Court was never fun. He'd take a dead body in front of him any day of the week. Court, though, was part of the job, something they all had to do, and yet, it still surprised him to walk down the hall of the courthouse, finished with his own testimony for the day, and see Sharon of all people at the other end of the hall.
It was now early February, and he hadn't seen her for almost exactly a month, a long agonizing month. He'd really hoped his telling her off, so to speak, would knock some sense into her. It hadn't done any damage, at least, and if anything, some good had definitely come out of their discussion. Just three days after she'd gone home, Sharon had sent Andy a text late on a Wednesday afternoon. He was at work and didn't get to check his phone right away, but he wanted to kick himself when he did. He certainly had not expected to see a text from Sharon of all people, but he was happy to see it, as well as what she said.
"I did as you suggested and opened a college account for Hannah. It was the logical thing to do," she had typed to him. It was a simple message, with no greeting or anything else, but he could see he was breaking through to her, slowly, but he was. He was hopefully convincing her he was genuine and wanting only the best for them.
"I really appreciate you telling me. Would you send me the deposit information-routing number or account number, whatever I need to make deposits?" Andy replied around 6:00 when he finally had a moment to get to his phone. Pope had the team in computer training that day, a new system they were all being required to use. It was the last thing he wanted to be doing on that day, but it was almost 6:00 before the team finished. He hoped Sharon would reply. She was not exactly sending him a lot of text messages, and he realized with especially this message, she could easily ignore his request.
Thankfully, she did reply later that evening, and she gave him what he needed. In addition to the account information, she'd also added, "Do not feel like you have to do anything. I have a feeling this request is falling on deaf ears, but I can handle this. I have a set amount going into the account from my new job."
"I just want her to have a secure future, and I want to lessen the burden on you. Thanks for letting me know. I hope you are both doing well, and I hope your new job is what you want," he said and hoped she would tell him anything, any tiny detail about Hannah, about their life in Arizona.
"Work is refreshing. Hannah is fine," she sent, and then immediately, she added, "She is determined to roll over, but hasn't yet. Goodnight, Andy."
So, he'd left it at that, and that had been the last he'd heard from her over the course of January. It was now the first week of February, and he almost stopped in his tracks as he walked down the hallway of the courthouse. Sharon. She was here, back in Los Angeles and right in front of him. It was a Thursday afternoon, and suddenly, his day in court wasn't seeming so bad because he, otherwise, might not-would not-have run into Sharon.
Andy continued on his path toward her, walking slowly, as if he was trying not to spook her. She was clearly here for work; she was dressed in a beautiful black skirt suit and had black heels to match. She was carrying her purse and a briefcase bag. Above all, she was hard to miss; her gorgeous hair hung down her back, and he could recognize her from a mile away. There was just something about her. He couldn't see her face because she was facing away from him, talking to one of the prosecutors. He'd seen that guy in the building before, Marshall, or something. He'd never had a case with that guy, but generally, with homicide, he worked with one of just a small few of prosecutors. Sharon still didn't see him as he got closer, but he could tell the two were discussing something important, so he hung back to let them finish. He nodded to a couple of detectives who walked by, this place almost as busy as the hallways of the LAPD at times. Sharon was now just a few feet from him; he'd wait.
Andy leaned up against a wall and put his hands in his pockets as he waited. Sharon appeared flustered, which was not something he was used to seeing with her, at least where work was concerned. No, he was used to seeing her flustered around him, but this was different. This, the courthouse, is normally where she was cutthroat and would shine, but today, something was off. The prosecutor nodded, while Sharon spoke to him. She gestured with her free hand a couple of times, and as the conversation seemed to draw to an end, he watched the guy, Marshall, put his hand on Sharon's arm and pat it, almost in a reassuring manner. Sharon just nodded, again, because he couldn't see her facial expressions, and Marshall walked away. It was then Sharon turned slightly toward him, toward the elevator, and their eyes met.
Andy pushed off the wall to walk toward her. She kept her eyes on him as he did, and he held back a small chuckle noting they were dressed almost the same. Now that he could see her from the front, he noticed she had on a dark gray blouse to go with her black suit. He also had on a gray dress shirt and black suit, topped with a black and gray striped tie. They looked like they had planned their wardrobe. Sharon had her purse on her shoulder and her briefcase clutched in front of her. She gave a slight shake of her head as Andy approached, clearly surprised to see him. Thankfully, she didn't scowl, roll her eyes, or walk away, so he took that as a sign of progress.
"Hi," he said softly and casually as he approached her. She looked him up and down, noting his professional appearance too, and she nodded.
"Hi," she said and looked down at her briefcase. "I'm in town for court."
He nodded, "Yeah, I saw you talking to that ADA, Marshall, right?"
She pursed her lips and nodded, "Yes, he's an idiot. He has no clue what he's doing and derailed the case."
Andy ran his hand over the back of his neck and pursed his own lips. He looked back at her and noted she was looking around at the courthouse scene. There were a lot of people still walking around, as it was now just after 4:00. He looked back at her and saw she was fidgeting.
"I'm sorry to hear that. There are plenty of idiot lawyers, both sides of the aisle. I guess I don't have to tell you that," he let out a low chuckle. He looked to Sharon and noticed she had given him a quick nod and a low hum. "Say, I know it's busy around here with plenty of prying eyes. Do you want to get a drink?"
Her eyes widened as she looked at him, and she changed her stance as she gestured at him. "You are asking me about getting a drink?"
"Yeah," he looked to her a bit surprised at her reaction. He shrugged, "Looks like you've had a long day. I've had a long day too. I was testifying in a murder trial here today too. I'm inviting you to get a drink. You look like I've suggested something awful. Now, I'm guessing part of your plan was not to see me while in town, and I'm sorry if that backfired. I'm not stalking you; I had no idea you were here. I am just as surprised to see you, but now that I have, I'm inviting you for a drink."
"No," she paused to look at him. "It's just," she shook her head, "you're an alcoholic. Are you drinking?"
"Wait, no!" Andy exclaimed and then dropped his head. He looked at her and let out a chuckle when their eyes met. He shook his head again, "I'm not laughing in mocking way or to make you think I take drinking lightly. Look, that was just a phrase, like a 'want to just get out of here and talk' question, you know? I know you like wine. I'll take you wherever you want. I go out with Provenza all the time. I saw you in that bar back on that stupid road trip. I promise a bar or anywhere else where they serve alcohol isn't an issue. I'm not drinking, haven't been for years."
"Oh," she rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. Again, I have a history with alcoholics, alcoholic idiotic lawyers to be exact, who aren't really into sobriety."
He nodded, "Yeah, well, I am a man of my word, on many things," he said as he looked at her, trying to catch her gaze. "I don't want to let people down, and one thing I can do for myself is take one day at a time. I can't promise I'll always be sober, but I want to be. If you are free, I'd like to take you for a drink. I know you like a good glass of wine and I'll get my usual cranberry soda. Come on; I'm buying."
Her eyes flew up too, "Seriously, cranberry juice?"
He gave her an odd look, "Yeah, why? That's been my drink of choice for years."
"I never noticed it," she shook her head.
He offered a small shrug, "Well, I mean, it's not like we've spent much time together anywhere, and what time we have been together," he caught her glance, and she looked away, "we were busy with other things; we weren't having drinks. Still, though, I don't see why that matters."
She looked to the floor and shook her head as she spoke, "Nothing. That's just what my dad likes to drink. He's not much of a drinker. My mom and I enjoy wine. He has always enjoyed cranberry juice."
"So, instead of standing here with members of the LAPD watching us talk, how about we get a drink?" he asked again. "Wait, is Hannah here? Did you bring her?" He looked to her with a hopeful expression, and she frowned.
"No, she's with my parents again. With this being a work trip, I didn't want to try and bring her. I flew in last night and go home tomorrow. I taught my two classes yesterday morning before traveling. They have a project to work on since I'm missing class tomorrow. It's not ideal, but it is what it is. I had to be here to testify," she nodded to herself.
"Yeah," he ran his hand over his face. "I wish you would have brought her, but I understand. You know, in the future, I'm just offering my help. Sharon, I hope you know I'd never do anything to harm her, and it would be my greatest joy to spend time with her. I have so many vacation days I'm just dying to use for Hannah." Sharon just looked around, listening to him, but trying to avoid conversation on the topic of Hannah. Andy asked again, "Drink? You said you were going home tomorrow, so unless you have somewhere to be, please?"
"I do need to shake off this case. I can't believe how badly it went today," she explained.
"Well, I'm all ears," Andy gestured for her to walk in front of him. "I have my car here. Do you have a rental?"
"No," she said, not exactly giving him an answer to the getting drinks question, but her movement to walk in front of him seemed to be answer enough. "I took a taxi over here this morning. I really didn't think I needed a car with my hotel having an airport shuttle."
He walked next to her as they waited on the elevator, and he turned to her, "Would you like to change first? I'm fine in my suit, but if you would like to change, I can take you to your hotel."
She shook her head, "I think I just need to forget about this case. I'd really rather not go to any of the local LAPD watering holes around here. My hotel has a nice bar area. I ate dinner there late last night when I got in from my flight. Ironic, that I lived in LA so long, but I have no desire to go anywhere, and it doesn't feel like home."
"You're agreeing to getting a drink," he gave her a small smile. "I'll go anywhere, so the hotel bar is more than okay with me."
"I'm staying near the airport," she told him. "I'll point it out."
The two were quiet in the elevator, but it was also full of others heading to the parking garage. After their short walk, they reached the parking area, and Andy nodded for her to walk with him down the aisle. He glanced at her, "My car is just over there." They walked, and her shoes echoed in the garage as they did. Sharon cleared her throat, but otherwise, there was silence between them. Andy kept causally glancing at her, wanting to kick himself for not offering to hold her briefcase, but then he nodded.
"I unlocked it as we were walking. It's open," he pointed to the car.
Sharon looked to him, confusion on her face, and she gestured to the car, "Whose car is this? I thought you had that, umm, older car."
He shook his head and gave her a small smile, "It's mine. I bought a new car not too long ago. Get in, and I'm sure you can smell the new car scent," he winked. As he said that, he sprang into action to open her door, almost forgetting his manners. Sharon was surprised at that, but she just gave him a small nod as she sat down in the car. He walked around to the driver seat and noted she was looking around in the car.
"It's nice," she said after he started the car. She clarified it then, "It's quite an upgrade, but why the new car? I thought you were attached to your old car. I didn't notice it in Flagstaff. I suppose I never did see you with your car."
He shrugged slightly as he backed out and started out of the garage. He turned toward her, "There are things more important in life. Honestly, I've been thinking about it a long time. You probably won't believe this, but I felt badly that I had to pick you up at the hospital and take you home in my old car. It was a piece of junk, even if I had some emotional attachment to it. It wasn't exactly safe anymore, and I just realized that I needed something better if I was ever going to be around Hannah or you. I couldn't stand the idea of possibly spending any time with Hannah in that old car. It wasn't safe for her, and I know it didn't meet your standard, which is reasonable. It was junk. What, was I going to put a car seat in the back of that junk?" he chuckled quietly. "Now," he nodded, "knowing you picked up and moved, I'm glad to have it. I never thought you would move, but since you have, I'm glad to have something nice and new that I won't have to worry will break down on me, that is if you will maybe let me visit sometime."
Sharon just listened as he spoke. Finally, she looked over at him, "You buying this car and mentioning spending time with Hannah-are you trying to see her for weekends? You have no legal right to her, so going after visitation on weekends-" she paused. Andy jumped in quickly.
"No, I can't believe you would jump to that," he said, slightly irritated. "I'm not trying to take her from you. This has never been about me trying to take her from you. I'd just like to see her, to be part of her life. A girl can have a lot worse things in life. She has two parents who want to love her. New car plus me does not equal wanting to take Hannah. It's just a means of transportation, a way to get from L.A. to hopefully Flagstaff."
Sharon just nodded and turned to look out the window. The silence was back, and it was making things awkward. Finally, Andy spoke again, "What about me makes you so nervous?"
Sharon looked up, as she didn't realize she was looking at her suit. She turned her head toward Andy and found that while he was driving, his attention and eyes were focused on her, awaiting an answer.
"You don't make me nervous," she said with a slight annoyance in her voice.
Andy started to laugh and shook his head while he tapped the steering wheel with his finger, "Really? You know, I've been a detective a long time, a really long time. I have a pretty good eye fishing out details in people. You, Sharon, are nervous around me, and I'd like to know why. You're sitting there, fidgeting in your seat, playing with the hem of your suit jacket, and you keep shifting your legs to turn toward me and then instantly back toward the window. You are nervous, and I'd really like to know what makes you so nervous around me?"
Sharon finally let out a long sigh and cleared her throat. He watched her cross her arms, and she spoke, but she didn't look at him, "I don't know if I can trust you. That makes me nervous."
"Trust me, really?" Andy asked, clearly surprised at her answer. "Sharon, I hope you can trust me. What have I done to suggest I couldn't be trusted? All I have wanted is to be there for you and Hannah, to show you that I'm your biggest supporter. I have backed off these last two months, letting you just run the show from Arizona. I want to trust you, to trust that you're going to allow me to see our daughter. More than anything, I don't want you to ever think you can't trust me. What you see is what you get. I'm a recovering alcoholic who works long hours. I care deeply for my family, even if every single relationship there is a mess," he said as he eyed her. "I'm loyal and honest. I tell it like it is. I want to be around you and Hannah. Period. I can't make you trust me, but I certainly don't know what I've done to raise doubt."
Sharon sighed and shook her head, "I can't explain it. You asked, and I think that's the reason. There's nothing you have done. I have trust issues, but that's what it is."
"You aren't like this around others," he gestured to her. "It seems to be just around me. I think there's more there."
"And, I think you need to maybe just drop me off and go our own ways," she said as she looked over at him.
He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry. I really do want to sit and talk. I'd really enjoy that. We've both had a crappy day. Let's just start over, okay? You were good at the offer of a free drink, so, please, allow me," he looked to her with a hopeful glance.
"One drink," she nodded. "I have plans later with Gavin for dinner, and I would like to change for that."
"One drink," he nodded as he repeated it and added, "I mean, one drink for you. I'll just get a cranberry juice," he flashed a grin and a wink.
It was almost another half hour later before the two were inside the hotel and seated in the bar area. The hotel was large, full of travelers there on business and pleasure. This particular hotel seemed to cater to the business traveler with a full bar, restaurant, and several different conference rooms. It was grand. Andy looked around as they were seated, as he'd never been to this hotel. He took that as a good sign, that he'd never had a murder call out here. They were handed drink menus, which Sharon started to look over, but Andy put down and looked at Sharon.
"You're staring," she said after a few moments. Andy, startled, and surprised that he was staring, shook his head and apologized.
"Sorry," he lightly chuckled.
"Do I have something on my face?" she asked.
"No," he offered with a small smile. "Couldn't help but stare. We're almost matching today," he nodded to their clothing choices. "Some might think we work for the FBI or something, but we are both dressed too nicely to work for them," he winked. "That gray," he nodded to her, "it's a good color. Not many can wear gray well."
"You should tell Gavin," she said as she continued to look at her menu. "He insisted I buy this blouse, or rather, he insisted that he purchase this blouse for me and then, spent a fortune on this suit for me. I am still in denial I need it, rather, that I need new suits at all. My pregnancy did a number on me, and I am not sure anything will ever fit correctly again."
"You look great, Sharon," he told her. "I mean it."
She looked to him over the top of her menu, her eyes narrowing, "I am up 28 pounds. I won't tell most men that, but considering you are also responsible for the cause, I figured I could share that detail. Nothing I do seems to get that weight to budge. I absolutely hate how I look right now."
Andy sighed, realizing he'd opened another can of worms. When he looked up, she was still eyeing him, and he raised a hand in surrender. "I'm sorry," he commented. "I wish I could change that for you. I know it bothers you, but I mean it when I say you look great. You really do, and while it's not where you want to be, you did an amazing thing. You brought Hannah into this world. I am very grateful for that because I think she's amazing."
"Hi, may I interest you in something from the bar?" they were interrupted by the waitress. Andy and Sharon looked to her, and Andy gestured to Sharon.
"Whatever the lady would like," he nodded.
Sharon, slightly flustered, smiled at the waitress, "I'll have your best cabernet, please," Sharon said as she handed the drink menu back to her.
"Sir," the waitress looked to Andy.
"I'll take a cranberry juice, please," he said and also handed the menu over to her. "Thank you."
The waitress disappeared to fill their requests, and Andy sat forward and crossed his hands on the table. He looked at Sharon, who was sitting back against her seat.
"You look tired," he told her. "How have you been doing?"
She raised an eyebrow to him, "I thought you wanted to talk about Hannah?"
He shrugged, "I do, but I also want to talk about you. I'm interested in how you are doing too, Sharon. This isn't just about Hannah. Are you sleeping at night? Is she keeping you up?"
"She's sleeping well," Sharon pursed her lips and then admitted, "but, I'm awake a lot. I am tired."
"Tell me about this new job," he nodded to her. "Are you enjoying it?"
She nodded, "I am. It's challenging me in different ways. I like it a lot. I like being around the students. That makes me feel younger, and they are very interested in what I have to say. They have a lot of questions about different cases and all. I think they believe I was some big homicide detective, but I sadly, have to explain, I just policed the police."
"That's important," he pointed out to her. "Yeah, it's not popular, but even I know it's important. I'm glad to hear it's going well. So, what happened today? You and Marshall were pretty irritated from what I could see."
Sharon rolled her eyes. Andy was glad to see he'd gotten her to focus on something, where she would at least talk to him. Taking her attention off her personal issues with him seemed to help, and he would continue to hopefully get her to relax and enjoy the evening.
"It was one of those days in court you felt like things should go one way, and everything fell apart. It's also a day like this that I'm very glad to be out of here, out of the L.A. mess and somewhere else. I hate frustrating days like this," she said in almost a rant. She stopped when their waitress returned with their drinks. They were both quiet until she finished putting down their drinks, and Andy nodded to her.
"Thanks," he said with a small smile. She smiled back at him and left.
"I had a pretty average day in court," Andy told her, not that she'd asked. "Typical day for homicide, explaining the horrible details. I never get used to it, even if I do it all the time. I almost hate I've become insensitive to homicides. Nothing went badly but going over details like that just isn't a great day."
"Hmm," Sharon just nodded. "I just need to drink this and forget about the day."
"Sure," Andy simply nodded. "So, tell me about Hannah then."
"I mean, that idiot ADA ruined the case! It was a slam dunk, and he ruined it. I told him. I warned him. We disagreed with his line of questions and angle on this, but no," she gestured in the air, holding her glass of wine as she rolled her eyes. "What would I know? I'm not a prosecutor; granted, I'm old enough to be HIS mother. I wouldn't know anything because I don't have a law degree. I'm just a woman, a retired officer now, who might know something about cases like this. I'm sorry," she met his blank stare and shook her head.
"No," Andy shook his. "I don't mind. Clearly, it's bothering you; you are frustrated. You can talk to me. It's really okay. I'll listen. That's partly why I suggested this, just to help you out. I could see you were upset back in court."
"What's done is done," she sighed. "My part is over, and I need to let it go. At least I did what I could. Marshall needs to realize he screwed up this one. Look, you don't need to sit here and listen to me go on about my day. Thank you for the ride back here."
"I'm happy to sit here. I enjoy it, Sharon. I want to talk to you. Do you realize this is really the first time we've sat anywhere and been relatively civil to one another? This is what I've wanted. I enjoy your company. Even last month at the airport, all you wanted to do was to run away from me. You're the mother of my daughter, and I want us to get along. We owe it to Hannah. I mean, as I said before, you were fun, flirty," he leaned in further, "even sexy when we were traveling. I enjoyed getting to know you, and I'd like to know more."
Sharon, with that comment, sat back, almost as if something was wrong with Andy, as if she was now repulsed by something he'd said. She took another sip of her wine and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but would you excuse me? I need to use the restroom."
"Of course," he nodded. "Take your time, relax," he encouraged. "You're tense. I can see it. You showed no mercy to that glass of wine," he chuckled, and Sharon looked to him, almost horrified she'd already finished it. She didn't realize she'd finished it that quickly.
"I'll be back," she said as she stood. Andy stood too, and she waved him off as he did so. She grabbed her purse and walked out of the bar area toward the restrooms.
Sharon slowed her pace after she rounded the corner out of eyeshot of Andy. What was wrong with her? She felt like something was off. She was hot and clammy. She felt lightheaded, but that, she waved off as a result of the "shot" of wine she'd had. She hadn't eaten yet, either, and that wasn't helping. She pushed open the door to the bathroom and was glad to find no one else inside. She immediately walked to the counter and braced her hands on it. What was going on with her? She looked at her reflection in the mirror and started talking to herself.
"So what if he seems genuine? I can't trust him. I thought I could trust Jack. Look where that got me. So what if he isn't drinking? He, himself, said that could change any minute. There's no guarantee. I can't risk exposing Hannah to someone with this type of uncertainty. What would happen if he slips? I don't need my daughter dealing with that disappointment. So what if he briefly reminded me of Dad with the cranberry juice? A lot of men drink that, and it's just a coincidence he drinks the same thing as the one man I can trust. The fact I'm comparing men based on drinks is pathetic enough. So what if he bought a new car concerned about Hannah's safety. Smooth," she nodded. "He tried to add me to the conversation, as if he's really concerned about me. So what if he asked about me, about my job, about how I'm doing? So what if he's told me I look great. I hate how I look, and this is his typical line with women. Besides that, he's trying to get to Hannah, through me. He has one goal, Hannah. I can't let my guard down right now. I can't guarantee he's going to be there for her. So what if I was briefly attracted to him on the road? What was the alternative? Provenza? He was there; he was safe for a good time, and I called that for what it was-he wanted a good time as much as I did."
Sharon's struggle with herself at the mirror was interrupted by her phone. She snapped out of her state and pulled her phone out of her purse. She let out a long sigh as she saw it was Gavin and answered it, hoping he was not already waiting for her in the lobby because she knew she was a mess.
"Gavin," she said, clearly flustered.
"Sharon, are you okay? You sound flustered, really flustered."
"I'm fine," she sighed. "Long day in court. All the problems I predicted," she nodded to herself, "worse. It was a mess."
"I told you Marshall was incompetent," he replied.
"Oh, I know," she chuckled. "It was painful to see today. Anyway, how is your case? Still on for dinner?"
"I hate to do this because you are my best friend, and I want to take you to dinner, but I also had my case go sideways today. My team is working all evening. I'm hoping I can get a raincheck? I feel awful, and after hearing about your day, I feel even worse. You're here, alone, and I can't even spend time with you," he said in a saddened tone.
"Gavin, it's fine, really," Sharon wave her hand. "I'm okay, I am fine. I'm in a meeting here at my hotel bar, something that is about to end, and I'm just going to relax for the evening. It sounds like we both had awful days, and I'm not sure I'm good company."
"Hmmm, well, that sounds boring, a meeting at the bar, but I will admit the bar part sounds good, Sharon. Let me remind you that I've had many bar meetings that have turned into bar scouting trips and more," he chuckled. "Scout around after you finish with your boring meeting. I keep telling you that you need to get back out there, that Mom needs a play date as much as Hannah," he chuckled. "You have no excuse tonight, Sharon. Hannah is tucked away with your parents, you have a new wardrobe, and you are in town for just another night. Live it up. That's a classy hotel, full of classy men. Find one who had just as bad of a day as you and turn those days around, please! You will feel like a new woman if you just get out there."
"Gavin," she put her hand to her head and shook it. "I do not need to talk about this. I've told you I have plenty going on in my life right now. I need to go," she told him.
"Take my advice, and I'll talk to you in the morning, maybe. I wish we could get breakfast, but I think my case is going to take all my time. I'll talk to you when you are back home, and we can figure out a time to get together. Have a good night, Sharon, no a FANTASTIC night," he chuckled. "Bye."
Gavin hung up the phone, and Sharon wanted to throw it down in frustration. She didn't, knowing that she'd likely break it, which would frustrate her even more. Instead, she schooled herself and looked in the mirror again. Gavin needed to get out of her head. He had been stuck in it lately with all of his "words of advice." She was a single, middle-aged mother to an infant. She looked awful, and the last thing she wanted to do was show off her added baby weight to a man. That reminded her she had another problem in the bar area. Andy was still there, wanting to talk to her about his intentions with Hannah. She needed to send him on his way and end the evening. She'd had enough of Los Angeles and wanted to spend her last few hours in the city alone.
As she walked back to the table, she saw Andy talking to the waitress. The waitress walked away as Sharon approached, and she gave Andy a small nod as she sat again, noting he stood for her as she sat.
"I do need to get going," she told Andy.
"Right, you mentioned meeting Gavin. Look, I appreciate you getting a drink with me," he smiled softly at her.
Sharon looked to the table and only now noticed she had a new glass of wine. She looked to Andy and gestured, "Did I order another glass? I didn't think I did."
"No," he frowned. "I did. I saw how quickly you had your last glass and thought you might enjoy a second. It's fine if you don't want it. I didn't know when you were meeting Gavin. I was just trying to do something to help."
"I did, ahh, throw back that last glass," she sighed. "I'm sorry about that. It's been a day. That wine isn't cheap, Andy. Let me pay for it," she started to dig out her wallet.
"Absolutely not," he reached across, not touching her, but gesturing for her to put away her purse. "My treat, and that's it. Drink it, or don't drink it; it's fine."
She reached and took a sip of the glass, nodding as she put it back on the table. "Thank you. It does hit the spot."
"Do you need a ride to meet Gavin?" he asked. I'll be glad to drop you wherever you need to go."
She frowned, "Gavin called while I was in the restroom. His case is falling apart too," she rolled her eyes. "That seems to be the theme of the day. I'll be fine," she waved at him. "I'll just get some rest before I travel home tomorrow."
Sharon watched Andy as she spoke. He was focused on her, but he wasn't staring at her. She felt herself start to relax, and then, almost in a split second, she reminded herself that this was Andy sitting across from her, the same man she'd found charming over a year ago now. She looked to him, their eyes meeting, and she gestured toward the exit.
"I do need to go. I think I am going to just try and forget the day," she said. She started to stand, and as she did, she caught her foot and stumbled. Andy stood quickly, jumping into action, and he caught her as she tried to steady herself.
"Are you okay? Is it the wine?" he asked.
"No," she waved him off. "I'm fine," she sighed. "I caught my foot. I had a glass and a few sips of this," she said. Sharon looked to him, and he released his arm from hers, where he'd been trying to steady her. She looked to the table and saw her glass of wine sitting there. She picked it up and threw it back, like she was taking a shot of liquor. Andy's eyes widened in surprise, and when she put the glass down, she still had just a little left, but she'd taken quite a sip of it.
"Thank you for the drink," she said. "I'm going to get going."
"Look, if you want to eat, we can order. I know you haven't eaten, but if you are intent on leaving, let me walk you out," he nodded to her as he threw down several bills to cover the tab. He walked just behind Sharon as they walked out of the bar area, Andy intent on saying goodbye to her before they parted ways. He also wanted to ask about Hannah, hoping he could see her soon.
Sharon's phone rang again as they were coming down the few steps from the bar area into the lobby. Andy, who was now beside her, made sure she didn't fall those few steps, and she pulled out her phone as they reached the ground level. "Oh, it's that idiot, Marshall," she groaned. Andy nodded and took a step back to allow her some privacy, but he also wanted to keep her near, so he could discuss Hannah before Sharon went to her room.
"Look, I told you that I'm not sure what else can be done!" he heard Sharon exclaim as she walked. She was still slowly walking toward the elevator, and Andy, a few steps behind her, put his hands in his pocket to let her finish her conversation. She briefly turned and looked back at him, nodding to him behind her, almost telling Andy she would be off the phone in a minute. He returned the nod and continued to follow behind while she spoke. "I warned you yesterday this plan of yours would backfire. Now that it is, you have to take that fall yourself. I did what I could on the stand. You backed me into a corner, one that I warned you about. Yes, I'm aware you will lose the case. That's not on me. Yes," she said and repeated again. "Look, I'm flying home in the morning. I wish you the best, but sometimes, you have to deal with the fallout and move on. Goodnight," she finally said as she hung up with him, and now both were standing near the elevator. The elevator opened before Andy could say anything, and he nudged at her arm.
"Look, I wanted to just ask you about seeing Hannah. Could I walk you to your door? I know you've had a couple drinks; I want to make sure you are okay, and we could talk on the walk, so we aren't hashing it out here in the lobby."
She frowned slightly, but with the elevator open, she didn't have time to think about it. "I'm not drunk, but fine."
"I didn't say you were!" he exclaimed. "I'm fully aware you are aware and alert. I just listened to you chew out one of the assistant district attorneys for the city. Not many can do that. You did that, so I have no question you are just fine." Sharon walked onto the elevator, and Andy followed. There were two other men inside the elevator, and the group all nodded to one another. As the elevator started to climb, Andy turned toward her, finding Sharon staring straight ahead at the doors.
"I wanted to talk to you about seeing Hannah," he pleaded. "I mean, I wanted to talk to you about a lot of things this evening, about you-how you are doing and all, but we haven't discussed Hannah much. I really want to see my daughter, to get to know her," he pleaded. Andy noticed both men raise their eyebrows, clearly aware they were now in the middle of a domestic situation. Sharon tapped her foot and crossed her arms. The elevator doors opened onto her floor, and when she stepped out, Andy followed. She turned to him and shook her head.
"I keep expecting to have an answer, to know what to say," she sighed. "I just have so much going on in my head."
"Okay," he said softly. "I'm not asking to take her away, Sharon." She dropped her arms to her side and gestured down the hall. She started to walk that way.
"My room is right here," she said as they came to a stop in front of the door. "Andy, allowing you into her life could cause so much heartache."
"It could also be pretty amazing," he gave her a genuine smile. "I don't want to mess up any of this. I love her, and I have my head on straight. I just wish you would give me a chance. I've done nothing but try and be supportive of you both."
Sharon looked up at Andy and sighed, "Ricky's comment about Hannah wanting to know her dad in the future-it keeps floating around in my head. I just don't know what I want to do about that. I just, I just," she shook her head and looked to the floor, trying to vocalize what she wanted.
She looked back up at Andy, who was standing there, a confused expression on his face, "I just wanted to live a little, to have some fun," she shrugged. Andy's gaze narrowed as if he was trying to understand her and what she was saying now. "Gavin keeps telling me I need to get back to that, to get it out of my system."
"I'm not following," Andy waved his hand around as he tried to figure out her comments. She nodded and pulled her key out to open her door.
"I think I just need the night," she said. "I just need tonight, to clear my head, to remember life isn't meant to be so stressful all the time."
She looked at Andy and started into her room. "Sharon," he called to her as she turned to close the door.
"Andy," she said right back at him, as if they were repeating each other. "Andy," she said again and met his gaze, "I'm going to go in my room here and relax. I plan to order the greasiest cheeseburger they can make and a large order of onion rings to go with it. I'd like one night, one night to live again. So," she met his gaze, and while her foot was holding the door, slid off her suit jacket and reached behind herself, where she slowly started to unzip her skirt, "one night. You decide, but the door is closing, in more ways than one. You decide."
Andy stood there, dumbfounded, unable to speak as he watched Sharon turn to walk further into her room and away from her door. He thought about what she'd just said, about her dinner choice for the evening, and he remembered the last time she'd basically placed an order like that with him. Her intentions were clear, visibly clear as he looked at her walking across her room, her dress now fully unzipped as she was starting to slip out of it. He shook his head, not sure if there was a good way to answer her, and he closed the door.