Thank you to everyone who has followed along with my story and especially to those who took the time to review. You've been so encouraging; I hope it lives up to all of your expectations. I hope you enjoy it.
"Andy is pregnant." Oliver announced.
All 3 heads snapped up. "What?" They yelled in unison, and every head in the room spun over to them.
"Keep it down; I don't think anyone knows yet. I just heard Tommy ask that Paul guy if he was excited about the baby," Oliver explained as he turned to Traci. "Did you know?"
"No…but I will definitely be finding out how that happened." Traci stated.
Always the joker Oliver replied, "well…I can tell you how it happened."
Traci tilted her head with a mock smile, but before she could respond with a clever retort, Jerry demanded, "Someone needs to tell Sammy."
"Aren't you the one that keeps saying that as his friend, that someone is you" Oliver reminded him, not particularly keen on breaking the news to Sam himself.
"I think Andy is the one that has to do it." Traci said.
"Well she better do it soon because I'm not letting her lead him on anymore, especially now that I know about that little bombshell. You need to talk to her." Jerry stressed.
What they didn't realize was that another guest had overheard their conversation, and what they meant to keep quiet would not stay that way for long. Word started to spread slowly through the room heightening the anticipation to midnight, when they were certain that everything would come to a head.
Just before 11, there was a knock at the door. Andy opened it up and came face to face with a tall, beautiful, well built blond who Andy had never seen before. As soon as the door opened, almost every head in the apartment had turned to see if Andy had another man in her web, but they were shocked – and the men pleasantly surprised – to see the beautiful, perfectly manicured blond. No one knew why, but they were sure that things were about to get even more interesting, and they were not looking away any time soon.
"I'm sorry; have we met? Do you have the right place?" Andy asked her.
"I think so…I'm looking for Jerry Barber," she replied, peeking around the room before lowering her voice. "He has a single friend he wants me to meet."
"Jerry's right over there." Andy directed with her hand, giving Jerry a forced smile when he looked up. Jerry lifted his chin quickly in acknowledgment and then motioned the woman over as he moved to meet her.
When he passed by Sam, Jerry grabbed him by the arm and brought him along. "What are you doing? I was talking to someone? Where are we going?"
As soon as the blond saw Sam, her eyes widened and raked over his body with an appreciative grin. Sam turned to see where they were headed and when realization set in, he tried to pull his arm away without luck. Shit! Here we go again.
Across the room, Andy scowled. Even before she saw Jerry grab Sam's arm, she knew his intent. And it was obvious Jerry had invited this woman because she wasn't Andy McNally...she was the Anti-McNally…the farthest thing from Andy you could get.
Or so Andy thought. She had barely closed the door when another knock produced a redhead with green eyes also asking for Jerry. Andy was starting to see a trend here.
She pointed Jerry out, but he had already left Sam talking with the first woman. He was grinning as he made his way over to chat with the redhead. Jerry spoke with her for just a minute and then led her over to Sam and the blond. Sam was happy to be rescued from his present conversation, but from the murderous look on the blond's face, she did not want to share.
When the next knock came, Andy was prepared to greet what she knew would be another woman courtesy of Jerry. But she was wrong….it was 2 women: a petite blue-eyed blonde who had brought a matching friend.
Now Andy was pissed. If inviting one woman wasn't bad enough, he had to invite three. Like Andy didn't have enough trouble worrying about the friends she had invited herself, she now had to worry about the people Dov encouraged to come and all these women that Jerry was throwing at Sam.
Andy was not happy, but she passed quickly from mad to distressed. There were too many emotions – anger, jealousy, worry, insecurity – and she was soon overwhelmed. She started to tear up, and rushed out of the room not wanting to make a scene. But her actions did not go unnoticed. All night, she had been the focal point of the room, and her teary exit was picked up by more than just her concerned friends.
"It's the hormones; they get emotional like that when their expecting." One guest remarked as the 'good news' continued to spread.
Being the closest, Sarah followed Andy immediately to her bedroom, joined by Michael and David who had been chatting with Sarah at the time.
As Sarah sat on the bed with her arm around Andy, the guys reassured her. "Andy, it's a great party! The food's been amazing, and everyone here is a lot of fun…even your resident 'gossip girl' Epstein is a laugh. Don't worry about it. If people get grumpy and leave good riddance."
"Thank you." Andy said sincerely.
In the meantime, the baby news continued to spread throughout the rest of the apartment in Andy's extended absence. One guest came up to Dov a little disgruntled. "Nice of you to keep the biggest news to yourself, Epstein; when were you going to share that little gem?"
Dov looked at him confused, "what do you mean?"
"Andy…having a baby."
Dov choked on his drink a little, but quickly recovered; he didn't want anyone to know that it was news to him too. "Who told you?"
"You should have…but someone overheard Shaw talking about it," the guest revealed.
"Yeah…sorry…I, uh, wanted it to be a surprise…you know, make the party more interesting," he justified as he looked up and met Oliver's eyes. He raised his glass to Shaw who returned the gesture a little puzzled. To the master. Dov toasted.
Across the room, Traci was not happy at all, so she pulled Jerry away from Sam and his new admirers. Having seen Andy's distress, Sam was also trying to get away too but he wasn't having much luck as the women kept stopping him.
"Did you see the look on McNally's face?" Jerry cheered to Traci. "She is pissed." He announced proudly.
Traci couldn't believe it, and started berating him. "I'd be pissed too. You had no right! This is her party. Do you see how full this place is? And over half of these people weren't even invited…I don't know how many ambulance chasers came just because Dov told them something big was going to go down...and now you're making it worse by inviting more people that she has no room or food for."
"That's not why she's mad and you know it." Jerry defended. "It's about time she got some of her own medicine. She needs to realize that she shouldn't play games with Sam, or any of these guys for that matter."
"And you need to learn to mind your own business." Traci said in a huff; she had had just about enough of this charade too. "I'm going to see how Andy's holding up."
Jerry was too happy to let Traci dampen his mood; he'd talk to her later. He rejoined his previous conversation and started bragging about how great Sam was. While Sam's glare did nothing to support Jerry's declarations, it went totally unnoticed; Jerry was too wrapped up in his mission.
Traci joined Sarah and Andy in the bedroom as David & Michael headed back out. Andy had calmed down a little, but wasn't quite ready to face the crowd again.
Sarah confirmed Traci's thoughts. "She's upset that there won't be enough food and I don't think it's helping that these last few women came specifically to meet Sam."
"And the fact that they're all gorgeous." Andy added.
"So are you, Andy. And you're the one Sam is in love with. I saw him out there; you have nothing to worry about." Traci swore. "And, I'm really sorry." She added. "I had no idea Jerry was going to do this."
"I know, Trace. I don't blame you; actually I don't even blame Jerry. I brought this all on myself; I guess I should have known I couldn't make it through this totally unscathed."
Traci chuckled darkly. "Oh yeah…I almost forgot…did you know you're pregnant?"
Andy's and Sarah's mouths both dropped open but before they could respond, Paul came in. "I think that's my fault."
"You always told me you were good, but I didn't know you were that good." Andy teased. "I didn't feel a thing."
"Andy…how could you say that?" He replied with mock hurt, before continuing with his act. "You are the mother of my child, the day to my night, the dawn to my dusk…"
"The bull to my shit?" Andy interrupted.
"Good one, AM." Paul laughed. "Actually your dad asked me if I was excited about the baby and your friend Oliver overheard. I'm pretty sure that's why he dropped the glass." Paul explained.
"He's right. Oliver came over and told us as soon as he heard," Traci confirmed.
Paul sat down on the bed beside Andy and put his hand over hers. "Seriously, Andy…don't sweat it…you always worry too much. Everyone's enjoying themselves, so it's a little crowded…who cares."
"I think I can deal with the crowd, but it's starting to get out of hand. It's taking on a life of its own…literally. Now I have to pretend I'm pregnant?"
"You hide it well," he promised.
Andy shot him a look and he just laughed. "Don't you see; this just makes the plan even better. I know the original idea and I'll just follow the other guys' lead when it comes to the big reveal. Have you had anything to drink tonight?" He wondered.
"No. I poured one, but I haven't touched it. I haven't had time. But I am definitely going to need one if I want to make it to midnight."
"You can't have one now… you're with child." He explained with a grin.
Andy looked over at Traci and raised her eyebrows in request. Traci had brought a full glass of wine in with her.
"OK fine you need this more than I do anyway." Traci conceded handing her the glass.
Andy downed the wine in one shot and Paul just laughed. "Liquid courage…not the first time we've had to use it…and probably not the last."
Andy smiled at past memories and squeezed Paul's hand, thanking him for cheering her up. Having finally gotten away, Sam came in just in time to see Paul and Andy smiling at each other, and he scowled at the sight of them holding hands.
Paul could feel the tension coming from Sam so he let go of Andy's hand and offered one to Sam. "I hope we have a chance to talk more later. I want to get to know the guy who finally broke through the McNally fortress."
Before leaving, Paul turned to Andy. "See you out there Mama." And he was smiling as he left, but soon turned his expression neutral not wanting to give anything away to the waiting audience.
Sam sat down beside Andy; she seemed happier but still not 100%. "It's not worth it, Andy; you're not having any fun at all. Let's just call it off OK? I'll kick everyone out that you don't know personally and we'll spend the rest of the evening with just our friends." Sam offered.
"Thanks, Sam but I don't want to make a scene."
"It's not a scene; it's just common decency – I am completely pissed at Dov. How could he think it was OK to tell all these people that you wouldn't mind if they came?" He marveled. "I mean, it wouldn't have been so bad if it was just one or two, but man…I think half the precinct is here."
"And Jerry." He continued with his rant. "I can't believe him either. How long have we been friends? These women aren't even my type."
"Neither was I." Andy said with a giggle, pleased to hear that Sam was not attracted to the women at all. Sam laughed too; happy to see some joy back in her eyes.
"But I think that was the point, Sam," Andy continued. "He was trying to find you someone who is nothing like me."
"Well, it couldn't have been very hard," Sam stated with a kiss. "…because there is no one like you." He was rewarded with the million dollar smile he loved so much.
"And you don't have to worry; they won't be here long." Sam assured her. "The blond left before I even came in here; apparently my lack of knowledge of the housewives – I don't know…of some desperate county or something – was a deal breaker."
"And the redhead was already arguing with Jerry when I left; I don't think she appreciated it when I finally just walked away. I don't blame her; Jerry should have never let her believe that I might be interested. I warned him to leave me alone tonight. The only ones who might stay are the 2 small blonds because Dov has already got them wrapped up in the soap opera that is your so called life. I think they're just staying to see what happens." Sam explained.
"Well…I guess we don't want to disappoint them." Andy said with a forced smile. "You gotta give the people what they want…right?" Sam smiled back and pulled Andy to her feet for a hug.
As she was embracing Sam, Andy remembered her 'big news' and thought she'd better share her new found knowledge before he found out the hard way.
"Oh, by the way…evidently I'm pregnant."
"What?" Sam's eyebrows shot up as he pulled back.
Andy laughed at his expression. "Relax. I guess Shaw overheard my Dad ask Paul about his baby and Oliver assumed that I was the one having it."
Sam laughed. "Are you kidding me? Only you, McNally!" He said, shaking his head and leading Andy back out to the party.
"Well, if you're going to let everyone stay, I better make a quick run to the store to pick up some more ice and some more food." Sam offered.
"How much have you had to drink?" Andy asked.
"Not much, I haven't had time." Sam replied.
"OK…hurry back. You have less than a half hour." She warned.
"I'll be here." He guaranteed. "…and this will make it easier anyway."
Sam stopped to let Traci and Jerry know before he headed out. Jerry wanted to go with him, but Sam declined. He was not in the mood to discuss his 'options' anymore. Jerry even tried to send the redhead with Sam, hoping to get her off his back. But Sam just glared back at him; he was past being polite. "You need to tell her I'm not interested; if she had other options for tonight, she should probably go now." And with that, Sam left – happy for a quick reprieve before all hell broke loose.
It was just about midnight and Sam was not back yet. Andy was getting a little concerned as she looked around. Almost every eye was on her, and she smiled to herself as she noticed that many of them seemed to be checking out her stomach as well.
Epstein & Shaw were the worst though. For the past 10 minutes, they had pretty much been shadowing here. If she went to the kitchen, they stood right outside. If she moved to the hallway, she could have reached out and touched them. Looking at her watch, she turned quickly to get to her place and ran straight into Dov. Andy chuckled to herself as Dov put his hand on her stomach to steady himself. She looked over at him and his eyes had rolled back a little as he was deep in thought, obviously trying to decide if he actually felt anything. Real subtle, Dov.
Although they stayed right beside her, Dov & Oliver's eyes kept darting towards Andy's potential boyfriends to see if any were making a move to get close to Andy for a midnight kiss. They seemed to be paying special attention to Paul as the most likely, but all 3 guys were within striking distance. Michael was talking to Noelle, David was talking with Sarah and Paul was with Tommy.
The anticipation could be felt from every group. But Dov was a little disappointed that Sam wasn't there. Even though he would be solving the puzzle of the mystery man in Andy's life, it would be more fun – and a better story – if he could watch Swarek's reaction too. He owed it to his followers to be able to tell the full tale for anyone who wasn't there.
Traci yelled out, "1 minute to midnight" as Andy got a text from Sam – 'I'm here; get ready.' Andy lowered her eyes and started to smile. Everyone assumed it was in anticipation of kissing 'her man.'
Andy moved closer to the doorway so she was within 2 feet of David, Michael and Paul. Half the people in the room seemed to be mimicking her movements with Dov and Shaw elbowing their way to the front. Zoe just rolled her eyes and grabbed her husband's hand to get his attention. "You are going to kiss me at midnight, aren't you?" She demanded.
"Yeah…yeah…of course." He replied, not even looking at her.
"30 seconds," someone yelled.
Jerry sidled up to Traci and pulled her closer. She was still a little angry, but she knew it was almost over so she decided to cooperate. Jerry was just happy that Sam wasn't going to be here to witness the whole fiasco.
10…9…8…
Sam opened the door and set down the bags. "Did I make it?"
Andy's three suitors turned to face her as she stepped forward.
7…6…5…4…
But before they reached 1, the power went out. The room went totally black and no one could see a thing. But you could hear a collective sigh and a few muttered thoughts of "no way", as everyone lost visual on their subject.
The countdown continued in the dark, but only by those in on the plan…3…2…1…"Happy New Year!"
The lights came back on just after the Happy New Year, but many awaiting a New Year's kiss were sorely disappointed…though not everyone.
Quick Flashback
David had given Sarah a quick peck on the cheek in the dark before moving into position to start the production.
Noelle took advantage of the 5 seconds of darkness to steal a kiss from her new "friend," and it took Michael an extra second or two to recover before moving into place.
End Flashback
Traci was kissing Jerry but his eyes were wide open scanning the room to find Sam again. Where the hell did he go?
And Shaw just stood there open mouthed next to Dov. Zoe hadn't even bothered trying to kiss her husband.
"Where's Andy?" Dov and Oliver yelped at the same time.
"I didn't even get to kiss her." All 3 decoys said at once.
"What do you mean…you didn't get to kiss her?" David said as he looked at the other 2 men.
"Andy invited me to the party." Michael said.
"She invited me too." Paul countered. "She invited all of us…it's her party."
"Yes, but I thought she was inviting me, you know, as her date." Michael said.
David looked over at him incredulous, "how could you think you were her date?"
"I can't believe this. Where is she?" Paul said tersely.
David's voice faded away as he pulled out a key to his house. "But I was going to…"
Michael's eyes got huge. And then he reluctantly pulled an envelope out of his coat, "Guess I won't need these anymore," he said as he displayed what appeared to be plane tickets.
They both turned to Paul expectantly and their eyes widened as he pulled out an engagement ring box and shrugged his shoulders.
Dov & Shaw just stood there with their jaws dropped, while Jerry was pacing back and forth and Traci was trying to hold him back. "Where is she?" Jerry yelled. "And where the hell is Sam?"
It was a small apartment, how hard could it be to find her and get to the bottom of this. Traci and Noelle offered to search down the halls and it only took a minute for them to return with no sign of Andy.
"Very funny, Andy. You can come out now." David yelled.
"I bet she ran." Paul stated shaking his head. "…she always runs."
The decoys were especially dramatic in their search for Andy, but the rest of the natives were getting restless.
"Great job, Dov. You said this would be epic."
"Sure glad we gave up that other party. There's 4 hours I'll never get back."
"I should've known better than to listen to Epstein. When has he ever gotten a story right?"
"All that hype and it's over before the main event…and I had money on Swarek beating someone up tonight."
"Maybe you can win your money back on the paternity test." Someone joked half serious.
"Looks like your 'show' is over Epstein…and it wasn't much of one either. I'm getting out of here…. anyone want to go hit the party for the 12th?"
The majority of the crowd moved toward the entry and started to open the front door to leave. As they turned the knob, they could feel pressure on the door so they slid back in anticipation of whatever was behind it. They got more than they bargained for as Andy and Sam fell through the door in full on make out mode.
"What the hell?" Someone shouted.
Gail just laughed and looked over to Dov. "I'm guessing that's not what you had in mind when you said 'her man' would be up against one of fifteenth's finest."
Jerry started pushing his way to the door yelling – "break it up…get up, Sammy…we're getting the hell out of here…that woman is bad news. She's got all 3 of these guys on a string here and I'll be damned if you'll be the fourth."
Sam got up, pulling Andy with him. His gaze shifted between Jerry, Andy and the other 3 as he told everyone to quiet down. "What do you mean 3 different guys?" He asked before focusing angrily on her. "Andy you need to explain and you need to do it fast."
"Yeah, Andy…care to explain?" David said. "You can't tell me that our last month didn't mean anything to you."
Michael looked incredulous. "Your last month…what about the time we spent together? What was that to you?" He directed at Andy.
Paul just shook his head. "Some things never change." Andy shot him a quick glare for that one; he was having a little too much fun with this.
Recovering quickly, Andy spoke up. "I'm just not ready for a commitment right now. And we never said we were exclusive. Why can't we just have fun?" She asked.
Dov's eyes were jumping quickly from Andy to each guy. His head was moving so fast it was comical and the rest of the girls were having a hard time keeping straight faces.
"Please…you're all great." Andy professed. "And we've had so much fun. Why do I have to choose?"
Oliver's power of speech finally came back. "Uh… because of the baby?" Unbelievable!
"You heard?" Andy wondered.
"You're having a baby?" David demanded.
"You didn't know?" Paul asked.
"You did?" Michael wondered.
"Of course." Paul admitted and Michael and David moved to leave.
"I don't care, Andy…I love you and I want to be with you." Sam declared.
"You have got to be kidding me? I can't believe this. Swarek, are you shitting me?" Jerry asked.
"As a matter of fact I am." Sam said with a grin.
"Thank God!" Jerry said "…I actually thought you meant it there for a second."
"I did mean it…I love Andy and I want to be with her." Sam announced.
"But you just said…" Jerry mumbled confused.
"I think what Sam means to say," Noelle said as she stepped forward to pat Jerry's cheek, "is that we're all shitting you." She revealed, motioning towards all the girls, the 3 decoys and Sam.
Traci moved forward and placed her hands on the side of Jerry's face and informed him, "I think that someone was just taught a lesson, but it wasn't Andy."
"You knew." Jerry was stunned.
Zoe grabbed Oliver's face, and helped him close his mouth. She then kissed him and said "Happy New Year Honey…now suck it up or 'this can only end badly.'" She emphasized with quotation marks.
Realization had finally set in and Shaw shook his head and admitted, "Sammy, I knew you were good, but I really didn't think you were that great of an actor."
"Hey…I only found out it was me at Christmas." Sam admitted with a laugh.
Shaw and Barber just looked at each other. "We definitely need another drink." Jerry stated.
"And an explanation, my friend." Oliver added.
"Show's over everyone," Sam announced as he herded everyone out the door. The mass exit was accompanied by various mutterings: Are you kidding me? - Not even a fight - there's no baby? - Swarek's happy? - Man I hate Epstein.
Andy's apartment cleared out quickly and she was both happy and relieved. The only ones left were Dov, Chris & Gail, Traci & Jerry, Noelle (who was now happy to flirt openly with Michael), Sarah (who also no longer had to hide her budding affections for David) and the Shaw's.
None of their friends were ready to go home without a full explanation, which was given by a combination of Andy, Sarah, Traci, Noelle and Sam, with David & Michael coming clean about the way the met and their true relationship with Andy.
Paul stayed just long enough to explain how he knew Andy, and that he was the father of a baby but just not with Andy. He promised to meet Andy – and Sam at Sam's insistence – for lunch before he went home.
While the story was retold, Zoe laughed as each new detail came to light. She remembered exactly how Oliver had explained it to her and how far off base he was. The more embarrassed Ollie got with each new fact, the harder Zoe laughed. At one point, she leaned closer to him. "Zoe you'll never believe it; Dov said Andy has a boyfriend and it isn't Sam." She taunted.
"Ha…funny girl…just you wait till we get home!" Ollie threatened.
"You mean you're finally going to pay some attention to me." She teased with a kiss to his cheek.
The story continued to unfold as more particulars were revealed, and the victims worked to get all of their questions answered.
"So…when Tracy said 'do anyone special' over Christmas that was Sam?" Oliver questioned.
Everyone just looked at him disbelieving before laughing. "Do not answer that!" Sam demanded.
"But who were you talking to on the phone at the Penny then?" Shaw wondered.
"That was me." David confessed. "But I'm guessing you missed some key parts in the translation, when you didn't hear my side. I was almost fooled myself." David admitted with a tip of his 'hat' to Andy.
"But what about the phone sex?" Chris asked quietly not really comfortable with the subject but wanting an answer.
"What phone sex?" Oliver shrieked.
Gail laughed, "At your Boxing Day party! Didn't you see her getting all hot and bothered over in the corner?"
"You had sex at my Boxing Day Party?" Oliver couldn't believe it.
"No," Sam laughed. "She turned me down."
Chris' head snapped over to Sam. "It was you? But you were there."
"He was...but he had left the room." Gail realized aloud. "And if I remember correctly, he was a little 'bothered' himself when he came back."
"I called her from the bathroom," Sam admitted, and before anyone could ask for further details, he made sure they knew it was not up for discussion. That was private…and he didn't kiss and tell.
"OK, but who cut the power?" Zoe asked.
"Sam made arrangements with my landlord, and he was happy to help out." Andy explained.
Throughout the whole reveal, Dov had been sitting quietly with his phone in his hand.
"Cat got your tongue, Epstein?" Traci asked.
"Yeah, Dov…I don't think I've ever seen you this quiet for this long." Gail agreed. "I would've thought you'd be digging for the dirt…unless you've finally learned your lesson."
"Shit!" Dov yelled out, all but oblivious to all the previous comments regarding his silence.
"What the hell, Dov?" Chris had been startled.
"My battery just ran out," he complained as he held up his phone.
"So wait till you get home to finish your text." Chris offered.
"I wasn't texting." Dov admitted. "You don't really think I could remember all this by myself do you?"
Sam stood up from his chair. "Have you been taping?"
"How else am I going to remember everything?" Dov wondered. "I can still salvage this."
Sam started moving towards Dov, but Andy stopped him as she shook her head. "It won't help, Sam."
And then she looked pointedly at Shaw before telling Sam, "just let it go." The underlying meaning was not lost on Oliver, as he turned a deeper shade of red.
"Can't I hurt him…please? Just a little?" Sam begged to the sound of everyone's laughter.
"What if I just break the phone?" He offered to even greater amusement. "Can I at least confiscate the phone." Andy definitely considered that one before shaking her head.
"Next retrain, Epstein…you're mine." Sam promised to a nervous Dov.
Once the tale was completely told, and all jokes exhausted, Shaw admitted that he had definitely been had, but was quick to remind everyone that he didn't forget easily.
It was getting late, though, and the jokes were not all that was exhausted so Sam and Andy walked all their friends to the door to bid them good night.
Michael & David were the first to leave after shaking hands with all their new friends and promising to come back if there was another party. Noelle and Sarah walked them out after Noelle hugged both Sam and Andy. "Girl, you really know how to throw a party – I haven't had this much fun in a long time."
Sarah's stuff was at Andy's so she would be coming back up and staying the night, but she and Noelle had already agreed to have breakfast with David & Michael at their hotel. Noelle would swing by and pick her up.
Chris and Gail hugged their hosts too and Gail whispered to Andy, "Next time…I want in." And she walked out smiling. Maybe the Ice Queen is melting a little. Andy thought.
Dov followed quickly behind them to catch a ride home. He hugged Andy but waved hurriedly at Sam before he got too close.
Oliver & Zoe exchanged hugs with the hosts, as well as thanks for a truly memorable evening. Zoe grabbed Oliver's arm and asked, "How about that New Year's kiss now?" He grabbed her waist, kissed her cheek and was rewarded with a giggle when he offered her more than just a kiss.
"You two be careful." Sam joked. "We have enough Shaw's as it is."
Traci & Jerry were the last to leave and Andy could tell Jerry was still a little embarrassed especially with her. He hadn't had much to say during the explanation and he was still looking a little sheepish. But Sam was not about to let him off easy.
"Guess you don't have to worry about my love life any more, eh Jer?" Sam teased.
"Nope…guess not." Jerry answered shortly as Sam and Traci just laughed.
Andy wasn't laughing though; she walked right up to Jerry, stopping within a foot to look him straight in the eye. Jerry's eyes widened and he moved back in anticipation of getting an earful. But Andy simply hugged him and said "You're a good friend, Jerry."
He was pleasantly surprised and hugged her back, thankful she wasn't holding a grudge. "Thanks, Andy," he said as let go her, and the breath he had been holding.
"But if you ever try to set Sam up again…" Andy threatened.
Jerry threw his hands up in defense. "My matchmaking duties are over! I promise."
Andy smiled and hugged Traci "Thanks, Trace."
"Are you kidding? I should be thanking you. I had a blast!" And with that, she grabbed Jerry's arm and laughed as he acknowledged his embarrassment "I can't believe you let me go on like that when you knew the whole time."
Andy started straightening up, but Sam stopped her. "This can wait until morning. Let's get ready for bed; I'm exhausted." Andy was too, so she agreed as Sarah returned to the apartment and locked the door.
Together they cleared just enough to prepare Sarah's bed as she got ready in the bathroom, and then bid her goodnight as they headed down the hall.
As they lay in bed together, too tired to do anything but talk – OK and maybe steal a few kisses – Andy snuggled as close as she could into Sam.
"So what do you want to do tomorrow? What will be our first official act as a couple at the 15th?" Andy asked, happy to finally be able to adore Sam in public.
"We need to get caught doing it in the cruiser." Sam answered nonchalantly.
"What?" Andy was shocked.
"Just after you rookies got to the 15th, a pool was started as to when you and I would be caught in the cruiser. I guess even back then everyone could tell it was inevitable. And it's just been sitting there since no one won it," Sam continued. "But I took my money in a couple of days ago and Noelle added me in for tomorrow under her name."
"No way." Andy disputed. "We'll get in trouble."
"Don't worry about it. I already talked to Frank and as long as we don't go too far – and I buy him a bottle of scotch with my winnings – he'll go easy on us. It's a pretty good pot, too. I'll have more than enough to get him and Noelle each a decent bottle and still have some left over to take out my best girl." Sam promised with dimpled grin.
"Fine." Andy couldn't resist that smile and she changed the subject with a tempting one of her own. "You know what my favorite part of New Years always is?" She purred.
"What?" He was definitely interested.
"The fireworks." Andy answered with a suggestive smirk.
"You want to see fireworks?" Sam asked as he grabbed Andy and flipped her onto her back.
Andy squealed. "Oh you think you can help me with that?"
"Oh, yeah." Sam assured her before lowering his body onto hers and capturing her lips with a passion befitting the occasion.
A tired voice could be heard from the living room. "Andy…do you have any earplugs?"