Title: Turmoil
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one
Tim had always felt his apartment was nothing more than a box. Something temporary after his marriage fell apart. The longer he lived there it still felt like a box. Beige on beige; no outdoor space. Just a medium sized window on the living room's rear wall that had a view of the alley With Lucy spending three to four nights a week there her presence was brightening up the place. Even when she wasn't there he'd find cosmetics in the bathroom or a coffee mug in the kitchen. He'd even come home one day to find she'd left a vase of flowers on the tiny second hand dining table.
After shift that day Tim had grabbed some of their favorite takeout. Once home he decided to put effort into making the meal more than what they usually did watching a movie on the sofa. He pulled the small table away from the wall; dusted it off. He scrounged around and found some half way decent plates he had no idea where he'd gotten them and set the table. Needing one more thing Tim left the apartment and went down the street to a convenience store and found a couple candles and matching holders. Back home Tim placed the candles in the holders and lit them placing them flanking the vase of flowers that Lucy had set there earlier. Tim had just begun to put food on the plates when he heard a key in the lock.
Lucy turned the key to Tim's front door and stepped inside. She was greeted by a wonderful smell of Italian food. She smiled seeing the dining table was actually set and with candles no less. Lucy set her purse on the sofa and went into the small kitchen. Tim drew her into an embrace and kissed her.
"Hi."Tim greeted once they broke apart.
"Hi."Lucy replied with a smile. "I'm impressed we're using the table."
"Thought we earned a romantic meal."Tim commented as he kissed her once more. "Have a seat."
Lucy sat down at the dining table. It'd been a long hot day so she'd been grateful to have dinner to look forward to. They'd originally had plans for the night before but Tim had reports due that took him into over time forcing them to reschedule. Tim placed a plate of lasagna in front of Lucy and sat down across from her. He had lasagna too and he'd already placed a medium sized salad on the table. Reaching across the table Lucy took Tim's right hand in hers and interlaced their fingers and squeezed his hand.
"This is wonderful, Tim, thank you."Lucy complimented with a smile.
"Glad you like it."Tim said returning her smile.
Lucy knew despite the headaches and tension from the fallout the risks she and Tim had taken with this relationship had been worth it. Moments like this proved it.
"I love you."Lucy stated.
Tim squeezed her hand and gently rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.
"I know I don't say it as often as I should,"Tim began softly. "I love you too."
After a moment Lucy withdrew her hand and they began to eat. The night passed too quickly.
The next morning Tim stepped out of the shower and walked into the living room a towel around his waist. He found Lucy in the kitchen talking to someone on Facetime on her phone. Tim entered the kitchen and raised a questioning eyebrow. She mouthed Eddie and then leaned over to kiss him quickly out of view of the camera. Tim scowled at the mention of Diaz and headed back to the bedroom to get dressed. He lingered near the kitchen to hear part of the conversation.
"Sorry to Facetime you early."Eddie apologized.
"Not early for us first shifters."Lucy responded with a smile. "What's up?"
"Was glad we could meet for coffee."Eddie commented. "Thought we'd try lunch next week?"
"Love too; heard a new cafe opened near the police station."Lucy suggested.
Tim continued on his way to the bedroom trying not to notice Lucy's laughter. She and Diaz were friends; end of story.
