The Station house February 28th 8 AM Jeff Harts POV

'She walked into the precinct like she owned the place. She was the perfect mix of graceful and edgy. I may be married, but it isn't a crime to look at other girls. I mean… it was pretty much impossible not to notice Olivia.' Detective Hart thought as Olivia arrived at work.

"Hey" Olivia greeted.

"Hey, how are you?" I ask.

"I'm fine, are there any new leads on the Harrison case?"

"Turns out one of the witnesses could have been lying, were supposed to go interview her again."

"Ok, well lets get a move on then, I have a conference at 3 with Lizzie, and Dickies teacher."

"Are they in trouble?" I ask, knowing Olivia had been struggling with Maureen.

"Oh, no… the teacher is just going to give me advice, and help the kids catch up. There old school wasn't quite as advanced as this one so there a little bit behind, but I'm not worried." She reply's.

"I see, how are things with Maureen?" I ask as we start driving.

"Oh… I meant to thank you for the advice, I talked to her and things have been great… at least for the past two days, she has kept the eye rolls and scoffing noises to a minimum."

"Good to know I could help, by the way, my wife and I are having a small barbeque at our house this weekend and we were wondering if you and the kids would like to come?"

"Yea, I'll check with them, but I'm sure it'll be fine."

The rest of the car ride was mostly in silence. I thought about how my wife would react when she realizes Olivia isn't exactly the stereotypical female cop when it comes to looks.

Franklin Academy February 28th 3:06 PM Olivia's POV

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I'm Lizzie and Dickie's…um…guardian." I say as I run into room 125, Mr. Nolan.

"It's no problem." He says and smiles at me. Wow he is quite attractive for a fifth grade teacher.

"Please sit down Mrs. Benson."

"Oh, it's Miss, but you can call me Olivia." I say, making it clear I am single.

"I'm sorry Olivia." He says again with that boyish smile.

"Don't worry about it." I say with a big grin of my own.

"Well, Olivia, I am aware of the new situation, and everything the kids have been through these past couple of weeks. Both Lizzie, and Dickie are extremely bright kids, but they will need a little help catching up. I am willing to work with them before or after school, or I can recommend tutors." He says.

"Ok, I'm sure they could stay after school, and I can make arrangements for them to be picked up." I reply.

The conference lasted another 20 min as we reviewed curriculum and some after school activities the kids might enjoy. Mr. Nolan was extremely charming and I found myself unsuccessfully resisting the urge to flirt with him.

"Ok…well, I'll talk to Dickie about joining the basketball team and make sure Lizzie knows about the drama program… thank you Mr. Nolan."

"Oh, please call me Greg, Olivia."

"Ok…Greg,"

"Olivia, if you're available this Friday, we could have a follow up appointment. Let's say 7 pm at the new Italian restaurant on 29th street." Greg asked.

"Um… I'd love to, but I'm not sure I should be dating while the kids are still adjusting…rain check?"

"Sure. Give me a call."

As I leave the school I silently curse myself. I know I did the right thing, but how often do you meet funny, intelligent, charming, men who enjoy spending their time with 10 year olds all day.

Townhouse February 28th 7:30 pm Lizzie's POV

This dinner smells disgusting… Olivia cannot cook well at all; at least she's trying though. And things seem to be getting back to normal. Maureen and Kathleen are fighting, Dickie is having a love affair with his game boy, and I am constantly getting picked on. Life is good…sort of.

"So… a colleague of mine invited us to a barbeque at his house this Saturday…are you guys interested." Olivia asked.

"I'm guessing by the vagueness of 'colleague' that this person is your new partner?" Maureen asks.

"Well… yes, his name is Jeff Hart, he just moved from Philadelphia, and he doesn't have many friends in New York." Olivia reply's.

"Does he have any kids?" Dickie asked.

"Yes, he has a 7 year old son named Zach, and a 5 year old daughter named Anna, and he's married. I understand if you guys aren't ready for this."

"Well, I guess anything that involves free barbeque, I'm game for." Kathleen says.

"Me two," Dickie says.

"Yea sure," Maureen reply's.

"Okay," I say hoping that it won't make me think of daddy.

A few minuets pass while everyone is silent. I think it's just weird Olivia having a partner that's not dad. I can't even remember when she wasn't his partner.

"Also, Liz, and Dickie, I met Mr. Nolan today and he told me to tell Dickie that there is a spot open on the Basketball team if you want to play, and Liz, there are auditions for a school play next Monday."

"What play?" That got my attention.

"I believe its snow white and the seven dwarfs, why…are you interested?"

"Yea! Don't you think I would be a great snow white?" I ask.

"Lizzie, you don't have black hair, snow white does."

"That's what wigs are for you idiot!" I yell back.

"Ok, Ok… enough." Olivia says

"If you guys want to take part in these activities, then you have to stay after school for 30 minuets with Mr. Nolan so he can help you with your school work…Deal?"

"Fine," Dickie says.

"Yea," I say.

This play thing is pretty cool. I hope I get a good part. Maybe this will help me make some new friends… now all I have to worry about is food poisoning from Olivia's cooking, I can't take the chance of getting sick before auditions.