Hey guys! It's finally the day!!!

Happy One Chicago Wednesday.

I managed to get some wifi, so here I am giving you a little update.

Hope you like it!

Can't believe we made it to 50 chapters already and it's all thanks to you lovely comments, likes and just taking the time to read.

Thanks!!!

Happy reading!

Xoxo,

Nina

Kim and Sylvie were out, they decided to have coffee after Sylvie ended her school day and then they would go shopping. There was a fundraiser event at Molly's that both girls were going to and although they had plenty of clothes this was a great excuse to add something to their closet.

A few days had gone by since dinner with Ian in which he had texted her daily and she straight forward ignored him. Sylvie could sense something was off with her friend, but after asking what was wrong a million times and getting no answers about it, she decided to drop it and let Kim do her thing.

"Those are totally cute." Sylvie pointed at the shopping bag in Kim's hand.

"Yeah, I still think that I'm gonna burst in flames with them on."

"It's a possibility, but you're going to look hot." Kim smiled at her friend's comment.

"It's silly, but I'm a bit nervous about tomorrow at Molly's."

"Why?"

"I don't know, I guess I have a lot of expectations and I'm also a bit anxious about seeing all those people. I mean, from what you have told me I have probably seen them before and now, for me, it's like I'm meeting them for the first time."

"I get it. It must suck to feel like that, but you'll have me, Matt is also going to be there and I'm pretty sure Adam will be around too."

"I really hope he is."

"Really?" The blonde asked with a smile.

"Yes, he's fun to be around and he treats me like he understands what's going on." She looked down as they both walked to Sylvie's car. "And to be honest I can't get him out of my head. I even thought about texting him, but I always back down because I have nothing to say. He would think I'm totally insane."

"Well, then we have a mission."

"Shut up."

"No no, mission 'Let's text Ruzek' is on." They both laughed and got in the car.

Sylvie desperately wanted her friend to get close to Adam, but could come up with any reasonable excuse; and if she was careful with Kim, Adam was ten times worse. He was afraid that any wrong step would end up in a major step back.

She figured waiting until the following night was going to be the safest move so far.

The night was amazing, warm with a light breeze, the sky was clear and the stars shining. Kim took that as a sign that everything was going to turn out right.

She looked at herself in the mirror, checking her makeup and looking over her shoulder at her butt, admiring the perfect fit those leather pants had. Just before leaving her apartment and hopping on the uber, she heard her phone ding.

I'm not sure why you are avoiding me. I'm the one who should be hurt and offended. Let's get together and talk and maybe, who knows…

Ian, I'm busy tonight.

She scoffed and put her phone in her bag, leaving the room and forgetting all about Ian's constant nagging.

When she stepped out of the car she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The place was packed, people everywhere and just when she felt the urge of getting her phone out to call Sylvie, she stopped. She had to do this for herself. So she took a deep breath and started walking towards the main door.

Kim looked around trying to find a familiar face and after a few minutes she found Matt and Syl.

"Hey guys!" The brunette greeted them when she finally managed to get to them. "Is it always this packed?" She felt stupid asking that question, especially when she knew she had been there before.

"There's always a lot of people, but not this much. Everyone came to give us a hand and raise money for the firehouse." Matt answered before giving Kim a hug. "Thanks for coming, it really means a lot and we all hope this can help you loosen up a bit, too."

"Thanks, Matt."

"What do you want to drink, I'll go ask Hermann." Sylvie offered right after greeting her friend.

"A gin tonic, but I'll go with you."

"Alright. Do you want anything?" She asked Matt and he declined, so both girls walked over to the bar.

Kim was having a good time, everyone that Sylvie knew was very kind to Kim and she felt welcomed and taken care of. The blonde managed to snap a few photos of them which she posted on Instagram. Kim smiled when she saw the notices, because she truly looked happy there, because this was a piece of the puzzle that just fit naturally.

She talked with everyone, danced and laughed. This was probably the most fun she had since the accident.

"I'm gonna get another drink, do you want something?" Kim asked Sylvie, Matt and his friends but they all had something in their hands.

The brunette wasn't really sure if she wanted another drink, what she did want was to see Adam, but so far nothing.

She stood there waiting for someone to take her order, she wasn't paying much attention, so the process was taking forever.

"You know? On busy nights like this one, you need to push a little to get what you want." His voice was soft on her ear, and the goosebumps on her skin spread like a lighting bolt. "Kidd, can I get two beers and a gin tonic, please?"

"Coming right up, Ruz."

"Thanks."

Kim looked at him mesmerized by his looks. She had no idea why, but she liked everything about him. The way he spoke, the way he moved, the way he smelled and the way he made her feel protected.

"How did you know I was going to get that?"

He knew that was her drink, it was the same thing she was having the night they met and he was never going to forget that. He went with the politically correct answer, though.

"Being detail oriented is a big part of my job. I guess the sliced lemon and cucumber gave it away." He said with a charming smile nudging at the empty glass in her hand.

"I see. Thank you for that, I was going to be standing there for hours if it wasn't for you."

"No problem." He looked around trying to avoid her eyes, he knew what would happen if he looked at her. "So, what brought you here?"

"My friend Sylvie invited me. I have wanted to come here for a while now, so this was the perfect opportunity."

"Well, this is a pretty cool place and tonight is all about a great cause. So, I'm glad that you could make it."

"Yeah." Kim said nervously. For some reason unknown to her, when she was around Adam she wasn't able to control her speech. She just blurted out everything she wanted to say. "I'm gonna be totally honest here, ok?"

"Ok."

"Another reason why I'm here tonight is that I was kind of hoping to see you." After the words came out of her mouth, she instantly shut her eyes and shook her head, missing the reaction her confession had on Adam.

His eyes glittered and his lopsided smile was on full mode.

"That's the nicest thing I've heard the whole week." Adam answered, smiling with his whole face.

"You must have had a pretty shitty week then." They both laughed. "Anything I can help with?"

Adam looked down. There was so much she could do about it. "I mean, it always helps me when I talk to you, so maybe I could return the favor."

"Thanks, but I don't want to bore you with my drama. Besides, you lifted up my spirits already. How about you? How was your week?" Kidd left their drinks in front of them, but neither Kim or Adam where about to stop their conversation.

"Hmmm, it was ok I guess."

"Only ok?"

"Yeah, and I think I'm being generous describing it that way." She chuckled lightly. "Why?"

He dindywant to be that guy. He didn't want to tell her anything, but he couldn't hold it back. "Last Friday, you looked like you were having fun out for dinner." He tried his best to hide his jealous tone, but realized he completely failed when he saw Kim smile.

"Hmmm, is that jealousy that I'm sensing?" She mocked him and hoped that it was.

"Maybe."

"Well, it's not like you asked me out and I turned you down." Kim didn't believe the words coming out of her mouth. She was in flirt mode and felt too comfortable to stop it.

"As much as I'd love to do that, I can't right now." He said with a soft smile. "What I can do now is introduce you to my friends. Would you like to?"

"Yes, totally." Her answer was genuinely enthusiastic, but hearing him say he couldn't ask her out bummed her a little.

Adam grabbed their drinks and refused to take Kim's money for her gin and tonic. He started to walk toward his table and Kim followed behind, he turned around repeatedly to make sure she was there, until he got tired of fighting his instincts and rearranged the hold of beverages to be able to hold her hand.

He was doubtful about it, but when he felt Kim's fingers wrap his hand, his heart skipped a beat.

"Finally man, it took you forever." Jay protested, as he extended out his hand to grab his beer.

"Could you at least pretend to be nice? I brought guests." Adam shot back, getting everyone's attention.

"That's Jay, you know Upton already and that's Kevin." He spoke as he looked at Kim.

"Kim, hi! It's so nice to see you!" Hailey almost jumped out of her seat and went over to hug her. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thank you! Hey guys, nice to meet you."

She greeted nicely, but didn't move away from Adam, for some reason he was keeping her calm.

Kevin and Jay weren't sure about how to act, so they just tried to make her feel welcome and comfortable.

Kim was glowing, everyone was making her feel like she was part of the crew, which she was even if she didn't remember it.

Adam loved to see her like that, happy, relaxed and light. He was observing her carefully, because any sign that she was uncomfortable and he would take her back with Sylvie, but so far so good. He liked it, and what he liked the most was the fact that she seemed so comfortable around him, even brushing her hand against his on various occasions.

"Are you guys up for another round?" Kev offered.

"I can't man. Gotta go." Adam answered, getting Kim's full attention.

"Already?" She asked him, having no idea that everyone was secretly melting at her reaction.

"Yeah." Adam said softly.

"Date with Gracie?" Jay asked. He noticed that Adam was struggling, and figured that any life line would be helpful.

"Mm hmm, I have to pick her up." He turned back to Kim. "Come, let's find Sylvie."

"Oh, don't worry. I can do that myself."

"I know, but I want to. Please?"

Kim just smiled and nodded, naturally taking his hand.

"Bye guys, it was really nice to hang with you." The guys greeted her back and watched as they both walked away.

"Did you have a good time? They're crazy, but they're really nice people."

"I had a blast, your friends are cool. Thank you."

"Thank you."

"Umm, Sylvie is over there. I guess I'll see you around."

"Yeah, we'll keep in touch." He had to go get his niece, but didn't want to leave Kim's side. "Listen, before I go I need to tell you that you look beautiful."

Kim blushed and he smiled. Her rosy cheeks were one of the things he loved the most.

"Thank you." Out of nowhere she took a step closer to him and kissed his cheek. "Good night." Without another word she walked over to her friend, leaving Adam speaking to himself.

"Good night, Belle."

Sylvie was quick to grab Kim by the arm and ask her everything about her little gathering. The brunette told her everything with a huge smile on her face.

"There's something about him, Syl. I just lose it when he's around."

"He seems pretty friendly around you, too."

"You know what? Let's just have fun tonight and hope that I'll see him again sometime."

"That's my girl talking! Let's do some shots."

The rest of the night was amazing. The girls danced like crazy, they both felt like teenagers and Kim felt she was alive. As if she was getting her life back.

Maybe it was the alcohol in her system talking to her, playing games with her mind, but she could have sworn that she saw Ian at Molly's.

"Syl, I'm going to the bathroom."

"Ok. I'm gonna go find Matt and then I'll meet you there."

"Sure."

Kim was grateful when the fresh water splashed on her face. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she was surprised to see her eyes glittering like that. She hadn't seen that look on her since the accident and she had an idea of what this could be about.

Everything about tonight felt natural. She had to be a step closer to the right direction.

She walked out of the bathroom and felt her smile evaporate when she heard that voice.

"Here you are."

"What are you doing here Ian?"

"Since you were avoiding me, I figured I would come look for you."

"How did you know I was here?"

"Sylvie posted something on social media. Kim, you sound like you don't want me around you."

"Well, I don't. I told you I needed time. Besides, what you're doing is not right."

"Oh come on, don't say that. It's not like I'm stalking you, I just want you back. You have no idea how hard this is on me."

"No Ian, you have no idea how hard this is on me. It's confusing and overwhelming. I need time, I want time and space and you're not respecting that."

"Kim." The brunette was happy to hear Sylvie's voice as both her and Matt approached her. "Everything ok?"

"Yes, she's fine."

"I didn't ask you." The blonde gave Ian a dirty look.

"It's ok Syl."

"Listen, Matt and I are going. Do you…"

She couldn't even finish her sentence because Ian interrupted her, earning a death stare from Matt as well.

"Don't worry, I can take her home."

"No, you won't. I'm coming with you guys." Kim informed.

"Great, let's get my truck girls." Matt signaled Sylvie to walk in front of him as he stayed back with Ian. "I hope you're not causing any trouble. I think you need to back away a little, let the girl breathe." And just like that he left.

Matt and Sylvie decided to take Kim to Sulvie's place. Kim was still a bit tipsy and Ian's attitude wasn't at all trustworthy. The drive there was quiet. Kim didn't want to speak and her friend knew better than to pressure her.

"Guys you really didn't have to bring me here. I feel like I'm ruining your night." Kim said as she walked in the apartment.

"Not at all Kim. What better way to end my night than with two beautiful girls." Matt joked and they both laughed. "Did you have a good time today?"

"The best." The brunette said. "Sylvie told me that I had been there before and it didn't surprise me because it felt so familiar. The place is lovely, the people are amazing."

"Especially the CPD, right?" Sylvie mocked.

"Shut up."

"You and Adam seem to get along pretty well." Matt added as he moved to the kitchen to get a couple of drinks for himself and the girls.

"Well, his friends mentioned something about him having a date so…" Kim shrugged right before getting a sip of her drink.

"As far as I know he's not dating, Kim." Matt told her under Sylvie's attentive watch.

"I don't know, he told me that he couldn't ask me out right now. So I guess he's not totally available."

"You asked him out?" Sylvie asked with big eyes. This wasn't her friend, but this was Kim under the effects Adam had on her, and that had to be good.

"I know don't judge me. Out of character, but I couldn't help it."

"Oh, I don't judge you. You're my hero." All three of them laughed.

"Do you want me to find anything out?" Matt offered.

"No, thanks." Kim sighed and what she was trying to keep from her friend just slipped right out of her lips. "Maybe Ian is right and I need to give us another chance."

"What?" Sylvie's eyes were as wide as ever. "What does Ian have to do with this?"

At this point, and by the look on her friend's face, Kim knew she had to share what had been going on.

"He invited me out for dinner last week, and when he drove me home he told me he missed me and that we wanted to help me remember, so he kissed me."

"And what exactly did he want to help you with? What on earth were you supposed to remember with that?"

Sylvie was pissed, and Matt wasn't too far behind. He was completely aware of the whole Ian situation and how he acted when he found out that Kim and Adam were officially together.

"The fact that we used to date, maybe?"

"What?" The blonde almost shouted the word out. "Is that why you were so off during the week?"

"Yes. With what he said I understood why doctor Walker asked you not to say anything. Knowing that sucked. It didn't feel right and then he texted me every day to talk. To get together to figure things out."

"Damn it, Kim. You should have said something to me."

"What for? You warned me about him."

"It doesn't matter. I would have helped you."

"How? It's not like you would tell me anything about these two years. At least Ian told me something." Kim paced around the room. "I still can't believe I was with him."

Sylvie ran her hands through her face, totally frustrated.

"And he's insisting so much. I feel bad not remembering him and not wanting to acknowledge the truth." Kim was struggling and Sylvie picked that up instantly. She couldn't see her friend like that and she couldn't believe how low Ian could go.

"Kim, don't go there." Their voices were louder and louder, because at this point it was almost impossible to control their emotions.

"I know what you're going to tell me, Syl, but I can't just ignore a part of my life."

"Yes you can. You can because he lied to you." Sylvie yelled out, leaving her friend completely paralyzed. "He is such a piece of shit. I can't believe he did that."

Kim was frozen, she was relieved and at the same time she felt like a fool. "So, Ian and I?"

"No, there was no Ian and you. Never." Sylvie's anger didn't allow her to think properly.

"So what? I didn't date? It was just me after Andrew passed away?"

"You did date, you just didn't date him." She blurted it out.

"Syl…" Matt said softly, knowing his girlfriend had said too much.

"I was dating someone?" Kim's voice lowered dramatically and Sylvie just nodded her answer. "Who is he?"

"I can't tell you that, Kim. I'm sorry."

"Come one Sylvie. Please."

"You just told me how bad you felt when you thought of Ian and you."

"This is different. Please. Sylvie, I can't take this anymore." She pleaded and the blonde shook her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. This situation was difficult for Sylvie as well and she didn't know what to do. "Tell me something, please."

"He loves you, and he would never do something like Ian did." She cried her answer out.

"Is that all you're telling me? Really?" Kim started to walk to the door.

"Wait, don't leave."

"I can't stay here right now."

Kim opened the door and left.

Matt moved closer to his girlfriend and wrapped her in a hug. "It's alright sweetheart. You're doing the best you can, she'll understand." Her sobbing broke his heart.

"I don't know how to help her."

"Everything you do is helping her and she knows that. Let's get you in the shower and then rest a little, ok? Everything will be fine. I promise."

Sylvie nodded and she let her boyfriend walk her to the bathroom.