"You free to talk?" Andy texted Sharon and waited for a reply. His sister was taking a long shower after their long day, and he was watching a baseball game on tv in her living room. He checked his phone, waiting for a reply, but he didn't get one right away. He put the phone down and tried to focus on the game.
He quickly grabbed his phone when his text message went off a couple minutes later, "Are you watching this mess? Pitiful. Only thing worse is watching alone." Andy chuckled at the message and started to reply to Provenza.
"I'm watching. Looks like I should head to bed. Game is going like things with my dad did-crappy," he said.
"How's your old man?" Provenza asked.
"Old, stubborn, rude-the usual," Andy typed. He paused a moment, "Visit is a reminder why I don't come home more. Nothing I do is good enough. Whatever. I dropped everything to come and check on him, but that isn't enough. Glad to see my sister. Other developments I'll tell you about when I return. Overall, trip is interesting. If you are at my house watching the game, clean up, take out the trash from your pizza, and replace any food. Night."
Andy didn't hear anything more from Provenza and turned his attention back to the game. It was late, after 11:00, but he was stuck somewhere between West Coast and East Coast time. He was tired, but he knew he wasn't ready for sleep yet. Angela was tired too, but she'd been telling him for months she didn't sleep well anymore. He understood, in a way, not that he knew what it was like to have cancer, but he understood being exhausted and still not being able to sleep. The game was getting worse; he really should go up and go to bed. He'd slept well last night, next to Sharon. That had been amazing, a dream come true for him, sleeping in the same room as Sharon and their daughter. He had cherished that time, and he secretly loved that she couldn't get up and run out on things. She'd had to face him that morning, and she'd survived. That part of the day had been great. Dealing with his dad had been typical, difficult, and just unpleasant. He groaned when, on the screen, the Dodgers gave up a two-run homerun.
He almost jumped again when his phone alerted him to a text. He really didn't want to do a play by play with Provenza tonight. Most nights he didn't mind, but he was just tapped out tonight, done, exhausted. He smiled slightly when he saw it wasn't Provenza, but it was Sharon.
"Sorry, I can't talk. Emily is here in the hotel room with me tonight. She was off today/tonight, and we have had a wonderful day. I know she's going to go home eventually, but we've just enjoyed talking this evening. She's using the restroom, so I don't have a lot of time," she told him.
Andy just nodded, happy Sharon was getting to spend time with her girls. He typed, "Glad you had a good day. I'll touch base with you tomorrow. Wanted to check on your plans for tomorrow evening. My dad should be in rehab if you and Hannah are free."
He saw her start typing immediately, "Tomorrow night, Emily surprised me with a ticket to her ballet. I had planned to go at some point, but she not only surprised me with that, but her close friend has volunteered to watch Hannah tomorrow night at Emily's place, so I can go to the ballet. I'm sorry. Maybe we can make it work for Friday?"
Andy frowned and thought a moment, trying to figure out what would work best. He would have watched Hannah; Angela would have enjoyed it too, but that would have involved explaining much more to Emily. He knew Sharon didn't want to do that, and so, he let that go. He got an idea.
"Crazy idea-tell me if I'm overstepping. Could I go to the ballet? I'd really like to see your daughter dance. I'm not suggesting anything. I'd buy my own ticket, and I would sit alone. I would enjoy it, just knowing who she is and that you are there too. Maybe after, if you aren't busy with Emily, we could meet up? If it's too much, let me know," he typed.
He saw Sharon start to type, and then she stopped. He waited, and as he did, he looked at the screen. He groaned. Somehow, he'd missed the Dodgers giving up another run. He turned back to see a message pop up at that very second.
"I can't tell Emily about this now. I don't mind if you come. I feel badly asking you to sit alone, but I also can't stop you from coming. I'm not sure what she has planned after, but often, she's exhausted and wants to go home. I can talk to her and get an idea. Let me know what you decide. Tickets are not cheap, but some should still be available since it's a Thursday evening production," she told him.
"I'll be there," he replied quickly.
"Smiling with a score like that," he heard, and his head snapped up to see his sister walking into the room, a glass of water in her hand as she sat down in her favorite chair. "You're talking to someone," she pointed at him, "and I have a pretty good idea the person."
Andy rolled his eyes and turned back to his text again to finish, "Cost isn't an issue. I'm looking forward to it already. I'll buy my ticket and talk to you tomorrow."
Andy put his phone down and turned his attention back to his sister and found her eyeing him. He rolled his eyes and raised his hand in defense, "Sharon, okay? I was checking in with her, about Hannah, about tomorrow."
"Mmm, I'm sure that was all," she shook her head. "I tried not to like her today, but I do like her. I know she has put you through a lot this last year. She's strong. I can tell she's independent and used to taking care of herself all the time. You can also tell she's been burned badly."
"Yeah, that's almost an understatement," he sighed. "I'm just trying not to look like another typical guy-at least typical in how she sees them. She sees men in her life as being deadbeats, disappointments," he explained. "I'm trying to change that."
Angela turned to get comfortable as she spoke to Andy. She gave him a small smile, "Andy, it's so obvious you care about her, that you maybe even love her."
Andy looked at her, the silence speaking for him. He finally ran his hand over his face and let out a long sigh, "What should I say? I mean, yeah, I do. All the crap she's put me through, I should hate her, should want to do anything to get back at her-if that's even the right reaction. I should want to play tug of war with Hannah. I don't want any of that. I just want to protect her, but I could never tell her that; she'd go off on me about that. She's feisty and determined. I really like that. The qualities about her that make her so rigid and distant are attractive to me in some sick, twisted way. Yet, underneath, I see little glimpses of the real Sharon, the woman who was before she was burned by her ex. I see the woman who just wanted to have a good marriage, a good family, and a good career. So much got in her way. Her ex destroyed a lot of that, and yet, she's not only a fighter, but a survivor. I do care, Angela, more than I can probably express right now, more than Sharon can even take."
"Andy, I worry about you. I know I shouldn't. Hannah is just adorable. What are you going to do if this backfires?" she asked.
He closed his eyes briefly, "I can't think like that. I just can't. I don't believe it will backfire. I'm trying to handle this with care. Sharon and I are drawn to each other. I already know that; she's starting to figure it out. I know I've messed up before, but I want to get it right now. For years, any beautiful woman would get my attention-and more," he frowned and shook his head. "I suppose Dad is right to be ashamed of my behavior, ashamed of the guy I was for a long time. I'm working so hard to change. Crazy that a surprise like Hannah, something that has rocked my world and Sharon's too, is maybe what I need to ground myself, maybe the best thing to ever happen."
"Just try not to confuse lust with love," Angela offered. "That's where I fear you are, Sharon too. I saw how she looked at you, like she wanted to drag you up to her room. I'm worried she sees only lust, you too."
"I'm not; I mean, I am," he sighed, trying to explain. "I was, but I'm not. What I'm trying to say is that I was just lusting after her for a really long time. Something changed," he shook his head. "I can't explain it, but it's not lust now. I am so attracted to her-don't misunderstand that, but it's not lust anymore. It's more than that."
"Sharon?" she asked, eyeing him.
"She's much slower on this. It's not like we have specifically discussed this, but she's slower to the realization, but I think she's realizing it. I know we need to talk more. I just am a little worried about addressing it."
"Well, several things," she frowned. "I have been listening to you. First, Dad isn't right to be ashamed of you. He is your dad, our dad, and he should be proud of you for the successes you have had in your life. I know you are turning things around, have been for awhile. Dad isn't someone you can change, but do not let yourself be judged solely by him. I'm proud of you. Even with Hannah, you are desperately trying to right some wrongs and be a good father to her. That's admirable. You could have walked away; Sharon almost encouraged that, but I'm proud you are doing what you are doing. Second, I can see you love her. I understand lust has turned to love, which is actually rare. It's rare because often, it doesn't work out in the long run. I know you are trying, but what about Sharon? Third, if you are so worried about ruining a relationship by talking about just that, is there really a relationship there? I get that you two haven't had solid footing, but you need a good foundation if you are going to build a future. Talk about that. I believe it's better to rip off the band-aid now rather than maybe being strung along to be completely destroyed later."
"I'm hearing you," Andy gave her a small smile.
"I just want you to be happy, Andy," she smiled at him. "Meeting Sharon helped a lot. I could see your facial expressions with her. You do love her. While I don't know her that well, I could see the sparkle in her eye around you and Hannah. She might argue it's all Hannah, but I believe she's coming around as you were saying. Don't give up, but at the same time, don't just let this go on and on without any clarity indefinitely. It's not good for any of your relationships-Sharon, Hannah, and even your families."
Andy's phone alerted him to another text. He looked at Angela, and she gave him a small smile. He glanced at it and then to her, "Speaking of," he held up his phone.
"I am going to go to bed and let you two talk, if texting back and forth is talking," she said. "Get some sleep. "We're going over to check on the details at the rehab center in the morning, correct?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "We can get everything squared away there. Ahh, tomorrow evening, I'm going to the ballet-alone," he said quickly as he looked to Angela. "I mean, do you want to go? Sharon's daughter is dancing, and she's going to be there with a ticket from her daughter. I'm hoping to catch up with Sharon after."
"Thank you for the offer, but I think after we get Dad settled tomorrow and all, I'm going to just come home. You'll be okay alone at the ballet?" she asked.
"I'm actually looking forward to it, not the alone part, exactly, but the ballet," he shrugged. "I feel like anything that helps me understand Sharon more is useful. I'll text her back, order my ticket, and then, I'll head to bed."
"Get some sleep," she nodded to him as she stood. "Sounds like you have a long night tomorrow." Andy looked up at her as she walked by him, patting his shoulder. He reached up and squeezed her hand as she walked out of the room. He was glad for this time with his sister. He knew she tired a lot, but before the weekend was over, he wanted to do something fun with her, not just sit around in a hospital or rehab facility. He'd have to think about that. He looked to his message.
"Emily and I were discussing her schedule the next few days. She's working Friday evening, so I can bring Hannah to meet your dad then if that works for you," she typed. "Emily went in search of some juice from the vending machine. We're having a lovely night, and I wanted you to know that about Friday."
"Sounds good," he told her. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Andy spent most of Thursday frustrated-frustrated with his dad, the hospital, the whole situation. He and Angela spent a long time at the rehab center, almost having to argue about the care his dad needed. It was the typical battle between what the doctors wanted and what the insurance wanted to cover. After a lot of back and forth, things were settled. The situation wasn't perfect, but the details were better than they had been at the start of the day. Andy had spent almost two hours of his day on the phone with the insurance company, and then, he'd spent another hour talking to his dad's doctor and physical therapist. Angela had done a lot of the running back and forth, trying to collect things for their dad while he was in rehab. It was a big job, all of it, and Andy was glad he and Angela could do it together. Of course, all of that back and forth meant that now, his nerves were shot. He was done talking to people and ready to relax for the evening. It wasn't helping him that after looking for a ballet ticket and all, he didn't get to bed until after 1:00 AM and was then up before 6:00 to get ready for the day. It was okay, though. He was really looking forward to his evening, alone, hoping that at least after the ballet, he could take Sharon to dinner.
His frustration continued as he made his way to the ballet. He sent Sharon a couple of text messages, neither with a reply, but he knew she was probably with Emily. He was running late, and by the looks of it, he was barely going to make the start of the ballet. Andy rushed, and he was able to make it to his seat as the house lights flashed. He let out a long sigh at that, glad he'd made it. Before the lights dimmed, he looked around the theater, hoping to spot Sharon. He hadn't heard back from her about her seat. He didn't see her, and soon, the lights dimmed, and he turned his attention on the ballet. Andy couldn't remember ever going to a professional ballet, and he lightly chuckled now as he sat there, alone, waiting to see a glimpse of his daughter's half-sister.
Andy found himself dumbfounded by the time intermission came. Even as the house lights came back up, he continued to sit there in his seat, floored by the performance. He couldn't believe people could dance like that, much less the half-sister of his own daughter. It was amazing, almost magical. He'd always balked at professional dancers like this, not really into or impressed by anything, but this time was different. He saw the dancers as people, not as just some ad on the television or picture on a billboard. More than that, he saw a dancer as a person, Emily, Sharon's daughter. It blew him away, the thought that she had once been a small, sweet, innocent baby like Hannah, a baby learning to walk, and now, she was this amazing dancer in New York. He finally stood and walked to the aisle, scanning around the theater for any sign of Sharon. He really wanted to see her.
He finally found her just as intermission was about to end. He spotted her coming out of the bathroom area and gave her a small wave. She gave him a return, small wave and walked to him, the sight of her almost taking his breath away. She was wearing a simple, dark purple cocktail dress. It was elegant, hitting just below her knee, and it was form fitting. He had no idea what problem she had with her weight because she looked fantastic in the dress. She had on black heels and had her hair curled. He smiled as she walked up to him.
"Wow, Sharon," he reached toward her to kiss her cheek. She didn't pull away, and he said, "You look just amazing tonight. Your dress, your hair, you just look beautiful."
"Thank you," she cleared her throat, still not used to a compliment such as that. "I found this shopping yesterday. I wasn't sure about it, but Emily really liked it."
"I agree with Emily, and man, I can't even begin to tell you how amazing she is. I'm speechless. I'm sitting there watching her dance, thinking about how she had to learn to walk just like Hannah is, and I almost can't believe it. One question for you," he flashed a small smile and smirked at her. That almost caught her off guard.
"Okay?" she asked.
"I'm curious as to how many thousands of dollars you have spent over the years on dance lessons, recitals, costumes, travel, all of that for her?" he chuckled lightly. "Whatever it is, it's priceless to see her dance like that. I'm amazed, and I don't even really know her, but wow. I can't imagine how proud of her you are."
"I'm so very proud," she gave him a warm smile and almost teared up at the compliment. "You're right; it's priceless, somewhat because I don't even want to guess what I've spent on her. It's worth it to see her so happy. You know, you always love your children, and I believe you can always find something to be proud of them for doing, but she's just exceeding all expectations."
"Well, she's amazing," he told her. "You should be proud, although, I'm not sure my dad would agree with you about finding something to be proud of regarding your kids. I agree with that, but it's not everyone's philosophy. Are you still free after the ballet?"
"I am," Sharon nodded. "Emily is so sweet. She has her friend watching Hannah. I took several things to Emily's apartment earlier, and another mutual friend brought over a travel crib. She went to so much trouble for her little sister," she smiled brightly. "Then, tonight, she told me to go back to the hotel and relax, that she was going to keep Hannah for the night. Oh," she let out a loud sigh, "my baby is so grown up, so caring," she shook her head. "Emily really is wonderful, and she wanted to do something nice for me. I'm a little nervous about Hannah being out of my sight all night, but she's going to be okay."
Andy raised an eyebrow at Sharon, "So, you have no plans?"
"No plans," Sharon bit her lip and took a step toward him. She glanced around at the people milling around, and she leaned in even closer, "Knowing that I'm all alone tonight, with a hotel room all to myself, might I interest you in stopping by for a few hours? We could relax, enjoy each other," she gave a small shrug.
Andy looked at her, down into her eyes. Even with her heels, he was still just a little taller than she was. He could see the desire there, and he was having trouble not staring at her hands, currently messing with his tie. He cleared his throat and used his hand to brush a stray piece of hair out of her face, "Oh, I am very much interested in that idea, very much. I have an amendment to the idea, a sort of," he paused and shook his head from side to side, "sort of a non-negotiable clause. We do everything you suggested, you are thinking," he nodded to her. "I'm adding to that. I would like to take you to dinner first, a late dinner here in the city. I'm tired; you're tired, so consider it a source of energy," he winked. "I reject the few hours comment, and I'm only agreeing to this if I can stay all night again. You know," he gave her a playful shrug, "big city, people out at all hours up to no good, so it's safer if I stay with you."
"Safer," she rolled her eyes as she listened.
"I'm going to take that all as you accepting this," he squeezed her hand. "From all of that, you picked at the word safer, so I'm assuming you are accepting my terms-dinner and all night with you."
"Andy, we don't have to go to dinner," she said. "We could just get something there at the hotel, room service or honestly, I'm not hungry."
"We could," he nodded and continued, "but I really want to go out to dinner, something normal, something normal with just you. That, dinner, seems normal, but we've never just been normal around each other, have we? That's what I want tonight, two adults, forgetting all the baggage and drama we have-going to dinner and well," he winked, "more if you can get through dinner with me."
Sharon pursed her lips. The lights flashed, indicating they needed to return to their seats. Andy watched her try to come up with an excuse, "Of course, if you aren't that hungry, I'll just go home-I mean to my sister's home tonight. You can think about it."
"I can do dinner," she called to him as he had started to step away like he was going back to his seat. He slightly turned back to her, and he saw her standing there, looking completely vulnerable in her spot, gorgeous, but vulnerable. "Just to clarify," she gestured with her hand, "are you planning on breakfast too?"