A/N: In "Acting Out," Rusty mentions that Andy takes Sharon to the movies sometimes. This is my version of one of their movie "dates."
Chapter 10: Best of Me
Sharon and Andy had been having biweekly movie dates for months now where they would take turns choosing the movie they'd see that night.
Tonight was Sharon's pick and she'd chosen, "The Best of Me," a romantic movie that was also a Nicholas Sparks book to film adaptation.
"Andy, are you sure you don't mind seeing this movie? Because we can always see something else," Sharon offered as they got in the ticket line.
"Absolutely. Contrary to what you might believe, I do enjoy a romantic movie every once in a while," said Andy.
"As long as you're sure and not just doing this for my benefit," said Sharon.
"I'm sure, Sharon. I read the summary of it on my lunch the other day and it sounds really intriguing. Plus, even if I was just doing this for your benefit, which I'm not, but if I was, it would without a doubt be worth it because it would mean I get to spend time with you," Andy told her.
"Andy…" Sharon trailed off.
"What? I enjoy spending time with you, Sharon. I won't apologize for that," said Andy.
"No, it's not that. I just don't know what to say back," admitted Sharon.
"You don't have to say anything back, Sharon. I'm well aware that we're in two different places when it comes to whatever this is. Let's just enjoy the evening, okay?" said Andy.
"Okay," replied Sharon as she smiled at Andy before buying their tickets at the counter.
As they headed into the theater, Andy boldly grabbed Sharon's hand and she didn't let go. In fact, she gently brushed her thumb along Andy's wrist as they walked into the auditorium together.
They held hands between the seats during the movie, and after it was over, Andy squeezed Sharon's hand and asked, "Wanna go get some ice cream?"
"Sure," replied Sharon.
So, they each headed in their cars towards Manny's Ice Cream Shop.
Once they got there, they each ordered a waffle cone with two scoops, Andy's was Rocky Road and Sharon's was Mint Chocolate Chip.
They decided to take it to-go and went to go find a nearby bench on the quaint street where the ice cream shop was located.
They sat there discussing the movie for a while before moving onto other topics like their kids.
Andy stared a little too long at Sharon and smiled as she told a funny story about Ricky as a child when Sharon asked, "What? Do I have ice cream on my face or something?"
"No. It's just the way your face lights up whenever you talk about Emily, Ricky, or Rusty," Andy told her.
"Oh," Sharon looked down at the ground self consciously and sort of smiled to herself at that.
Andy leaned over and puts his fingers underneath Sharon's chin and gently lifted her head until she was eye level with him before he said, "I didn't mean to embarrass you. It's just something I noticed about you," said Andy.
"I know. You're really good at that. It's just not something I'm used to," said Sharon as she took Andy's hand in hers and tangled their fingers together as they continued eating their ice cream cones.
Andy squeezed her hand before he asked solemnly, "He really did a number on you, didn't he?"
"Yeah," replied Sharon as a few stray tears fell from her eyes.
Andy immediately let go of Sharon's hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder as he pulled Sharon towards him.
As Andy was comforting Sharon, he leaned down and placed a kiss against her hair before he pulled away slightly and whispered in her ear reassuringly, "I'll never treat you that way."
Sharon lifted her head up from Andy's shoulder and looked him in the eye, knowing he'd meant what he said.
They stared into each other's eyes and for a moment, the air between them becomes charged with passion.
As Andy decided to go in for a kiss, Sharon turned her head so Andy ended up kissing her cheek instead of her lips.
"I'm sorry," Sharon apologized.
"There's no reason to apologize, Sharon. If you're not ready to take the next step, you're not ready. Like I told you before, I'll wait. In case you need me," Andy told her.
"I do need you," Sharon told him as she grabbed the hand that was resting on her shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.
"I know," replied Andy as he squeezed her hand back.
The rest of the night found them sitting on the bench in companionable silence as they ate their ice cream.
Once they'd finished, they said their goodbyes and Sharon headed towards Los Feliz while Andy drove towards Valencia, both as mystified as ever as to where all of this was going in the future.