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Although Friday passed quickly, Andy was still uncharacteristically quiet and Sam tried everything he could to get her to relax. He pulled out as many lame jokes as he could remember, thinking that if he could get her to lighten up, she might just let her guard down and he might get some more information from her. She laughed at every joke, just like she always did. But every time she started to loosen up, he would casually (well as casually as he could) mention the upcoming weekend, and she would clam up again and start staring out the window. As soon as they got back to the barn and finished up their paperwork, she wished Sam a good weekend and practically ran to the locker room.

Sam headed to his locker room and showered quickly, planning to catch Andy before she left so he could offer her a ride home and give it one last shot. He waited outside the locker room and was just about to go in when Traci came out.

"Is Andy still in there? " He asked.

"I don't know what got into her," Traci said as she shook her head, "I know she's going away this weekend but she didn't even take time to shower. She just said she was in a hurry to get away, packed up, and rushed out."

Sam wondered if Andy was trying to avoid him, but asked hopefully, "Did she tell you where she was going?"

"No, I tried to drag it out of her when she first mentioned it, but she wouldn't spill. She promised she would though. I take it she didn't tell you either." It wasn't really a question because obviously Sam wouldn't have asked if he had known. Sam answered with a no anyways and Traci could tell that he was hurt by that. She was going to have to have a talk with Andy about toying with Swarek's emotions. Sam thanked Traci quietly and walked out.

He went straight to the Penny hoping to take his mind off of Andy. But no matter how hard Jerry and Oliver tried, they could not keep Sam's attention. They finally gave up, letting him pretend to watch the game on the TV, while they both knew his mind was somewhere else. They assumed it had to do with the fact that McNally wasn't there. Because as much as Sam tried to keep his feelings to himself, he could never quite succeed when it came to Andy – whether he realized it or not, he had been wearing his heart on his sleeve for a long time now. Before leaving, Ollie reminded Sam of the football party on Sunday, wondering if Sam would actually remember because it looked like he was well on his way to trying to forget…everything.

Sam's Saturday was spent nursing a killer hangover, and replaying every conversation/moment he and Andy had had over the last few weeks. Before he knew it, he had wasted the entire day on the couch. He quickly threw together supper, took a shower, and went to bed, hoping to fall asleep quickly and peacefully. But as soon as he lay down, his thoughts went directly to Andy. After a restless hour, he finally closed his eyes and was able to fall asleep.

Everyone loved football days at the Shaw's – good friends and even better food. But not even one of Ollie's infamous football parties could pull Sam out of the dumps. Jerry and Oliver tried over and over to get him to relax and join in the fun, but the best they could get out of him was a half-hearted smile and if they were lucky, a one word answer. They knew something was really off when he didn't even cheer when his favorite team scored a touchdown. But Sam, being Sam, wasn't giving anything away.

Usually the last to leave, Sam headed out as soon as the game was over. He didn't even wait till he got in his truck to try calling Andy at home, but she wasn't there yet. Before he could talk himself out of it, he had called Andy's cell. He barely got out his greeting before she tried to blow him off. "Sam I'm so sorry, but I just got onto the highway and it's a really long drive. I'm just really tired right now and I don't think I should be talking and driving. Can we talk tomorrow, please?"

"Sure, sure" he answered dejectedly. She threw him a quick thanks and hung up before he even finished saying goodbye. So it's a long drive, and she's really tired. He didn't even want to begin to think about why she was so tired, so he just tried to keep his mind blank as he went home and headed straight to bed.

Sam got to work early on Monday hoping to catch Andy before parade, but instead he caught more than he bargained for. As soon as he walked into the locker room, he could hear Dov above everyone else. Oh Great! He knew that voice, it was the one Dov used when he'd uncovered the latest gossip and felt the need to share. I wonder who Dov's gonna have to apologize to at the end of this week?

"So have you noticed that McNally leaves the Penny early every night and that she wasn't there at all on Friday? Traci told me that she went away for the weekend. Something is up; my Spidey Senses are tingling – it has to be a guy. I still can't believe it though. You know, smart money would have been on Swarek, but he was at the Penny on Friday and at the Shaw's on Sunday. Isn't that right Shaw? I don't know who she spent the weekend with, but when we were on desk duty together last week, she got at least 2 personal phone calls about her 'big plans' and how it wouldn't be long before she would have 'her man' exactly where she wanted him. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm staying as far away from Swar…"

"Epstein!" Sam growled, "don't you have anything better to do?"

Dov didn't have to be asked twice; he was going to take his own advice and get as far away from Sam as he could. The rest of the crowd tried to act busy, while Jerry & Oliver looked at Sam sympathetically. Everything was making sense to them now. Sam just went to his locker and got ready in silence before walking out without acknowledging anyone or anything.

Sam didn't generally listen to the gossip; he knew the rumor mill, and most especially Dov, was pretty unreliable. But he was going to keep his eyes open to see if he could confirm if what Dov had said was true, maybe he could even get Andy to admit something. Now, he just had to find her. Just as he was about to go and check the ladies locker room, he saw Best coming out of his office. Sam turned back around, entered the room, and headed for his usual spot at the back. Where's Andy?

Andy rushed into parade, barely making it in before Best. Best was about to reprimand her, but all he could do was smile because she looked happier than he had ever seen her. And he wasn't the only one that noticed. She looks amazing! The smile on her face was bigger than Sam had ever seen and when she turned it on him and winked, he couldn't help but smile back too. Why did she have to do that? He was more confused than ever. Was that smile for him or just because she'd had such a good weekend.

Andy's good mood continued throughout the day and Sam couldn't help but be in a good mood too. As much as he wanted to find out what was going on, he was always happy when she was happy. Oh no not this again? If she's happy, I'm happy? Seriously?

Andy's mood kept up all week and she and Sam seemed to fall comfortably back into their routine. They talked at the Penny, had dinner together a few times, and flirted shamelessly in the squad car all day. Although it felt familiar and good, something was just a bit off. It was as if Andy was watching for Sam to do something but he didn't know what. Does she want me to ask about this new guy? But he just continued to watch her too - she always left the Penny by 9:00, and she didn't even bother to show up when she had a day off. But she did invite Sam over for supper at her house, and he told himself that he would NOT be leaving by 9:00pm. He needed to see what was so important that she always had to be there.

It was Friday night, and they were lucky enough to get out of work on time. They stopped by the store on the way home to pick up Andy's favorite wine and then Sam drove them over to her house. They were having a great time just like they always did when they were together, talking and laughing. The flirting just naturally came along with it, and though they weren't completely aware of it, they always seemed to find a reason to be touching – whether it was his hand placed on hers while talking, or just sitting right next to each other on the couch. The time passed quickly and Sam couldn't take it anymore, he had to know where things stood between them. This was feeling more and more like a date, but he didn't know if he was reading more into it simply because he wanted to. He was just about to ask her about the rumors when her phone started ringing. She looked at the clock and without even looking at the number; she told him that she really had to take it. Sam looked at his watch and it was exactly 9:30pm. Well she was obviously expecting the call, because she didn't even need to look at the number to know she needed or wanted to answer.

Although Andy walked into the hallway, Sam could still make out her side of the conversation (after he moved a little closer of course.) She was discussing plans for her next day off and he could tell that she was going away again. I guess it is true then. Looks like the guy must live out of town though – how could she have met him? An old boyfriend maybe?

Sam decided it was time to head home, and was trying to tell her that as soon as she hung up, but Andy asked him to stay for a bit longer. She had made dessert and insisted that he couldn't leave now. He tried to hide his disappointment at her call, and schooled his features before he turned back and told her that of course he would be staying. She skipped to the kitchen and came back with his favorite dessert. Did I ever tell her that? Could she have known? If she did know, why would she even bother? If I didn't think she was seeing someone, I might think she was trying to seduce me…You wish.

Over dessert, Andy asked Sam about his Christmas plans, and he told her that he was expected at Sarah's later in the afternoon on Christmas Day. Andy invited him to come over for Christmas Eve supper after shift. He tried to decline, wondering aloud if she didn't have someone else to spend it with but she told him that she couldn't think of anyone else she'd rather spend Christmas Eve with. She then added that the rest of her company was arriving the next day, and that it was going to be the best Christmas ever so she wanted to start it off perfectly. Why can't I just say no? Why does she always do this to me? Why do I let her do this to me? I'm such a masochist!

When Sam left that night, he thought Andy had been a little disappointed but he was so confused he couldn't even be sure. So he mumbled something about being tired and having to get up early and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left. As soon as the door closed, he thought he heard her exhale with something that sounded like "men!" He shook his head. Now what was that about? I'm the one that should be frustrated with her.

The weeks before Christmas passed in a blur. Sam took Andy Christmas shopping and helped her get her tree. When they walked through the mall and while they were looking at trees, Andy would unconsciously link her arm with Sam's and sometimes lay her head on his shoulder. She was definitely affectionate with him, but he didn't think she was even aware of it. So all he could do was hold out hope that it wasn't just because she was so happy, that maybe she might change her mind and see that they could have something great together – something more than just friendship.

At first, Sam was happy to hear that she planned a ladies night out with Traci & Noelle on one of her days off. Except the next day Sam could have sworn that he had caught both Nash and Williams watching him – a lot. What were they looking for? Do they want to know if I'm jealous? Did she actually introduce them to "her man"? If he knew anything about their ladies' nights, he was pretty sure there were no men allowed. So that couldn't be it. Plus, it wasn't the same "poor Sam" looks he was getting from just about everyone else in the division. It was more like they were wondering just when he was going to give it up. This was driving him crazy.

So now here Sam was, sitting in his truck outside his apartment on Christmas morning trying to make sense of the last 24 hours – well maybe just the last 2 hours. Last night, he had been ecstatic. He was sure that Santa got the memo because Sam was getting everything he wanted for Christmas and more.

Andy had invited him over for Christmas Eve dinner, which was followed by dessert, which was followed by a little "gift exchange." And Sam definitely enjoyed unwrapping the best present he had ever received. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and touched, and tasted, and… Stop it!

He smiled sadly as he remembered when Andy woke him again in the wee hours of the morning with a kiss and her soft (and strategically placed) hands. Merry Christmas, Sammy, had been his first thought.

He was sure that this meant that Andy would be his; he was sure they were finally going to get to be together. And he was sure this was his best Christmas ever, until she mentioned "her man" just before falling back to sleep 2 hours ago. That's when he knew he needed to get out of there and fast!

And so here he was sitting in his truck wondering how he could have been so stupid. She was never his and never would be. Why did he have to get his hopes up? And why did he let himself give in to those hopes? He was pretty sure he knew why, but that didn't make it any easier. This was the worst Christmas ever!

Rrrring! As soon as Sam saw the number, he started to panic. But knew he had to answer.

"Sam Swarek, you are such an ass. I am so mad at you right now," the woman yelled into the phone.