He sat on the side of the bed and frowned, running his hand over his face. He looked to where Sharon had been sleeping and wondered how long she'd been gone. Typical. Here, they'd had a wonderful night, a night like he couldn't remember having with anyone, and she was gone. He'd never enjoyed a night like this even with Sandra. Sharon, oh Sharon. She'd run again, just when he thought they were making some progress. Yes, typical. He really thought he was getting through to her, giving her the time and space to see what was right in front of her, but she'd run. She was scared, and honestly, after the great night they'd had, if that didn't break down her walls, he wasn't sure what would.
Andy stood and turned around, almost hoping Sharon would be there. She wasn't. Her purse was gone; he could see that from where she'd put it on her suitcase. He was here, in her hotel room, but she had left sometime, very early, no doubt. It was now just after 7:00. It felt odd to be here, alone in her room. Even sweet Hannah's crib looked empty without her there. If Andy didn't know better, he would have thought Sharon had gone for Hannah, to get her from Emily this early, but his mind trailed back to the evening before, when they were right here in this very room, still clothed, but on the bed with things getting heated, Sharon got a series of text messages, pictures, and updated information about Hannah, along with a note to come by sometime after 10:00 this morning to get Hannah. No, Sharon hadn't run out to run toward Hannah; she'd run out to run away from Andy.
Andy looked around the room in search of his clothing. He only had his suit with him, as while he had planned-hoped-to spend the night with Sharon before they had discussed it at the ballet, he hadn't carried a change of clothing with him. No, he just had his suit, and after he spent a few moments crawling around on the floor, he found everything but one sock. The room was a bit of a mess, but somehow, even while he'd been sleeping soundly, Sharon had gotten up, collected her things, and had run. Exhaustion must have hit him hard because he didn't hear any of it.
With his suit pants and shirt in hand, he put them on the bed and started to the shower. He was at least going to freshen up for the day after the wonderful night he'd had. He eyed the counter and while he had the shower warming, he brushed his teeth, that conversation playing over in his head.
"Can I share your toothpaste?" he'd asked her as they walked back to the hotel after their late dinner. The two were walking side by side, neither touching, but were close to each other. Sharon looked to him with a very odd expression and shook her head as if she didn't understand.
"My toothpaste? What are you talking about now?" she asked.
"I'm staying all night. This time, I don't have my suitcase with me, which means I don't have toothpaste. Can I share yours? I don't mind stopping here," he nodded just ahead to the drugstore they were passing, "to buy a toothbrush and a couple other things, but hey, I'm all for saving a buck if I can," he winked. This was really just his odd attempt at some humor, to get Sharon laughing, but she just shook her head with a slight roll of her eye.
"We've slept together now more times than I can count. You and I both know that is about to happen again, and yet, you're worried about a toothbrush?" she asked. "You don't need a toothbrush to attract me tonight. I had the fish just like you did. I think we'll be okay. Really?" she shook her head in annoyance. "Are you really worried about a toothbrush?"
"Sure," he nodded. "Good hygiene," he winked. "I told you I'm staying all night. We agreed to that. I'd like to get up in the morning and have a normal morning, much like we did the other day with Hannah. So, I'd like to be able to brush my teeth. If it's that big of a deal, I'll buy my own. I thought with all the things we share, as intimate as we are, toothpaste wasn't a big deal," he flashed a grin.
They stopped walking outside the drugstore, and Sharon just rolled her eyes, "This is ridiculous discussing toothpaste. Yes, you can use mine. It's not that I mind you using it. I, ahh, I'm sure the hotel has a toothbrush for you."
He shrugged, "Yeah, maybe. I'm sure they have a stash for their last-minute overnight guests," he winked, "but it's not a big deal. I'm going to run in here and pick up a couple things. You coming?"
"I'll be in after I send a text to Emily," she nodded to her phone. "She's had now a couple hours to get home and check on Hannah. It makes me nervous not hearing anything. I'm trying to step back and tell myself while they are sisters, one is a grown woman who can take care of the other. Still," she shook her head, "they are both my girls, and I want to make sure both are safe at Emily's place."
"Understood," Andy nodded casually. "I'll be out quickly. Take your time. I'm just going to pick up a couple things for tonight."
It only took Andy a couple minutes to find a toothbrush and the couple of other items he wanted. He almost bought toothpaste just to make a big deal about it, but he didn't. Yes, he knew it was a stupid discussion, but he was enjoying rattling her a little tonight. He'd done that at dinner a little. Andy made his way to the cashier, and he waited in line behind one customer. It was late, now almost midnight, but in the city that never sleeps, the streets were still full of people. It was going to be a late night for him, for them. They weren't even back to the hotel yet, and he knew what was in store. It was okay; it was great, actually. This evening would be one he wouldn't forget.
The cashier was ringing up his purchases when Sharon walked inside to join him, her phone in hand. He nodded to her when their eyes met, and she walked to him at the register, eyeing his purchases.
"What is all of that?" Sharon made a face and poked at the pile of things Andy was buying. She looked at him, almost horrified, and he shrugged.
"Excuse me for noticing," the cashier said. Both turned to him, and Andy thought the guy reminded him a little of Provenza, similar age and build. "Ma'am, if I had to say, it looks like your husband has a very nice evening planned for you," he smiled brightly. "Let me guess," he nodded to them, "tourists, dressed up because you went to a Broadway show, and this late-you took her to a fancy wine bar for drinks and dessert. Love is in the air, and now, it's time for some romance," he grinned widely again. Andy dropped his head to chuckle quietly, while Sharon gestured between them.
"He is not my husband," she said and shook her head, her face red as she looked to them horrified.
"My mistake," the guy clutched his chest and nodded to Sharon. "Forgive me. I apologize. People are keeping their options open these days. So, that must make him the boyfriend, maybe even surprising you with a romantic weekend getaway where you both profess your undeniable love to each other. I hear it all in here. Anyway, I don't think it takes much to figure out the night's intentions," he winked. "Sorry if I came off rude. I look at purchases all day and come up with stories about most of them."
"Andy," Sharon shook her head and poked at the items, ignoring the cashier for the moment, "candles-you are buying candles? You came to a drugstore for candles?"
"I came for a toothbrush," he shrugged. "Candles seemed nice. No kids around tonight, and I mean, we are here in New York in a hotel and all."
"Oh, and I'm not his girlfriend," Sharon made a face again and looked to the cashier. "I assure you- we aren't what you think."
"My apology this time," Andy gestured to himself and looked to the cashier. He flashed a grin and took a deep breath, frustrated and ready to vent, "You've seen it all? I'm sure you have. I'm a cop, LAPD; she was too," he hooked his thumb at Sharon. We get it; we've seen it all too. Here's a new one for you. She's right; we aren't married. Not dating," he shrugged and continued, "whatever she tells herself. Let me explain who we are. I'm not even sure I know, but here are the facts. She and I," he gestured between them, "we just sleep together, have for almost two years. It started as that hot passion, you know, right? I can't even say we were young kids because we weren't; we aren't. Don't even really need condoms anymore," he chuckled. "Well, silly me, silly us, whatever, we end up with a baby. Surprise! We're the old people who made a kid when we didn't think that would happen. I'm now her baby daddy; I guess when you are the baby daddy hanging around you can't just be called the one-night stand anymore or the random hook up as younger people say now. The new expectation is more like an anytime we are in the same room together, it's probably going to happen type of situation; really, it is going to happen," Andy made a face, and Sharon stood there horrified as he continued to talk. "Now, she wanted to take the baby and start over, maybe even find a new guy to take her to bed-who knows," he shrugged. "She moved. We started talking again and well," he shrugged, "we started up more than talking. Now, I see our daughter sometimes. We discussed not sleeping together every visit, but that's not working out as we'd planned because we really enjoy, well," he shrugged and winked. "You get the idea. We're here in New York, and no, we didn't even travel together, but we are both here this weekend. Our daughter is with her sister for the night, her grown sister, I might add. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what we could possibly do with our free time, all night long. I'm here to deal with my dad, and he constantly reminds me what a loser I am, how I'm not good at anything. Apparently," he glanced toward Sharon, who was still there horrified, "I'm good at something, right? Oh, and the grown one, her older daughter, doesn't know I exist. I mean, she knows how babies are made, but she doesn't know the identity of her half sister's father. We're like a couple of teenagers sneaking around with our own drama. We can just afford nice hotels instead of the backseat of a car. So, we had a lovely dinner, dancing, all of that, and here, as we are almost back to the hotel, I thought adding some candles would be nice, romantic even tonight. The toothbrush," he pointed to it, "that's good hygiene because I'm just the sleepover friend. I don't actually stay in the room with her, not on this trip. I am staying with my sister who does know about all of this, and I'm thankful she at least is smart enough to know I'm not coming home tonight. There you have it," he opened his arms in gesture and winked to the cashier.
Sharon, who was standing there, arms crossed and clearly horrified, shook her head and closed her eyes. She waved a hand at Andy and turned to walk outside, "I can't believe you just did that. I'm waiting outside. I don't even know what to say."
Andy looked to the cashier, and the man shook his head, "Yeah, haven't heard that one. Hey, whatever, it's working," he nodded to Andy's purchases. "Have a kid together and still trying to spice things up. Good work, my friend," he chuckled as he continued to ring up the purchases. "How old is the kid?"
"Not even one yet," Andy threw some money on the counter. "Hey, sorry about the outburst. I have had a long few days. My father is ill, the real reason for my trip. He and I aren't exactly on the best of terms. Then, I've been dealing with this Sharon mess. Oh," he nodded his head toward the door and continued, "she's Sharon if you didn't figure that out. Sorry I unloaded on you," he gave a soft smile. "Really can't believe I just said all that."
"Free therapy," the man shrugged. "It only cost you a toothbrush and a few candles. I'll throw in a lighter for you, my treat," he winked. Andy chuckled at that and tossed a couple more bills on the counter.
"Keep the change," he said. "Enjoy your night."
"Hope your evening won't be derailed," the guy called after him.
Andy turned and smiled, "It won't. I know her well enough; she'll recover. The candles will come in handy; I have no doubt. Night."
Andy stepped outside, his bag in his hand, and Sharon, who was still standing there, arms crossed, glared at him, "What was that? What were you thinking?"
He gestured for her to walk with him, and they started down the sidewalk again, side by side. Sharon had her arms crossed, still mad. He sighed, "It was just a little frustration at everything, just about every part of my life really-my dad, my kids, you. I didn't say anything that isn't true. It's what we are. Sharon, I thought that I was doing something nice, something romantic in there. We went to that great dinner, that classy place my sister recommended. I was so excited about that. I made reservations and all. I begged you until I made you dance with me as part of our deal," he stepped in front of her and gave her a small smile. "You eventually enjoyed it," he stated, looking to her for any response. She just rolled her eyes at him, and he grinned. "See, I learned tonight you love to dance, nice slow dancing. That restaurant was perfect, and you fought dancing, something you love. I thought it was enjoyable, and I don't normally enjoy dancing. I learned more about you, and quite honestly, I felt like it set the mood for tonight. We both want tonight, and as I started thinking, I did realize we're alone for the whole night, just tonight. We're in classy hotel, a lovely room, no kids around, and I just wanted it to be romantic. Candles, yeah," he nodded. "I almost bought you some chocolate, but honestly, I don't even know if you like chocolate that much."
"Andy, I really don't need all of this for what we enjoy," she sighed. "Dinner, dancing, candles-I'm okay with just a couple hours, and that's it."
Andy nodded, "You are, yes, but I'm not, Sharon, and honestly, you deserve more. You don't deserve the one-hour roll in the sheets, and that's not tonight. I've been telling you that I'm not okay with that, not anymore. If this isn't what you want tonight, fine. I'll walk you back to the hotel and then go back to Angela's house. I just wanted to make it more enjoyable, a little more special tonight. All I did was ask to feed you, dance with you, and now, set the mood for you-all for you because I want to do that. Your choice."
The two walked a few more steps in silence. Andy heard Sharon let out her breath finally, and as they were almost to the hotel, she said, "For the record, milk chocolate, not dark chocolate." She looked up at him, and he grinned widely. She just shook her head.
"Hope you like lavender and vanilla because those were the two candles they had, well, except for the spruce scent, and that didn't scream romantic night," he winked to her and opened the door to the hotel. She just looked up at him and stepped in the door, throwing a small shrug his way.
As Andy now looked around the room, he spotted the candles, four of them. He'd bought two of each scent, and they had burned down considerably in the hours overnight. It had made the evening even better in his opinion, or so he'd thought. Nothing more had been said about the drugstore disaster; in fact, it was quickly forgotten after the two got upstairs. Sharon excused herself to the bathroom, and he took off his coat and tie, loosening his shirt slightly. He'd also put out all the candles, and everything seemed perfect. He was slightly concerned when she walked out of the bathroom still in her cocktail dress, not that he minded, but he had thought she would change into something more comfortable.
"Everything okay?" he asked, eyeing her from across the room. He watched her let out her breath and look around at the candles.
She started to fidget with her hands and looked around again. Sharon was not normally like this when they were about to sleep together. He briefly thought back to the aggressive, assertive times when they had been working the case, now a long time ago, and this woman in front of him was different. She cleared her throat, "This, everything, it changes the room; it's so different."
"Yeah, kinda the point," he said quietly as he put his hands in his pockets and stepped toward her. "I'm not trying to freak you out with the candles. It's just candles, Sharon," he shrugged slightly. "You know, candles."
She slightly bit her lip and gave a very tiny shake of her head, "I can't remember candles, just the only time I had candles around was ahhh, on my wedding night I think. Jack," she said quickly, "not into candles, and I have told you the few others," she shook her head again. "The candles are fine," she met his gaze and gave him a small smile.
"You sure? I really feel like I hit a nerve with them, and I just wanted something to set the mood. I realize I was a jerk too at the store, going on my rant like that. I'm sorry," he told her.
"Forget about it," she shook her head. "We're here. No interruptions," she stated. "It's just like old times, right? It's just like before Hannah was even around, just us for the night." She stepped toward him and put her arms on his arms as she looked up at him. "If you can help with my zipper," she said quietly, looking at him, "I'll slip into something more comfortable. I wasn't sure if this was going to be a good idea when we got back to the room, but I'm okay now. I just had to remind myself it's like old times, just some fun together."
He looked to her with an odd expression and shook his head, "You're sure? I am very much looking forward to the night, very much," he confirmed. "If I've upset you or made you uncomfortable-" he stopped when she stood up on her toes and started kissing him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and started to pull on her zipper for her. The two stood there, their kiss getting more and more heated before Sharon stepped back, extending her arms as she held onto him, a soft smile on her face.
"Too much talking," she said. "I'll be right back, and we can enjoy ourselves like old times."
He stood there, watching her until she closed the bathroom door, "Nothing like it used to be," he sighed.
Again, now as he thought back over the night, he couldn't help but smile. It had been better than old times, much better. Each time with Sharon was better, and that, he knew, was due to his feelings getting stronger and stronger. Now, alone, in the same hotel room where he'd been utterly content the night before, he just wanted to shower and go. He didn't know what to think anymore.
It took Andy another half hour to shower, dress himself, and get ready to go. He was glad he'd stopped at the drugstore last night for many reasons. The candles were great, even if they rattled Sharon, but he felt somewhat human with the other toiletry products he'd picked up, including a razor. He just liked feeling clean, something he'd discovered working years and years of long days and nights through the LAPD. He would have liked a clean outfit, but at least he looked decent in a black suit with a white dress shirt. He put his tie in his suit coat pocket and left his shirt open at the top. He'd change at home. He was just putting his wallet and keys into his pocket when he spun around as the door opened.
"Hi," she said as she stood there, the door slightly ajar. Her expression changed, and she shook her head slightly. "You're leaving? What time is it?"
Andy noticed the coffee cups in her hands, two coffee cups, and he sighed loudly. He looked up at the ceiling to hopefully hide his frustration before he looked back at her. When he did, he frowned slightly, "I thought you left."
Sharon closed the door and stepped inside the room. He wasn't used to seeing her in shorts, navy blue ones and a simple white top, but she looked relaxed and maybe even refreshed. She shook her head at him as she put down her cup of coffee, "I didn't leave. I mean, I left," she said gesturing with now her free hand, "to get coffee-for us. I was gone too long; I realize that. I started walking, and my mind started to wander. It was really just a simple task-coffee down the street. I stopped there the other day with Hannah when I was walking back to the hotel. I really liked their house blend and wanted some this morning. I needed some," she nodded slightly and gave a slight smile. "I'm exhausted this morning, a good tired," she eyed him and continued, "but thought we both could use some coffee. Anyway, I was walking and thinking-apparently not a good combination for me, and I lost track of time. Please stay," she said, handing him the cup of coffee. He accepted the cup and lifted it to smell it.
"Thanks," he said after he sipped it. "You left; we'd talked about staying around for breakfast-together." He glanced at her, and she was walking around, tidying up the small space, avoiding eye contact with him. She put a blanket on the side of Hannah's crib and turned back to him.
"I'm glad you were still here and had not left. I'm not hungry, but if you want something to eat, maybe we can-" she stopped talking when she saw him put down his coffee and take the two steps toward her. He tugged at her arm, pulled her closer, and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her.
"It's not about breakfast, the food, as much as seeing you in the morning, being right here with you. I woke up thinking about last night, actually hoping for an encore this morning before we have to go our separate ways, and you were gone. I thought we'd worked through that," he said quietly to her, his head next to hers as he whispered it in her ear. He shifted and kissed her neck. She started to kiss him too, and quickly, her hands moved to his shirt.
"I have to pick up Hannah around 10:00," she said breathlessly. "After that, she's here with me the rest of the trip. This is our last chance, now until I get her at 10:00. I go home Sunday, and we have yet to discuss seeing Hannah again."
"We're back to seeing Hannah means sleeping with you. We can't seem to resist that. We need better boundaries," he chuckled. "Later, though. We can talk later," he said as his lips landed back on hers. They both broke for air, "It's almost 8:00. We've got plenty of time. That coffee you got is going to get cold, though." Andy shifted again to kiss her neck, and she hummed. "I'm probably going to work up quite an appetite too."
"I'll buy more coffee," she sighed and with another breathless sigh, "I'll even buy you a bagel."