Chapter Two
They caught a cab a block away from Olivia's apartment. As they climbed in the cab, Olivia settled herself on the seat as Elliot climbed in beside her. Elliott gave the cabbie the name and address of the club and the cab took off.
Elliot couldn't help but look at Olivia's legs as he sat beside her. Her dress had ridden up when she sat down and was barely down to her mid-thigh and it was driving him crazy. He wanted to reach his hand out and place it on her thigh. He wanted to do it so badly that he thought perhaps he wouldn't be able to stop himself from actually doing it. But then Olivia elbowed him and it broke his bold stare.
"Stabler! Are you looking at my legs?" Olivia chided with a smile on her face.
"What? No."
"You're not a very good liar." She laughed. Elliot couldn't believe she let him off that lightly. She was definitely flirting with him. Or was he reading into the situation? God, it was so frustrating sometimes!
A few minutes later, they arrived at the club. When they walked into the club, the music was loud and the place was packed. They stood by the door and scanned the bar looking for the rest of the group. The bar was off to the left and the dance floor was beyond that. To the right were a bunch of high top tables, crowded with people. Elliot finally saw Fin and a few others around some of the tables in the middle of the crowd. As they walked up, Olivia saw Munch and Chester Lake standing by Fin and his girlfriend, Cherie. Elliott saw some other people in the group he didn't know; maybe some friends of Fin's. They were talking to the Captain.
Olivia and Elliot came up behind Fin, and Olivia tapped him on the shoulder. "Happy Birthday Fin!"
"O-LIV-I-A…Wow! Baby girl-you look amazing!" Fin said as he twirled Olivia around. "You are going to have to fight the guys off tonight. Watch yourself!"
"I think you exaggerate Fin. But you know I can take care of myself!" Olivia laughed.
"Happy Birthday Elliot" said Munch and Lake together.
"Yeah. Happy Birthday Elliot." said Fin.
"Can I pour you guys a beer? Or do you want something else to drink Olivia? " asked Munch. "I would be happy to get you something else."
"Beer is fine." Elliott and Olivia said at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed.
"Birthday boy first!" Olivia said.
The guys that were talking to the Captain walked over towards Elliot and Olivia. Fin turned and introduced his friends to the two detectives.
"Pete and Dwayne, meet Elliot and Olivia" Fin said.
Olivia smiled. "It's great to meet you guys. Thanks for setting up this party. It's going to be fun and we all need a night out."
Just then Alex walked up. "Olivia! Elliot!" She gave Olivia a big hug, and then Elliot. "Happy Birthday Elliot!"
"Alex. You look terrific!" said Elliot. And she did. She had on a short red dress that fit her perfectly and complemented her coloring.
"Fin! You have been holding out man. What the hell? You are surrounded by all these beautiful women and we don't hear a peep about it? You selfish bastard!" said Pete.
"What can I say? " laughed Fin.
"And besides" said Elliot, "this isn't exactly what they wear on the job every day." Elliot paused, realizing what he said. " I mean, they look beautiful every day, but not like..this. I mean.." Elliot stumbled over his words.
"Just stop El". Olivia laughed. "You are only digging yourself into a deeper hole."
"Enough talking. Time for some shots!" yelled Pete. They pulled the two large tables together and everyone finished the introductions as a few more people showed up. The waitress showed up with some Tequila shots, and everyone downed one except Cragen.
The waitress kept the table supplied with pitchers of beer and shots and everyone was having a great time. More friends of Fin's came, and some more people from the squad. Everyone moved around and was talking to everyone else, the music was playing and they were having a great time. Elliot kept his eyes on Olivia, making sure no one was getting too "friendly" with her. She was starting to get drunk, and when she was drunk, she let loose. Elliot hadn't seen her get really drunk too often, but with the mood everyone was in tonight…
Right now, she was talking to Pete and Fin and Cherie. She was laughing at something Fin was saying. He just couldn't stop staring at her. She was so animated compared to the serious side he saw every day in the squadroom. Her smile really did light up her whole face.
Munch elbowed him. "Why don't you ask Olivia to dance?"
"I don't dance. Especially to music like this. Does anyone really dance to this?"
"Well, have you looked out at the dance floor? It's packed."
Elliot looked out at the dance floor, and all of the people bumping and grinding together. "That is not like any kind of dancing I've seen." Said Elliot. "But the last dance I went to was my senior prom at my Catholic High School. I am out of my league here."
Elliot turned back around and caught Olivia looking at him. When she caught his eye, she smiled and raised her glass. He raised his glass in return. She started to walk over towards him. As she skirted the crowd around the tables, a man grabbed her lightly by the arm. She turned to see who has stopped her and flashed a smile at him. They chatted for a minute and then she turned back and continued making her way over to Elliot.
"What was that about?" said Elliot when she reached him.
"Oh, nothing. He just asked me if I wanted to dance."
"Oh. And?" Elliot asked.
"It's OK. I'd rather hang out with you, get you drunk, and get you out on that dance floor!"
"That's NEVER going to happen. At least the dancing part. But you can get me drunk". Elliot put his arm around her shoulders and they moved back towards the table. He dropped his arm, took the pitcher and topped off each of their beers.
"I had better slow down or I am going to be passed out by midnight!" said Olivia. But she picked up her beer and took a long drink anyway.
Munch and Lake were sitting at the table, along with the Captain. They were arguing about sports. Elliot joined in the conversation and Olivia rolled her eyes.
"Can't we ever talk about anything besides sports? Who cares?" Olivia complained.
The guys laughed. "What would YOU like to talk about Liv?" said the Captain.
"I don't care, but anything but sports." She said.
"Politics? Religion? I can talk about any of those things." Said Munch.
"Argh. I am going back to hang out with Alex and Fin. You guys are boring me!" Olivia picked up her beer and walked back over to where Alex and Melinda were talking to the rest of the group.
Elliot didn't want to see her go, but didn't want to follow her over like a puppy dog, so he let her go. Besides, he got a nice view watching her walk away.
