, I promised Nicole I was going to help her." Sharon says smiling at Andy.
"Sharon." She looks at Nick. "You seem very nice."
"But you don't know me. I understand, I push too much." Sharon smiles at him as the food comes being placed on the table. Andy takes the mushrooms off her plate and Sharon takes the pickle off of his. Nicole smiles as Nick watches curiously. Sharon cuts her sandwich in half and looks at the two looking at them.
"It's sweet." Nicole says quickly at her expression. She holds out her pickle on the fork, Sharon holds out her plate and she transfers it. Nick doesn't say anything but simply transfers his pickle too. Sharon looks at him, Andy and Nicole giggle.
"So it runs in the family." Sharon smiles, taking the pickle Nick put on her plate and biting into it.
"I swear I didn't know." Andy tells her.
"Cole and I have never liked them. Mom was crazy about them." Sharon laughs, Nicole too. "What is it?" Sharon stays quiet, not wanting to start another problem.
"Yeah son, I think that's why I hated them." Nick raises his eyebrow and grins taking a bite off his burger. They all eat a little more comfortable now. Having an easy conversation about New York, the new house, Rusty and anything that crossed paths. Sharon leaves most of her food untouched. Nicole can see Andy constantly looking over at Sharon, she had been with them every day she knew the cycle they were going through, the worry about Sharon's health.
"Sharon will you taste mine." Nicole cuts a slice of her burger and gives it to a hesitant Sharon, knowing she won't say no. She eats into it and finishes the piece for Nicole even though she didn't have an appetite. Andy smiles at Nicole knowing exactly what she just did. "Should I order another?"
"No sweetheart. Andy and I had a big breakfast this morning." Sharon takes out her buzzing phone and smiles. "Sorry it's Rusty." She excuses herself.
"She sick Dad?" Andy is surprised he caught on.
"No, just too much on her plate." He says simply.
"You know Ken, he's a good Nutritionist, if she needs help with an eating disorder."
"Nick, it's nothing like that." Nicole stops him. "She's healthy." Andy frowns a little at his sons insinuation's, standing up and following Sharon. "Nick stop, her son almost died. She's dealing with things. I've seen her every day, she tries to eat she just can't keep it down." He looks up at where they disappeared too.
Andy finds Sharon as she hangs up. "You alright?" He asks.
"Rusty wanted to see if he could have more cake?" Andy smiles. "Mary said yes but he still wanted to check with me." He runs his hands up and down her arms, looking into her eyes. "I haven't been eating at all till a few days ago I can't jump in and have three meals all of sudden." He kisses her forehead. "Don't get frustrated, I will take it with me and eat it later." He sighs on her forehead.
"I worry about you that's all." She smiles pulling out and grabbing his chin and kissing him tugging on his hand to move back inside. They return to the table, Andy and Sharon switching seats as Sharon sits to talk with Nicole. "They've been that way since we went to see the Nutcracker." Andy looks over at Nick.
"She's great Dad. I'm not Nicole though." Andy frowns that's not what he was insinuating, Nick takes a bite from his food. "Let me ask you a question?" Andy turns to face him. "Does she know you were an alcoholic?" Andy frowns.
"Yes, son she does know I'm an alcoholic." Andy calls the waiter over ready to go before things go bad.
"How about you cheating on Mom? Or was she one of them, you knew her long enough?" He says louder, Sharon and Nicole look at them. "Hmm?" Andy stays quiet only asking for the tab. "You didn't." He smiles, getting comfortable on his seat directing himself to Sharon. "Did you know that Dad?" Sharon puts up a hand to stop him, Andy looks at her worried.
"Andy, I'm going to go." He nods knowing she wasn't upset. She stands up and kisses him, turning to Nicole and hugging her. "Thanks for the invitation." She whispers to her. Nick stands up with the rest of them he holds out his hand, Sharon doesn't take it. "Sorry Andy." She holds his hand in hers for reassurance. "Your Dad may dislike your mother, but has he ever said anything to put you against her?" Nick stays quiet. "Has your Mother?" Again he stays quiet. "Have you ever wondered why she has a never ending list? Maybe it's not all true." She says sorry to Andy again he pulls her close giving her a small kiss as she leaves letting her relax a little. They bring the tab and Nicole takes it.
"Sweetheart, you coming to the hospital?" She nods. "It was great seeing you Nick. You call me when you're really ready to do this. And I hope you'll be more respectful at least to Sharon next time because I'm sorry to disappoint you but she's not going anywhere." Andy sets down the tip, giving Nicole a kiss on the cheek and a hug good bye pulling out to look at her. "I did a lot of things. But I never cheated on your Mother." She smiles nodding, he leaves.
"Nick what is this?" Nicole asks him. "You're going to lose us both if you continue on this path. Tell Anna you definitely are not ready to have children." She signs the tab and leaves him there with a quick goodbye.
Sharon arrives at the hospital but stands at the entrance remembering she was told not to return. She sits on the bench and looks at her feet. "Beautiful." Sharon looks up and smiles, he lets out a relived sigh at not seeing her angry. She stands up as he comes around and kisses her over and over. "I'm sorry for that." She smiles. "I told you I never cheated." She puts her hand over his mouth.
"I don't doubt you. I know you." She moves her hand and kisses him. "I'm sitting here because I'm not allowed back in." He smiles. "They said not till tomorrow and I don't have anywhere to go. The condo is not a crime scene but I don't want to go back there, not yet. I have paid time off. My children are in there." She shrugs.
"I'm right here." She smiles as he starts kissing her leading her in some direction she can only assume is the car.
"You have a date with Provenza." She smiles as he stops, with a small groan of disappointment. "How about," she reaches into Andy's pocket and takes the keys, giving him Kate's. "You drive with Provenza. I take the car and you meet me at the house when you're ready?" He smiles. "I can use a nap." She says simply. He kisses her again.
"It's a date." She smiles watching him go inside. She stops when she sees Nicole coming.
"Nick is a jerk." She lets out blatantly, Sharon holds her arm.
"Put Kate and Jack, her father in a room together, it'll end in tears, a shouting match or the silent treatment." Nicole smiles. "Are you okay?" She nods sadly. "Your Dad was just happy to see him and you. It was good that you invited him."
"Thanks Sharon." She hugs her. "Are you leaving?" Sharon nods. "I forgot you promised not to return. I'll check on him for you." Sharon thanks her walking to the car. She makes several stops before going home, receiving a text from Andy telling her they're delayed. When she enters the house she smiles, it was home. It isn't the large unfamiliar place anymore it is home. She walks to the kitchen with her bags others to the bedroom. She bakes a cake for Andy and prepares a simple dinner. She smiles hearing the doorbell.
"Delivery for Sharon Raydor?" She signs off and lets the men in telling them where to go. They spend several minutes setting her gift up for Andy. She tips them and thanks them as they leave she pulls out other things she had prepared when she hears the keys jingle at the door, she smiles moving towards it stopping him by covering his eyes. He grins, she lets him kiss her. His arms going around her waist.
"Mmm." He talks on her lips. "The red lingerie." She chuckles letting him see he takes the image of her in. Then he looks around at the multitude of candles set around the house, rose petals and she brings a piece of chocolate to his lips. He bites it leaning in to kiss her. She hums in appreciation, both of them licking their lips as they pull out. "I can get used to being welcomed home this way." She kisses him again the lingering taste of chocolate surfacing on both of their mouths.
"How did you know it was the red one?" She smiles wrapping her arms around his neck. He looks at her and kisses her breastbone. "Andy?" She giggles at his distraction.
"It's my favorite one, I know how it feels." He runs his hands in circles on her back. "Beautiful this place looks incredible, she smiles, holding on to him and looking around. "But you look even more incredible." She smiles as he nibbles in her neck, but he sighs pulling out. "Can you give me two minutes to shower? She frowns. "Smell me." She does, pulling out frowning to the smell of beer.
"He took you to a bar?" She kisses him helping him take off his shirt.
"No I did." She takes it as they walk through the house. "I said no to the first place, so I had to compensate." She frowns stopping him at the bedroom door, standing in front of him as he's going in. "What is it?" He looks at her smile and smiles too.
"I have a gift for you." He raises an eyebrow as she opens the door, he walks in and sighs looking at her. "It's not a racecar bed." She says quickly as he walks over to the king size bed that sits in their room. This is one of the many reasons he loved her.
"You got us a bed?" He says happily.
"You like it." He groans, sitting on it.
"Something's missing." He says running his hands over the comforter.
"Everything is missing Andy," she sets down his shirt and shoes to the side on the floor. "I was trying to do the whole racecar bed thing but the adult version." She frowns realizing how silly it sounds now. "Oh it was silly." She says out loud flailing her hands.
"No, Beautiful." He walks over to her. "Forget the other furniture, it's missing you on top of it." She lets out a long sigh, and this was one of the many reasons she loves him. "Come here you need sleep." He tugs on her hand.
"I do, but there is dinner and an actual racecar bed." She looks through the door, he smiles.
"What?" He takes her face in his hands and kisses her over and over, than moving along her face. She giggles.
"Well, I thought one of the rooms could be a play area for Nicole's boys so I bought a racecar bed well two because I wasn't sure if the one you had was red or blue." She says too quickly and smiles softly.
"You know how much I adore you right now." He wraps his arms around her waist.
"I thought you already adored me?" She says playfully.
"Yes so imagine that times ten." He kisses her neck. "I need a shower?" She shakes her head.
"Just kiss me." He obeys, moving backwards towards the shower. "Mmm." She hums as his hands start moving the red silk up over her thighs as he turns and leads her to the shower.
"If I take it off?" His hands on her abdomen, hers on his belt. "Will you put it back on?" She grins tugging on his bottom lip, nodding. He pulls away only a fragment to pull it off of her, returning to her lips. She unbuttons his pants and he steps out of them as she pulls down her panties, she turns on the shower his hands coming around her waist, then lower, but she stops him turning around backing into the shower. He pouts, but she grabs him by the shoulders pulling him tight.
"I want you." She runs her hand around his erection, he releases a moan as she strokes him. "Please." He pushes her against the wall, moving his finger to her center but she moves his hand away. "I'm ready, I just want to," she gasps as he enters her. "Feel you." She moans as he lifts her higher and she gets comfortable. The water pouring over them as he slowly begins to move on her command.
Again thank you for the continued support.