Coming Out or Going In
by Castlefan6
Authors Note: From a fan prompt (Castle was lent out to Robbery temporarily to work cold cases while Demming is on suspension. Lead Detective Joy Park, a woman with a big secret causes friction between our couple. COMPLETELY AU, Some Scenes and events used to enhance the story,
I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only, except the ones I create.
Also, we take MANY liberties with the timeline from Canon and use events from other Canon episodes to make this a more believable fiction, thanks.
Chapter 20
Wallingford Dr,
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
1 MONTH LATER
/_/
Joy was excited, with the addition of Anne to the New York Office, as well as the 4 Detectives from the LAPD she had added to the local office, and now all had successfully gotten past the orientation period, it was time for their first summit meeting to plan out the next quarter's objectives.
Kevin, Jenny, and Anne were flying in and would be staying at the house for a week. Kevin and Joy would meet for two to three days, then bring in Rick to discuss long-range and budget numbers, Anne was coming to catch up with Rick and to offer any input when requested. They also invited Lanie, and Roz since Rick hadn't seen them since he relocated to the west coast.
Both were overjoyed with the invitations, the only sticky part coming when Roz submitted her vacation request to Kate, for the week. Kate had heard from Lanie she was getting a chance to see the real mansion, or THE Castle as she put it.
"So, Roz, it's none of my business, and you aren't required to answer if you don't care to, but are you headed out with Lanie to visit Rick?" Kate asked
"Simply put Kate, I'm going to see friends, Alexis, Rick and Joy, so I'm sorry if that bothers you, but as you say, I really didn't have to answer the question anyway. Alexis called me, I think Martha told her to, to issue a special invitation to me, but yes I'm going" Roz said,
"Very well, your leave is approved, give them all my regards and I hope you all have a safe trip, dismissed" Kate shot out, not cruel but not in her normal tone.
So, it had come to this, Rick had invited the remnants of her force, and the one friend she had in Roz, she may have been jealous, or petty, but well let it go she thought. Things are different now. She busied herself in her work, luckily it was the budget season, always a time-consuming task she could lose herself in.
She remembered the last night she saw Rick, and the message she wanted to convey, sadly she fell back to just a recap of things that had happened, and it was no wonder why he wasn't interested in hearing her any more than he had.
It had been a bitter pill to swallow, she at first blamed him for the loss of her team, and her reassignment, but as she worked with the recruits, she had begun to practice what she was preaching, accountability, responsibility, and acceptance of consequences of your own actions. Perhaps this was her personal consequences doled out by as Rick would call the 'Universe'.
The time at the academy, facing past demon turned inspiration Rodriquez and learning the entire story had opened her eyes to not only how people had unseen factors in their lives, but also, it made a difference in how they were treated, most only wanted the truth.
She compared her lies and broken promises to Rick, to those she and her Dad had finally gotten past, it took him almost dying, and her walking out of his life to change his course. Perhaps, just perhaps the final curtain hadn't been drawn yet, she knew her chances were slim, but as long as there was a sliver of hope she could face the day. Her visits to Doctor Burke, along with the journal she kept, reluctantly at first now proved to be her anchor some days when she thought she had come to the end of all hope.
XxX
Wallingford Dr,
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Next Day
Rick had arranged for his private jet to pick up the party at an airstrip near JFK, and fly them to California, stopping only to refuel in Nashville Tennessee. Roz, Lanie, Anne, Kevin, and Jenny boarded the plane to be greeted by Janet, Rick's private pilot who had been with him for years. It was a toss-up as to which one was more star-struck with the treatment they were receiving.
When they landed in California, their luggage was transferred to the stretch limo waiting on the tarmac. They didn't lift a finger, other than to shake Janet's hand and wave as they piled into the huge limo where they were greeted by David, the driver. A completely stocked bar was available, as well as coffee, water, tea, and an assortment of breakfast pastries.
"Please help yourself, Rick has given me instructions that these had to be hand-delivered" as he approached the back door. Rick had each of their personal favorites waiting for them, including Kevin's bacon-eater, almost a half-pound of crisp bacon on a double cheeseburger.
Jenny scowled at him but finally relented, "You better enjoy this while you can, when you get back home it's back on the diet, Kev" Jenny chastised as the rest of the ladies laughed.
If he heard her, he didn't acknowledge, more in tune with his sandwich, it had been a while since they had eaten, and he was hungry.
The ladies were looking out the windows as David drove on, the houses became fancier, and larger until he turned into the small development, three gated entrances, and finally into what they thought was a very luxurious apartment complex. David pulled around into the underground parking and they finally realized, oh my God, this is one house.
He came around and opened the door for the ladies, assisting each one as they exited, while other men were retrieving their luggage, and then they saw Rick and Joy. Holding hands, and smiling like he hadn't smiled in years. Rick was engulfed with hugs from the ladies as Joy stood and smiled, and hugged Kevin.
"You aren't jealous Joy?" Kevin asked sheepishly,
"No, not in the least, I know where I stand, and these women all mean a great deal to Rick, including your wife, she settled your butt down, I understand." She laughed
He blushed, "No argument there, married life is the best thing that ever happened to me," he said quietly,
"Well, I'm glad to see you all, we're so glad you made it out. Please make yourselves at home, David and his staff will have your luggage placed in your rooms in a few minutes, so would you follow us to the main lobby of the home?" Rick asked as the ladies all hugged him again, then hugged Joy. Lanie hadn't seen him as happy as he appeared in years.
They walked over the what appeared to be a door, Rick pressed a button and the elevator doors opened and they all entered, and when they stepped off, Roz almost fainted. It was almost like she was in the middle of a museum; everything was so beautiful. Joy had added some portraits made from snapshots when she, Rick, and Cathy were younger, as well as portraits of Alexis, Martha ranging from her early days on Broadway, until just last year.
"Rick, when you buy a house, you buy a house, Man, this is a palace. I'm happy for you." Kevin said as his head was going from left to right to take it all in.
"Well, we'll give you the tour later, but for now, come on let's get settled on the veranda, one of Joy's favorite rooms. "Rick smiled as he gave Kevin a Bro Hug,
"I was going to ask you how you were Writer Man, but Damn, Rick, you really did well." Lanie smiled,
"Well, Alexis is at Stanford, Mother is slowing down, Roz, don't think I haven't forgotten your kindness and all you did, so just wait, and well Joy and I wanted to get away from some memories, for both of us," Rick said, he didn't have to elaborate on the memories for him, all assumed Joys were similar.
They walked out to the Veranda, well it was more like a huge room with a ceiling to floor retractable screen and door, furnished with expensive furniture, more portraits, a fully stocked bar, expensive drapes pulled back to reveal the second part of the room past the door.
It overlooked the pool, larger than any pool they had ever seen, with a jacuzzi tub at the end of each end, and the beautiful mountain range staring at them. The clean smell of fresh mountain air could be smelled the moment they stepped out of the larger part of the room, as a gentle breeze blew through Joy's hair.
"My God Joy, I could live out here," Roz said as she breathed deeply, "The air is so crisp and clean, I mean I haven't smelled this since, well since I was a little girl and visited my grandparents in Virginia."
"You might want to rethink that Roz when the temps drop down to the chilly range, that's when we go to the hot tubs, I just can't stay cooped up inside so I'm glad Rick bought it. I almost fainted the first time I saw it, we were looking at the real estate brochure and it had sale pending, so I asked him why we were looking at a house that was probably sold, and far too expensive.
"Well long story short, the deal pending was his, if they would clear out in a certain time frame. Of course, he had a great laugh at my worrying about the details, I got even with him," she laughed a comfortable laugh that no one had to ask if, everyone knew they were, whatever their own version of that was, they left up to the individual. She wasn't attached at his hip, she didn't cling, their touches were respectable, but the love that they showed for each other, was so evident. The laughter, it had been a long time since Roz and Lanie had heard Rick cackle so much, truly enjoying their visit.
They enjoyed a catered meal, then Rick showed them the home, well the castle, and a small map, since even he had gotten lost the first few days he lived there. Kevin was floored at the indoor gym, complete with tennis court, weight room, running track, and the bowling alley he had installed just for fun. Jenny was already in her bathing suit and itching to hit the huge jacuzzi, Lanie, Joy, Roz, and Anne joined her as Rick and Kevin bowled a few games and just enjoyed some guy talk.
The ladies were all hot, but Anne was the surprise of the day, she filled out her bikini like it had been painted on her. Rick had never noticed the body on her, Roz, yes, everyone knew she had huge ta tas, all hers courtesy of nature, but Anne was no slouch in that department either. Joy with her long almond legs, and ample top, along with Lanie with the booty to match the top was almost like a smorgasbord for the men who enjoyed the sights from above on the Veranda.
"So, Rick, how are things, I mean I know you're happy, anything going on with you and Joy?" Kevin asked,
"Well, Kev, we're close friends, very close, but not ready to commit as you and Jenny did. Lanie looks good, how is she adjusting to life without Espo, seems like she has adjusted pretty well." Rick said,
"Yeah, that was part of Javi's problem, I guess Lanie told him to put a ring on it or forget the booty calls, you know how stubborn and stupid he can be. She's dating a doctor now, and they seem to be getting serious, same old Lanie, she will ask you a million questions but won't answer one.
"Before you ask, I haven't heard a word from Javi since he left, he's Police Chief for a two-man department in some small town in Florida," Kevin said,
"Police Chief?" Rick asked,
Kevin looked at him, Rick did you miss where it's a two-man force, three counting him and he has two part-time officers, so the title was what got him, you know Javi." Kevin said,
"Well I wish him luck, God knows he's going to need it without Beckett there to wipe his nose," Rick said,
"About that Rick, Kate is"
"Kevin, I really don't care, not to be a prick, but really I don't," he said as Kevin recoiled,
"I understand, I do, only you and God knows what she put you through, for what it's worth, I'm sorry. Things always work out," Kevin the eternal optimist said,
"I'm doing well, Joy is happy, she's fun, and well, let's just say that I don't lack for anything including female companionship. The nice thing is that she's free to pursue someone if her heart desires and so am I. Your answer to the question you wanted to ask is that no, Joy and I will never be more than very good friends, friends who love each other deeply, but will never be in love."
They observed the ladies in the pool and sauna and as the sun began to dip below the mountains, Rick fired up the fireplaces on both levels remotely, cooler temperatures had the ladies out of the water within the next few minutes huddled around the fire. Joy looked up and blew him a kiss, he made the motion to grab it and returned it to her.
She had undergone the same series of questions from the ladies as Rick had from Kevin, and they had given the exact same answers. Now that it was established that Joy was a friend, a very good friend, and entitled to and enjoying all the benefits that came with such an arrangement.
She surprised the ladies when she told them that no matter how much they loved each other, it was friendship, and sex, for now. If Rick or she met someone else that they wanted to pursue, the sex would stop, but no one would ever come between their friendship.
They enjoyed the remainder of the evening in front of the fire, Joy was right, the night air did have some chill to it, and by the time they had gotten unpacked, had dinner, and another round of drinks they were all getting tired. One by one they drifted off to bed, with Anne and Roz holding back, Joy walked over, kissed Rick, and said,
"Goodnight, I'm going to turn in, why don't you catch up with Roz and Anne for a bit. I'll see you in a little while" she kissed him sweetly and said good night to the ladies and went down a hall to Rick's room.
"So, Rick" Roz started,
"So, Roz," Rick returned with a smile, "Look I know you've already grilled Joy, and from the list of questions, Kevin asked you guys must have coordinated them to see if you got the same answers. Yes, we love each other. Yes, we sleep together. Yes, each of us is free to pursue other parties, as long as we're honest with the other, now did I forget anything" he laughed,
"FUCK, you take all the fun out of it Rick, no you didn't miss anything Rick," Roz smiled as Rick and Anne laughed,
"Anne, I'm glad you're on board, we wanted to expand the operation but I didn't want powers to be to think we were raiding her personal workforce. Truth is, we are always looking for talented individuals. I don't know what made you quit, not my business, but we're glad you told Roz, and she gave you my number." Rick said warmly,
"Thanks, Rick, I do need to talk to you, and I, well, it might not be"
"That's my cue, Good night all, see you in the morning, Thanks for a great trip out here to the Castle Rick, it's so impressive." She leaned in and kissed his cheek and headed towards her room.
"Anne, you can say anything you wish, I know you had some issues at the 12th, and well, tell what you wish, I'm not asking nor will we," Rick said,
"Well, I know you got screwed over by Beckett pretty good, why I have no idea. I could never figure it out. You do deserve to know, she got messed over as well, I know there's some reluctance to discuss that time but I just want you to see the story from my eyes. I have a much greater stake in the whole mess than most, you'll understand what I'm saying once I explain. I don't want to impede on your wishes, and if you want to keep it as is, I'll understand." Anne said,
"Well, Anne, the first rule is that if there is anything that concerns another team member of RCE, we discuss it, good, bad, or ugly. We can only deal with issues if we know about them, and if my perception of Beckett is unfair due to something I don't know, then yes you should tell me. It may, or may not change my opinion of her, but it will NEVER change the way I feel about you and everyone on my team."
"Thanks, Rick. Some of this is still hard to talk about, but well, I found out by accident and I don't want that to happen to you. Please when I start, let me finish, or I'll never get this out., OK?" She had moved closer to the fire as Rick saw her shiver,
"OK Anne, give me one second." He walked around a corner and returned with a plush warm bathrobe for her to put on. "I noticed you got chilled, and I don't want you getting sick your first visit." He smiled,
"You see, that's the Rick that all of us loved at the 12th, none of the ladies could figure out where Beckett was coming from, but hey Roz even told her, that if she kept it up, she was going to, and this is a quote, "get you drunk, take you to her place, and fuck your brains out, the entire weekend". She blushed as Rick did as well, even by the firelight, you could tell he was blushing,
"Sorry Rick, but she's the one who said it, there were others who would have done it as well, they weren't as vocal. Don't get me wrong, I think you're hot and sexy as hell, but well I had an experience with men that have left me turned off.
"Getting us back on track, I know you remember the day that the egotistical ass of a Doctor showed up to take Beckett home. The story was she met him on a bike rally and believed every line he fed her. Nothing I tell you isn't anything I haven't already told her, you see everyone knew I was married for 5 years before I came to the force, they just don't know to who. Josh Davidson was my husband, I worked two jobs to put him through medical school, and internship, then he got the residency in New York,
"He had cheated throughout our entire marriage, I was seeing a therapist trying to figure out why I wasn't enough, then he came home and said he was moving to New York. My name was on the loans, the lease, everything so I couldn't not work, luckily my Uncle is retired NYPD and knows Boyle well. I followed him to New York, but by that time, I saw him and Beckett together spending the night in my apartment, well I filed for divorce, and fought him for a year before giving up and just checked out to be rid of him.
"I asked Beckett had it ever occurred to her why Josh would need feminine hygiene products, and asked her why the hell did she take everything he said as gospel when she put you through the wringer. Hell, she even conducted a full background check on you similar to that you go through for a government clearance, she admitted she never ran any checks, not even the minimum.
"So, when I was in counseling trying to figure out ways to save our marriage, Beckett was fucking my husband's brains out, in an apartment he paid for using my credit card. She can sure pick them for the record Rick, we all were pissed when the Demming debacle happened. I'm sorry she put you through that, and I only heard parts of it.
"As I said, I haven't revealed anything to you that I didn't let her know about it on my way out the door. I'm glad Joy showed up and got you out of there, I know she loves you, and I haven't seen you happy in a long time, it's good to see.
"I saw you checking me out at the pool, and as much as I appreciate the attention, I do work on keeping in shape, I gave up on your gender. I hope that doesn't change things between us, but well, it's something I think you should know, hell, I should have told you before I accepted the job. If you want to change your mind, well, I'll understand"
"Anne, stop right there. First, you're right, I was checking you out at the pool, what man or woman wouldn't you're hot as hell, where did that figure come from" he smiled. "Secondly, thank you for telling me, but, it's your business. It doesn't matter what orientation you are, I hired a damn good cop, who worked her way up to Detective on her merits, not by sleeping her way to the top.
"I didn't know about your ex and Beckett, but I do know the pain of infidelity, first hand. Alexis's mother cheated on me when she was still in the crib. It wasn't hard to get 100% custody when she didn't want to be a Mom, but to come home and find her in our bed, well, as I said, I understand the pain, Anne and I'm sorry.
"You noticed the love between Joy and me, yet when I said, and she affirmed, the love wasn't the marrying type of love, people don't seem to understand. I know Joy isn't ashamed of this, but do you have a few moments, I want to get Joy and share with you some of our history,"
TBC