Author's Note: You would think that transferring your existing Internet service from one apartment building to another would be easy. Sadly, you would be mistaken.
Also, you're probably going to hate me for this chapter :)
"Hey Liv, want to grab some drinks?"
It was Thursday evening, and Fin was ready to let off some steam. It had been a hectic week for the squad, and they still had one more day to go.
"I don't know, Fin, I'm pretty beat," Olivia responded.
"That's never stopped you before. Come on, Benson, just stay for one round."
Olivia had not had a drink since the prior weekend. Although it was difficult, she'd managed to avoid the liquor store that entire week. She was worried that there would be too much temptation at a bar though.
However, Olivia also didn't want the guys to think that anything was wrong with her. She usually never passed on drinks unless she'd already made plans.
Olivia had to keep up the appearance that everything was fine. Her friends couldn't find out that she was following in her mother's footsteps. They would lose all respect for her. Olivia always swore that she would never be like her mother.
"Ok...but just one round and I'm sticking to soda tonight."
Fin didn't question her choice of beverage. "That's cool. I'll grab Munch and Stabler and we'll head out."
While she waited for the guys, Olivia texted Alex. She had seen Alex briefly on Tuesday to get a warrant, but Alex had been in court for the past two days, so they hadn't spent any time together since then.
"Hey! I miss you!"
Alex responded quickly. "I miss you too. Doing anything tomorrow night?"
Olivia smiled. "I have plans to hang out with a gorgeous blonde."
"Sounds fun. Anyone I know?"
"Nah, just some stranger I met on the street today."
"Haha. How is 7:00 at my place?"
"Perfect! I have to go now, but I'll see you tomorrow."
"Have a great night, Liv!"
Olivia looked up to see her three coworkers crowding her desk.
"You have the goofiest smile on your face right now," Elliot teased.
"Yeah, hot date tonight?" Munch chimed in.
Olivia could feel herself blushing, but she tried to play it cool. "Right... if I had a hot date, would I be going out with you three?"
"Hey, I'm quite a catch. Just ask any of my ex-wives," Munch replied.
Fin shook his head. "Yeah, great catch. That's why they threw your ass back in the water. Come on, let's go."
The team left the station and headed to one of their standbys, O'Malley's Pub.
"Let's get a pitcher," Elliot suggested.
"You guys go ahead. I'm just getting a Coke," Olivia said.
"You feeling alright, Benson?" Fin asked. "Coke ain't gonna make you feel good. Unless it's the white stuff, and that's a whole other deal."
All four of them laughed.
Olivia quickly came up with an excuse. "It's been a long day. I need some caffeine right now or I'm gonna fall asleep at the table."
The waiter came by to take their order. Elliot ordered a pitcher of Blue Moon and a Coke.
Olivia started to feel self-conscious. She always joined in when the squad went out for drinks. Olivia was sure that the guys knew something was wrong.
The waiter came back with their drinks. Elliot poured three glasses for the men while Olivia slowly sipped on her soda.
Munch started a story about his Baltimore days, but Olivia was too absorbed in her worrying to pay attention.
This was a bad idea...I want that beer so badly. Maybe I should call Alex. She can talk me through this.
One beer is not going to kill me. Just nurse it and the guys will never suspect a thing. I have this under control. Just one beer...it'll be like water.
But I've done so well the past few days. Don't blow it just for a quick pick-me-up.
Olivia watched her friends. Each man was smiling, enjoying his drink. She could tell that the beer was starting to work its magic. The alcohol was dulling their stress and anger, and for a little while, they would forget the atrocities that they saw each day.
She felt that familiar craving rise to the surface. Olivia could practically taste the beer in her mouth.
I deserve a drink. I kill myself for this job. Why should the guys get relief while I can't?
The urge to drink continued to heighten. Olivia's heart was racing and she could feel sweat on her forehead.
Screw it. One beer isn't going to kill me.
"Mind if I join you?" Olivia asked, nodding her head at the pitcher.
"Finally. We thought we had an imposter with us," Munch replied. He signaled for the waiter and asked for another glass. Once Munch got the glass, he poured a beer for Olivia.
Elliot raised his glass and the others followed. "Cheers, gang," he toasted.
One glass turned into six or seven. Olivia had lost count after her fourth drink. It didn't matter, because she was feeling great.
Once Olivia had taken that first sip of beer, her self-control flew out the window.
"How are you doing over here?" the waiter asked.
Olivia grinned. "I'm outstanding! I want to switch it up. Can you bring me a vodka cranberry?"
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Elliot interjected. "You drank half the beer we ordered. Maybe you've had enough for tonight."
"Are you calling me a lightweight, Stabler?" Olivia turned to the waiter. "I'll have that drink."
The waiter nodded. "Sure thing. I'll have that out in a sec. Any other drinks?"
Olivia's three companions shook their heads. They still had beer in their glasses and were getting ready to call it a night.
"I'm done after this one," Munch announced.
"Me too. I gotta get an early start tomorrow," Fin concurred.
"Lame," Olivia said.
Fin and Munch polished off the remains of their glasses. "I've got the tab guys," Munch offered.
Fin and Elliot shared a look.
"When did you get so generous?" Elliot asked.
Munch held up his hands. "What can I say, I'm a nice guy. And perhaps you'll remember this kind gesture at a later date. Say, if I happen to need coverage for a weekend shift or two."
Fin and Elliot both groaned.
"Ok, old man," Fin replied. "But I think you'll need to cover a few more nights out in order for that to happen."
Munch got the check from the waiter and went up to the bar to pay.
Fin looked at Elliot and gestured towards Olivia. She was staring into space with a blank look in her eyes. Her drink was almost empty. "You got her? If not, I'll get her home. I don't think she's in any state to be wandering the streets on her own."
"Yeah, I'm fine," Elliot answered. "I'm not letting her out of my sight until we get to her apartment."
"Cool."
Munch came back to the table. He and Fin said their goodbyes and left the bar. Elliot stayed with his partner while she finished her drink.
"OK, Liv. I have to get home before Kathy kills me."
"No problem. I'll head home now too."
"I'm escorting you home and I don't wanna hear any protests."
"Such a gentleman, El. You're the best partner ever!"
Elliot rolled his eyes and smirked. "Remember that the next time you get pissed off at me about a case."
They left the bar and Elliot hailed a cab. He got Olivia into the back seat and jumped in. Elliot gave the driver her address and leaned back. He soon felt Olivia's body leaning into him.
Elliot glanced over at her and saw that she was fast asleep.
A few minutes later, they were in front of Olivia's building. Elliot paid the fare and gently nudged Olivia. "Wake up, sleepy head. We're home."
Olivia opened her eyes and looked at him with glazed over eyes. "What?"
Elliot opened the door. "Up and at 'em. Come on." He slipped out of the taxi and waited for Olivia to do the same.
He walked her up to her apartment and unlocked the door. Elliot watched as she plopped onto the couch.
"Do you need anything else?"
"I'm great, El. You're my knight in shining armor! I love you, partner!"
Elliot shook his head. "I should record you...you'd never say anything like this sober." He walked to the door. "Have a good night, Liv"
"You too, old pal."
Elliot laughed as he closed the door. Once he heard the door lock, he was satisfied that he could go home.
Olivia fumbled through her bag in search of her phone. When she found it, she saw a few missed texts from Alex.
"Hey, just wanted to see how you're doing."
"I guess you must have caught a case. Call or text me back when you can."
"You're probably busy. I just miss you. I wish you were here next to me."
That last text gave Olivia an idea. "I miss Alex too. I'm gonna go over there and surprise her." She grabbed her purse and rushed out of the apartment.
Despite being drunk, Olivia's knew exactly how to get to Alex's place. She soon found herself standing in front of the building. She dialed Alex and waited for a response.
The ringing phone jolted Alex awake. She reached over to her bedside table and checked the caller ID. Alex smiled when she saw it was Olivia.
"Hi Liv. How are you?"
"You know what, Al? I am fantastic! What about you?"
Alex was still a bit groggy. "I'm fine. I was sleeping."
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't realize."
"It's ok Liv, I'd rather talk to you. What's up?"
"I want to see you, Al."
"We're seeing each other tomorrow. It will come before you know it."
"That's not soon enough. I want to see you now."
Alex chuckled. "I'm flattered, but we have to work tomorrow. By the time you get here-"
"I'm here now."
"What? What do you mean you're here now?"
"That is what I mean. I'm downstairs."
"Is something wrong?"
"No! I am phenomenal! Life is awesome! The only thing that will make my life better is if you let me come upstairs."
"You're always welcome to come over but I'm-"Alex stopped in mid-sentence because she suddenly put two and two together. "You've been drinking, haven't you?"
"I went out with the guys. And well...I may have indulged a teeny, tiny bit."
"Why didn't you call me? I told you that you could call anytime."
"I figured that one drink wouldn't hurt," Olivia argued.
Alex sighed. "One drink probably wouldn't have hurt, if you were able to limit yourself, which obviously you couldn't. We'll talk about this, but right now, go to the concierge desk. I'll call and tell him to let you up."
"Thanks, Alex. You're the best girlfriend ever!"
"Pretty much. Now go inside. I have to call downstairs."
"Yes, Allosaurus. Hey, that can be my new pet name for you!"
"No, that will not be an acceptable nickname."
"Oh come on, Allosaurus."
"This is not up for discussion. Liv, get inside this instant! I'm going to hang up now."
Alex hung up and called the concierge. She opened her front door and stood in the doorway, waiting for Olivia to come upstairs. "What the hell am I supposed to do now?" Alex wondered.