Thanks for the reviews along the way! This is the last chapter, and I really need to come up with a new story idea. I like to stick close to canon, and yes, I know I've done a couple of "out there" stories, but even still, I like weaving my stories into the actual storyline. Anyways, hope you enjoy this last chapter!
"Well, well, look who's back. Tumbleweed has blown back into the office," Provenza said as Andy walked in just at lunchtime. He stopped in front of Amy and Julio's desk looking at everyone. The others chuckled at Provenza's new nickname for Andy, and he made a face and gesture to Provenza, getting the team to laugh again.
"Yes, I'm back," he sighed. "You happy?"
"Of course, it's about time you finish with your vacation. Doctor clear you?" Provenza asked.
"For now, but he said if I have any issues or notice anything to call him. I've got this paperwork to give to Sharon, so let me do that, and I'll get to work," Andy explained.
"Oh, hold on," Provenza said, sitting up and putting his crossword puzzle down, "I'm not letting you think I owe you any longer," he said as he started to pull his wallet out from his pants.
Andy stuck his hand out in a "give me" type of open hand exchange. The others looked on, intrigued, so Andy explained, "I helped Provenza buy a sensitive item yesterday, and he didn't want to use a credit card," Andy said as he rolled his eyes.
Tao looked to Provenza, "You've maxed out your credit cards?"
Provenza looked horrified, "No! I just hate using those things. It's like you have to pay twice. You swipe the stupid thing at the store, and then a couple weeks later, they send you a bill again for the card. I only have one because of traveling and such. If you ask me-complete waste of time to have credit cards."
"Sir, you know that you really aren't paying twice, don't you?" Buzz asked.
Provenza turned to him, cash in hand and totally irritated, "Of course I know that! I'm not an idiot, Buzz!"
The team chuckled at the banter, and Andy still stood there with his hand out. He cleared his voice to gain Provenza's attention again, "Well?"
"Fine," Provenza huffed, as he walked closer to hand Andy a wad of money.
"What did you buy?" Julio grinned to the two men.
Andy gave Provenza a glance, and Provenza turned to the group, "I guess you'll hear soon enough. I bought Patrice an engagement ring."
"And we didn't get a murder call out?" Julio grinned. "Wow, good work you two. I guess we can send you two in public without getting called into work. Finally, it's about time."
Tao laughed out loud, as the group tried to control their laughter. Amy watched Provenza counting out money to Andy, "Wait a minute-so you took the lieutenant with you to buy an engagement ring? You made him pay?" as her lips curled into a smile.
"So, did people think you were a couple?" Buzz grinned.
Provenza turned to the room, "Go on-laugh it up. Yes, I hauled Flynn with me to pay for it. I didn't have enough cash on hand. Seems rings now cost more than $500."
"You were going to buy an engagement ring for $500?" Mike grinned as he asked.
Provenza shrugged his shoulders, "I thought so, but Flynn here said I needed to spend a little more."
"About four times the amount," Andy sighed as he shook his head. "He got a decent ring at least."
"So, the two of you went ring shopping?" Julio grinned, pointing at them.
Both Andy and Provenza nodded, as Andy recounted the money.
"The way I see it, if I hadn't taken Flynn, I still would have gotten a ring-a much cheaper one, so maybe I should stop hauling him with me. Just glad I didn't spend what he did," Provenza added.
All eyes flew up to Andy, as he was still counting the money. It took him a moment to catch up to the conversation, as he was distracted with the money. When he registered what Provenza had said, his eyes flew open too, meeting the stares of the team, "Provenza! Really?"
"What did you buy, Andy?" Mike asked, turning in his chair to face the rest of the room. He had been on his computer.
"Christmas present, okay?" Andy explained, clearly irritated.
"And…" Provenza egged him on. The team was smiling at the interaction.
"And-your ring too," Andy said, noting that his answer wasn't going over with the team. "Fine," he sighed, "I bought a ring too, BUT-"
"You bought a ring?" Julio said loudly, and then he realized just how loudly, looking to Sharon's office. She was on the phone, so she hadn't heard or noticed anything.
"You didn't let me finish!" Andy said now irritated. "Yes, I bought one I've had my eye on for a long time, BUT, as I was saying, I'm not giving it to her anytime soon. It's going to sit in my drawer for a good long time."
"Sure," Julio grinned. "Tao, we need to setup a new betting pool," he grinned.
Mike jumped into action, and Andy rolled his eyes, "You've got to be kidding me! None of you seemed surprised Provenza bought a ring."
"It's just that we work with both you and the captain," Amy smiled. "We expected it from our now fifth time's a charm lieutenant, here," she smiled, "but, we all wondered if you two would ever get your act together-no offense."
"We'll get there," Andy rolled his eyes, "not that I need to be discussing this with all of you, but yes, we will."
"Will it be another five, six years, Sir?" Julio grinned.
Andy mocked Julio, "No, it won't be five or six years," he shook his head, mumbling, "It will be awhile, though. We've got a lot to wade through still."
"I can't believe the two of you bought engagement rings last night," Mike chuckled as he shook his head. "We've known you both a long time, and I never would have predicted that would happen on the same day."
"Tao, maybe if they were still dating young sisters or something," Julio grinned, "or flight attendants."
Andy groaned, as Provenza jumped in, "That's enough! Be glad the two of us have grown up."
"I still don't see how those two women deal with the two of you," Amy sighed.
"Exactly," Julio grinned, picking up his pen to get back to work.
"I'm still waiting on the .72 cents you owe me," Andy said, motioning to Provenza.
"Oh, come on!" Provenza said, irritated.
"No, I'm waiting. I told you, every cent. My credit card isn't going to pay itself. Cough it up," Andy motioned.
"Flynn! I took you down there. Consider it gas money," Provenza stated.
"No! I didn't ask to go there. Here I was at home, minding my own business, and you hauled me with you," Andy complained.
"Let's start with that," he motioned to the group to listen, "You said you were at home-since when is the condo home?" he asked. The team chuckled, as Andy rolled his eyes.
"I told you-I was supposed to be monitored with my concussion. I'm going home tomorrow after I get all my stuff," he sighed. "Home is just a word, meaning I wasn't here with you, thank goodness," Andy grumbled.
"Well, you certainly didn't object to being there and even bought yourself a few thousand dollars' worth of jewelry!" Provenza exclaimed.
"Did you buy something else?" Buzz asked.
"Yes! He bought a certain high heel wearing, gun toting woman a Christmas present too," Provenza said.
"Ohhh, what did you get her?" Amy asked, looking around to make sure Sharon wasn't around.
Andy glanced around too, "Well, since Daddy Warbucks over there spilled everything, I got her a diamond tennis bracelet for Christmas. It's beautiful, just like she is," he grinned. The team groaned.
"She'll love it, Lieutenant. Good choice," Amy nodded.
"Sir, what did you get Patrice-jewelry too?" Julio inquired.
"Gosh, no!" Provenza exclaimed. "She's getting the ring. That's probably her Christmas and birthday gift all in one. I'm not getting her more than that."
"And, that's exactly why I made sure you bought a good ring," Andy sighed, "Now, my .72 cents, please."
Provenza sighed and counted out the change from his printer jar. Once Andy had his money, he turned to the group, "Thank you, and if you don't mind, zip it on the purchases I made. I've got to give Sharon this paperwork from my doctor, and then I'll get to work."
"It's lunchtime everyone," Provenza waved, "Go, eat, even you, Flynn."
Andy grinned, "Great, seems as if I have some cash to take a beautiful woman to lunch," as Provenza groaned and rolled his eyes. Andy walked to Sharon's door and opened it, without knocking, as the team headed off to lunch.
After Andy collected Sharon, the two waved to the team as they headed off to lunch. They talked the whole way as they walked the block to lunch.
"What were you all laughing about before lunch?" Sharon asked, as she looked over the menu. Andy looked up from his and met her gaze. He couldn't lie to her, but he couldn't tell her about all the banter.
"Well, umm, they were for one-teasing me about being injured," he shrugged. "No surprise," he grumbled. Sharon patted his hand and smiled at him.
"And?" she prodded.
"I've heard that phrase already once today," he chuckled, as he winked at her, "They were giving Provenza and me a hard time. We were just throwing insults at each other. Typical stuff," he shrugged.
"Hmmm," Sharon nodded, and the two continued with lunch. After they ate, Andy's phone rang, as they were getting ready to leave.
He tossed his wallet across the table to Sharon, distracted by the phone call, "I'll see what this is, but you are not allowed to pay for lunch. Use my card," he indicated. Sharon rolled her eyes before she smiled and nodded to him in understanding. She'd learned long ago that Andy would never let her pay for meals. It was one area she had conceded and let him pamper her.
"Flynn," he answered and listened to the call coming from the benefits department about one of his appointments. Sharon dug into his wallet to get his card and stumbled upon a wad of cash. Andy finished his call, and his eyes met Sharon's, "What?" he asked, noting she seemed a bit off.
"Andy, why does your wallet look like you are a drug lord?" Sharon asked as she crossed her arms. Andy's eyes shot up; he hadn't thought about the wad of cash inside.
"Oh, umm, that's from Provenza," he nodded.
"For? Drugs?" Sharon grinned, enjoying herself as she watched Andy squirm.
"What? No!" he said loudly. Sharon chuckled and patted his arm.
"Andy, calm down," she chuckled. "Do you really believe that I would think you're selling drugs?" she grinned.
He rolled his eyes, "Sorry, just threw me for a loop there. I forgot I had all that cash. No, you remember the errand with Provenza?"
"Yes," she said puzzled, "I was happy our division didn't get a roll out to a crime scene when you told me the two of you were going out. We, umm, got distracted last night when I got home after you," she blushed, "and you didn't tell me where you'd gone with him-only that it was nice to get out of the house. So?" she asked.
He nodded, "Yes, we got a bit distracted because I told you I was feeling much better," he grinned, "but, the cash, so you ready for this-Provenza bought Patrice an engagement ring. He wanted me to tag along."
Sharon's eyes grew wide, "He's finally going to propose?" she grinned.
Andy nodded, Yup."
"So," she said a bit confused, "why the drug lord money?"
"Oh," he waved her off, "so, get this-he won't use credit cards."
Sharon burst out laughing, covering her mouth, "Is there a reason?"
"Only that they irritate him-complains it's like paying twice for something," he shrugged, "So, really, he took me with him to get me to pay for the ring."
Sharon nodded, "I see. So," she tried not to giggle and smile, "So," she started again, "my boyfriend bought an engagement ring for his best friend's girlfriend?"
Andy turned red, "Well, when you put it that way, it sounds awful!"
Sharon couldn't hold it in any longer and started to laugh, "Yes, it does. So, he had you pay for it, and then he gave you cash?"
"Yeah," he shook his head, "and he calls us the idiots," he grinned. "I told him he could do a check too, but he said he wasn't wasting a check on me. Then, he told me he would just give me the cash."
"Andy, you are carrying around a lot of money! What, a couple thousand dollars?" she asked.
He nodded, "Oh, I'll have to tell you the whole story because he thought he could buy her a ring with the $500 cash he brought along. I made him pay me back, every penny. He even had to dig change out of his printer fund," he grinned.
Sharon had to cover her face with her hands; she was laughing hard now, "I can see it. That must have been an interesting adventure."
"It was," Andy winked, "life changing."