This is my very first story. I've read many stories on this site, so many fine pieces of fiction. I've seen such supportive comments from other readers, along with some not so kind comments. I invite you to read and, hopefully, enjoy my little work. If you like it, feel free to leave a comment. If not, well, there are far finer stories out there!
His Friend, Sharon
She stood before the mirror that hung in the small entryway to her condo.
"What was I thinking," she murmured to herself. I was thinking he looked a little bit lost, she thought to herself. He looked as if he were headed into battle with no armor. He looked, well, he looked scared. No one should look like that on their daughter's wedding day.
"Hey, Captain. Sorry to bother you. I was just wondering. My daughter's wedding is… well, it's in three hours actually, and uh…"
"You decided to go," she surmised.
"Yeah," he replied heavily. Even though most of the people there hate me. Yeah, I, uh,… I think it's… I think it's the right decision."
She looked him, thoughtfully, maybe sympathetically. "Could you use a buffer? Lieutenant Provenza has volunteered to take Rusty out for burgers, and um, I like weddings," she demurred.
He looked at her, somewhat astonished. "Really? You're sure? Oh, well.. Well, how would I introduce you?
She smiled. "How about as your friend, Sharon?"
"So.. so it's not like a date or anything," he ventured.
"Of course not, Lieutenant. I'm a married woman."
"Oh, well, thank you, Captain, I mean, Sharon. Uh, I owe you one."
He was so scared of letting her down and didn't seem to know if it would be worse to show his face, and risk embarrassing her, or not bother to show at all, which would embarrass her for sure. That's what did it, she decided. He cared enough to be a complete wreck about it. She doubted her children's father could be bothered enough for it to even be an issue.
It was his obvious distress over the situation, his overwhelming desire to be there for his kids, that tugged at her heart. He was the complete opposite of Jack. No matter how badly his children wanted a real relationship with their father, he simply couldn't bother. Andy, though, practically begged to be a part of their lives. He had always supported them, financially and otherwise-unlike jack. He watched them, from afar, at little league games and piano recitals, rather than risk stirring things up where he might not be wanted. He has worked so hard to better himself, in hopes that his children would one day welcome him back into their lives. She had always wondered why jack couldn't summon even an ounce of that desire.
Yes, that was what she'd been thinking when she'd spontaneously offered to accompany him tonight. She'd surprised herself, just as she'd surprised him.
Just as she'd decided her appearance was as good as it was going to get, she heard his quiet knock at her door. She gave one last glance to her reflection and thought to herself, Well, you got yourself into this, old girl. She took one last deep breath, and opened the door. "Andy, come in, please."
She stood before him in a dress of crimson crepe. A simple, well cut garment. But what looked rather plain on the hanger, looked anything but on her. The top hung just low enough to leave her shoulders bare. The bodice drew in at her waist, showcasing her curves well. She added a very simple gold chain and diamond studs. Her jewelry rarely made an appearance in the Murder Room. It was impractical. Nude Manolos and a matching clutch pulled it all together. Andy was certain he'd never seen anything lovelier.
"My God," he muttered, more to himself that to her.
"Wha-, what is it?" She looked at him, mildly alarmed by his comment.
"I, uh, nothing. Sorry, I just. Captain, you're….you're stunning."
"Oh, I .. Thank you, Andy, and it's Sharon. You clean up rather nicely yourself," she remarked rather timidly. And he did. The man could certain wear a suit. Tonight, he wore a three-piece, in a charcoal grey. His tie was almost a perfect match to the color of her dress. Very nice, she thought.
"Well, thank you, Capt… um Sharon. I guess, uh the father of the bride's gotta at least try to look the part."
"Well, I'd say you definitely succeeded," she assured him.
"Right back atcha," he said, rocking back on his heels and wearing his signature cocky grin. It was a look that was all Andy Flynn; a look he wore often. It was a look that was currently causing a very pleasant warmth to coil inside her. Wait. What was she thinking? It was then that she noticed Andy was speaking. What had he said? She felt her face redden. Get it together, Sharon.
"Come again?"
"I was asking if you were ready to go. I mean, no rush. It's not a long drive or anything. We've got plenty of time." It was as if his mouth had a mind of its own. Why couldn't he stop talking? Get it together, Flynn. It's your boss. Your boss who smells of vanilla and cherries, he thought. Good grief!
"Andy?"
Oh crap. Did I say that out loud? "Uh, nothing. Nothing at all. We ready then?" he practically squeaked.
She eyed him curiously and replied, "Ready if you are."
"Right then. Uh, after you," he gestured. He opened the door and allowed her to exit first. As he followed, at a safe distance, he caught a glimpse of her from behind. He should have looked away. Her crimson skirt danced just above her knees, allowing him to enjoy her legs, which seems to go on for days. Boy am I in trouble, he thought. Nonetheless, he enjoyed the view.
"I really don't know how to thank you for doing this, Capt.. I mean Sharon. We're really walking into the lion's den here. Other than my daughter, I can't think of a single person who really wants me there. You've no idea how it feels to have everybody in the room despise you."
"Don't I?" She looked at him as if he were mad. "Andy, surely you haven't forgotten my previous position? I'm quite familiar with being the least popular girl in the room, so to speak."
"Yeah, well. That was then. You're one of us now. We've reformed you," he teased.
"I beg your pardon. You've reformed me?" She chuckled along with him.
"Nah. Actually, by now I think we finally understand you were just trying to save our asses. I man, if I never have to attend another Anger Management seminar, it'll still be too soon, but I think I finally get it. I didn't like it, none of us liked being reprimanded. But you know, it was always more than that for you. You always seemed to find a way to help us help ourselves while you were dishing out your punishment. Who knew the Wicked Witch had a soft side?" They laughed together. "No. You've always been fair. You've always been big on second chances.
"And thirds ad fourths.." She looked somewhat disappointed in herself. "It's not always a good thing, though."
"How so? I mean, without your second chances, imagine where I'd be. Not in Major Crimes, that's for damned sure. Probably out on my ear," he admitted, ashamed.
"That's different, Andy. You wanted to change yourself for the better. For your children. For your job. You've worked hard, for years, to turn your life around. You've overcome so much. That's not easy. It's very inspiring, actually, Andy. It's far more than some others I know.
"Ahh, Jack," understanding.
"Jack." If he'd even put forth a fraction of the effort you have, well, the last twenty years might have taken a very different path. I don't know, sometimes too many chance isn't such a good thing. Maybe giving one chance after another just encourages the bad behavior. Jack always felt he could come back, because I let him." She knew that was her failing. She always battled the pain of finally cutting him loose to the burden of his constant popping in and out of her life.
"I don't think that's the same thing at all, Sharon. Do you know what I'd have given for one of those second chances? When my wife was done, she was done. That was it. Not that I blame her, but at the time…"
"But what kind of example did I set for my kids?"
"That you don't give up on people? That you always look for the best in them, despite all the crap we see people dish out every day? That you don't quit? That people can be redeemed? That's a hell of an example, Sharon. I mean, where does that come from?"
They just stared at one another. It was almost a challenge. Each trying to prove the other stronger than each believed themselves to be.
"No, really." He pressed on. "That's a quality in pretty short supply. But with you, its like second nature. Sharon simply blinked, and shook her head, unbelieving the turn the conversation had taken.
"I, uh, I don't know. I guess, my parents? They were big on "do-overs." Then there's the church. My faith certainly teaches forgiveness and redemption."
"Yeah, well, I think a lot of us have heard that lesson, but most of us haven't bothered to learn it too well. I don't know how you can do what we do, see what we see, every day, and still see the best in people- or even look for it. That is inspiring."
"Oh.." It was almost not a response at all. She was so taken aback by how he saw her.
"I'm sorry. I hope I'm not embarrassing you, really. It's just, well, it's pretty special. My sister was a little like you. No matter how much I screwed up, she never stopped believing I could get it together, you know?"
"She sounds very special."
"Yeah," he agreed, with a nod and a smile. That smile again. "Like I said, a lot like you."
She looked away under the weight of his gaze. "Thank you, Andy," in a whisper.
They sat in the car outside the church. Andy was quiet, anticipating the events to come. Sharon seemed to sense his need for a moment to gather himself. She patiently gave him his moment, allowing him the time he needed to prepare himself. It wasn't an easy thing, she imagined, to walk into a room full of people who had, in essence, given up on you, who had decided, definitively, that you could never change. They'd given up on him and he felt it. He wore it like a cloak. Heavy.
"Well, I guess I'd better get in there before Nicole walks up the aisle without me."
"Andy, she's going to be so pleased you came."
"I sure hope so." He wasn't so sure.
"I know so. I have a daughter. As many times as her father has let her down, she still hopes he'll get it together. Nicole is gong to be thrilled. Trust me." She held his eyes and nodded, with conviction she only hoped was contagious.
"Okay. Let's get to it then."
As Andy rounded the car, Sharon lowered the visor to check her lipstick one last time. She looked up and smiled when Andy opened the passenger door and offered her his hand. A gentleman, she mused. Accepting his hand, she gracefully rose form her seat, and stepped out into the fading light. It was a beautiful evening with the sun glowing a rosy hue on the horizon. They turned to face the entrance of the church. Andy held her small, smooth hand tightly in his grasp. He swallowed hard over a lump intros throat, his eyes fixed ahead. He moved to rub his dampening palms along his trousers. It was then that he noticed he was still holding onto her hand.
"Uh, sorry. Just nervous, I guess. Shall we?" She nodded, a reassuring smile on her face. "Into the lion's den we go."
"With a friend at your side," she said, reminding him of why she was there.
"Yeah. Okay. Let's go." He still looked rather nervous, but now determined.
"Smile. It's your little girl's wedding day."
"Yeah. It's gonna be good." Trying to convince himself, he gave her a quick wink.
Did her heart just flutter?
*****
"Thank you so much, Dad, for everything! It was everything I every dreamed it would be. I'm so glad you came. That made it just perfect!" Sharon nudged his shoulder, cocked her head to the side and gave him look that said I told you so!
"Ah, Sweetheart, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. You look just beautiful, and so happy. You're all grown up," he said wistfully, and started to tear up. He'd missed so much over the years of their estrangement. She was a young woman, married now, with two little stepsons of her own. When had that happened? He knew the answer to that. It had happened when he was busy crawling his way out of a bottle and clawing his way to sobriety. There was nothing for it now. He had fought his way back. He had his daughter back ins life. He'd managed to hold onto his job. He was in a better place, personally and professionally, than he had ever been. An awful lot of that, now that he thought about it, was down to the woman at his side. That lady and her second chances.
"And Sharon," she continued, "It was lovely to meet you. Thank you so much for doing us. I know my dad appreciates it. I don't know if he told you, but he's no the most popular guy here. It was really pretty brave of him to come," she beamed. "I was afraid he might back out, if I'm honest."
"Oh, Nicole. Your father has come such a long way, and it was entirely my pleasure. It was a beautiful wedding and you make a stunning bride!" Nicole eyed her with great interest. She seemed to know her father well.
"Thank you, and thank you for running interference with my mom and the rest of them," she said knowingly. "You know, I think it really bothers her to see him all put back together. You know, like Why couldn't he be that guy for me?" She leaned in, somewhat conspiratorially and added "You know… he looked very proud to have you on his arm." She was fishing, perhaps. She so wanted to see her father settled and happy. And he certainly seemed happy with his friend, Sharon.
"He is so proud of you, Nicole. He just really wants to be a dad you can be proud of again."
"He is, Sharon. He really is." She leaned in for a hug and whispered. "Thank you, Sharon."
"Oh, Nicole."
Andy stood a little distance away, having witnessed the exchange. He smiled at the two of them looking so comfortable together. The captain, his friend, Sharon, seemed to have a way of putting folks at ease, something which surprised him when juxtaposed with her former position in Internal Affairs. She was rather remarkable, all around. He supposed he'd put a pin in that thought for later.
"Are you ready?" And to Nicole "I suppose we'd better get Cinderella here in by midnight," gesturing to his companion.
"Yes. I'm afraid so. It has been a terribly long week, but such a lovely ending," smiling at Nicole. "Thank you, again. It was just beautiful. I do so love weddings."
"Thank you again for coming. It was really great to meet you, Sharon. I hope to see you again soon," she hinted to her father. She stepped forward, and tightly embraced her father. "Thank you so much, Dad, for everything. It was absolutely perfect. Really."
"My pleasure, baby. Anything for you." He squeezed her tighter. "I love you, kiddo."
"I love you, too, Dad." She hugged him tighter still and kissed his cheek. She buried her nose in his neck, inhaling deeply, as if remembering long forgotten evenings of snuggling close to him. She'd missed so much that over the years they were kept apart. Too much of her mother talking him down. She was, once again, so glad she was now thinking for herself. She was an adult. If she wanted her dad in her life, and he wanted to be there, which he clearly did, then that was their decision. Her mother could just deal with it.
"Night, Dad." She turned to his companion. "Goodnight , Sharon."
They returned to their table to gather Sharon's purse and her wrap. As they turned to leave, Sharon sensed eyes following her every move. She smiled and nodded to those in their path. She leaned into Andy's side and whispered, "I think we have an audience," obviously referring to his ex-wife, Sandra.
"You're just now notching that? Sweetheart, she's been watching you from the moment you arrived. She's not the only one." She looked at him, a little shocked by his term off endearment. He seemed to notice and quickly backtracked. "Sorry. Figure of speech?"
"It's.. it's fine."
"I don't think she actually thought I'd show up. She certainly didn't expect me to bring someone like you."
"Uh, someone like me? What's that supposed to mean?" He quickly backtracked some more.
"Well, you're, you know.."
"I'm what?" She only pretended to accuse. She, of all people, knew how easily he could put his foot in his mouth.
"Well, honestly.." "That would be a good start," she playfully interjected. "You're, well, come on, Capt.. I mean Sharon, you're pretty damned impressive. You're a police captain, well spoken, graceful. You know, classy. Plus you're obviously a knock out, if you don't mind my saying." Sharon stood there, feeling every bit as much as awkward as he. She could tell she was blushing. Oh gosh, was she blushing? "You, like, totally out of my league, shall we say? So yeah, not at all what she was expecting. I think we really threw her for a bit of a loop. She looks a little envious, I guess?"
"Oh, Andy. That's ridiculous. Sandra is a beautiful woman."
"Yeah, she is. Always has been. It's not that. It's more like, I don't know how to say it. Like, she's got it all together, you know. She always complained that I didn't, but now that I'm in a better place, she doesn't like it? Does that make sense?"
"I think I know what you're trying to say. I know a little something about that feeling. As much as I'd like for Jack to get himself together and move on and make a better life for himself , I guess I'd kind of wonder, I don't know, maybe-why couldn't he do it hone we were together? Before it all imploded. I suppose its a natural response. So, yes, it makes sense." He watched her fidget as she spoke. She wasn't really known to fidget. She didn't often display discomfort. Her eyes showed a myriad of emotions. Regret, frustration, resignation.
"I guess you're right."
"Well, of course I am," she joked, attempting to return the conversation to its previous lightness. "Are you ready?" She leaned her head toward the exit.
"Sure. Let's call it a night." His hand hovered near the small of her back, not quite touching her, as he guided her toward the exit. As they neared the door, he glanced back and smiled at the sight of his daughter, all grown up, the beautiful bride, dancing with her new husband. She was positively beaming. E turned again and led Sharon Tinto the dark night and headed to where he'd parked the car. The night had cooled considerably. Sharon took her wrap from wear it lay, draped across her arm, and made to wrap it around her exposed shoulders. Andy quickly reached for it and settled in around here. His hand lingered atop her shoulders for just an instant. There was a certain natural feeling to it. It felt right. To both of them.
Well, that was certainly a better way to end such a lousy week," he managed, as he tried in vain to shake the feelings he was having.
"Indeed. It was a dreadful case. That poor family. It will, however, be nice to have the weekend off." Chief Taylor had guaranteed them that much. Barring anything that Robbery/Homicide couldn't handle, there would be no late night roll outs for her team.
"For sure. So what will you do with a whole two days off? No doubt, running Rusty all over town?"
She chuckled at that. "It does sometimes seem like that. It's actually a relief to see him behave like a typical teenager. He's had so little of that, but no. Actually, Rusty is with Buzz this weekend or most of it. They had plans for burgers and video games tonight. They're headed to Santa Monica early in the morning for some kind of convention. Comics, I think. They'll be back Sunday evening."
"Ah , that sounds great. Gives you a break, too."
"Oh, I think Rusty's the one who could use the break. If he's not in school, he's stuck with me, at home or at the office," she reminded him.
"Well, I don't exactly see him running for the hills. That kid adores you, Sharon."
They arrived at his car. He reached around her to open the passenger door. "M'lady.." He gestured toward her seat.
"Why, thank you, Sir," she gaily replied. Once again, he rounded the car and took his own seat. He started the engine and filled with various dials until the car began to warm and soft music filled the silence. He turned to face her. He considered her for a moment. She really was something. She led the team through one of the toughest cases they'd had in some time. She took care of the kid. She offered herself as his buffer on a night that went far more smoothly than he'd ever hoped. And with only a couple hours notice, looked damned good doing it! He wasn't sure how he'd ever repay her kindness.
"Thanks again, Sharon. I mean, I really can't thank you enough. I really don't know if I'd hav gone through with it if you hadn't offered to go with me. I'm afraid I might have chickened out on my own, you know?" He fumbled his way through it, not even close to being as eloquent as he would have liked. Why did she make him so nervous?
"I do know, but I don't believe you would have, Andy." You knew just how much your daughter wanted you there, and I know how hard you've worked to not disappoint her. You wouldn't have chickened out. I'm sure of it."
"You really think so?"
"I do. I really do."
"And how is it you know so much, Captain," he teased.
"Because I'm the boss. It's why they pay me the bucks. DIdn't you know? They fell into a fit of laughter, all the tension of the evening melting away. Her eyes danced in the light provided by a lamp outside the car. "Actually, Andy, it's just from paying attention. No more complaints, no arguments with other divisions. You've come such a long way. You've always, always been a solid cop." She felt she needed to make sure he knew she believed that. "But now," she she forged ahead, "how do I put this? You play well with others?"
"Ha! Well that's certainly one way to put it." His laughter only grew, and, assured he wasn't offended, she joined him.
"You've finally grown up? Better?"
"Nah. That's even worse." He shook his head, laughing. "Nah, you're not wrong," he admitted. "I got off the bottle, I worked my program- still working my program," he corrected himself. I focused on getting my head on straight and being a better dad to my kids. Still working on that too." He shook his head, unable to completely let go of the regret. "I'm a work in progress, I guess you could say."
"Aren't we all," she posed. They nodded in agreement. They sat in silence, just allowing the events of the evening to seller over them. Neither seemed to be in a rush. Neither seemed uneasy with the silence. It was rather peaceful after the noise of the party. They were both content to just be.
"Say, it's not that late and honestly I'm way too keyed up to sell. Could I tempt you with a cup of coffee? There's an all-night diner not too far from here. Provenza and I used to pop in al the time when we got off late. It's not much, just a little whole in the wall, but the coffee's good."
She chewed on her lip. What was the warmth settling in her belly? Why was she so nervous around him and at the same time, so at ease? That didn't even make sense. She took a deep breath to settle herself and said, "That sounds lovely."
*****
As they entered the diner, Sharon looked around. He was right, she thought. It was just a small spot. Nothing special. No fancy decor, not even much in the way of signage to catch the notice of passersby. She'd had never even know it was there. It was warm, however, and inviting. The space was clean and well maintained. Someone obviously took pride in the place. Maybe she would bring Rusty by some time. As long as they served burgers, she thought with a smile on her lips and a roll of her eyes.
"How 'bout over there, that corner?" He indicated a booth in the far corner. With windows on both side, there was a nice view of the city lights, was the street sloped down a hill. There were plants on the small ledge that trimmed the windows. Ivy, mostly, she thought. It was very homey.
"What's got you grinning like that, if I may ask?" He watched her closely. She was something of a mystery to him. One he'd very much like to unravel.
"This place is great. I don't know why I've never noticed it. I was thinking Rusty might like-provided they serve burgers," she chuckled. "How that boy can eat so many burgers and never tire of them, I'll never know."
"He's a teenage boy, Sharon. It'll still be a few years before he outgrows that. It's normal," he reminded her.
"Yes and how wonderful that something in his life is finally normal. All that boy has been through," she sighed, "and all that still lies ahead of him." She simply shook her head. She wondered at how far he had come, and from such dreadful circumstances.
"Yeah, but it does lie ahead him. Because of you. I mean, if you hadn't taken him in and given him your home and your love, at a time when he was decidedly -well not unlovable, bunt-shall we say-challenging?"
She nodded in an exaggerated fashion. "Very challenging, but yes also very lovable."
"Well, if you hadn't done what you always do," She looked at him, questioningly. "He'd be in the wind, Sharon!"
"What I always do?"
"Its not a bad thing. I promise. I'm not accusing you, Sharon. I mean, it's like we were talking about earlier. You look for the good. You saw good in Rusty and you weren't prepared to leave him to the tender mercies of DCFS. You didn't just find a place for him, you made a place for him. With you. That boy's place is with you."
"Well, I don't quite know what to say. It seems you've rendered me speechless, and not for the first time tonight." She looked down, suddenly quite interested in her fingers. She ventured a peek at him, and found him watching her. They were interrupted, by the server, as she approached their table.
"Well, hi there, Lieutenant. It's been a while!"
"Hi there, Dot. It sure has. You look great!"
"Coffee?" she offered.
"Yes, please." Sharon simply looked up and smiled at eh older woman. Andy looked again at her. "What is it Sharon? You can tell me. I can take it," he assured her. For a moment, she continued to sit and look at him, a bit pensively, as if she wasn't quite sure how to put her thoughts into words.
"You surprise me. That's all. It wasn't so long ago that you didn't want to be in the same room with me. Any of you," reminded him, with some lingering regret.
"Well, maybe we've both come a long way," he suggested. He cocked his head to the side, a sly grin on his face.
"Maybe so." She smiled at him warmly. A smile that lit her entire face. The server returned with two large mugs of steaming coffee, along with a carafe form which they could have their fill. She took a small sip, carefully testing it. "Mmmm," she purred. "You were right. Coffee's good. Really good." He stared at her as she enjoyed her coffee, and sighed. Good grief. He was in trouble.
"Yeah," he practically squawked. "Sure better than that rancid stuff Julio makes. That stuff will eat the pain off the walls." She giggled in agreement. She giggled. It was positively adorable.
"Yes, when he makes the coffee, I stick to tea!" She sipped her coffee, then warmed her hands on the cup. She leaned her head to one side, her hair falling over her shoulder like a curtain. Her eyes sparkled, even in her exhaustion. She was right. It had been a lousy week. The case was difficult, to say the least.
"You tired? You look beat. No offense. I mean, you look great, fantastic really," he stammered awkwardly. "It just that it's been a hell of a week. I know you must be wiped out. I sure am." She grinned at his charming inability to express himself. It was rather cute, really. Wait. Cute? Wait, no. He couldn't be cute. He was her lieutenant. She decided to put a pin that for later thought.
"I am. Honestly. I am utterly exhausted."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have added anything else to your plate. I shouldn't have asked.."
"You didn't," she interjected. She reached across the table and covered his large hand with her much smaller one. "Remember? I offered. You needed a buffer and I do love weddings. It was wonderful, Andy. Frankly, after this week we just endured, it was just what I needed. Some hope and some promise. They have their whole lives ahead of them. Some light at the end of a very dark week." She needed him to know it was no burden, that it was just the thing she needed to lift her spirits. That he hadn't added to her plate, as he'd said.
"I'm glad then. And you were right. I needed a buffer. You charmed the pants off'em. You impressed everyone we talked to, you made me look good in front of my kids, you made me feel a hell of lot more comfortable that I would've otherwise, and you made my ex jealous in the process!" He winked at her, laughing.
"Oh, Andy! That's terrible!" she playfully teased, and laughed right along with him. "You didn't need me to make you look good. Your daughter's eyes lit up the minute you arrived! All you had to do was show up. If I made it a little more comfortable, then I'm glad."
"You certainly did that." He looked her in the eyes and grew serious. "So, thank you-again."
"It was my great pleasure-again. Really." They smiled at one another. They enjoyed the warmth of the coffee as well as the warmth that came from sitting in silence, without the need to fill it with pointless conversation. Such a nice feeling, to communicate without words. It gladdened them both. Again, neither was in any hurry to move.
*****
When they finally made their way back to her condo, Andy insisted on walking her to her door. At this point in the evening, she expected no less. This was a gentleman. She was somewhat surprised at that, given his sometimes gruff demeanor. Someone had raised him well. As they approached her door, it occurred to both of them that, despite the late hour and the incredibly long week, neither wanted the evening to end. Sharon pulled her key from her clutch and inserted it into to the lock. She turned and looked up into his face. His hands are fidgeting. He stuffed them into his pockets.
"Well, thanks again for accompanying me tonight. I know it was a lot after the week we just had. I really enjoyed talking to you, Sharon, you know-outside of work. You made me look pretty good with my family and no offense, but your legs beat the hell out of Provenza's!" Her eyes widened and then twinkled as she grinned at him. "I'd very much like to repay the fair, if May?" She tilted her head in askance. "Dinner? Tomorrow night? To say thanks. The kid's out of town and you've the weekend off. You shouldn't have to cook. My treat?" He looked at her so hopefully. She wondered at the change in his attitude. He had been positively sick about this wedding for weeks. At odds with his ex over the cost, all he changes, trying to make his daughter happy but terrified of ultimately disappointing her. Now, he was positively beaming.
"Andy, you don't have…"
"I want to. Please, Sharon. I really don't know how to thank you. I know I sound like a broken record, but…. What do you say? Tomorrow? Six o'clock?"
She took another deep breath. This was uncharted territory. Dare I?
"Why not? It sounds wonderful. I'd love to." There. She said it. And what's more, she meant it.
He stared at her in disbelief. "Really?" His voice raised nearly an octave, never thinking she'd really agree. "That's great, Capt… er, Sharon. That's terrific." He stammered, not for the first time that night, unable to adequately express himself. And, Sharon found it terribly endearing.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow then?" She was a bit nervous herself. She felt a need to draw the evening to its conclusion, but at the same time, didn't want it to end.
"Tomorrow it is. I'll text you with any details?"
"That would be fine. Thank you, Andy. I had a marvelous time, really." She was so sincere, he finally believed her.
"Thank you, Sharon. Really. You saved my hide tonight. I'd have blown it for sure." She'd never convince him otherwise. She simply shook her head a smiled.
"Goodnight, Andy. Drive safely." She drew her hair over her shoulder as she stretched her weary muscles. When she felt his eyes on her again, she blushed. She looked up at him from beneath her heavy lashes.
"Goodnight," he fairly whispered. He waited until she was safely inside before turning back toward the elevator.
Inside, Sharon removed her wrap, dropped her key on the stand near the door, and slid first one foot , then the other, from her heels. She stretched and flexed her feet as she walked to her sofa, where she sank, exhausted, into the soft cushions. What was that?she wondered, with a mix of nerves and something else- maybe excitement?
For his part, Andy practically floated to his car. He couldn't stop the grin that strep he'd across his face. When was the last time he felt such utter contentment: Hell of a night, he mused to himself. Tonight, he wan't just the former drunk, the disappointment. He no longer looked like the loser his family remembered him to be. His daughter was over the moon. His ex wife even looked impressed, if a little surprised, to see him so put together- with a real lady on his arm. If a lady like her could consider him a friend, he couldn't be as worthless as they all thought, could he? A lady with grace and class. A lady he was taking to dinner tomorrow night, he thought with a cocky grin. He wondered at that. What a lady she was, his friend Sharon.