The next weeks passed in a blur for Brenda. Fritz had collected what things he could to travel to Washington with, and they had a polite but strained goodbye. Both thought the other was in the wrong, and both were too stubborn to do anything about it. Brenda threw herself even more so into her work, with Fritz no longer there to keep her from overdoing it. What was worse were the rumours flowing through the building, even she had managed to hear them, and they made her cringe. The cold fish/bitch one was the one that hurt her the most. She had never liked being referred to as a bitch, and to hear people saying that Fritz had left because she was one dug under her skin.
Her team was her anchor, the one thing that kept her from drifting off. Between the five of them, they'd helped fight off the rumours, protecting their boss. And for the most part, the talk quit. For that, Brenda was grateful. She'd taken to bringing in coffee and some kind of treat for them every morning and felt better about it. It showed them that she did care about them, no matter how hard she put on her tough exterior. Even Pope wasn't quite as crusty with her he was sometimes, but Brenda avoided him somewhat. She had no idea why, but thought the fact that she was technically single now might make him think things between them could start up again, and she did not want that. He was just another man who had hurt her, and she'd had quite enough of them.
Instead, she gravitated to her team, relying on them. Gabriel was her sounding board, Flynn was her go-to guy, the one who for lack of a better word, protected her honour from those who had decided to try and come on to her now that she was by herself. Provenza was like her dad or a beloved uncle, going out of his way to be less grumpy and to offer her words of encouragement when he thought she was down. Sanchez was surprisingly funny, trying to keep her spirits up, and Tao was her provider of treats to help her make it through the day. She didn't know what she'd do without them.
Fritz and her talked on the phone, a lot in the beginning. They decided to try visiting one another, weaning Brenda from being at the beck and call of her job constantly. The first time she flew to Washington, she remembered everything she'd hated about the place, and never really gave it a chance. She'd clutched her phone, praying for someone from her team to call, and it proved once again where her heart did lie. She never told that to Fritz though, and they'd made it through the weekend uneventfully. The next time it was her turn to fly out though, she made up an excuse and stayed in L.A. After that, things started to go downhill even faster for the two of them.
Lt. Flynn was working late the one night, the only one who went home later than him anymore was the Chief. As hunger gripped him, he decided to see if the Chief wanted to go out for a bite to eat. Maybe this time she'd actually go with him. Knocking on her door, he went in to ask.
"Hey Chief, I'm about to head out for the night. I'm going to stop off for dinner first, and wondered if you wanted to grab a bite to eat with me."
Brenda considered the man, touched by his asking her. Her team was really the best, she thought to herself. And considering she'd turned him down a few weeks ago when he'd asked, she finally felt ready to say yes. The rawness she'd felt in the early days had eased, and she looked forward to the company of someone besides her cat. Flipping the folder she'd been reading shut, she stood up. "Actually, I'm starving, Lt., I'd be delighted to accompany you." She grabbed her huge purse and stuffed the folder into it. She'd read it before bedtime. She shrugged on her jacket, and followed the Lt out of her office, shutting the lights off as she went. They went down the elevator in amiable silence, and Brenda sighed when they reached the lobby. She'd forgotten to change into her running shoes for the three block walk to her car.
"Wait up a minute, Lt., I have to change my shoes." She grabbed them out of her purse and slipped off her high heels. Without them, she was so tiny standing next to him. She gripped his arm, using him for balance as she put on the runners.
"So, where are we going? Do we drive there? Or can we walk from here?" she asked him.
"We drive. Just follow me and I'll get you there." Flynn smiled at her. She hadn't let go of his arm that she'd been using for balance, and he liked that, liked her holding on to him. They started walking to where they had parked.
"Probably for the best. I still don't care for driving in this city, and I've been here how long now? 6 years?" Brenda tried to focus,but couldn't remember.
"7 actually Chief. It's been a great seven years though. You've been a terrific Chief. For what it's worth, I know you gave up a lot when you decided to stay here. Just so you know, the whole team appreciates it." he spoke softly.
"Why thank you, Lt.! Considering how I screwed things up so badly in my personal life, I'll still take that as a compliment. Work is the one area I can't seem to screw up anymore." she smiled sadly.
They walked the three blocks to their cars, making little small talk along the way. She looked up at him occasionally, catching him looking at her. Something in his eyes almost made her blush, he was looking at her in a way she hadn't noticed before. Something there sparked an interest in her that she fought. She smiled at him, glad she'd decided to come with him. When they reached her car, he held the door open for her and asked her to drive to where he was parked. She could follow him once he'd retrieved his car.
"For what it's worth, Chief, it's nice to see you smile. It's been awhile since we seen that." Flynn commented.
"There hasn't been much to smile about Lt., but I do thank you all for looking out for me lately. Makes me feel a little less lonely sometimes." She smiled tentatively, again.
He directed her to his car. Brenda actually was surprised by the fact that she didn't want him to get out and leave her right away. She shook it off, however, knowing that they'd be talking again soon. He got out of her car and got into his. He'd obviously gotten a much better one than the one that had broken down on Provenza and him years ago. It was a nice silver vehicle, and she was impressed.
Arriving at the restaurant after about ten minutes, she pulled into a spot beside him. The place looked homey, a family establishment, and Brenda suddenly was starving. Even in the parking lot, the place smelled fantastic.
"Now, listen Chief. This is my treat. Order anything you'd like on the menu, I'm paying." Flynn told her.
"I can't let you do that, Lt! It's only right I pay my fair share." Brenda protested.
"Nonsense, I'm paying." He smiled at her and she caved. When he smiled, it disarmed her, and she'd agree to almost anything. Almost.
They entered the place, where Andy was greeted as if he was a son. He was obviously well-known here. He introduced the owners to his boss, who greeted her like she was family too. Brenda was almost overwhelmed.
Once they were seated and menus placed in front of them, Brenda looked around. The place was tastefully decorated, but in a family friendly way. Very comforting. She wondered why she'd never heard of this place before. She asked Flynn how he'd found it.
"It's not far from my place, and I'm not much for fast food, Chief. I like a good meal, but not anything greasy. I try to avoid that anymore. I started coming here about five years ago, and they've always treated me well. The meals are great, and so are the owners."
Brenda glanced at the menu, noticing Flynn didn't have one. He must have a favourite meal and didn't need to look, she thought. "So what's good here, Lt.? Any preferences?" she asked him.
"Can't go wrong with the chicken breast, ma'am. The garlic sauce is delicious." he commented.
"Is that what you're having?" she asked curiously.
"No, I'm getting the pasta. But I've been told the chicken is delicious." he smiled.
"Well, I'll give it a try then. Seems like a good choice." She closed the menu, and the waitress appeared shortly to take her order. Brenda was surprised at the waitress flirting with Flynn, she must have been half his age. When she left, she took the opportunity to tease her lieutenant.
"She's got a crush on you, Lt. Your charms have smitten her." Brenda smiled.
Flynn looked at her a little uncomfortably. The woman missed nothing, he thought. "Um, yeah, she does, I guess. But she's the owners daughter, and there is no way I'd ever ask her out. If things ended badly, I could never eat here again. And I'm not prepared to give that up. Besides, she's half my age. That's Provenza's territory, not mine." Andy was almost blushing. Brenda caught that, and smiled.
"Well, I guess I'm an expert at things I can't give up. Cost me my marriage, apparently." Brenda grimaced as she thought that.
"Chief, if you don't mind me saying, you shouldn't have to give up the things you love for any one person. And if that person loves you, they'd understand that."
Brenda looked at Flynn, worry creasing her face. What he said was true, but also true was the fact that she hadn't been able to give up what she loved to do for the person she thought she loved more than anything. And that was something she thought she should be able to do.
"He always has been trying to change you, take the things that make you you away. And in my books, that isn't right."
"Lt., I appreciate your opinion, but I really don't want to talk about this-" Andy cut her off.
"Chief, I know, but God's honest truth, the way he treated you sometimes was not right, not right at all. He plays you very well, to get you to do what he wants. And don't tell me he doesn't. We've all seen it." Flynn finished.
Brenda was taken aback by this. Had that been what it appeared to everyone? She looked down. In a soft voice, she pleaded "Please, Lt., can we just drop it for now? I'm not ready to talk about this. Besides, I think I was just as good at using him at times, for my job. And besides, what if I reconcile with him? Please, let's just talk about something else."
Flynn looked at her and his heart sank. After all she's been through, she'd consider getting back together with him? After the emotional roller coaster she'd been on, she'd give everything up to go to Washington?
"Fine, Chief, I'll drop it for now. But know that we're all here for you, anytime you need to talk. We've been trying to look out for you, and the rest want to know if you'd like to go out once a week, make it a team night. We'd love for you to come with us." Flynn changed the subject just like that.
Brenda smiled again. She really did work with a great bunch of guys. "I think I'd like that very much, Lt. Flynn. Tell them I'd love to."
"They'll be thrilled. Although I'm not sure Tao's wife will be, to tell you the truth." Flynn laughed.
"Well, she could always meet us there. The more the merrier." Brenda laughed.
"I'll tell him, but don't expect her to take you up on the offer."
"Why ever not?"
"She's a sweet woman, but she can only take so much of Provenza. And if she catches her husband wearing that ridiculous hat, she might beat us all for getting her husband to do that." Flynn chuckled.
With that, conversation stopped for awhile, as their meals arrived. As promised, the chicken was delicious, and Brenda was glad she had chosen it. Flynn had great taste. In the end, Brenda snuck in dessert for the two of them to eat, paying for his, as he wouldn't allow her to pay for the meal itself. Dessert was the least she could do. Satisfied, they got up to leave, somewhat reluctant for the evening to end. She'd relaxed after the initial awkwardness and quite enjoyed herself. Walking out to their cars, Flynn surprised her again.
"Chief, would you like to do this weekly, you and me? Dinner here? I've had a lot of fun tonight." Flynn asked, but expected to be turned down.
Brenda considered her options. She could be home, petting her cat, feeling all alone in the world. She could work late, burying herself in work. Or she could relax once a week, with a friend and a good meal, and good conversation. She decided on the latter.
"Actually, Lt., I think I'd like that. I've had a great evening. And the food was terrific." she gave him one of her smiles again.
"Then it's a date, Chief. I look forward to it." Flynn smiled at her. Suddenly though, he blushed again, "I don't mean it's a date-date, Chief, I just meant-" he stuttered before she cut him off, laughing.
"I know what you meant, Lt. Flynn, don't worry. I'm more than happy to spend time with a friend. It's all very sweet of you to look out for me." She smiled at him, putting him at ease once again.
With that she got in her car, and drove off. Looking in her rear view mirror, she was surprised to see Andy Flynn still standing there, staring after her. And for some reason, that fact made her feel very happy.