"I certainly hope you are not still keeping some vigil over me," she muttered the next time she opened her eyes. While the exact time was unclear, with the faint light, she could tell it was early morning.
Provenza put down his crossword puzzle and sat forward in his chair to speak to Sharon. She gave him a soft smile.
"No vigil, and if asked, I'll deny I was ever part of any such thing," he grumbled. "I had to see for myself that you are finally awake. Flynn has had his head in the clouds about you for a long time. I needed to make sure it wasn't a dream he's had, or delusion, although, he mentioned you seemed to have had some crazy dreams while getting your beauty sleep."
"It's good to see you too, Louie," she said with a raspy voice.
Provenza nodded, his mouth in an almost smile. He looked around, "Flynn mentioned you were really thirsty. Can I get you some water?"
"Please," she nodded and watched as he stood to refill the water. He brought it to her and added the straw. She was able to sit up better than she had the day before and took a long sip of it. "Much better."
"The nurse at the station said they would bring you a modified breakfast tray later. It's still early for breakfast," he told her.
"Do I want to know how you got in here so early? I'm guessing it's not time for visiting hours," she said to him.
"I flashed my badge, as I've done over and over the last month. I did what was necessary; we protect our own," he explained as he sat back down next to her. "I'm beginning to think a new name for you is in order, maybe Sleeping Beauty."
Sharon tried to laugh again, and she shook her head, "I know you've missed me. It's like the childhood schoolboy teasing the girl he likes. You just miss me at work doing all of the paperwork."
"Well, that's obvious," he rolled his eyes," the paperwork part, only missing you for the paperwork. You know you are better at it than I am."
"Hmm, hopefully, I can take that paperwork off your hands again soon. Before we talk shop, tell me, how is Patrice? You did marry her, correct? I didn't dream that too, did I? I distinctly remember going to your wedding at the courthouse. I seem to have dreamed a lot about weddings, including my own, but I think you are legally tied to Patrice. The ring there," she nodded to his hand, "tells me that is reality."
"Patrice is doing well, and yes, that part of your memory is correct. We've been enjoying married life, everything except for my new diet. I don't like it. Patrice has me on this health kick, and I just want to eat what I've been eating for the last few decades," he complained.
Sharon started to chuckle again and groaned, "I'm sure Patrice just wants to make sure you are around for a few more decades."
"It's not like I can say anything to her! She's so excited to try new recipes with me," he grumbled.
Sharon smiled, "She and Andy have that in common. He's on that kick too, and I do remember that most of what he made had no taste. I haven't had the heart to tell him; he's been so happy to experiment in the kitchen."
"Yeah, well, there you have it; you need to get out of this place so that the next time Patrice and Flynn want to experiment with some dinner party, you and I can come up with a reason we have to work, just the two of us," he sighed. "Instead, we can go for a good old greasy meal, burger, fries, dessert. You'll buy, of course."
She smiled again, "Of course, don't I always? You have softened. Just a few years ago, you wouldn't stay in the same room with me, and here we are, talking about dinner parties together."
"Speaking of dinner, Patrice has been keeping the men in your household fed through all of this. Rusty has been over for dinner at least three to four times a week. We've been keeping an eye on him, and Flynn," he sighed, "he's been a mess."
"Thank you for taking care of him, of them," she nodded to Provenza. "I can imagine they have both been a handful and worried sick."
"We take care of our own, just as I always say," he added.
"You didn't come here to chat like old girlfriends," Sharon shifted. "Tell me about work."
He rolled his eyes, "You've been hanging around me too long. That was something I would definitely say."
"I know. You've said it to me before, so?" Sharon eyed him.
"Work has been busy, a mess, even at times. We've managed without you, but that also means we've had to deal without Flynn at times. By the way, I ordered him to stay away this morning. He's a walking zombie and needs some rest. He had an appointment too, and then, he's going to work, so I told him he was not allowed to come by until later today. Rusty said he was coming by around lunchtime, and I'm going to try to keep the team away for at least another day. I do expect Patrice to come by this morning too. Seems that when you've been asleep for a month, people are genuinely worried," he said with a slight, joking roll of his eyes.
"I'll look forward to seeing all of them. The nurses want to get me up and into the bathroom today to work on this," she gestured to her lying form there on the bed. "No pictures; I can imagine how bad I am."
"You're alive; that's all that matters, and I know Flynn told you Taylor died," he dropped his head. "I never was a fan, but it's still just wrong. No one deserved that. With Taylor gone, we have an opening for the assistant chief spot. They've put Fritz in charge of that for now. We all think he should get the job, but he doesn't seem to want it, or rather, he knows he won't get it. You know how the LAPD is about former FBI."
Provenza paused, and Sharon nodded, "Yes, Andy and I briefly discussed the same."
"Davis wants the job," Provenza told her. "That, that would be a nightmare for the department."
"Winnie Davis?" Sharon made a face and shook her head. "She would be terrible. She's controlling and vindictive."
"Exactly," Provenza nodded. "She has made no secret that she hates Major Crimes too. You are at the top of that list. She's tried to make it her personal job to check on Major Crimes in your absence, even though we are doing just fine on our own and even reporting to Fritz on occasion. Davis has been a thorn in my side."
"I have never liked that woman, and I know the feeling is mutual," Sharon groaned. The door opened, and both turned toward it. The nurse came in with a tray.
"Morning, the doctor said you could have some apple juice this morning. We're going to get you going today now that you've rejoined us. I know you've been thirsty, so here is this," she put down the cup. "I'm sure he can help," she nodded to Provenza, "if you need help. We'll be starting you on some liquids when the doctor comes by later with further instructions. He's making his rounds now. Do you need any help?"
"Oh, I'm sure he will be glad to help," Sharon grinned and started to chuckle. "It still hurts to laugh."
"We've got you on some pain medicine, but it's about time for your next dose. I'll get it," she smiled and stepped out of the room. She returned a few moments later with Sharon's medicine. "I'll be back and check on you in awhile after you visit."
"Thank you," Sharon said with her dry voice and nodded to the nurse. She turned back to Provenza.
"Need some help with that juice?" Provenza asked.
"My hand doesn't seem steady enough yet to hold it without shaking, so yes, please," she gave him a small smile. Provenza helped her and then sat down again.
"I'm sure Patrice will be glad to help with anything you need," he looked to her. "She has been worried about you too. She's enjoyed your friendship."
"I'll be glad to see her, to really hear how you, Andy, and Rusty have all been coping," she grinned at him.
"Back to Davis, we need to make sure she doesn't get that job," Provenza said, ignoring her comment about how he'd done with her in the hospital. "Word on the street is that you might be a consideration for the job."
"Me?" Sharon looked to him, horrified.
"Why not? You're smarter than all of them. You know the rules, and you would run a tight ship. You have the polish the position needs, and best of all, you don't play favorites, with the exception of your charity case Flynn there you moved in at home," he rolled his eyes.
Sharon laughed again, closing her eyes. She hummed, "I like where I am, and as for Andy, I would think you'd thank me for taking-as you called him-the charity case, off your hands."
"Captain," he looked to her and then changed his tone, "Sharon, you and I both know you may not be cleared for full duty with your injury. I know what you want, but that might not be possible. Assistant Chief could be the perfect fit. You would have a desk job, mainly, but you'd still be running things, just in a different capacity."
"I am going to do everything in my power to get back to full duty with Major Crimes. I like being there. I'm not even a commander or anything," she sighed.
"Well, there's talk of that too," he nodded. "I believe you may finally be awarded for your hard work. Now, nothing has been set in stone with you being here in the hospital, but I'm betting that they will now follow through with your promotion. If I had my say, it would happen, and believe me, I'm putting that bug in Fritz's ear as well as anyone else who will listen."
"Well, thank you, but I'll believe it when I see it," she said quietly. Provenza could see she was tired again. "I've been told that before."
"I know you have, and let me be one of the only ones who will admit that was wrong. I know we had issues in the past, but you and I have come a long way. I know you should have gotten that promotion years ago."
She gave him a warm smile, "You and Andy really have come a long way. I think you might actually be glad he and I are together. I certainly never would have imagined finding you on my living room couch watching a baseball game with him, but life is certainly full of surprises."
"Yeah, well, I look forward to the day you are home on that couch recovering. I'm going to get going and let you rest. Flynn has been annoying as ever. I've had a full month of him and all his issues, so I need you to take him off my hands," he stood and looked to her. "Do you need anything else?"
"Just before you go, fill me in on Detective Nolan, Wes, right? Was he a temporary replacement with my absence and Andy's partial absence?" Sharon opened her eyes and looked up at him as he stood there.
"Nolan," Provenza shook his head. "He joined us after the shooting. He's been undercover for five years, all related to that case. It started as temporary, but," he rolled his eyes and tilted his head from side to side, "considering all the circumstances, I think he could find a permanent place with us. It's been helpful when he's not being secretive."
She raised an eyebrow, "Is that from his time undercover?"
"Yes, mostly. He's used to doing things on his own and not checking in with anyone. Habit, but he's acclimating to the team. He's a good detective. He's young, and we could use that. I don't run, you know."
Sharon started to laugh again, "I've heard."
"Yes, and we could use that. Flynn doesn't need to be running," he rolled his eyes. "Julio has been busy with Mark and all of that mess. Mike's focus is on the scientific and technological evidence. Buzz is Buzz and has his camera. Amy handles a lot of the grunt work, but she could use some help. Wes has the potential to be a good cop. Look, you brought in Amy on your judgement. I'm asking you to trust my judgement with Wes."
"I trust it completely, just as I know you finally trust my judgment regarding my relationship with Andy," she nodded to him.
He gestured with his hand, "I had to be clear of your intentions."
"Louie, let's just agree that by now, you and I trust each other with anything. We can joke all day long about our irritations with each other, but the reality is, you are one of my closest friends, and that's not just because of Andy. I know I apparently did a lot of dreaming while I was in a coma, but I am very clear on our relationship."
He looked down, not wanting to blush at her, "Relationship," he grumbled. "You make the two of us sound serious."
She gave him a single nod, "Well, I have a few men in my life, some wanted and some not. Andy, Ricky, Rusty, you, Jack-you're above Jack. That says something," she smiled at him.
"Jack," he groaned.
"See, we even see eye to eye on Jack," she shrugged and yawned.
"You get some rest," he pointed to her. "Don't worry about work; I've got it covered. Rest up because I think you will be getting visitors now that you're done with your long winter's nap."
"It's what, October?" Sharon asked, trying to remember. "It's not even winter."
"Rusty always said you are like a mama bear," Provenza said when he reached the door. "You've just been hibernating."