True to her word, Sharon had texted after Gavin stopped by to pick up the papers and put eyes on his friend. That had all gone smoothly enough—Gavin had shown great restraint, keeping his questions and commentary to a minimum, aware of Sharon's aversion to mixing her personal and professional lives. She groaned internally thinking about how much more complicated things were likely to get if she did pursue anything with the Deputy Chief.

Brenda. Their schedules had been out-of-sync all week. A few sporadic texts back and forth suggesting and declining lunch or coffee had been the extent of their communication. At one point, Sharon found herself wondering if perhaps this was God's way of telling her to steer clear of the blonde, but nothing had happened between them, so what did God have to disapprove of? She chided herself, pushing the ridiculous thoughts out of her mind and focusing on her work.

Brenda's team caught a case on Thursday night that dragged well into the weekend, and then Sharon had been called in Sunday to deal with a use of force complaint lodged against one of the detectives in Robbery/Homicide. Brenda had briefly ridden in the same elevator with Sharon mid-week, but with 6 other officers sandwiched in between them, there was hardly an opportunity to do more than make eye contact and exchange curt nods—the smiles Brenda had grown more accustomed to seeing on the brunette's face in their free time rarely made appearances at work and most certainly not in crowded elevators…

When Sharon hadn't called or texted after their encounter in the elevator, Brenda decided it was time to check in with the Captain. They'd both been busy, but Brenda was starting to wonder if maybe Sharon was avoiding her after their recent discussion. But there was no reason for that, was there? Sharon's annulment had yet to be finalized, and they'd both agreed it was best to wait for now. She wasn't sure what was going on, but uncertainty was starting to get the better of her.

Brenda texted asking about meeting up for lunch, but got no response. After checking her phone for the 50th time, she tossed it onto her desk and slumped in her chair before realizing her blinds were open. Sitting up a little straighter again, she sighed and picked up the desk phone, dialing the extension she knew by heart. The phone rang and rang before clicking over to the familiar "You have reached the voicemail of Captain Sharon Raydor…" the cool, professional tone doing little to soothe Brenda's rapidly worsening mood. Frustrated, she hung up the receiver with more force than necessary and glared at the clock. It was already almost lunch time. A knock on her door interrupted her brooding and she switched gears, joining her team to take a look at a cold case one of the other divisions had sent over, grateful for the distraction.

An hour later, she was back in her office, staring at her phone. 0 new messages. She picked up the desk phone again and dialed Sharon's extension. "You have—" She slammed down the receiver so hard the handset bounced out of the cradle and clattered down onto her desk. She took a deep breath and replaced it again more carefully before standing up. It was time to stop by FID to try and catch Sharon in-person, this phone nonsense was getting ridiculous.

Heads raised and wary eyes followed her as she entered FID, walking with purpose toward Sharon's office. Sergeant Elliot intercepted her before she could even get close to the door. "Chief Johnson, how can we help you?"

"Sergeant Elliot," Brenda nodded in greeting, "I was just looking for Captain Raydor, is she in?" She tried to keep her tone as neutral as possible despite her current irritation with the other woman.

"The Captain isn't in at the moment. Can I help you with something?"

Not in was better than in and actively avoiding her, Brenda thought. "No, no. I was just hoping to speak with her. We have a few things to discuss and I thought I might catch her before she went to lunch…"

"Oh. Well, um…" the sergeant started awkwardly, a hand reaching up to scratch the back of his neck as he decided how much information to divulge to the Deputy Chief. "Actually, uh, Captain Raydor is gone for the day, ma'am…" he explained, averting his eyes.

"She what?! What do you mean sh—" Brenda was confused, she'd seen Sharon's car when she'd arrived that morning. She hadn't meant to say it out loud, but her exclamations apparently made the sergeant nervous enough that he felt compelled to divulge more information.

"She uh, she came in for a meeting this morning, but she's out now…for the rest of the week," he clarified.

Brenda's eyes widened momentarily and a surge of panic coursed through her, but she quickly schooled her features and gave him an overly-cheerful smile, "Oh, I see. Thank you, Sergeant. Thank you so much. You've been very helpful," before turning on her heel and heading back toward the elevators at what she hoped was a normal pace.

Sharon was gone for the rest of the week?! It was already midday Thursday, but still. She hadn't said anything about taking time off—not that either of them had had much time for communication…And not that Sharon had to tell her when she decided to take a day off—she wasn't Sharon's keeper…But she was her friend, and she couldn't help feeling a little hurt that she'd had to find out from Sergeant Elliot. And a little worried. She tried to remind herself that although her interaction with Sergeant Elliot had clearly made him uncomfortable, he hadn't seemed overly concerned about Sharon's absence. Maybe she shouldn't be either. She could try not to be, anyway…after she sent another text message.

Nevermind about lunch, I just talked to Sgt. Elliot. I didn't realize you'd taken time off… - B

She tossed her phone in her bag, resolving to leave it there this time, and she returned to the papers in front of her.

. . .

Brenda pushed her glasses up onto the top of her head and rubbed her temples, the file in front of her becoming a blur. She heard a muffled ding from somewhere deep in her purse and looked up at the clock, realizing with elation that it was almost time to pack up for the day. The phone dinged again and she sighed, plunging her hand into the bag and rummaging around for the device. Four new messages.

Oh Brenda! Yes. I'm sorry we couldn't do lunch. Things have been a little hectic.. - S

Gavin got the court date for the annulment hearing moved up to today and my phone was off. - S

I was so focused on wrapping up my investigation and getting everything else organized for my team before I left that I completely forgot to tell you. - S

I'm sorry! - S

Brenda felt relief wash over her at finding out that Sharon was ok. But it was quickly followed by a sense of nervous anticipation. She definitely hadn't expected that. The court date was today. It was done. Sharon's annulment was final.

Oh, that's good news! - B

When Sgt. Elliot said you were out the rest of the week, I thought maybe you were sick or something.. - B

I guess congratulations are in order? - B

Thank you. I'm glad to have it behind me. - S

I was a little nervous about how things would go after Jack's recent appearance, so I took tomorrow off, too. Just in case… - S

We just finished up and Gavin is driving me back to his office now to pick up my car. - S

He's insisting on going out for drinks to celebrate. - S

Would you like to join us? - S

Unless you're in the middle of a case. - S

I hope you can make it, even just for a little while. We won't be out late. I know it's a work night. - S

Gavin glanced over at the passenger seat to see what all the dinging was about and watched his friend squinting at her phone, typing out a flurry of text messages and then frowning when there was no immediate response.

Then, finally another series of dings. He looked over in time to catch the soft smile that appeared on Sharon's face as she read the new messages.

No major investigation, just reviewing a cold case. - B

Sounds like fun! I was planning to head out in a few minutes anyway. - B

Where should I meet you? - B

"How's Miss Atlanta doing today?" Gavin asked with a smirk as Sharon sent her the name of the wine bar.

"I really wish you'd stop calling her that, Gavin. Her name is Brenda," Sharon replied dryly.

"Ok, fine. How is Brenda?" he corrected, carefully enunciating her name for emphasis.

"She's fine, I think," she said, her brow furrowing slightly, "I forgot to tell her I was taking time off this week and she…was looking for me today."

Sharon paused, pressing her lips together before confessing, "I invited her to join us for drinks. I hope that's ok."

"Ok?!" Gavin almost squeaked, "Of course it's ok! I've been dying to meet the elusive woman you've been spending so much time with lately who has captured the heart—"

"GAVIN! Stop. Right. There. Don't you dare," she warned, glaring pointedly at him until he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Brenda is my friend and I expect you to be on your best behavior," her icy tone making it clear she was not kidding.

"Ok, Sharon, I get it. Wow. Can you dial it down a little? I'm trying to drive here and you're making it a little difficult to focus…"

Unimpressed by his attempt to lighten the mood, she continued more evenly, but still with an intensity that was not to be ignored, "I mean it, Gavin. That topic is not up for discussion tonight, joking or otherwise. And if you can't—"

The dinging of her phone interrupted her. She broke off mid-sentence, looking down to read the latest message, her lips curving up in a smile seemingly of their own volition, her tirade completely forgotten as the blonde confirmed she'd see them soon.

Gavin shook his head, marveling at the abrupt shift in his friend's mood. Grateful for the reprieve, he drove the rest of the way in silence, not wanting to disturb the peace.

. . .

When they pulled into the parking lot of the wine bar, a new surge of panic swept through Sharon's body and she froze in her seat. She hadn't thought this through. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now…now she was about to have drinks with Gavin and Brenda. Both of them. Together. In the same place, at the same time. And Gavin knew…this was a terrible idea.

Even if he took her earlier warning to heart, she knew he would be watching her—watching them—scrutinizing their interactions. She groaned internally. It was too late now, Brenda was already on her way. And part of her was looking forward to it. It had been weeks since she'd spent more than an elevator ride with the blonde. She sighed and exited the vehicle, shaking out her hair and attempting to shake off the nervous tension that was threatening to settle in her stomach.

She was failing miserably and she knew it. Between Gavin and Brenda, Sharon was painfully self-conscious and hyper-aware of her every move. She was second-guessing everything she did, everything she didn't do, and it was awful. She was a nervous wreck. Her hands were shaking so badly she was afraid to pick up her wine glass, opting instead for shifting it around nervously on the surface of the table. When she almost knocked her glass over for the third time, Gavin finally said something.

"Sharon, honey, you need to relax," he said, reaching out to place a reassuring hand over her own, feeling her jerk slightly at the contact. "This is supposed to be a celebration! You're finally officially disentangled from the hot mess that is Jackson Raydor, and you don't seem to be enjoying yourself at all. And you've barely even touched your wine—you love that wine!"

Sharon sighed before reaching up with her free hand to rub her forehead. She needed to get out of her head.

"You're right, Gavin. I'm sorry. I'm just a little…out of sorts," she apologized before grabbing her now room temperature white wine and taking a large sip. She closed her eyes and hummed, feeling the alcohol travel down her throat to her belly. She opened her eyes to find both of her companions watching her. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and she raised an eyebrow, taking another sip. "I do love this wine—even though I let it get a little too warm, " she added with a shrug.

"Don't worry, we'll get you another one," Gavin raised an arm, signaling to their waiter and pointing at Sharon's still mostly-full glass. She rolled her eyes at Brenda and shot him a bland look.

"Gavin, just because I have tomorrow off doesn't mean you have to try and get me drunk tonight."

"Who said anything about 'drunk'?" he turned to Brenda, an innocent expression on his face. "I just want to celebrate the end of a ridiculously long era and the beginning of a new chapter for you," he said, raising his glass to Sharon in a toast, "and I want you to do it in style," he gestured to the room, "and with a properly chilled glass of wine. Is that such a crime?"

"Seems to me the only crime here is continuing to drink that ridiculously expensive white wine at room temperature…but really, I'd say that's more of a rule violation, wouldn't you agree, Captain?" Brenda added, winking conspiratorially at Gavin before turning to give Sharon a wide grin, elbowing her gently for good measure and causing the older woman to emit a surprised snort-cough as she tried to swallow another sip of wine without choking.

"I like her," he said, grinning mischievously at Sharon. Brenda beamed and took another sip of her own wine.

"Oh great," Sharon groaned, trying hard to keep a straight face, "as if you each weren't enough trouble on your own…" she shook her head in mock defeat and smiled warmly at both of them, finally allowing herself to relax. With the earlier tension sufficiently defused, conversation began to flow more easily.

Partly in order to appease Sharon—who was worried about drinking multiple glasses of wine on an empty stomach—and partly because Brenda had ended up only having a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and a couple Hershey Kisses for lunch, Brenda decided to order food. The wine bar didn't serve large entrees, but they did offer a wide variety of appetizers. Gavin's eyes widened as she ordered one of almost everything on the menu, unfamiliar with the petite woman's voracious appetite. Sharon just gave him a 'that's Brenda' shrug and continued sipping her wine, her eyes sparkling. He shook his head in disbelief and smiled back at her, happy to see her enjoying herself after all the recent stress.

The food arrived just as Sharon was starting to feel the wine go to her head. She pushed her glass away from her a little in favor of her water, but there wasn't much room to maneuver with so many plates covering the surface of their small table. The backs of Brenda's fingers accidentally brushed against Sharon's hand as she rearranged a couple plates, and she drew in a quick breath as she felt the zing of electricity travel up her forearm. The jolt was so strong, she was both surprised and relieved by how steady she remained as she handed off some empty glasses in exchange for another appetizer. Resisting the urge to look at her table companions to gauge their reactions, she continued to busy herself with slightly shifting the plates on the table in a futile attempt to make them fit better.

Ever the observant attorney, Gavin's eyes took in the whole scene, flicking from Sharon's quickly withdrawn hand to the brief widening of Brenda's eyes before she turned to exchange dishes with the waiter, to Sharon's slightly flushing cheeks, and back to Brenda's laser focus on moving the plates a few millimeters in various directions trying to make extra space that wasn't there.

Gavin had heard a lot about Brenda, but this was their first time actually spending time together. He was genuinely excited when Sharon had mentioned Brenda would be joining them this evening. He'd been curious, especially after the brunette's recent revelation, but hadn't had much chance to talk with Sharon since their initial conversation about it. Everything had been focused on the annulment hearing. And he certainly wasn't going to bring it up now after Sharon's outburst in the car. Instead, he casually let his eyes drift over his companions before scanning the room and then coming back to focus on the food in front of him, never allowing the weight of his gaze to settle too long on either woman unless they were speaking.

A burst of laughter from across the table caused him to look up from his food and he couldn't help but smile at the two of them. Their heads were thrown back as they laughed, cheeks flushed with a rosy glow. Sharon's hand rested lightly on Brenda's forearm before moving to her eye to wipe away a tear. Their interactions were free and easy, Sharon's stiff, self-conscious demeanor from earlier completely gone. Both women sighed, trying to catch their breath, but then Sharon snorted, causing them to erupt into a fit of giggles, leaning forward and clutching their stomachs, their foreheads almost touching. Gavin had no idea what was so funny, but he found himself joining in, their laughter contagious. He loved seeing Sharon like this, like some invisible weight had been lifted, and he hoped he'd see more of it now that Jack was finally fully out of the picture—at least from a legal standpoint.

When they were all full and the first yawns had begun to appear, they finished up and paid the bill, Brenda and Gavin taking care of the food and drinks between them, unmoved by Sharon's protestations. Gavin's phone rang and he made his excuses, heading outside to his car to take the call. Gathering their things, Brenda and Sharon made their way outside a few minutes later.

"Thanks for inviting me out with you tonight," Brenda said as they walked toward Sharon's car.

"I'm glad you were able to join us," Sharon replied, reaching for her hand and squeezing it for emphasis. "Gavin's been dying to meet you," she added with a playful roll of her eyes.

"Well, I enjoyed getting to know him, too. He's quite the character," Brenda responded, enjoying the feeling of their joined hands swinging gently between them as they walked.

"Hmm," Sharon hummed in agreement and smiled, "That he is."

As they reached her car, she stopped, adding more softly, "Thank you for coming, Brenda." She lowered her gaze, focusing on her shoes, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the court date and being out of the office…"

"Sharon, you don't have to—"

Sharon released the hand she'd been holding and ran it through her hair before meeting the blonde's eyes. "No, Brenda. You're my friend, and this affects you too. I should have—"

Brenda put a hand on Sharon's shoulder, squeezing gently as she interrupted, "It's been a busy couple of weeks for both of us. And we both know that when that happens, sometimes things fall through the cracks," she paused, "And in my case, maybe more than sometimes…" the blonde added with a self-deprecating shrug. Sharon studied her face for a long moment and then finally nodded in agreement, seemingly satisfied with whatever she'd found.

Brenda released her hold on Sharon's shoulder, her hand sliding down to take the brunette's once more, "I had a really nice time tonight, so please stop apologizing, ok?"

Sharon smiled shyly at her, gripping her hand more firmly, "I had a really nice time tonight, too."

They both stood there, staring at one another smiling softly until the sound of a nearby car unlocking startled them. The flashing lights and beeping continued as someone repeatedly pressed the button on their key fob trying to locate their vehicle in the large parking lot.

Sharon laughed, her eyes sparkling even in the dim light. Then, she stepped forward, pulling the younger woman into an embrace. "Goodnight Brenda," she said quietly into the blonde's ear.

Brenda's breath caught in her throat as she felt soft lips press against her cheek and the warmth of Sharon's exhale caress her skin as she lingered for just a moment before pulling away. Brenda's whole body filled with an electrifying heat and it took her a second to find her voice.

"Good night, Sharon," she replied, clearing her throat and stepping back on shaky legs to allow the older woman to open her car door. She waited until Sharon started her car and drove away before climbing into her own vehicle, her cheek still tingling where Sharon's lips had been. Starting her GPS, Brenda pulled out of the lot, suddenly no longer worried about falling asleep on the drive home…