Author's Note: Many thanks to all the favorites, follows and readers. I hope you all continue enjoying. A special thanks to the reviewers, Roni for the Beta work and lontanissima for being my backboard in writing this story.

Chapter 2

Early Days

Sharon rolled her eyes as she watched Rusty lug in Abby's fifth bag into the condo and her sister walked in empty handed. Sharon thanked her son as he went down the hall. He smiled, letting her know he didn't mind.

"Tell me now if you plan on moving in, so we can start hunting for a new place." Sharon teased as Abby closed the front door.

Sharon had updated her about Rusty's situation—a serial killer on the loose and being in danger. She was also aware of the private security Sharon had hired after her adopted son denied the LAPD's protection. They had not gone into it in depth or mentioned any details, but she knew it terrified her sister; not for her own life, but for Rusty's.

"Very funny, Raydor, my room at the hotel is still available, just let me know and I can go back." She pointed at the door.

"Oh, don't play hurt." Sharon walked over to her younger sister and hugged her, "I invited you to stay here, I want to spend time with you." Sharon pulled back and smiled at her. "I missed you, you know?"

Abby pulled her close again and hugged her tighter. "I missed you, too." she whispered.

They held each other for a while, it had been a long time since they had been in the same room. Growing up they were always together, everyone would tease them that they were joined at the hip, but they called each other best friends. As they had grown, life and circumstances had distanced them, but they always knew—one call and they'd be there for one another in an instant. Even separated by the remoteness, they were still close at heart.

Sharon pulled back and squeezed her arm, "How about a glass of wine?" Abby smiled while removing her jacket and followed her sister.

"You know I'm not the only one that misses you back home." Sharon uncorked the wine bottle and sighed as Abby looked at her expectantly.

Sharon and Abigail were extremely close to their brother William who had moved out of their home state months after Sharon had left for the university, but he had returned back home in recent years with his family. Their parents still lived at the house they grew up in; Sharon's father had retired as a judge, her mother as a nurse. They had always been close, but Sharon had missed the last four years of family holidays, vacations and reunions. She knew not everyone was as supportive as Abby was in her most recent life choices. For example, becoming head of Major Crimes, taking Rusty in and adopting him, and finally—divorcing her husband.

"The hours I work are complicated." Sharon responded deflated.

"Oh, don't give me the scripted answer," Abby took the bottle of wine out of Sharon's hands and poured a little extra for herself. Sharon shook her head.

"My second in command works no less than eighty-six hours a week, Abby, our civilian works no less than seventy hours, so it's not a scripted answer, it's a very honest one."

Abby took a long sip and nodded when she saw Sharon's feelings were hurt.

"Alright, I apologize," she smiled at the glass of wine and then at Sharon. "I hadn't tried this year before." Sharon handed her the bottle, so she could read the label.

Even with the excuse of the long work hours, she thought she might also be hiding from her parents and her brother. They had all caused her some heartache—she knew they had wonderful hearts and that they all loved her—but none of them had made an effort to welcome Rusty into the family, except Abby and her mother. Although she did not really need it, only Abby had shown her support in her divorce with Jack.

"I put Abby's bags in my room," Rusty said as he walked into the kitchen.

Abby groaned through the sip of wine shaking one finger at Rusty before she could speak, "Hun, Abby was the little girl that wore pig tails, had baby fat and carried around a bag of cotton candy everywhere she went." She motioned at herself from head to toe. "Not the chubby little girl anymore, am I?"

Sharon smiled at her sister.

"Uh, sorry," Rusty looked at Sharon slightly confused and amused.

"Don't apologize, Rusty, she likes giving people a hard time." Sharon shook her head at her sister with a smile.

Abby poured herself a second glass. "And please don't give me your room, Shari and I shared a bed till we were in fourth grade, a bedroom till eighth, and again for several weeks when my husband died." Rusty saw her bright smile fade quickly as she took another sip of her wine. "You don't mind, do you, Shari?" Sharon shook her head, rubbing her sister's arm.

Abby had married her high school boyfriend. Their parents had, of course, been against it, but she had gone with her instinct and lived a wonderful life. A happy life. She had tried for years to have a baby, but was unable to conceive, and it had crushed both her and her husband. Instead of tearing them apart, it had brought them closer together and made their marriage stronger. Sharon had spent an entire summer with her at their ranch house just seven years ago after he had passed away from a sudden heart attack. She had never seen her sister so broken. It had been the only time Sharon had taken a leave of absence from work. After some time Abby had moved into a much smaller home closer to her parents and just two years ago had begun having these so called flings, but never anything serious.

She said she would only ever have one love, her Michael.

"It's fine, really, I can sleep on the couch." Rusty said quickly, he had just met her and still hated seeing the sadness that reached her face.

"Rusty, Abby would not offer up a place to sleep if she wasn't sure." Abby swatted at Sharon making her jump back and giggle.

"You'll never let that go, will you, I offered nana the bed and she wouldn't take it." Abby chuckled feeling as embarrassed as she did when she was fifteen. Sharon was bent at the waist and laughing openly.

Rusty watched the two siblings and smiled, he had seen Sharon as a Captain, as a mom, but this was a whole new side of her. She smiled brighter, her whole face was lit and she was teasing her sister mercilessly.

He had texted Emily about one inside joke they had referenced many times during dinner, but she told him not to try and keep up. When her aunt and mom got together, no one could keep up.

Not even Uncle Will. She had messaged back as an afterthought.

Abby was very sweet in a way that reminded him of Sharon. But where his adoptive mother's voice was softer and smoother, he noticed that Abby was loud and liked the attention, and not in a ruthless way, but in a way that exhumed confidence. He could actually see that she was very confident, even in the way she dressed. She wore tight skinny jeans with stylish booties and a form fitting shirt—something he had never seen Sharon in and was sure didn't exist in her closet. Also Abby's hair was shorter than Sharon's and was in a fashionable bob at shoulder length.

Rusty joined them as they sat around the dining table. He found himself laughing so much that his stomach hurt as Abby shared stories of Sharon's past. He noted that she was also incredibly funny and outgoing.

"Abigail, Sharon said you were a publicist," Abby smiled and nodded at him.

"So you do talk about me?" Abby nudged her sister with her shoulder, "I was afraid LA had you forgetting about your little sis." She joked. Sharon smiled at her. "Well, Rusty, I am, but I haven't had a muse in two years." She swirled her glass of wine.

"A muse?" Rusty asked curiously.

"Well, that's what I call them. I help publish authors and like to take them under my wing." Rusty looked at Sharon and Abby also turned to face her sister. "Did I say something stupid?"

"Oh, no." Rusty said quickly, "It's just kind of what your sister did with me." Sharon smiled at Abby. They had discussed Rusty in length over the phone, never divulging too much of his history, but her sister had always encouraged her to do what she felt was right in her life.

Abby folded her arms on the table and leaned forward, looking at him carefully.

"No, honey," It reminded him of Sharon, even the soft glare. He found it less intimidating, perhaps because there was a softer shade of green looking back at him, and because there was a smile to her eyes even when she wasn't smiling. "If I were so lucky," she whispered. When he looked at her confused, she continued, "You see, if I am captured by a manuscript on the first five pages, I bring in the author; if I like him or her, I read every word they sent to me. I meet with them again. I gather an unbiased group of readers that tell me their opinions on the writing. I send the author to one of my editors with my own notes and those the readers suggest. I help them choose proper photos, covers, book size, biography, then we do the publishing, the advertising, book signings, interviews, they get into bookstores, grocery stores, magazine stands, airports, you name it, and hopefully it results in a grand check." Rusty smiled at her open gestures. "They love me, adore me really, that is until our contract is up and they find a larger publisher where they are promised things I cannot give. I get to see them at festivals and such." She waved her hand to the side and shrugged a shoulder. "Now, I may take them under my wing, but the difference here with Shari is that she got a pretty darn remarkable kid that loved her even after their contract was up." Rusty bowed his head and shifted uncomfortably.

Sharon shook her head when Abby looked at her apologetically, it was something she loved about her younger sister. She expressed herself with so much kindness and love.

"I did get lucky," Rusty looked up and saw Sharon smiling softly at him. He didn't understand how she could feel lucky, he had only caused her trouble. But if part of it was love and appreciation being reciprocated as Abby explained, he was starting to comprehend it, because his love and appreciation for Sharon was genuine.

"Now, Will and Mom and Dad said I'm supposed to take many pictures, get your whole story and bring it back home with me," Abby smirked at Rusty, "But I really only have one question."

"Abby," Sharon glared at her sister.

"No, it's fine." Rusty said quickly. He could take questions.

Sharon frowned, never expecting Abby to question Rusty about being part of this family. She sat up and tensed.

With a serious voice Abby leaned forward and whispered, "Do you prefer movies or video games?"

Sharon released a long breath and slapped her sister's shoulder softly.

"Movies, definitely." Rusty answered.

"Alright, how about a movie and some popcorn?" Rusty nodded, Sharon did, too. "Good, I'll go change, you pick your favorite movie." Abby winked at him as she stood up.

"Yeah," Rusty said as she went down the hall. He looked at Sharon who tilted her head and smiled kindly.

"I would apologize for this, but then I would have to for her entire stay." Sharon smiled.

"She's nice, Sharon, maybe I can get some more stories from her and share them with the team."

Sharon groaned. "Just remember I know some of your secrets, too." They glared at each other playfully. "Perhaps a certain playlist on your phone or—"

"Alright, I won't say a word." Sharon smiled triumphantly as he chuckled on his way to the living room. "You always win."

"I do," she whispered to herself.

Sharon walked into her bedroom and smiled at the matching red luggage pilled at the foot of the bed.

"I'll make room for you in the closet." Sharon called.

Abby responded from inside the bathroom, "No, don't do that. I'm staying here for a few, but I will be flying to New York for a couple of days. Then I will take my room at the hotel." Sharon pursed her lips, she hated having her sister stay at a hotel, but she also knew Abby liked her space.

"You mind telling me how long you're in LA for?"

"I'm looking for a fabulous affair." She came out of the bathroom, her face washed and wearing a sweater and shorts, smirking. Sharon shook her head at her. "A certain Lieutenant is at the top of my list." Sharon felt her heart start beating quicker.

"Seriously, Abby?" Her voice was close to exposing her.

"I'm looking for a few new writers out of college out here that were recommended by a friend and I have a meeting in New York, I'm here for a few weeks. Maybe months, if I could find my next muse." Sharon nods watching her sister walk into the bathroom again, "and I am being serious about that yummy Lieutenant." Sharon closed her eyes and let out a long breath, suddenly feeling nauseous. "So please tell me he's not married or at least unhappily married. Shari, you okay?" Sharon opened her eyes, "You paled six shades." Abby took Sharon's hand.

"I'm fine, I think dinner upset my stomach." She smiled, but could see it didn't convince her sister.

"Sit," Sharon smiled weakly as she sat at the foot of her bed. "Can I get you anything?" Abby felt her sister's forehead for a fever.

She shook her head, "Rusty takes movie watching very seriously, I'll change and meet you there." Sharon couldn't make eye contact with her, she hated lying to her.

"You sure?" Abby asked squeezing Sharon's hand, "I can bring you some tea or water."

"I promise." Sharon nodded at her as she stood up. "Plus, I wouldn't trust you with my kettle." Abby rolled her eyes and she winked at Sharon from the door.

She took another deep breath looking around the room and walked over to her cellphone. She took in everything she was feeling and looked at the screen for several minutes before dialing. There was only one person that could put her at ease.

"Hello," She smiled at hearing his voice and the uneasiness went away instantly.

"Hi, I just wanted to apologize for tonight." Sharon said softly.

"I don't need an apology. How was your dinner?" He stood up from where he was lounging on the couch and walked to the kitchen to fill a glass of water.

"Life is always exciting when Abby is around." Sharon said with a small smile. "She is the life of the party, you can never have a boring moment when she's nearby." Sharon had always been the studious one who stayed home, followed the rules and graduated with honors. She had gone to the university with a full-ride scholarship. Abby had done well, too, but never pushed herself too much when it came to education; she snuck out to parties, married as soon as she turned eighteen and had taken several years off of school before returning to college. "She could always walk into a room and just catch everyone's eye. You know what I mean?" She wasn't sure why she felt the need to explain.

"Yeah, sounds like it runs in the family." Sharon hummed not believing him, plucking at the invisible lint on her skirt. She had always known she was a pretty girl, but had never been comfortable with the idea when she was young. Abby had embraced that role and her brother had been the smart jock. It wasn't till she first started living on her own in college that she began experimenting with different styles and finally grew comfortable in her own skin. She knew she looked good for her age, she had kept in shape and had fortunately inherited good genes, but she felt those insecurities coming back when she was with her sister. "You alright?" Andy's voice sounded worried.

"I think so." Sharon heard herself saying. Instead of questioning her answer, he looked out his patio door and gave her a few moments. "Want to talk about it?"

Sharon closed her eyes and shook her head. Of course she didn't want to talk about how Abby found him as irresistible as she did. Sharon sighed, her sister hadn't even had a conversation with him and she had already fallen for him—everyone loved her.

"It's complicated." She whispered.

"So what do you say to breakfast? I can help you make things uncomplicated." Sharon instantly smiled, "I'll even let you pay if that convinces you." She grinned.

"You always say that and I always seem to come out of it with a free meal." He loved the sound of her voice when it quickened, showing how thrilled she was.

"And I get your company," he replied. Sharon could not help the excitement that rushed through her and did her best to hold back the humming sound.

"Who says that's not what I'm in it for as well?" Andy grinned at her playfulness.

"Well, if it's company you need, I can meet you now?" Her stomach twisted in a nervous but pleasant way. The idea of being alone with him always had her palms going sweaty and her smiling to the point where her cheeks hurt.

"Breakfast is perfect," She smiled. "Same place as always?" She asked.

"See you there." Andy waited until the call ended. He grinned while setting his phone down. He walked out his open patio door and looked up at the sky, his hands slipping into his pockets. He always enjoyed talking to her, but he was most excited to spend some time with her in the morning.

It was the perfect way to end a night.

He walked back inside and lifted his phone again.

Sharon tugged on the blanket Abby was using before climbing beneath it with her. Abby looked up lifting the blanket and letting her sister slip in. Sharon smiled when she saw her phone buzz.

Good night.

"Want to share?" Sharon looked over and realized she was grinning and by the look on Abby's face she was giving herself away.

"Nothing interesting," she lied.

Good night, Andy.

That night while in bed Sharon looked at her phone and reread Andy's message. A simple good night could make her pulse race, but also calm her anxieties, and she knew he was one call or message away whenever she needed him. Sleep was pushed away as her thoughts filled with images and moments she had shared with him. Abby was sleeping beside her, she did not want to wake her, but her mind wandered to her closet. What would she wear in the morning? She could feel his eyes on her throughout the day as she walked around the murder room and knew he had a preference for her dresses and skirts. She fell asleep as she slowly visualized her outfit for the following day.

Sharon slipped out of bed the next morning without waking her sister, she had chosen the outfit the night before as she laid in bed. However, everything she tried on in her closet felt wrong.

Abby woke up to the sound of muttering, she looked beside her and Sharon was gone. Her eyes shot over to the closet doors when she heard the noise again. She felt worried when she found Sharon frowning at her clothes as if they had a personal vendetta towards her, her sister never had trouble getting ready. She always praised herself for having outfits that were practical and easy to coordinate.

"The purple, it makes your eyes pop." Sharon jumped slightly as her sister peeked into the closet. "Ms. I-organize-my-outfit-the-night-before-to-be-productive has outfit troubles?" Sharon pulled the purple blouse over her head.

"Is it too boring?" Abby stopped smirking and frowned as Sharon looked at herself in the mirror and tugged at her blouse.

There was certainly something wrong here.

"Sharon O'Dwyer, you are everything but boring." Abby said sincerely. Sharon spun around and smiled. "What?" Abby looked at her confused.

"You called me O'Dwyer." Sharon said with a soft smile.

Abby rolled her eyes walking into the closet and shifted a few hangers before she took a black pencil skirt and a pair of black heels and handed them to Sharon.

"It was time you got rid of Raydor." Abby said with a smile. Sharon hummed as she changed into the skirt Abby handed her before she left the closet and heard Abby rummaging in the bedroom in what sounded like her jewelry drawer. "Are you dressing for anyone in particular?" Sharon froze.

She could have invited Abby to have breakfast with her and Andy, but she was looking forward to being alone with him.

"Just because I want to look nice does not mean I am dressing for a man." Sharon rolled her eyes at herself. Abby reappeared, her eyebrows up and with a large smile and two pairs of earrings in her hands.

"Now, now," she giggled.

"What?" Sharon asked.

"I asked if you were dressing for someone like a boss or…" She grins. "Shari, are you dating someone? Am I ruining the whole sneaking-someone-in-after-the-lights-are-off by sleeping here with you, because really, I can go back to the hotel?" Abby had the largest and most playful grin on her face.

"Oh, cut it out." Sharon pushed past her when her sister glared at her suspiciously. Abby laughed and followed her.

"It's a lawyer, right, you've always had a thing for lawyers?"

"No, it's not a lawyer…" Abby smiled triumphantly, her hands on her hips. "It's not a lawyer, because I'm not dating anyone." Sharon swatted at the finger that her sister was pointing at her, making her laugh. "I am going to be late, I love you. Please use the GPS on the rental or you will get lost. If I catch a case, I might not be home till tomorrow."

Abby followed her sister down the hallway and smiled. It was just like her to worry for every single thing.

"Sharon, I'm a big girl. Go!" Abby gently nudged her out of the door when Sharon turned to face her. "I love you, too!" She handed her the small diamond earrings and then watched her walk to the elevator. "Oh, and honey," Sharon turned back to the condo door, "whoever you're dressing for, they won't know what hit them."

Sharon smiled as she stepped into the elevator.