The team found themselves knee-deep in cases the rest of the week. They caught two, both relatively easy murders to solve. Sharon had joked with Andy, on occasion, that it sounded odd to call murders easy, but sometimes, situations and people were very predictable. It was now Thursday afternoon, just after noon, and the team had been busy all morning completing paperwork from the first murder. The two murders had come in so close to each other, that the team had barely finished the paperwork for one when they had a second. They had worked long hours all week, two 14-hour days, but they were almost done with their week. Normally, they didn't catch cases like that, right on top of each other, but they had done a favor for Robbery/Homicide. That department was buried in cases, and they had a few detectives out for various reason. With all that, Major Crimes had taken on more than usual, and now it was time to close out their week. They hoped to finish the paperwork from the first case Thursday and then dedicate Friday to the paperwork from their second case. Paperwork was a never-ending job, and when they got busy, as they had this week, it made it even worse.

Sharon looked at her watch and realized just how hungry she was. She glanced out, noting the team was hard at work, and she decided to send them all out for a well-deserved leisurely lunch.

"I know we've had a long week, taking on that first case Monday late afternoon, and then the second one following right behind it. It's time to take a long lunch. Go, enjoy," she waved her hands.

"No argument from me," Provenza stood and started to put on his jacket. "Who is joining me for lunch?"

"I'm going for a run over lunch," Amy stood and gathered her things. "I haven't had time for a good run all week."

"I'm going to eat the leftovers I brought," Buzz told the group. "No sense in good food going to waste."

"I'll come," Mike nodded to Provenza.

"Same," Julio stood and put on his jacket. The group all turned to Andy and Sharon.

"I'll go," Andy shrugged, "but, on one condition, Provenza," he pointed to him. "I'm not paying for your lunch."

"I wasn't asking," Provenza shrugged. "Besides, we're going to the deli down the street. One of the women who works there is always very chatty with me and told me next meal I had there was on the house," he shrugged. "Who knows-I might get lunch and a date out of it."

Sharon covered her mouth as she started to laugh. The team turned toward her, and she felt the blush creeping up her face. She waved to the team. "I'm sorry," she shook her head. "Lieutenant, good luck with your lunch endeavors. I'm sure I'll hear all about it from the team when you return."

"You aren't going to come with us?" Andy turned and asked her.

"No," she shook her head. "I have a salad in the break room. Rusty didn't like the salad I made yesterday, so I have extra. Go and enjoy," she nodded to the group.

"We should all go out for drinks tomorrow, after all the paperwork is done," Julio suggested. "We haven't done that in a long time after a case, and this week, we had two cases. Anyone interested?"

"I'm good with that," Amy nodded and started for the door. "I'm going to change. Enjoy lunch," she waved.

"Yeah, I'll go for drinks tomorrow," Buzz nodded. "Same place as usual?"

"Works for me," Julio nodded. "Lieutenants?"

"Sure, Julio, I'll go," Mike smiled. "When have I turned down the chance to just hang out with you?"

Julio smiled and looked to Provenza, "Sir?"

"Flynn, are we going?" Provenza looked to Andy.

Andy sighed and rolled his eyes. As he did so, he caught Sharon's smile and turned toward her. He rolled them again toward Sharon, and she started to chuckle. He turned back to Provenza, "I guess I'll go because even if I tell you I'm not coming, you'll call me for a ride anyway."

"At least you are smart enough to admit you finally figured that out," Provenza smirked.

"Sharon, you have to come, tomorrow, please," Andy turned to her, asking for the team. She looked around the room, and when she saw them all nodding at her, she smiled.

"I will come tomorrow, one drink, though, just one," she held up her hand. "Rusty is busy with a chess tournament at school, so I have the time tomorrow."

"Great," Andy grinned, and the team added their own smiles when she agreed to come.

"Lunch," Sharon reminded them, and they all nodded and started for the door. She watched them leave and stood there in the empty room as they excited. It was refreshing now to work with a team she enjoyed as much as her current one. They were like family, all of them. She looked to their empty desks, turned, and she returned to her office, intent on working another half hour before getting her lunch.

She was interrupted a few minutes later by an unfamiliar knock on her door. She looked up, surprised, to find Jack at the door. She waved him in as she closed her most recent file.

"Jack," she gave him a small smile and searched his face for the reason for his arrival. Normally, Jack's presence in the office was a little unnerving, and today she couldn't help but wonder what he was doing.

"Sharon," he smiled as he entered. He left the door open because the rest of the team was out. "You didn't send the team home already, did you?" Jack chuckled as he put his briefcase in a chair and sat in the other.

"No," she said as she shuffled files and stacked some together. "I sent them to lunch, oh, about 15 minutes ago now," she said as she glanced at her watch.

"Lunch," he raised his eyebrows. "Now, you are speaking my language. I had a client to see downstairs, and I wanted to stop by and see if you would like to join me for lunch. I am done here for the day, and I thought lunch with you would be a possibility before I head back to the office."

"Hmm, lunch," she nodded. "I don't have a lot of time. I was just going to eat my salad in the break room before the team gets back."

"Come on, Sharon," he winked at her. "We can even get something at the diner across the street if that is easy for you. It's fast."

"Fine," she said quietly as she nodded. She had not seen Jack all week due to her schedule as well as his. He had called her a couple of times, and she had sent him a few text messages throughout the week. She was still being cautious, but Jack was proving each day that he was trying. Sharon stood and glanced at Jack, "Are you wearing your new suit?"

"Yeah," he put his hand on the jacket and opened it before he continued, "I just picked it up last night. Looks good, and it fits well. Thank you again for helping me pick this out at the store."

"Of course, Jack," she smiled as she pulled her purse out of the drawer. She looked over at him, "It looks good on you."

"Thanks," he flashed a grin and walked to her door to open it. He gestured for her to go before he did. "I'm guessing you finally closed your cases?"

"We did," she nodded as they walked to the elevator. "Long week."

"You have had a long week," he nodded. The two waited for the elevator, and Jack continued, "I'm sorry I won't see you this weekend. Remember, I am going to see Ricky tomorrow."

"That's right," Sharon smiled brightly at the mention of Ricky's name. "I am very glad you are going. It's long overdue, the father-son time, Jack. I'm proud of you."

He shrugged as they got onto the elevator, "I know I messed up, Sharon, but yeah, I'm trying."

They continued their small talk until they got out onto the street. They were heading to the crosswalk when they both smelled the aroma coming from one of the food carts. Sharon looked to Jack, "That smells delicious. Would you mind if we got food there and even just ate out here?"

Jack looked around, and he shrugged, "Sure, whatever the lady would like." Sharon grinned at him, and the two ended up ordering from the food cart. They ordered Mediterranean chicken wraps, and once they had their food, Sharon nodded to an area on the side of the building where they could sit.

"Thank you for buying me lunch," she said. Sharon had offered to pay, but to her pleasant surprise, Jack already had a $20 bill out to pay. "This is perfect," she said a few moments later between bites. "The food is great, I have a chance to talk to you, and I can still get back to work."

"You work too hard, Sharon," Jack shook his head. "You know the LAPD won't come undone if you slow down a little. Trust me."

"I know," she agreed, "but, I like my job, and we are doing good work."

"You are," he nodded, "but, you also need to take time to enjoy life, to find a balance. I'm trying to do that, so believe me, I know."

Sharon put down her food and looked to Jack, "What is the balance you are seeking? You've tipped the scales most of your adult life. You and I both know that, so what balance do you want now?"

He frowned as he thought a moment, and then he nodded to her, "You're right. I have. I've run off over and over. Honestly, now, I want you. I want you back, and I want to start over. I'm trying to show you I can. I'm trying to be the man I should have been for you. I have a law degree, and yet, I've barely used it. I have a family, and I barely know them. I'm done with my running games."

Sharon eyed him, "Jack, you've said things like that before."

"I know I have, but look," he shook his head, "maybe it's being older, but I just want to be with you Sharon. You're my wife. I know if we were done, we would have divorced years ago, Catholic or not. Something, though, something tells me, there's still a chance. Am I wrong?"

Sharon looked away, still silent. She looked around at the bustling street; there were people all around, going in many different directions. Jack had gone in many different directions over the years, but here he was, telling her he wanted to be home with her. He wanted her. Sharon had always waited for that, to have Jack come to his senses. Deep down, she still loved him, she believed. She still had the notion of a happy future with him. As independent as she was and could be, she wanted to be loved, and Jack was here in front of her, offering to do that.

"I'd like to think there is still a chance, Jack," she said quietly. She finally met his gaze, "You've hurt me a lot over the years, and that doesn't go away."

"I know, Sharon," Jack sighed. "Look, I want to try again with you, and one of the things I need to talk to you about is my living situation. I can't stay with my friend forever, and basically, I need to do something. I can find my own place, but if we are talking about getting back together, which I want, that seems silly for me to sign a long lease. I don't want to pressure you, but it is something that needs to be addressed. We are married," he chuckled and shook his head.

Sharon pursed her lips as she stared at Jack, "Is this all about you coming to the condo?"

"No!" Jack said quickly and then lowered his voice. "This isn't some ploy. I want to get back together with my wife. Part of doing that involves discussing our living situations. Look, if Rusty wasn't there, this wouldn't be such a big deal. I could just stay in his room."

"He is there, though, Jack," Sharon sighed. "I have to consider him, as well as Emily and Ricky. I don't want to tell them anything right now; they've been hurt enough, but I can't exactly hide it if you come stay at the condo."

"I wasn't going to tell Ricky anything this weekend anyway, Sharon," Jack told her. "Yes, they have been put in the middle of this long enough. We are adults and can figure this out, whatever it is, without involving them. Look, I'll get my own place. I wasn't trying to make you mad, and I wasn't suggesting Rusty go. I only meant that Rusty being there does create a situation it wouldn't have created before."

Sharon sighed and shook her head. The two were quiet a few moments before Sharon looked back at Jack, "When do you have to be out of your friend's place?"

Jack sighed, "He hasn't given me any sort of eviction notice," he chuckled, "but, he's asked what my plans are and hinting I need to act on my plans. I told him that I've been separated, but my wife and I are working on things. I'll start looking for an apartment next week when I get back from visiting Ricky if that is what you want."

"Just let me think about it, Jack," Sharon looked to him. "Can I have the weekend to think about it? I'm not sure what I want to suggest, but let me think for a few days. If you come to the condo, we will have to tell the kids eventually. Rusty will be there too, and I only want him in a positive situation. I'm not sure if I'm ready for you to be in the middle of our lives in the condo."

Jack nodded, "I get it, I do, but Sharon, if we are in, I say we are all in, together. I want you; I want you back. I want you to be my wife. Go ahead and think about it. I think whatever we decide, that sets the course for the future. We either decide to give it another go, or we decide to go our separate ways. Sharon, I think this is the time to decide what you want."

Sharon agreed to think about Jack's situation, not sure of exactly what she wanted to do. Just recently, she'd sent him away after the two had enjoyed a lovely evening at the condo on the balcony. She had mixed feelings about that, thinking that it was the right thing to do, and then later, thinking that she should have allowed her husband to stay. She wasn't going to move forward with Jack by digging up the past constantly. Now, he'd given her something to seriously consider, and with that, she agreed to think about it and give him an answer after his visit with Ricky. The two settled back into lighter topics for lunch, and when they were done, Jack offered to walk Sharon back to her office.

"I'd love to walk you upstairs," he smiled at her as he reached out to touch her arm. She looked at his arm on hers and then up to him.

"I'm just not sure, Jack," she sighed and shook her head. "The team, you," she shrugged.

"Well, I do need to check on one thing," he held up his phone. Sharon nodded, remembering he'd gotten several text messages during their lunch. "My boss asked me to go by cyber before I come back to the office, some paperwork there he needs. So, can I at least ride with you in the elevator?"

Sharon chuckled and nodded, "I think that can be arranged." She glanced down when she saw his hand extend toward hers, and even though it was the middle of the day, in front of her office building, she put her hand in his as they walked. It felt odd, but at the same time, she continued to tell herself that she was walking with her husband. Normal people in normal marriages did that, walk hand in hand down the street, but it still felt odd to her.

The two walked back into the building, Sharon ready to get back to work and Jack on his way to the cyber division to pick up something for his boss. As they arrived at the elevator, she pulled her hand from his. Jack turned toward her, and they stood at the elevator, talking. Sharon froze when she heard the familiar sounds of her team coming toward them.

"Gentlemen," she said as she turned to face them. They had walked into the building and had not yet noticed she was waiting for the elevator.

"Sharon," Andy smiled at her at just the same moment Jack turned around toward the men. He was standing next to Sharon, and as soon as Andy saw him, he started to scowl and then glanced to Sharon. "Jack," Andy said crisply, a definite change from his greeting to Sharon.

"Ahh, if it isn't Flynn, Provenza, and team," he flashed a grin. He held up his briefcase, "Duty calls," he chuckled and continued, "although, I'm not working with all of you today. How is everyone?"

"Captain, is he bothering you?" Julio gave Sharon a look as he asked.

"No," Sharon pursed her lips, trying to silently plead with the team. She looked over to Jack and gave him a small shake of her head, almost begging him to stay silent as well, "We were just walking upstairs."

"Yup, great lunch, and back to work," Jack grinned. The elevator opened, and he gestured for Sharon to go in front of him. He winked to the team as he followed Sharon and turned around to face them as they all got onto the elevator. The ride was quite as they all stood in the elevator. Sharon knew the team wanted to strangle Jack; she'd had similar feelings in the past, but they also didn't know he was trying. When the elevator stopped for Jack, he broke the silence. "Team, always a pleasure," he said as he stepped off the elevator. He turned back to look at Sharon, "Sharon, I'll call you later, and I'll see you when I get back from visiting Ricky."

"Hmm, thank you, Jack. I'll speak to you later," she gave him a quick nod and a small smile. The elevator closed, and she felt the team all turn toward her to gauge her reaction. "Jack is not up for discussion," she said right away before anyone could ask.

Andy met her gaze and raised an eyebrow at her. She looked back at him, her face void of any expression. Sharon was sure she heard Provenza mumble something, and she noticed Julio and Mike exchange a look. Nothing more was said. When the elevator arrived on their floor, the team quickly filed out, all except for Andy. He gestured for Sharon to go before he did, and then he caught up to Sharon.

"Did you have lunch with Jack?" he hissed, his voice quiet, but definitely concerned. The rest of the team seemed to understand that this was not a conversation they were all to be involved, as they were already making their way back into the office. Sharon stopped in the middle of the hallway and turned to Andy. She crossed her arms.

"I did have lunch with Jack. Why?" she gave him a look.

"Why?" Andy exclaimed. "Jack has done nothing but hurt you. What in the world could you two possibly discuss over lunch? He's going to call you? He's going to see Ricky? Sharon, what's going on with him? He's never paid any attention to the kids. I've seen Ricky more in the last year than Jack has in the last five."

"Andy," Sharon said politely, but sternly, "Jack is my business. I appreciate your concern, but I'm handling it. Jack is trying; he's trying. You have said how important family is, and you have even said that sometimes you have to give people a second chance. Isn't that what you are doing right now with Sandra? You are working through things to give her a second chance. If I'm doing the same, it's my business. I know you are worried, I do," she nodded, "but, trust my judgement."

Andy looked away and shook his head. When he looked back at Sharon, he looked her in the eye, noting she was staring at him, her eyes with a dark and almost worried look, "Sharon, I can barely trust my own judgement right now. You have to understand I am concerned about you; I care about you, and I don't want you to get hurt. I've made so many mistakes in my life, and I'm not sure of myself right now. I'm not sure if my judgement is clouded regarding Sandra, but one thing I know for sure, Jack is clouding your judgement. I'm telling you that as a friend. I can't stand the idea of you getting hurt, and Jack will hurt you. It's not if, but when, and I beg you, Sharon, to think about that before you do anything.