Chris was almost back to her old self. Alcohol was no longer an issue for her and she was fully immersed in her work. The time in Berlin had been good for her, but the problem with Street and her feelings was still there. After the shift, an evening at Luca's was planned, just like in the good old days. Deacon and Hondo unfortunately had to cancel, but the rest of the team was there. Chris and Tan at the pinball machine. " Ha I won again. Tan what's going on?" she teased him. "Yeah, yeah laugh it up. My time will come." he returned.
Luca and Street were standing in the kitchen preparing dinner. " She looks so happy. I'm glad she found her way again. " Street watched her, his dimples twitching with each laugh. " Yes. You and Tan played a big part in that. " he patted Street's shoulder. After dinner, they tossed a few more baskets outside the house before Tan yawned and decided to leave. "Guys I am dead on my feet and can barely keep my eyes open. I'm gonna head home." Chris moves to follow him out when Luca suggests. "Chris, why don't you stay here? Street?" Street was a little blindsided. " Um yeah sure. " "I don't want to impose. " she wanted to offer. " Stop it. You're staying, that's decided now. You always have a change of clothes in your truck anyway. " for Luca there was no discussion. Chris looked at Street who just shrugged and said "Well, I guess that's decided now. You can sleep in my bed, it's more comfortable than the old sofa. " he smiled at her. She was about to open her mouth when he raised his index finger. " You don't have to protest at all. " Chris raised her hands in defeat. " Okay, boss. " and laughed. " Thank you Street. " She went to the truck and got her things.
She lay in Street's bed with his scent all around her. Chris pull yourself together. A little of his scent and you go crazy? It feels so good to be here, like he's next to me. Should I talk to him and tell him how I'm feeling? No, I can't do that. I can't bend. Again she cuddled herself into his blanket and enjoyed it.
In the middle of the night she got up and went to get something to drink. She grabbed a cold water out of the fridge and let it soothe her swirling thoughts. As she drank she couldn't help but walk over to Street and watch him. Lying there. On the one hand like a little boy with a smile on his lips, on the other hand like the most caring, great man she had ever met. Not again. Keep a cool head. Go back to sleep, Chris. She was about to walk away when Street stirred, turned on his other side and mumbled in his sleep "I love you Chris. " She was shocked, unable to move. There were the three words out of his mouth that had her so scared and so worried. She was standing there and tears flowing out of her eyes. He loved her, she couldn't change it, and she loved him, but she couldn't. She was torn. As if by herself, she ran into the bedroom, put on her hoodie and jeans, left the house, got into her truck and drove home. On the ride, thick tears ran down her cheeks. It couldn't go on like this. She had to keep her distance even though she knew she would hurt Street again.
Street stretched on the sofa and the smell of fresh coffee and eggs hit his nose. He sat up and looked over to the kitchen. " Mh that smells delicious. Good morning buddy. " Luca stood at the stove. " Good morning, sleepyhead. I know it's our day off, but have you looked at your watch? It's already a little after 10. " Street instantly stood up and came to the kitchen counter. " Is Chris in the bathroom?" he asked Luca. " I don't know, honestly. I've been up for an hour, but I think she's still asleep. " he went back to taking care of the eggs. " You could go wake her up, breakfast will be ready in a minute. " Street nodded and walked to his room. He knocked on the door, but there was no response. " And Luca calls me a sleepyhead. " Grinning, he shook his head and cautiously walked inside. He was puzzled, his bed was empty and no Chris was there. Her bag was gone, too. He frowned. " Luca?" He exclaimed. " Chris isn't here. " Luca came up to him mumbling something and looking just as puzzled as Street. " Why did she leave without a word? That's not like her. Did she leave a note?" " No, nothing. " Street said. Luca was already on his way back to the kitchen. " Well maybe Thomas called her and needed her help or Sarzo. " he shouted. Street still stood in his room wondering. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted her. " Hey, you okay, Chris? I was just gonna wake you up and get you for breakfast, but you were already gone. You didn't leave a message and Luca and I are wondering what's going on. . . " he saw that she had already read the message.
Chris was drinking her coffee when her phone was beeping. When she looked at the display, she let go a loud sigh. " Shit. I should have known that he would contact me immediately, when I'm just gone. " She opened the message and didn't know what to say. Should she answer at all or just ignore him, as she has done many times before. But she knew Street, he wouldn't let it go. "Hey , sorry. I totally forgot that Uncle Sarzo needs my help today. He's renovating his living room. I didn't want to wake you, so I snuck out. " after she'd sent it, she was sorry for the lie, but she couldn't be honest, not at the moment.
Street read the answer and told Luca. " See, I was right. " it came from this one. " Yeah yeah, you're always right. " he rolled his eyes playfully. " Yes! That's called life experience. " now they both had to laugh heartily.
The next day nothing special happened. Everybody did their thing. Street wondered a little that Chris was quieter than usual, but she spent a lot of time with Uncle Sarzo, so he was reassured that she should be fine. He spent a lot of time with Luca and together they created a good atmosphere in their neighborhood. Tan finally had more time for Bonnie and he enjoyed the free evenings with her. Hondo had met a woman and Deac had his hands full with Annie and his four kids.
A couple of days later after shift Chris had just showered, changed and was about to get her backpack when Street entered the room. " Oh hey, I didn't know you were still here. " he was surprised. " Hey, I was just leaving. Have a nice evening. " She barely looked him in the eyes and tried to sneak past him. Street held her gently by the arm. She looked at him a little frightened. " Is everything okay?" he studied her with worry in his eyes. "Yes everything is good. I really have to go". " Wait a minute, please". "Street, what is it?" She was nervous. He must have noticed her frosty behaviour towards him. " You've been so weird to me ever since you stayed with us. You barely talk to me anymore, don't even look me in the eyes. Chris we did that once before and we wanted to talk to each other or not? Did I do something wrong the night you were with us? Tell me. Please. " He looked at her, begging. It almost broke her heart to see him like this, but she couldn't tell him the truth, at least not yet. So she took a deep breath and lied. " Street it's all good. You didn't do anything wrong. It's not always about you. " it almost came out harder than she wanted it to. " I'm just tired and you know I'm not the most talkative. " she laughed half - heartedly to reassure him. " So now I really have to go. Uncle Sarzo is waiting with his legendary barbeque. " " Oh, that sounds good. Have fun and say hi to everyone for me. " and she was gone. Street didn't know what to make of this conversation. Somehow he had a feeling that it was something he did after all, but as long as Chris was trapped in her shell, he had no chance of getting anything out of her. Soon an opportunity would to present itself.
The days passed and the mood between Chris and Street was as icy as before. Street found it hard to leave her alone, but he knew what would happen if he pressed her. Unfortunately, he had to make this experience several times.
"Hey, everybody, come here, we got a new case. " Hondo announced. " This is Sergio Navarra. He's one of the biggest suppliers of counterfeit money. He is always on the lookout for good counterfeiters, buys their bills and sells them for a pretty penny. He and his backers, five of them, are planning a big coup here in L. A. There's supposed to be a ship arriving at the harbor the day after tomorrow night with over 1,000,000 dollars of counterfeit money on board. It is to be stored in a warehouse. Street is already read in, he goes undercover and is a counterfeiter who convinces Navarra of his counterfeit money and thus gains his trust. Navarra always goes to the same club. Street will bring a sample of his "work" and Navarra will be thrilled. We're hoping he'll lead us to his hideout. The night the money is stored, we intervene. Only the five backers and Navarra will be there. Rocker and his team will also support us. Any questions?" Hondo asked looking around. " No, everything is clear." it came from the team. " I haven't mentioned one point yet. " Everyone looked at Hondo questioningly. He turned to Chris. " Chris, you're gonna go undercover tomorrow night too, but only for that night. Navarra likes pretty, dark - haired women, and I'm sure it would be a good idea if Street had you there. You're Street's girlfriend and you're going to be nice to the boss seal the deal, understood?" Chris nodded. " Understood, Hondo. " The shift was over and everyone had the evening off to relax before the operation.
Chris was waiting for Street outside HQ. She was pissed. Why did she have to go undercover with him now of all times. She couldn't believe it. How was she supposed to act now, after putting the friendship on hold again for the last few weeks. " Hey. Are you ready for our mission?" Street asked. " Yeah, sure. Did you know I was in before?" " No. I just found that out, too, honestly. I know you don't want anything to do with me again, for whatever reason, but you're professional enough. Have a good evening. " and he was gone. He'd just left her there. That hit home. Chris was perplexed. He was obviously very offended by her behavior, that he had just made clear to her. Exhausted, sad and nervous, she went home and prepared for the undercover case. What was still ahead for the two of them, no one could guess.