He kept eyeing her on the drive back to the house, wondering how the lady with the tough exterior at work was actually so kind and caring. He knew many did not see this side of her; she kept it closely guarded, and he was glad to be one of the few she called maybe even a friend. He didn't realize he was almost staring until she glanced at him, and they locked eyes. Andy quickly looked away, back to the road.
"You really could have picked somewhere nicer, I mean, even somewhere with indoor seating," he chuckled. "I might not have money, but I would have splurged for air conditioning and regular table service."
"We wouldn't have had the view," Sharon pointed out to him, flashing a smile. Andy glanced at her, trying to roll his eyes, but when he saw her smiling about their little outing, he had to smile too.
"I have to admit, that was a million-dollar view," he nodded. Sharon had told Andy that for this dinner he wanted to buy her, the dinner for helping him see his kids, she wanted Mexican food. He'd been good with that, good with Sharon picking the spot. What he hadn't bargained on was that she picked a tiny taco stand right on the beach where they ate at a picnic table looking out at the ocean. "Still, though, a taco stand wasn't exactly what I thought of when I offered to buy you dinner."
Sharon cleared her throat and looked down at her lap. She shrugged slightly, "I don't get out much. What, do you think I'm only interested in expensive restaurants?"
"No, not at all," Andy said, gesturing with his free hand, the one he didn't have on the steering wheel. "I mean, actually, I might have thought that before, did think that. You always walk around work your head held high, not that it's a bad thing," he gestured with his hand toward her. "You just have this level of class about you that I can't match, honestly, most of the LAPD can't match," he chuckled. "You dress so, so," he waved his hand. "You dress so classy," he finally stated, glancing at her again, hoping he hadn't made her mad.
She pursed her lips and nodded, "And now? You see where I live. You see that my house is old, falling apart, and that those classy clothes are just for work," she gestured at what she had on now, which was a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. "You see I have no money, really. I have three good suits, ones I've had for a long time, two of which are not fitting well after I had Ricky, but I'm making it work. I just have a few tops that I pair with these suits and a couple pairs of slacks, along with a few church dresses. I'm not rolling in money. Fact is, my kids get any money I have. I pay for their daycare, whatever else they need, and honestly, until you were staying at the house and paying rent, I was just about at the point I couldn't pay all the bills. I'm recovering from a nasty divorce, one that wiped out my savings. So there," she said with a quick nod and looked out the window.
"Hey," he chuckled and reached over to nudge her. "Like I said, I know you now. I live at your house. It's just this vibe you give off, a good one. It might not sound like it, but you're really classy Sharon, no matter what the paycheck says, no matter what your bank account says, no matter where you are living. You're strong and have pulled yourself out of a mess. You're going to have plenty of money, just give it time. By the way," he winked when she glanced his way, "this is all coming from a guy who didn't even have a car until recently, whose address was his best friend's couch until a few months ago. Look, I wasn't trying to stir up anything."
"I know," she said, letting out a long sigh. "I suppose I'm just sensitive to so much. Dinner was perfect-just what I wanted. I love being by the ocean. I love Mexican food. Sitting there, just looking out at the water was exactly what I wanted. I didn't need a big deal; I didn't even need air conditioning as you said," she chuckled lightly. "I hope dinner was okay, and I'm sorry if you didn't enjoy the meal."
"Are you kidding?" Andy flashed a grin. "It's not often I can pay for two meals for less than $15. I mean, I can't even do that with Provenza. Besides that, I did find the best view in L.A., thanks to you. The food was great too. You do know how to pick a spot."
"Good," she said with a slight smile. "My dinner was delicious."
"So, you're a closet nacho eater?" Andy winked at her. "I have to say that was the largest mound of nachos I think I've ever seen."
Sharon burst out laughing, "It was, wasn't it? Oh, it was so good. Sometimes, you just need good junk food."
"I understand," he nodded as he drove.
"Just a taco guy, yourself?" Sharon teased as she eyed him. "All those options, and you got three tacos."
"Hey," Andy shrugged. "The menu was overwhelming. I did try the chicken, the beef, and the fish taco. I did get some variety there."
Sharon nodded, "I see. What was your favorite?"
"Hmm," he said as he thought. "I expected to like the fish taco-I mean, I did, but I thought that would be my favorite. Honestly, the shredded beef, that was different. I was maybe expecting ground beef, even chunked steak, but that was really good."
"See, I told you dinner would be enjoyable," Sharon said to him as she met his gaze with a grin. "Thank you, though. I enjoyed it, and it was refreshing to do something other than grocery shop during the church's night out."
"So," Andy pointed in the air as he thought and drove, "is it really a night out if it's in the afternoon? I mean, what's the deal with that?"
"Oh, stop," she rolled her eyes. "I'm very grateful for the help the church has been to me. They don't like those evenings to go late because they are thinking of kids' bedtimes. I'll take any time I can get. I love the kids dearly, but I never have a moment to just even think."
"Okay," he nodded. "You make a good point. I guess since I don't have custody of my kids I don't think about that kind of thing. Listen, I am not sure how you feel about this, but I can help. I mean, I should have offered this sooner, but if you ever need a break or need to get out of the house to run errands, I'll be happy to watch the kids. I'm not even sure you trust me to do so, but I don't mind. Your kids are pretty great."
Sharon turned slightly, a surprised look on her face, "Ahh, well, thank you. I appreciate the offer. They are my kids, though, and I know they are my responsibility. I couldn't ask you to help."
"Why not?" Andy shrugged. "Look, I know we have this landlord thing going pretty well. I also know that I'm not paying anywhere near what you could probably get for that room if you tried to rent it out. Sure, this is working for both of us, and I'm trying to pay more as I can, not to mention helping with the house and yard, so just consider it another way I could help."
"I'll keep it in mind," Sharon said with a single nod.
"Code for you won't ask for help," Andy pointed out to her as he turned onto Sharon's street. He was still having trouble believing he lived here too, in a real house again. It was working out well. Now that he had his car, though, he was going to start saving more for his rent deposit so he could get his own apartment. Staying with Sharon had always been temporary; both had known it. He didn't want to overstay his welcome, but at the same time, he didn't want to abandon her when she needed the help. Yes, he'd been a great help getting her yard under control. He'd cleaned gutters, he'd fixed the swing set, replaced a section of fence, and he'd even patched the roof where she had a small leak. The house was responding well. He could see was like some superhuman, working the long hours she did, taking care of her two small kids, and still finding time to volunteer at church. The area she'd let slide had been the house, the exterior mainly, and it had given him satisfaction to do something productive. He'd even completed some projects in the house for her; they both had been working there. He'd painted his room, which was her master bedroom. Inspired by that, inspired by the change a couple coats of paint could do, Sharon had painted Ricky's bedroom, which was also where she was living now too. Instead of the blue, she'd painted it a cream color which she'd accented with Ricky's blue curtains that she'd never hung until now. The house really looked good, even with its worn furniture. Andy was happy to be there to help her, but at some point, when she had a little more money in the bank, and he had enough saved, it would be time for them to part ways. Neither was sure when that day would be.
"So, what are you going to do with the hour or so you have until you pick up your kids?" Andy asked, glancing at the clock. Sharon had dropped off the kids, met Andy back at the house, and they had driven in his new car to have their tacos. Dinner hadn't taken too long, and as much as he would have enjoyed a walk on the beach, he had to be at work early for the evening for some mandatory training meeting. As he turned into her driveway to drop her off and change his clothing, he glanced at her, surprised she was staring out the window. "Sharon?"
"This can't be happening," she said, sighing as she slumped her head back against his headrest. Andy looked around, trying to figure out what had changed her mood. She looked tense, now there, her eyes closed, hand over her face, and as he glanced around again, he saw the source of her tension.
"Is that Jack?" Andy asked, looking in his rear view mirror at a car parked just across the street. It was a dark sedan, classy, fancier than Andy's car-which wasn't saying much, but it was a very nice car and as he guessed, it was probably expensive too. Sharon bit her lip and shook her head.
"I can't fall apart," she said quietly almost to herself as she let out her breath. Andy looked in the mirror again and saw the door open and Jack start to step out. He looked at her again.
"When did he show up in town?" Andy asked.
"Just now, I suppose," she said, taking a deep breath as she sat up. "I haven't seen him since before Ricky was born. He's never seen Ricky, not in person."
Andy glanced up again, and it was certainly Jack. Jack, dressed in a full suit, was leaning against his car. If Andy didn't know better, he'd think the guy looked sophisticated and put together, wealthy and a good catch. Now, though, he knew better. He looked over as he heard Sharon open her car door. Andy scrambled to do the same, calling out to her as he did. "Hey, Sharon, I'll play this how you want. If you want me around, I'll stay. If you want me to leave, I'll go. I'm here to support you as a friend."
He knew she heard him because she nodded. He stepped out and closed his car door, looking over to her, only concerned about her and not about Jack, the idiot, across the street. He watched as Sharon smoothed down her hair, and she stood up straight, putting her shoulders back as she held her head high. She crossed her arms and made no attempt to walk toward Jack.
Andy eyed Jack from where he stood. Jack, his head held high, walked slowly toward Sharon, and as he stepped onto her driveway, he extended his arms. Andy wanted to say something, anything, but he didn't. Instead, he turned and kept his eyes on Sharon as he walked around the car toward her.
"Sharon, finally," Jack said. "I've been sitting here a couple hours wondering when you would get here. I've missed my wife."
Sharon still stood there, her arms crossed, "Jack, what are you doing here? I stopped being your wife the day the divorce papers were signed, but you decided that long before when you decided to sleep with any woman who moved, any woman except me."
"Oh, Sharon," Jack sighed and shook his head. As he did that, Andy reached where Sharon was standing. He stood behind her and didn't say a word. Jack, who hadn't either really looked at the scene in front of him or just had refused to acknowledge it, did so now. He gestured at them, "What is this? Sharon, what are you doing? Are you out on a date? Where are the kids? Flynn," he waved his hand at him. "This guy, Sharon? You threw me out, and you are sleeping with him?"
"Hey, hey, hey," Andy found himself saying, unable to keep quiet. Sharon waved her hand at him, and Andy stopped talking. She turned to Jack and put her finger toward his face.
"I do not have to answer to you," she stated. "How dare you show up here questioning me."
"I came to see my kids, Sharon," Jack said, rocking on his heels. "They are my kids."
"They are MY kids," Sharon said firmly. "A judge agreed, no joint custody, and you don't have visitation either. You can't visit when you disappear as you have done. My goodness, Jack, you have never seen Ricky."
"My son," Jack said a small smile on his face. "Well," he shrugged and looked to the ground, a smirk on his face, "hard to see my son when I'm off earning money for my family. My job took me to Vegas, so I had to go."
"No," she shook her head and pointed at him, "do not spin this like you've been the big breadwinner away working for your family. You cleaned out the accounts and took off because you were sleeping with your secretary, all during my pregnancy. You abandoned us. The judge agreed. You've never paid child support, but fine," she waved her hand. "I don't need it. The kids are just fine, and I am so glad they aren't here now."
Jack eyed her and looked over at Andy who was also standing there, arms crossed. Jack smirked and winked at Sharon, "I see what this is. You pawned the kids off somewhere as I'm guessing you do most weekends. You and lover boy here are back at the house for what I'm guessing is a roll in the sack, a few hours alone, before you have to bring the kids home again."
"Watch it, Jack!" Andy bellowed. Sharon waved her hand back at him.
"Andy," she sighed and turned to him. She gave him a small smile, the tension visible in her eyes. Her eyes searched his, "Thank you. I've got this. Just please, go inside. Do what you need to do for the evening, really."
"You sure?" Andy asked, raising an eyebrow at her, only concerned for her well-being.
"Thank you," she said with a firm nod. He nodded to her and walked toward the front door, his keys in hand.
"Sharon, I must say I'm surprised, hurt even. You've moved on, actually moved in a man," Jack chuckled. "So much for those church values you claim. Wow!" Jack raised his hands and shook his head. "So, you were only cold with me, putting me off before we got married, talking about your faith," he laughed. "Unbelievable, and it just shows that it was all an excuse. You used me for the kids. Well," he flashed a grin at her, "I used you for law school and honestly," he smirked, "you used to be hot too. Good looking law guy with a hot young wife-it worked while I needed it. The kids," he waved at her, "you wanted them. Just don't forget I was the guy who gave them to you, the guy who helped create your precious kids. Well, I'm here now to see them."
Sharon just looked to the ground and crossed her arms, "I've told you, Jack, that the kids aren't here. I'd ask you to leave MY home now."
"It was my home!" Jack yelled, waving his hands. Sharon looked around, making sure they hadn't attracted the attention of any neighbors. The street was quiet. Sharon plastered a fake smile on her face.
"Yes, it was OUR home. You left. You left me here with Emily and pregnant so you could go and screw your secretary, an even younger and as you probably believed more attractive thing. You made your decisions; I made mine. I decided to stay in the house, and the judge agreed with that too, giving it to me since you spent all of our savings. I decided to step up and be both mother and father to my kids. The judge agreed to that too, giving me full custody. You've been out of the state. I've been here working. My personal life is mine. Yours is yours. Whatever reason you came here," she said looking up and meeting his gaze, "goodbye Jack. We have nothing to say. You have no interest in me, in the kids, and because we are divorced, I am free to live my life as I want."
"So, you've lowered your standards to that?" Jack waved toward the house. "I'm not an idiot, Sharon. I saw he had a key. You came home in what I can assume is his piece of junk car," Jack waved at Andy's car. "It has a spot in the driveway, and from what I can tell, it's exactly as I called it. Kids are away, so Mommy decides to play," he smirked. "We'll see how that stands."
"Goodbye, Jack," Sharon said. "Whatever brought you here now, just go. Go back to your life in Vegas. Enjoy the choices you've made."
"Oh, Sharon," he said with a smirk after she turned and started to walk toward the house, "I'm back, Baby."
Sharon spun around again quickly, her eyes trying not to show her fear, her concern. She was met with Jack there, hands in his pockets as he grinned at her. "That's right, I'm back. Tell the kids Daddy is back, and I can't wait to see them. You know, with my being a lawyer and all, the connections I have," he shrugged. "Can't wait to spend time with my family again, and oh," he waved his hand in disgust toward her, "the judge will love hearing how you've moved in and are sleeping with an aggressive alcoholic who has no claim to his own kids."