"So, 10 days in Hawaii with HER, hmm?" Provenza said as they drove toward Sharon's house. Andy was driving because Provenza had told him that he didn't want to possibly get caught on a red-light camera driving toward the captain's house, to which Andy rolled his eyes, mentioning that Provenza's logic was absurd.
"Yup," Andy nodded, "don't forget Brady," he nodded to the backseat where Brady was awake and playing with a toy hanging on his car seat.
"You do realize tomorrow is the big Valentine's Day, don't you, Flynn? I've already got my table reserved at the all-you-can eat steak buffet. Who knows, I might pick up a lovely lady there," Provenza grinned.
Andy grimaced as he turned toward Provenza, "You think you're going to pick up some lady at a steak buffet on Valentine's Day? Good luck with that," he chuckled, as he shook his head and continued to drive.
"Could happen," Provenza shrugged. "The question is what's going to happen with, well," he gestured, "you and HER?"
"Nothing," Andy told him. "Absolutely nothing, I can bet on that. It's okay. I'm not complaining. I'm going to Hawaii with her and Brady, for 10 days. Yeah, not complaining," he threw a grin to Provenza.
"Surely, you'll do something," he looked to Andy, waiting for the details.
"I didn't get her anything, and I'm not going to make a big deal of it," he explained. "She's not dating me, remember?"
"How could I forget?" Provenza grumbled, shaking his head. "Tell me, is that the same type of thing she'd say about sleeping with you? Would she say she didn't sleep with you because you didn't actually sleep? So, is this idea of not dating because you officially don't take her out on dates, at least call them that? She's all about the rules and technicalities," he shook his head and continued, "Not dating my-" he was cut off by Andy.
"Would you just stop? Please!" he exclaimed. "I don't see any women lining up to take you on a Hawaiian vacation, Old Man! Can you let me just enjoy this? I know how much it took her to even ask. She's making progress, albeit, baby steps, but she's doing just fine."
"Right," Provenza nodded, as they pulled into Sharon's complex. "At this rate, you'll be able to take her on your first date when Brady has his first date. Nothing for Valentine's Day," he grumbled. "Even for you, Flynn, that's bad. You're slipping. You've always been a charmer."
Andy put the car in park; Sharon had been waiting inside the building's entrance and started walking toward the car with her things. Before he got out to help her, he turned to Provenza, "I said I'm not giving her anything," he gave a quick nod to Brady. Before Provenza could reply, he got out of the car to greet Sharon.
"Morning," he smiled to her, grabbing both suitcases, leaving her with the diaper bag, laptop bag, and her purse.
"Good morning," she smiled, as she helped Andy load. "How's everyone this morning?"
"Shouldn't have too much whining," he grinned, "and Brady, he's doing great." Sharon chuckled as Andy's reference to Provenza, as she patted his arm and went around to get in the backseat next to Brady. "Both have been fed, but I bet Brady does a better job holding out until lunch."
"Good morning, Lieutenant," she smiled as she got into the car. She leaned in and gave Brady a kiss and squeezed his foot.
"Captain," he grumbled. "Flynn! Let's get going before anyone sees me outside the captain's condo, or worse, riding in the same car as the captain," he grumbled, slouching down in the seat for effect.
"Oh, knock it off," Andy said as he got in and turned back toward Sharon. "All set?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Let's head to Hawaii!" she exclaimed, playing with Brady's feet and smiling at him. "Andy, you found a one-piece romper for him that says, 'Beach Bum' how sweet," she smiled.
"That, yeah," he nodded. "I saw that the other day when I did a big formula and diaper run. Thought it would be perfect. I wish someone could explain why they already have all the summer stuff out at the store, even though it's February. Works for this trip, though," he shrugged. "I picked up a couple of other outfits for him then that I put in my suitcase."
"Is that when you found the swim trunks for him too? I meant to tell you they fit him perfectly," she stated.
"This conversation is what I envision two teenage girls sound like as they discuss their fashion trends!" Provenza exclaimed. "Are we really going to talk about the attire of a baby all the way to the airport?"
"We can talk about many things, Lieutenant. Tell me, any plans for Valentine's Day?" she teased. Sharon had decided that she couldn't hide the day; she couldn't easily run from it. That didn't mean she was embracing it, not by a long shot, but she wasn't going to pretend the day didn't exist. With that logic, she'd decided to see if she could gather any information from Andy about his intentions without directly asking him. The opportunity to tease Provenza and maybe get some insight to Andy's plans seemed like the perfect opportunity.
"Tell her your grand plans," Andy nodded to Provenza, confirming to Sharon the two men had at least discussed the day.
"Well, I'm going to spend the majority of the day sitting behind my desk just waiting for the first murder call out. I'm sure we'll get a few. People can't handle themselves when it relates to their lonely hearts. When I finally get to leave, I'm going to the steak buffet I like, where I've reserved a table for myself. They could get busy, you know. I'm hoping to find a lovely young woman to join me for dinner."
"Young?" Andy grimaced as he looked to him. "Just about anyone is younger than you. How old are you thinking?"
"Ahh, no age in particular, but I guess my requirement is not as old as you, Flynn," he stated.
"I'm touched you won't be hitting on me, Provenza," Andy grumbled.
"Not my type," he informed him, slightly turning toward Sharon as he continued, "You're not my type either, Captain, and also, too close in age to Flynn."
"Oh, no need to apologize, Lieutenant," Sharon flashed him a fake smile. "I don't think a steak buffet would do it for me anyway. Besides, I've got a very handsome Flynn for Valentine's Day." Sharon froze as soon as the words came out of her mouth and instantly started to correct them as she stammered, "I mean, I am talking about Brady," she said quickly. She could see Provenza turn toward Andy, waiting for a reaction, but Andy didn't take his eyes off the road and almost acted as if he hadn't heard a word.
"Just make sure you take both Flynns here on the plane, Captain. I can't have Flynn here," he nodded to Andy, "as my vegetarian wingman at a steak buffet."
Sharon spent the rest of the ride trying to calm herself. She was irritated she'd made the conversation awkward with her odd slip of the tongue. She knew what she meant to say, but it hadn't come out as she'd wanted it. Now, she was worried what Andy might think she was implying, but they were arriving at the airport, so she'd have to get back to her thoughts later.
"Flynn," Provenza spoke up and pointed, "there's a doughnut shop. Let's stop."
"No!" Andy exclaimed. "I already fed you pancakes for breakfast. I'm not getting you more food."
"Come on, Flynn! I'm helping you out by the ride to the airport," Provenza pointed out.
"Yeah, which then explain to me why I'm driving," Andy grumbled. Sharon could be heard chuckling at their conversation.
"Are you bringing me coffee from Hawaii?" Provenza asked. "I like a strong coffee."
"Why would I bring you coffee?" Andy grumbled.
"They make good coffee, Flynn! I've research it. I'll expect my coffee as my payment."
"You are going to hang this over me for years, aren't you?" Andy asked. "It would have been cheaper to drive ourselves after all these payments! Now, stop bothering me; we're almost to the airport, and I need to pay attention to where we need to go."
After saying their good-byes to Provenza, securing Brady in his stroller, and collecting all the bags, Sharon and Andy made their way to the ticket counter to check-in. "Let's make sure we have everything," Andy said, as he looked to the bags. "I've got my bag, your bag, your laptop bag, my laptop bag," he counted off, looking to Sharon.
"I'm pulling Brady's bag," she indicated, "and the diaper bag is on the stroller. I've got my purse. I think we are set."
It didn't take them too long to get checked in and through security. After they had done all that, they both felt exhausted.
"I'm starting to feel my age," Andy chuckled as he put Brady back into the stroller, outside the security area. Sharon was collecting the last of the carry-on bags from the security area.
"I plan to take a nap on the plane, that is if Brady will nap too," she yawned. "Sorry," she chuckled. "I couldn't sleep well last night."
"Excited?" he asked.
Sharon nodded, agreeing that she'd been excited, but she didn't want to admit she was also going over and over in her head the possibilities for Valentine's Day. She really didn't want to make a big deal of the day; she and Andy were not dating, but it felt odd not to do anything since they were raising Brady together. "Yes, I was excited." She moved toward the stroller, where Andy had his hands on it. "Would you like me to push him?"
"No, I've got it," he told her. "You're on vacation," he flashed a smile. "Enjoy it."
Sharon nodded, and before she knew it, she squeezed Andy's hand that was hanging at his side. He had one hand on the stroller, and several of their carry-on bags hanging on the stroller. They both turned to head to their gate, neither one breaking their joined hands.
Their wait at the gate went smoothly and both were surprised when the gate agent announced families traveling with small children could board first. They looked at each other and shrugged, both standing as they made their way toward the plane.
"I guess I haven't paid attention to the announcements when I fly," Sharon told Andy as their made their way to their seats. They'd dropped the stroller at the door to the plane. Andy had collapsed it and now had their carry-on bags while Sharon carried Brady. "It's nice getting on before everyone else."
"It is, but I try to imagine him in another year. It would almost seem like torture, putting the toddlers on the plane first. They can't really walk around, yet they are expected to get on the plane and sit. I mean, we already have reserved seats, so wouldn't you think they would suggest toddlers get on at the very end? Think of what he'll be like in another year. If he's anything like me, he'll be a little curious," he winked to Sharon as they arrived at their seats. Andy put the bags up while Sharon got situated. People started filing on the plane, and Andy turned to Sharon, "Want me to hold him?"
"I've got him for now," she told Andy, "but I'm sure at some point, yes. Thank you for coming with me," she smiled at Andy as she leaned over and nudged his shoulder with hers.
"Coming with you? Thank you for asking me," he smiled. "I'm really glad we can both take Brady on his first big vacation, and the time off work, definitely needed," he nodded. Sharon leaned up to give Andy a kiss on the cheek, but Andy shifted slightly, not fully expecting it, and she ended up kissing his mouth. The two had done that plenty, but recently, it hadn't been as much. Sharon wasn't upset with it, but she was a little flustered since it had not been her plan.
"Sorry," she smiled, "I missed the mark a little," she admitted, her cheeks turning red.
Andy shrugged, "I've never heard you to miss the target, Sharon," he teased. Sharon closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. She needed to refocus and turned her attention to Brady.
"Someone is getting sleepy," she said as she started to rub his back. Soon, Brady was asleep and the plane was in the air. Sharon and Andy both settled in for a quick nap. It was awhile later that Sharon awoke with a start, grabbing to clutch Brady, but finding he wasn't there. Her eyes flew open in a panic. Andy patted her arm.
"Hey, he's fine," Andy nodded to his lap where Brady was sitting and now looking out the window. "We're landing. You slept almost the whole time."
"I did?" Sharon glanced at her watch. "I didn't even realize you'd moved Brady."
"We've been hanging out here together," Andy smiled. "Brady slept for almost two hours. I slept almost that long too, but I heard him as he started to stir. He kicked at my leg as he started to shift on you, and I wanted you to get as much sleep as you could. He's been great, a good traveler. I gave him his bottle when he woke up."
"I missed all that?" Sharon said, horrified she'd slept that hard.
"Glad you did," Andy smiled again. "Sharon, it's vacation. Relax, rest, enjoy. I certainly had a good flight."
By mid-afternoon, they had gathered their bags, picked up their rental car, grabbed a few groceries, and had lunch. Sharon reminded Andy that she was paying for things, and while he wanted to argue, he knew it was better to save his arguments for a better cause. They had eaten at a local seafood place, rather almost a hut-like place. The food was delicious, and soon, they found themselves following the directions to the condo. Sharon had offered to let Andy drive; she enjoyed checking on Brady when the three of them were in the car together. Andy, checked the address, and he pulled into the complex.
"Wow, this is nice and the oceanfront view is amazing, Sharon," he smiled. "Looks like the perfect getaway for a week."
"Good," Sharon smiled. "Let's get this vacation started."
By the time they had gotten everything unloaded and had deposited the bags in the correct rooms, it was almost time for Brady's nap again. He'd slept well in the morning, had eaten well at lunch, and he was now looking sleepy again.
"Want to feed him his bottle on the balcony?" Andy suggested. Sharon nodded, and the two, along with Brady, made their way to the balcony. Sharon tried to get comfortable in the chair as she fed Brady. Andy sat near her, and both looked out at the ocean.
"This is really nice," she said, sighing. "I feel like I could nap again, even though I slept most of the flight."
"That happens on vacation," Andy pointed out. "You get caught up from some of the many hours of sleep you've missed all year. Thankfully, Brady here is a good sleeper, but still, he's kept both of us up at times."
"Hmm, true," Sharon shifted again, trying to get comfortable. Andy noticed and grabbed at her feet, putting them in his lap. He started to massage her feet.
"Thank you," Sharon murmured. "That feels great."
"My pleasure," Andy told her. "So, plan is to get Munchkin get a nap. Then what?"
Sharon, who had closed her eyes when Andy started working on her feet, opened them and turned slightly toward him. "I have no plan. We can go to the beach, walk on the beach, go to the pool, eat. I really don't care."
"Let's see how long he naps. Maybe we can head to the beach then, walk or sit, depending on the time," he suggested.
"Perfect," Sharon stated, looking down to Brady. "He's almost asleep I think I'll put him in the crib. Is it all set up?"
"Yeah, it was put in my room for now," he told her. "We can move it later if you want."
"I'll just get him situated," she yawned again.
10 minutes later, Andy found Sharon curled up with Brady on his bed. It looked like she had attempted to put Brady down, but somewhere along the way, the two had cozied up together. Both were asleep, so Andy gently picked up Brady to put him in his crib where it was safer for him to sleep. Yes, Sharon knew that too, but Andy guessed that Brady probably started to wake himself up when Sharon was trying to put him down, and she'd tried to keep him asleep, yet in the process, falling asleep herself. Sharon sat up quickly, a sharp sigh, as she realized Brady had been moved.
"Shh," Andy put his finger to his lips, nodding to Brady sleeping now in his crib. "I told you I was going to call you Goldilocks," he smiled softly at her. "I found you sleeping in my bed again. If you'd rather have this room, I'm happy to switch," he whispered as he sat down next to her. She was rubbing her eyes, her glasses bouncing on her face as she did so.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to fall asleep. He was almost asleep, and as I started to put him down, he woke up. I was just trying to calm him down again, and look at me," she gestured, "I fell asleep."
"It's fine, Sharon," he rubbed her shoulder, affectionately. "You're welcome to get some rest here. I don't care which room I have, nor do I care if you take a nap."
She nodded, "If you want, we can both rest," she gestured to where she was sleeping. "That way, one of us will hear Brady when he wakes up. It's not like your house or mine where we have the baby monitor, so it might be best if we are both in here," she tried to explain.
Andy offered a small smile, with absolutely no plan to argue with her. The logic was insane again and ridiculous considering it was a small condo, and they could hear Brady from anywhere in the place, but he just nodded. Sharon moved over to give him half the bed, and he stretched out to nap as well. Yes, a great vacation so far. They'd had a smooth flight, a delicious lunch, and now, he was taking a nap in the same room with two people he cared for deeply and with whom was going to be spending the next 10 days relaxing. He was almost asleep when he felt Sharon shift and wrap her arm around his arm and rest her head on his shoulder. The room was silent as the three fell into their afternoon slumber.