He could hear Sharon down the hall closing the door after putting Hannah to bed. They'd had a good day, a really good day. He was content with the day, certain that, considering all things, it couldn't have gone better. He hated they were leaving in the morning and wanted to press Sharon a little about seeing them again. That topic had been avoided all day, but it was hanging there. He just didn't want to discuss it now, to make Sharon feel like he was pressing her when everything had gone so well. He somewhat wanted to do that, but he also was walking a thin line, aware she was coming to grips with a lot right now. He knew bringing it up tonight might ruin their day, and he didn't want that. He could wait. He would wait. He'd put things out there for Sharon, and the two had cleared the air so to speak, even though she hadn't told him anything in reply to his profession.
"She is already asleep," Sharon said, and Andy glanced up, aware he'd gotten lost in his thoughts. She stood there, glancing down at him, her hands clasped together in front of her. Andy glanced up and gave her a small smile.
"Well, then, I'd say it's time for you to sit too," he leaned toward her and put his hand on hers to tug her toward the couch to sit. "It's been a full day."
She glanced down at his hand on hers, but he tugged again, and instead of saying anything, she walked over to the couch and sat at the other end of it. She turned to face him, as he sat in a similar stance facing her. It was awkward, yet comfortable at the same time, if that was possible. She shifted the pillows behind her and closed her eyes as she took a deep breath.
"I hope you enjoyed the day," he said quietly, starting the conversation.
"I did," she opened her eyes and looked at him, shifting again to fold her legs to her side. "It was nice to walk on the beach. Fritz, though," she groaned.
"Yeah," Andy frowned. They'd seen Fritz, and both hoped it wouldn't be an issue. Andy didn't think it would; Sharon was not convinced, but Andy kept reminding her that she didn't even live in Los Angeles anymore, not that he thought Fritz would say anything, but he didn't see the problem for Sharon, at least, even if it got back to others. Andy shook his head at the memory.
They'd been walking on the beach and had enjoyed a nice afternoon. The two had let Hannah take her normal morning nap, and when she was up from that, they all ate a quick lunch before heading out. They knew she would sleep a little later in the day and hoped to get their walk in on the beach before she got too tired. Andy let Sharon pick the beach. She'd decided on Will Rogers State Beach, thinking that they might not see people like they would on some of the other popular beaches. Plus, it was quiet, more than other beaches in the area, but still a favorite spot. It also required a bit of a drive up the coast, and that had also been enjoyable. It had been a good choice, and they'd had a great walk. Hannah had enjoyed their time, and they had even stopped and sat for awhile to let her crawl a little in the sand. Of course, she'd gotten herself covered in sand, and by the time they were back at the car, she needed a new outfit. As they started back toward his house, Hannah fell asleep in her car seat, and Andy nodded back to her.
"I think she's asleep already; I swear I can hear her snoring. She had a lot of fun out there in the sand," he gave her a small smile.
"She did," Sharon said, shifting to check on her back there in her seat. She leaned around the car seat and then situated herself again in her seat, "She's asleep. She ate way too much sand."
"Yeah," Andy ran his hand over the back of his neck and continued, "you'd think she would have figured that out after the first taste, that sand isn't good to eat. She was a little slow on that."
"Something I will have to note in her baby book-enjoyed sand too much," she teased.
"Since she's sleeping, want me to just take a scenic drive home, down the coast some? Traffic is bad anywhere you go this time of day," he mentioned.
"That's fine," she nodded. "I don't miss L.A., but I do miss the ocean. I enjoy looking at it. This," she nodded, "this was a good idea."
"What?" Andy acted shocked. "You're admitting I had a good idea? I need to record this."
She just rolled her eyes slightly and turned back to the window. The two continued the drive in silence, and on occasion, they could hear Hannah snoring slightly. Andy broke the silence a few minutes later.
"How about a cup of coffee or tea? I could use one," he asked. Sharon turned back to him and found him looking at her.
"That does sound good," she nodded.
"Provenza and I have a favorite place, not far from here. We stop anytime we have to come up this way, which isn't too often, but we found it years ago. They just have good coffee. Sound okay?" he asked.
"Sure," she nodded.
"I'll get the coffee for us, so we don't have to wake her," he nodded to Hannah. Sharon also nodded in agreement.
Almost a half hour later with all the traffic, they pulled into the coffee shop. It was in an older shopping center, but a well kept one. Sharon looked over at Andy as he parked. "I think I'll take a cup of coffee today."
"Coffee?" he raised his eyebrow and nodded. "Going for the strong stuff, I see," he chuckled. "One coffee coming up. I'll be back. Anything else?"
"No," she gave him a small smile. Andy got out of the car and walked inside to wait. There was a line, four people in front of him, but it was fine. Hannah was sleeping. She'd had time to sleep now, and when she got up again, he planned to grab some dinner with the two of them. He turned when the door opened again a few minutes later, the line taking a very long time. He'd thought about leaving, but he really wanted a cup of coffee. His expression changed and turned to a smile at the sight of Sharon walking in the door, Hannah awake in her arms.
"Sorry, but she woke up, and she could use a diaper change. I thought I'd change her in here and wash up myself," she explained.
Andy nodded, "I can help if you want. I mean, if you want me to change her or whatever, I can. I'll hold her while you freshen up too."
"It will be fine," she nodded. "I'll be right back." Andy watched her walk to the bathroom in the back. He continued to wait in line and was next in line when his eye caught the door opening again.
His eyes widened at the sight of Fritz walking inside. Both men recognized each other, and Andy threw him a small wave.
"Fritz," Andy said with a quick glance back at the bathroom area. He looked back to Fritz. "You working?" Fritz was in a suit, not normal Saturday attire.
"Andy, I didn't expect to see you here of all places. Yes, working. I have a team in the area. I'm in search of much needed cup of coffee. I love this place," he explained.
"Yeah, same," Andy said. "Ahh, look, please, if you are working, I insist you order before me." Andy glanced again to the back, but Sharon wasn't in view.
"Oh, no," Fritz waved. "Honestly, it's good to just do something normal right now. I've been working for hours. I'm the last one on my team to take a break, and I'm going to take my time. What brings you out here?"
"Oh, just getting out, walked on the beach," he said. It was his turn, and he gestured again to Fritz, who declined to go first. Andy stepped up quickly and ordered, "Two black coffees, please." While he had a moment alone, he tried to think about how he was going to explain this. It was inevitable; Sharon would walk out with Fritz there talking to Andy. He paid for the drinks, and then, he stepped to the side.
"If you are working, I'm sure Chief is at the office today, even on her day off," Andy said to him, a slight smile on his face.
Fritz flashed a grin, "Normally, you would be correct. Brenda's parents flew in for the weekend, Mother's Day, and she is with them. I love Brenda's parents, but there are times I can only take so much. I'm okay working this weekend," he chuckled. "Brenda has tried calling me at least three times to see if I'll be home to 'rescue' her as she calls it."
Andy laughed, and Fritz stepped up to order while Andy waited. When his drinks were ready, he turned to get them, Fritz eyeing Andy at the sight of two coffee cups. At that moment, Sharon walked up, not paying attention to Fritz standing there next to Andy.
"She's still covered in sand," Sharon said, brushing at Hannah as she walked. She continued to shift Hannah, and Andy just groaned, aware that the few seconds he was distracted with the coffee, Sharon had come out of the bathroom.
"Captain, Sharon," Fritz corrected himself at the sight of Sharon. His eyes widened, and Sharon looked up from dealing with the sand on Hannah for her first glimpse at Fritz. Sharon was in shorts, a loose top, and sandals. It was clear she'd been outside, and Andy knew Fritz would hang onto the comments about the beach.
"Agent Howard," her eyes widened, and she looked to Andy. "Ahhh, I didn't, I mean, I, ahh, what a surprise," she said finally.
"We were just catching up," Andy tried to explain the situation. "She's in town for the weekend."
Fritz looked between them, trying to figure out what to say, "Oh, right, you moved away. Yeah, I heard all about that. Arizona," he looked to her.
"Yes," she said, shifting Hannah. "I'm teaching-university level-in Arizona. It's been a very nice change. It seems like a lifetime ago now I was with the LAPD."
"True, until you have to come back here to testify," Andy jumped in, trying to catch her gaze. "She is in town for court."
"Right," Sharon nodded. "I'm flying home tomorrow."
Fritz gave an odd look at them, "I guess I didn't realize you two were friends."
Andy let out a nervous chuckle, "Yeah, well, neither did we," he shook his head. "You know, we became friends the last couple years, started really during that RV case."
"Oh, right," Fritz nodded. "Yes, I guess you two were stuck together on that trip. I've tried to forget that trip. It's one thing to spend time with the in-laws, and it's another to travel with them by RV."
"Oh, that's right!" Sharon said, her eyes sparkling now. "You got married recently. Congratulations."
"Thank you," he nodded. "February, and I have to admit, there were times I wasn't sure it was ever going to happen. Brenda means well, but planning, wedding planning in particular, is not her favorite thing to do."
"Well, I'm happy for the two of you," Sharon said shifting Hannah.
"Captain," he said, and when he saw Sharon about to correct him, he raised a hand in defense. "Sorry, Sharon," he said and smiled, "I believe I owe you a congratulations. I couldn't help but notice you have a darling little girl there."
"Thank you," Sharon smiled brightly, and she caught Andy trying to smile at her, but she focused on Fritz. "This is Hannah."
"She's beautiful," Fritz smiled. "I do love kids, and she's one of the cutest I've ever seen. I have to say, I was surprised to hear you'd retired and moved with your baby, but I get it. Raising a kid in a busy work atmosphere is hard."
"It is," Sharon nodded. "I've already done that with my older two. I'm in a different place in life, and it was for the best." She again could feel Andy looking at her, but she couldn't look at him.
"So," Fritz gestured, "how old is Hannah? She's not quite one, is she?"
"Ahh, no," Sharon smiled and grinned at Hannah who smiled too. "She's eight and a half months old, born last August. She's great, tiring me on a daily basis, but great."
"August," Fritz nodded, digesting the information. "Nice you could bring her here with you for court," he said, but he didn't ask the specifics. "Well, she's coming up then on her first birthday. So, you're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes," she said quickly. "Andy and I were going to just have a cup of coffee." While that was true, Andy noted she was very careful in her explanation. When Fritz looked at him, he just gave a small shrug.
"I'll let you two catch up," Fritz said, looking between them. "Funny how that awful trip brought about this friendship. I didn't know."
"Yeah," Andy said, jumping in. "As you know, Sharon isn't the department favorite. Even Chief has plenty to say," he chuckled.
"I've heard, believe me," Fritz smiled at them. "I need to get back to work, so I'll leave you two to catch up with each other. And you Hannah," Fritz smiled at the baby and shook her foot with his hand, "you have some great hair there. August birthday," he nodded and looked at the two. "You two, nice to run into you both in such an out of the way place," he winked and turned to leave. That left Andy standing there with the coffees in hand and Sharon, there holding Hannah, her purse and diaper bag on her shoulder.
"Did that just happen?" Sharon turned to Andy after they watched Fritz walk outside. She had a horrified expression.
"Never in my wildest dreams," Andy said and shook his head.
"Of course, he would see us. He's a smart man," Sharon sighed.
"He's also discreet. Be glad-of all the people we could see, we saw the one guy who won't open his mouth to anyone," he gave Sharon a half smile.
Sharon tilted her head, "I'm not sure about that."
"I am," he gestured for her to sit. "For one thing, Fritz doesn't want to deal with Chief talking about how much she dislikes you. If he tells her he saw us and figured out our situation, he'd never have a quiet moment at home. Let's just forget about it," he encouraged and smiled at her, trying to catch her eye.
"I hope you know Fritz would never say a word," Andy said now again as they sat on the couch. He and Sharon had discussed it over their coffee for quite some time while at the coffee shop. "Besides, you aren't even here, like you moved away from this mess."
"I just spent most of my life with people gossiping about me, about Jack, about things behind my back. I don't need more of it," she sighed.
"Well, I look like the scum, am the scum," he said. "You look like the golden child. I am the guy who signed away my daughter. You took on being a single mom again, picked up and moved-for the good of your kid-and now, have to deal with an idiot like me still here. You're the saint."
The two heard a loud crash, and Andy jumped up before Sharon could move. She had started to address his comment, but he was already on the move. He shook his head at her, "I'll check on it. Sounds like something fell in the bedroom. You just stay, relax," he told her. He walked back to the bedroom and opened the door. He was glad to see Hannah had slept through whatever the noise was, and with just the light from the hall, he glanced around the room. He saw the basket of clean clothing he'd washed for Hannah had fallen off the dresser and onto Sharon's suitcase, causing it to fall too. He fixed the mess, and then, he walked back into the living room.
"My mistake," he raised his hand. "The basket fell off the dresser. It's okay, and Hannah slept through it." Andy walked back to the couch, but this time, he sat down in the middle of it, closer to Sharon. He reached for her feet and put them in his lap. "I think you deserve a foot massage."
"It's not necessary," she started to shift, but he stilled her feet and looked at her. "I know it's not necessary, but I'd like to do that. You deserve it. I made you do all that walking today," he flashed a grin. "Consider it part of your Mother's Day from Hannah. She just can't rub your feet yet."
Sharon eyed him, but ultimately, her feet stayed there. Andy rested his head back on the back of the couch and started to rub her feet. The two were quiet while he worked on her feet. After several minutes, he stopped and rolled his head toward hers. He gave her a single nod, "I hope that helped."
"Helped?" she raised her eye at him. "I can't remember the last time I had my feet rubbed." She just looked at him, their eyes meeting. No words were said, but their eyes were doing the talking. Slowly, Sharon sat forward and kissed Andy. He didn't resist; he didn't move. Instead, Sharon shifted her feet to move closer to him. She put her hand on his face, as he wrapped one of his hands behind her back. She moved again, now sitting on him to face him. The two continued with their heated kissing. Andy ran his hands up her back, and Sharon started to kiss the side of his neck. They seemed to alternate between intense passion and tender leisure.
At one point, Andy uttered, "Sharon," and then sighed.
"Please, I need this," she said quietly to him. "We both do."
"Things are so complicated," he grumbled between kisses.
She paused to look at him, and Andy rested his hands on her hips. She shook her head at him, "This, tonight doesn't have to be complicated. This, we know how to do. We enjoy this. We've done this before, and I think we are both kidding ourselves if we try to say we won't do this again. Andy," she said, her voice low as she ran her hand up his chest. "You've said all day you wanted me to have a good Mother's Day. This, tonight," she sighed, "would be very good for Mother's Day." Andy stared at her, his hands now moving up her back under her shirt. He paused his movement and let out a long sigh.
"I'm having trouble walking away, Sharon," he said, his words carrying more meaning than Sharon wanted to address tonight. She leaned in and kissed him again, as he wrapped his arms around her. She started to unbutton his shirt. He put his hand on hers, "No, not like this."
Sharon looked into his eyes, searching for an explanation. He leaned toward her and kissed her again, and she started to move her hands back to his shirt again. He shook his head, "If this is happening, it's not happening here." She paused again and sat back, looking into his eyes. He ran his hands up her side, "This, tonight," he nodded, "not out here. If this is happening, it's happening in my bedroom where I want you to stay all night. That's the deal," he said and quickly kissed her lips, hoping to convey while he was serious, he was speaking in a light, flirty tone. "It's not a little fun here on the couch, not tonight." Her eyes stayed on his, and then, while still staring at him, her hands moved back to his shirt. He'd worn a casual button up for the day and had his sleeves rolled up on it. "I'll accept your terms," she said in a low voice, "but the clothing stays out here then."
Andy paused and raised his eyes at her, many emotions going through his mind. He reached for her hand, "You have a deal, all night. Your plane leaves in just over 12 hours. Between now and then, I'm going to make sure this is the best Mother's Day you've ever had."
By 9:30 the next morning, Andy was alone again. He returned home from the airport, almost defeated-exhausted and defeated. His house smelled like Sharon. He could smell the lavender scent that seemed to always linger around her. He walked into his bedroom and stood there, looking at his unmade bed and then moved to sit down on the side of it. They'd had another amazing night, but it was just that again, a night. Yes, she'd been in town for the weekend-for work-but they'd had one night. He'd not planned that. Like he'd told Provenza, he'd planned to not sleep with Sharon. The stakes were too high, but she was just too much for him. He couldn't say no to her; ultimately, he didn't want to say no. He had said yes to their night, another wonderful night to remember. Neither had gotten much sleep. When he'd felt Sharon drift off to sleep in his arms, he'd just stayed there, glued to her side, and listened to her sleep. He thought about how he wanted more of this, but Sharon was still dancing around the main issues. He wanted her; that was not an issue, and she clearly wanted him. Physical chemistry was easy, but the emotional layer was still a mess. Andy had finally fallen asleep, and he'd missed Sharon getting up early in the morning. When he finally rolled over to reach for her, he found her spot cold; she'd been up for awhile. He glanced at the clock and saw it was 7:45, almost time to take her to the airport. He'd slept longer than he wanted, and he jumped out of bed, threw on some clothing, and he went into the living room to find her.
"You didn't wake me," Andy called to her as he walked across the room. Hannah was rolling around on the floor on her blanket, playing with a toy. Andy stopped and leaned down to run his hand over her hair, as he kept his eyes on Sharon. She was busying herself with her suitcase, zipping it up while keeping an eye on Hannah.
"I had things to pack," she shrugged. "I know you didn't get much sleep."
Andy stood up and with eyes still on her, walked to her. He put his hand on hers, which was on the suitcase, and he looked at her. He put his hand lightly on her shoulder, "Morning," he said and leaned in to kiss her. She kissed him back, quickly, and then, she stepped back.
"Hi, umm, I need to finish packing," she said and stepped away.
"Sharon," he sighed. "Let's talk about this. You can't deny we are great together, in more ways than one."
She paused her packing and looked to him, "I really need to focus on packing. Can we talk about this later, please?"
"Later? Sure," he said sarcastically. "Later means never or if we do talk, it's on the phone where I can't see you, can't touch you. I just want us to be together."
"Andy," she looked to the ceiling before she looked back at him, her lips pursed, "last night was great. I needed that. You did too. We help each other."
"Just great," Andy rested his hands on the back of his chair and nodded. "That will be great to tell her as she grows up, and I'm around the two of you. 'Hannah, I help your mom relieve her sexual tension. That's our deal.' Sharon, that isn't going to work."
Sharon looked to Hannah as Andy spoke of her. She was putting toys up to her mouth and looking between them. Sharon shook her head and looked back at Andy, "I will talk about this, just not now."
"When did you get up? When did you leave my bed?" he asked. "I'm good enough to give you what you want, but then you just up and leave?"
"I got up around 5:30, and I didn't want to wake you, well," she looked up and met his gaze. "I thought about waking you, but we pretty much exhausted ourselves last night. I got up, took a shower, and I started to get ready. We will need to leave soon."
"Right," Andy threw up his hands. "You're leaving again. I guess I'll get a call when you are ready for more?" Andy gave her an irritated look and waved his hand. "I'm getting dressed."
Now, he was here at home, alone, and he was hating himself for getting into an argument with her. He was insane; he knew it. Insanity was doing the same thing over and over, hoping for a different result. He was sleeping with Sharon over and over, hoping she'd never leave his bed. She'd left; she'd gone home to Arizona, her new home. He'd slept with her. He needed to figure out what to do now.
Andy flopped back on his bed and closed his eyes. He hated their drive to the airport. The two had been quiet. Hannah had dozed in her car seat, and as they'd pulled into the airport area, Andy had tried to fix the situation, "Look, I hate you leaving like this. I enjoyed you two coming so much. Last night, we just," he sighed. Sharon turned to him.
"Last night," she paused and frowned, not sure what she wanted to say.
"I hate putting you and Hannah on a plane like this. It's Mother's Day! I hate sending you two off again. We never discussed what last night means, when I can see you both again, anything. I feel like we keep dancing around well, LIFE!" he gestured wildly. Andy pulled to the curb to help them get their things. He looked to Sharon, and she looked back at him. Without saying a word, she leaned over, cupped his face, and she kissed him.
"Thank you for last night, for everything. This was a good trip. I just can't talk now," she said quietly and kissed him again before pulling back and gathering her things. Andy dropped his head briefly, but then, he looked up when she opened her door. He sprang into action, got out, and he opened his trunk to get the stroller out for Hannah. He got that ready and then pulled out the bags while Sharon got Hannah out of her car seat. Andy walked to the side to say goodbye to both of them.
He kissed Hannah and held her close, while Sharon got things situated. He put Hannah in her car seat and then, he put that onto the stroller before turning his attention to her. She looked amazing again, in black capri pants, a light blue loose blouse, and light makeup. Her eyes met his, "Last night," she shook her head and cleared her throat before she looked at him, "was what I wanted from this trip."
"That was all you wanted?" he raised his eyebrow at her, his tone short.
She shook her head, "No, I don't mean it like that. I," she paused and let out a long breath. "I needed that, needed you," she said, showing some vulnerability. "I am not explaining this well."
"Where does this leave things? You're trying to get away from me as fast as you can," he told her.
"I have a lot to process," she said to him. "Can I call you, please?"
Andy looked down at Hannah, seeing his sweet baby there. He looked at Sharon again, "I'll wait for your call."
She nodded slightly, and then she stepped toward him. Andy rested his hands on her hips again, and she put her arms on his shoulders. The two kissed, briefly this time, and then, she collected her things. Andy thought he saw her wipe her face as she tried to turn from him.
"Be careful, both of you," he said. "Please let me know when you arrive. I have a lot invested here," he nodded to them. "I care."
"I know you do," Sharon bit her lip. "I truly see that. I'll call you." He stood there, watching Sharon and Hannah until he couldn't see them inside the airport. He needed them; he needed them more than he realized.
Andy woke later, unaware he'd fallen asleep there on his bed. He rolled over slightly. He could still smell Sharon's lavender scent on his pillow. She was everywhere, her scent, that is. He hadn't slept much with their long night, and he rolled over to check the time. It was now after 1:00. He'd slept for several hours. He noticed he had a message waiting on his text messages and opened it.
"Andy, I'm sorry we parted as we did, but I'm not sure what would have fixed it. I'm sorry. Hannah and I landed. I know you want some answers. I don't have all the answers, but I can answer one thing. You asked about seeing Hannah again. You made such an effort for Mother's Day. If you want to visit for Father's Day, I won't stop you. I'll talk to you soon," he read.
Sharon was killing him. He wanted her, but that was also the problem. He'd had her here, in his bed, and she was gone again. He knew he'd go there for Father's Day. He was delighted with the invitation, but he also knew it carried a lot of weight with it. He needed some help; he needed some advice. Before replying to Sharon, he picked up his phone to make a call. Provenza was the voice of reason for him, which sounded crazy, but it was true. He'd confess to Provenza he'd caved the night before and ask for help in figuring out his next trip. Father's Day. He was a father without rights to his kid, but he was being invited to see her for Father's Day.
"Provenza," he said when Provenza picked up the phone. "Listen, I need to talk." Yes, he'd talk. He'd get advice, and later, he'd call Sharon. He had so much to say.