Warning: I don't have a beta-reader (yeah that hasn't changed either) and, as English is not my main language, I'm bound to make mistakes. I hope it's not too bad and you'll bear with me.
If you don't like, don't read. Flames will probably be ignored; constructive critics and other reviews are always very welcome. Read and enjoy.
So here we are with chapter 20.
Okie I was able to write in the past weeks (cutting back at coloring mostly), so I'm back at having two chapters in stock when I post. We're coming to the last chapters, finally. I hope you will like this one.
Thank you all for your nice reviews and wishes, they were appreciated.
Disclaimer: Don't own, just playing around so don't sue… Belongs to CBS Studios, Sony Pictures Television and many others.
"We have every right to create our own destiny, but none to interfere in someone else's." Martin Rubin. ;)
Street glanced to his right as his friend sighed loudly. Tan seemed to be in a downbeat mood, and he couldn't help but wonder what was going on. It was finally the big day, and he had expected his colleague to be happier after convincing Chris to give in.
"How come you're still here?" Street frowned at Tan. "Chris left almost an hour ago to doll up, and you're still here... taking your sweet time."
"Doll up? Don't let Chris hear that." The other man chuckled, his good humor returning. "She'd bite your head off."
"But she's not here, and you still are... Don't try to deflect my question." Street leaned against his locker, studying Tan. "You hardly brought clothes for a fancy restaurant outing. Why are you still here?"
Tan sighed and grimaced, appearing hesitant to answer. Street didn't feel comfortable pressing him for details, even though his curiosity was piqued. Chris had mentioned that Tan confided in her about his improving relationship with Bonnie's cousin, but he remained skeptical. However, he couldn't shake off the unease he felt about Chris going on a date with another guy, especially after Julian's recent stunt with the rose.
"It's like you haven't noticed the looks Chris has been giving me all day…" Tan finally spoke after a long sigh. "She's definitely going to make me pay for dinner."
"Well, that's a given," Street chuckled. "But she's not the one waiting for you at home. You have to face Bonnie first…"
"Bonnie's running late apparently. She texted me and Julian earlier... something about a client issue... I'm not in a hurry to have a one-on-one with Julian…" Tan slammed his locker shut after slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Things have improved, but he's still not my favorite person. I'll see enough of him tonight at the restaurant…"
Tan walked towards the exit, and Street followed him, passing through the door his friend was holding for him.
"Still getting heat from everyone because of the rose?" Street grinned when he saw the annoyed look Tan gave him.
"I tried to talk to the idiot about how inappropriate this had all been," Tan answered, his tone a clear testament to his annoyance.
"I gather that didn't go well…"
"He actually told me she loved the attention… Like Chris appreciated being the center of attention, I mean we know her way better than this tool," Tan said with a sour expression.
"This tool? I thought you got along with him now?" When Tan scoffed loudly, Street burst out laughing. "I'm sure Chris is not blaming you for his actions. You did the best you could to divert the attention."
"Yeah… but when did you two get to talk about Julian?" Tan suddenly wondered, and Street bit his lower lip, regretting his words. He suddenly realized Chris was right, and he needed to be more careful with Tan. The young man knew them too well.
"Who didn't talk to her after The Rose?" Street insisted on the last two words, enjoying how his friend rolled his eyes. "She needed to let a little bit of steam out…"
"And?"
"And… she was completely uncomfortable. She hated it…" Street confirmed, and the other officer nodded forcefully.
"Of course, she did. I was mortified." Tan's anger flared up again, his face turning red. "What was he thinking? Did he think he was the Bachelor or something?"
"The Bachelor? You watch stuff like that?"
"Bonnie likes those kinds of shows… What can I say?" Tan muttered embarrassedly, nervously playing with the keys in his pocket. "We're not into cooking shows like you and… well…"
"Considering the food you guys prepared last time you invited the team over, I'd say it's a shame…"
"That meal came from a caterer," he defended himself. "We just warmed it up."
"Exactly, you totally ruined a perfectly fine salmon… You should be ashamed. And I won't even mention…"
"Don't you have places to go, people to see?" Tan interrupted him impatiently, clearly eager for his friend's teasing to stop.
"No, I'm all alone tonight… Luca is at Melissa's. I just plan a quiet evening with the lasagna I cooked this weekend in front of the last Fast and Furious."
"Hmm," he muttered, looking at a grinning Street with an amused glint in his eye. "You totally win this one, I'd love to switch places with you. But then again, anything is better than that train wreck of a dinner with Julian trying to woo Chris."
"Yeah, but you'll be there to see her shoot him down in flames…" Street winked at him. "Now go home, even if Bonnie is late, you still need to get changed! I'm sure Julian will look his best… You'll have to up your game… Wear something fancy or they'll all outshine you."
"Yes, Mom… But you are right." Tan groaned unhappily. "See you tomorrow…"
Tan watched as Street walked in the direction of his motorbike. "Can I send you an SOS if things take a turn for the worse?"
He only heard his friend's booming laughter and shook his head in amusement when he saw him wave dismissively. He only hoped this evening wouldn't jeopardize his friendship with Chris.
Chris checked her watch for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. "Where are you, Street?" she mumbled with a tut of frustration. She sighed and went to the bathroom once more to check her reflection in the well-lit room. Grabbing a comb, she attempted to restyle her hair, still unhappy with the result. It was probably just nerves, she realized, when she couldn't get her dark strands to stay as she wanted. She just needed to distract herself.
Grimacing at her image, she adjusted the collar of her blouse and turned her head, checking her makeup and the pendants she had selected earlier. Her hand trailed down her slender neck, her index finger tapping against the hollow of her throat. She tsked in annoyance. The earrings were all wrong, she impulsively decided, and she rushed to her bedroom to check her jewelry box once more. Rummaging through her extensive collection, she spotted her turquoise studs, and a wide smile spread on her lips.
She was heading back to the bathroom when she heard the entrance door clicking shut. Chris wasted no time in hurrying to the living room. Sliding open the connecting door, she saw Street standing there in a dashing suit, the light from the surrounding street lamps making him look impossibly handsome. She smiled brightly at him as she took him in, admiring him in silence for a moment while he also appreciatively observed her.
"You look absolutely gorgeous…" He finally said in a breath, awe clear in his voice. "If I weren't afraid to mess up your makeup…"
He hadn't finished his sentence before she was already in his arms, taking the lead for a passionate kiss. When their lips finally separated, they were both out of breath and smiling broadly at each other.
"Hi…" Chris panted, worrying prettily her lower lip. "You took your sweet time…"
He chuckled at her playful accusation and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.
"I couldn't resist messing with Tan before leaving HQ…" Street finally admitted sheepishly, and Chris laughed, swatting his chest. She closed the space between them even more and kissed him for a second time, her heart fluttering at the feel of his presence, so close, and regretting once more that she had accepted that date with Julian. Spending the evening with her boyfriend would have been a much better prospect.
"You should know better than to do that," she chided him with a fake frown. "Yeah, I know… he's easy bait. How nervous was he when you last saw him?"
"Off the charts and also very reluctant to spend the evening with his favorite in-law. If possible, I think he dislikes Julian even more than I do…"
"No one dislikes Julian more than you…" She reminded him, and he gave a low laugh.
"Well, I do have my excuses… He's trying to steal my girlfriend…" He reminded her nonchalantly, and she rolled her eyes. "After all the time it took me to win her over…"
"You totally have, even though you should know by now that he'll never succeed…" She pressed another kiss on his lips before pulling back regretfully. "So, what do you think?"
She twirled in front of him, and he leaned against the table as he watched her show off a gorgeous pantsuit with a rather revealing blouse. He frowned slightly, and she sighed when she saw his expression darken a little.
"You don't like it?" She worried as she looked down at her outfit. She had carefully chosen the black suit. It was more classical than what she usually wore for dates, but the cut was modest enough not to be inappropriate, she had thought.
He straightened and circled her, giving her a once-over in an approving way. He said nothing right away, but when he faced her again, his face looked softer.
"No… it's actually perfect," he finally said, moving closer to her. "And the earrings are a nice addition too." He added, gently brushing against the drops with the tip of his finger. She couldn't help but shiver at the contact, and his eyes flickered with amusement.
"They are a gift from a very dear friend," she explained, squeezing his hand in hers and offering him an affectionate smile. "I thought it was a nice touch to wear them…"
"Very mischievous, I would say…" His eyes rested on her neckline. "But…"
"But?"
"While this would be the perfect outfit for one of our dates, I have my reservations since Julian will be your dinner companion tonight…" he said, full of possessiveness. "I do think your décolletage is a little too… revealing… You have to show some mercy to the poor guy."
She laughed wholeheartedly at his comment, and he grinned widely at her amusement. He took her hand and guided her to the bedroom.
"We need something else… This blouse is only for my eyes," he said playfully, emphasizing the possessiveness in his tone. When she raised a doubtful eyebrow at his overprotective behavior, he quickly amended, "I mean, this is when you are my date… And not out with some random beau."
"Okay, I can accept that, but don't forget this is still supposed to be a real date," she replied with a teasing glint in her eye, causing him to frown slightly.
"Of course… So, I guess the red turtleneck is a no?" He teased her, only half-joking. He sifted through her tops, deciding on a long-sleeved dark navy velvet one instead. "This one is perfect…"
Chris nodded in agreement, and she changed promptly. As she pulled the fabric over her head, she heard Street groaning with approval. She smiled back at him, feeling emboldened by his admiration.
"You're gonna make him burn," he murmured, his hands finding her nape as he kissed her softly. "Before leaving him to go home by himself…"
She chuckled at his comment, her grin widening as he continued, "And join me here…"
"Hmm," she hummed contentedly, and he smiled wickedly against her lips before kissing her fiercely.
Tan reached the door of his apartment and sighed heavily. Bonnie had texted him just before he had driven away from HQ, saying that the problem with her client had been resolved much faster than she had expected and that she was heading home. He wondered if she was already there, and he was glad he had showered and styled his hair at work so she could have the bathroom all to herself. He had no doubt that she was rather stressed, as their schedule would be very tight to make it on time for their reservation. He had thought about telling Chris to go there before them, but Bonnie had absolutely vetoed that idea.
He just needed to change into his suit, and he would be ready in no time, as he had chosen the outfit the previous night. When he opened the door, he frowned immediately. While he couldn't see his wife, her cousin was definitely present. Julian grinned at him, closing the distance between them to tap his shoulder and shake his hand. Great… the evening couldn't start any worse.
"Hey, Julian…" Tan managed to say in a half-hearted greeting. If the other man noticed his lack of enthusiasm, he didn't show it. Julian was smiling broadly, clearly in a great mood.
"Bonnie just went to the bathroom; she promised to be quick," Julian explained, giving a nod in the direction where the blonde had disappeared. "But we both know what that means…"
"Yes, we do…" Tan agreed, placing his backpack on the console in the living room. "Hopefully you haven't been waiting too long…"
"Nah, don't worry. Your place is very comfy," Julian announced with an approving nod. "I hope you don't mind, but Bonnie gave me a spare key to your place a couple of days ago. She thought it would be more practical."
Tan felt his jaw tense at the news. He tutored his features and forced himself to relax. He nodded, pretending he didn't mind. Now was not the time to voice his displeasure about that. He'd discuss it with his wife later, once they would be back home. So, he simply motioned for his least favorite in-law to sit on the sofa.
"I'll change quickly… It shouldn't take me long," Tan told the other man with a slight nod. To his surprise, Julian followed him inside the bedroom, and he turned around with a questioning glance.
"Sorry…" Julian said, raising his hands in apology when he saw the displeasure on his cousin's face. "I thought you wouldn't mind. I mean… you guys at SWAT most likely have common locker rooms… so you are changing in front of each other like we do at the hospital… And it's not like you have any reason to be self-conscious. You are very fit."
"Yeah…" Tan started hesitantly. The compliment about his physique had been unexpected, as Bonnie's cousin was usually not the type to deliver niceties. "Thanks… I guess…"
He frowned and opened his mouth to say something more, but before he could do so, he found himself interrupted by the other man.
"Look, I know I don't have the best relationship ever with you, and I'm not that good with people I don't know well," Julian started carefully. Tan was fascinated to see how visibly uncomfortable the usually overconfident surgeon seemed. It almost felt like he was giving a rehearsed speech. "But I really want things to be better between us. I hope we can become friends, especially if I'm moving back to California. You know I adore Bonnie, and I haven't made the effort to get to know you properly, and I regret it deeply. But I don't think it's too late for that. What do you think?"
Tan felt himself relaxing; he nodded and smiled politely.
"I would like that too," he finally said.
"And of course, you would prefer to change without me eyeing you…" Julian added with a nervous grin. "In my line of work, we're rather desensitized to that kind of thing… I thought… you wouldn't mind, but naturally, you do."
"No, you can stay…" Tan assured him. "I was mostly surprised, I suppose."
"Let's keep that for another time…" The other man winked at him and walked back to the living room.
A few minutes later, Tan rushed back and smiled at Julian, who seemed engrossed in the book Bonnie had placed on the coffee table.
"Oh, you're into 'The Assistants' by Camille Perri…" He wondered jokingly, and his in-law grinned.
"I was intrigued by the title. I guess it's fitting for Bonnie as it deals with the sports business… Because that has to be her book," he declared with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. When Tan nodded, he smiled broadly. "Yeah, I must admit I haven't read a book in an eternity… most of the time I just don't have the energy. Audiobooks are the way to go as far as I am concerned."
"Yeah, I'm not too good with that either…" He turned his head when he heard the bathroom door hastily open and then close again. They could hear Bonnie utter a rather colorful expletive, and they both laughed. "I wonder if I should go and see if I could be of any help…"
"No, you don't want to do that…" Julian shook his head, a derisive smile on his lips. When Tan looked at him quizzically, he continued. "She's frustrated; things probably don't go her way… If you join her now, she'll vent to you, and then she'll blame you for further delaying her... I've lived that with her… and my mom. Believe me, Lonsdale women are crazy. Stay here with me; you don't have to talk if you don't feel like it."
"You're not that bad," he admitted in good humor, taking a seat on the armchair. He checked his watch and sighed.
"Will we be on time?" The blond man wondered, his frown lines giving away his worries. "Should we warn Chris or call the restaurant?"
"We will be," Tan reassured him. "It's still early, and we aren't that far from there. I know a nice shortcut, don't worry…"
"Good," Julian nodded, satisfied by his answer. They stayed silent for a moment, and Tan stole a few glances towards him. The man was fidgeting on the sofa, which alone was highly unusual.
"Is anything wrong?" He finally asked after a few moments when his wife's cousin stood up and took a few steps. "I would have imagined you to be thrilled tonight…"
"Oh, I am," Julian nodded his head, but he did not turn around. He paused for a few moments, and when he spoke again, Tan thought he could detect some sort of anxiety in his voice. "I guess it's just nerves… Do you mind if I ask a few questions?"
"Questions?"
"About Chris…" He finally added, his voice more forceful. "I know she's your friend, and you care a lot about her…"
Tan acquiesced, waiting for the other man to say more. It was somewhat reassuring to see him, for once, not as self-assured as he usually presented himself, and he couldn't help but wonder how much of it was really a façade.
"Tell me what she really thought about the rose?"
"She didn't like it, but she was too polite to say anything," he told him frankly, and the blonde sighed heavily. "Chris is a very private person. You put her in the spotlight, and it was not about her work or her achievements… She totally hates that…"
"So, I need to be on my best behavior tonight." When the young officer nodded, Julian grimaced. "Do you honestly think I have a chance with her?"
"Hmm…" Tan managed, unsure how he should answer that question. He didn't want to be cruel, but he knew that above all, the other man wanted an honest answer. "I suppose…"
"Oh, okay, I take that." With a deep breath, Julian pushed a shaky hand through his short hair, seemingly lost in his thoughts for a moment. "Anything you can tell me about her previous relationships?" When Tan hesitated, Julian pushed. "We talked during your wedding, so I know she's bisexual, but beyond that I don't know much. Is there anything you feel comfortable sharing with me?"
"Chris is a very passionate woman, as you probably already noticed. When she loves, she's all in, but it's hard to get her there. Getting her to trust you will be the hardest part," Tan confided. "And she has her rules and her boundaries. She sticks to them, and so will you if you really care. I don't know many of her past lovers. I know she dated another cop before joining SWAT, and it didn't end very well. After that, she decided she would never date a cop again, and certainly not one she works with."
"He must have been pretty terrible for her to make such a clear decision…" Julian wondered, a frown pleating his brow.
"He was corrupt and abused his power… We arrested him a few years later. I think she knew he was crooked, but she had no way to prove it. But in the end, we got him… for good."
"So, no more cops…" Julian grinned at Tan, but the other man sensed that this information had rattled him, and he briefly wondered why. "That's good for me… I mean, you guys work a lot, so she mainly sees other cops day in, day out…"
"Yeah, and they're not blind. Chris is very attractive. So many have flirted with her, even Street tried his luck, but he was shot down in flames…" Tan chuckled as he remembered that time fondly. "I had warned him he had no chance, but he was a real player back then, so he went for it anyway. It was entertaining, I must admit. And despite that ill-fated attempt, they became best friends. They're very similar in a way… They both had rather shitty childhoods, Street's was even worse than Chris'… Long story, but not mine to tell…"
"Of course, and I'm not prying." Julian replied quickly. "So, no cops…"
"No… when cops start dating, the man always has it easier than the woman. We're in an old-fashioned world still. The guy gets a pat on the back, and the woman gets all the sneers. I'm not sure what she experienced back then at K9; I was still in Vice, so not really in the same district. I doubt SWAT would treat her like that… She's, after all, the only female officer, and we all respect her, but still, that's not something she wants."
"Okay, I can understand that… Was there someone else after that cop?" Julian insisted, bringing the conversation back to Chris' former lovers. "I can't picture her being single forever…"
"She was in a polyamorous relationship for a while…" Tan finally said in a whisper. "That's the last serious relationship she had… at least that I know of. It ended badly, and she hasn't been with anyone else since... She was rather heartbroken after that. Then after a while, she started going out again with one of our colleagues, Erika Rogers, she befriended, but… She got killed in the line of action. Chris felt extremely guilty after that. She wasn't in a good place. But again, it's not my story to tell…"
"I understand… So that's why you guys are looking for a good match for her…" Julian concluded, and Tan nodded. "Do you know why that other relationship failed?"
"I'm not sure. I think she rushed into it. They were a couple, ready to get married, and Chris was really into the woman… Kira and her fiancé was named Ty if I remember well." He added with a frown as he struggled to recall those past events. "Street would probably know more about all that. They were extremely close when all that happened, and then they weren't."
"He was single back then?" Julian leaned forward, his eyes focused on Tan.
"Hmm, he was already seeing our commander's daughter. I don't think they were serious back then, but a few months later they were official. They dated for over a year… and then suddenly they broke up…"
"And you're also looking for a girlfriend for him…" Julian pushed, his curiosity evident to the other man.
"It's Bonnie's and Annie's pet project. I was unwillingly roped in like most guys in the Team. Luca is the only one who's really into it. I say we have to let them find their soulmates by themselves. But our friends are stubborn…"
"And here we are. Just a few minutes away from a double date with Chris…"
"And here we are indeed…" Tan looked in the direction of the bathroom and sighed. From the noises they could hear, it was doubtful Bonnie would be finished in the next ten minutes. "Can I get you something to drink? I'm parched."
"Sparkling water would be perfect; I'd like to keep my wits."
"Oh, you'll need them. Let's go to the kitchen and grab a bottle."
Chris smiled at her reflection in the mirror, content with her appearance. She turned to look at Street, who was leaning against one of the sinks in her bathroom.
"No more kissing," she warned him, pointing her finger in mock sternness. "Or I'll never be ready."
"Yes, ma'am," he grinned and saluted her. She chuckled and walked out of the bathroom, Street following close behind her.
When his phone pinged for at least the tenth time in the last quarter, she turned quizzical eyes his way.
"Who's been blowing up your phone tonight?" she wondered with a frown. "Is that a woman I don't know about?" Her teasing tone made him roll his eyes.
"I wish…" he muttered, and he was swiftly rewarded with a soft tap on his arm. "Ouch… of course not. It's Luca. He's been driving me crazy the whole day."
"Luca?" she looked at him disbelievingly. "I didn't know he was into texting. Wasn't he only a phone person? When has that changed?"
Street let out a deep sigh and ran his hands through his hair.
"I guess it's because he's at Melissa's. He probably doesn't want her to hear what he has to tell me," he grumbled loudly, his eyes not meeting hers.
Chris's brow furrowed in suspicion. She knew something was wrong by the way his body had tensed. When he finally looked at her again, she could see how annoyed he actually was.
"Out with it!" she commanded, and he gave her a disbelieving stare. "What is he planning again?"
"He's not planning anything…" he defended their meddling friend. "For once, at least…" When she looked at him doubtfully, he sighed heavily and went on. "It's about him barging into my room when you were there…"
"What?" she frowned, staring at him dumbfounded. "Did he notice me? He didn't say anything to me."
"No, he didn't…" he pouted, hesitant again, and Chris grew impatient with his antics, her eyes demanding answers. "He thought I was busy… you know… Busy…"
"Busy?" she retorted, more confused with each passing moment. "You were lying in bed; how could he think you were busy?"
"Oh… well…" Street blushed and rubbed his neck awkwardly. "He thought that I was… uh… masturbating…"
"Oh…" she managed to stutter, turning an even deeper shade of red. "I… That is…" Suddenly realizing how ridiculous the situation was, she burst into laughter.
"Yeah, of course you find this funny," Street said, half amused, half exasperated by her reaction.
"So, he's been texting you what exactly?" she managed between laughter.
"He actually came to talk to me earlier at HQ. He apologized for not having understood what I was doing that morning. It took me quite a moment to even understand what he was saying." He scratched his neck, still uneasy. "He just kept stuttering, getting more and more agitated before he finally blurted it out. I'm sure several people around us heard him. It was mortifying."
"He's just worried about you, leading a monk's life…" she pushed with a grin. "No wonder he's desperate to find you a girlfriend. He wants to help you solve your sexual frustrations. That makes perfect sense."
"It was a very weird, uncomfortable conversation. I could hardly tell him you were in bed with me," he rolled his eyes when Chris started laughing even harder. "I see there's no hope for support from you."
"Why didn't you tell him he was wrong?" she shrugged.
"I couldn't tell him the truth. I didn't want him to wonder what was really going on. And I was so shocked I was literally lost for words. My brain just drew a blank. It was so awkward."
"I bet it was really awkward," she nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes. "But you must admit it's hilarious."
"It's absolutely not hilarious," he snapped the last words, the outrage clear in his voice. Chris bit the inside of her mouth trying to prevent another wave of laughter. "I'm not a teenager who hides in his bedroom to… oh come on, Chris."
"Sorry, sorry…" despite her efforts, she hadn't been able to refrain from giggling.
"It was so absurd. At the end I just went along, playing on his guilt for interrupting me at a crucial moment," he finally cracked a smile, knowing he would never win the battle against her merry face. "Now he's still apologizing, saying he regrets how pushy he had been, instead of respecting my privacy. I hope that will prevent him from barging in again."
"Oh definitely," she managed, nodding forcefully. "But then officially you are single. They think you haven't had any in months… So, masturbation was a reasonable option." When he gaped at her incredulously, she bit her lower lip.
"You think I have problems landing women…" he wondered with a shake of his head, unable to comprehend her twisted logic.
"No!" she raised her hands, discounting immediately her own words. "I didn't mean that… I mean… Not at all… It's just you stopped the… Meaningless hook-ups… and you are a guy. I mean before we got together… you never…"
"Are we still talking about masturbation right now?" he couldn't help but laugh at her usually confident demeanor quickly vanishing in embarrassment.
"Yes… no…" she stammered, not sure how to explain herself. "It's just… never mind." she finally concluded, her face completely red.
"This conversation definitely needed to end here. But if you are so worried, you could maybe make it up to me," he declared grinning before abruptly changing the subject. "But shouldn't we get you ready for your date with our friends?"
"I'll think about it. I guess it will depend on how you will behave tonight," she teased him. "But yes, we need to get going," she checked her watch and frowned. "I should leave within the next half an hour I suppose."
"That should be enough to get you wired up," Street smiled at her as he walked towards the backpack he had left on the table. She watched as he retrieved two boxes and placed them in front of him.
"Here," Street moved next to Chris and gave her an earpiece. "That way you can hear me too."
"You didn't have that last time," she noted with a small frown. "When did you get it?"
"Does it matter?"
"Maybe," she grinned at his unease.
"I called Ricky at the end of last week, and he gave it to me this weekend," he answered, not really meeting her eyes. "Why?"
"For nothing," she said with a wider grin and a small headshake.
"Don't let it go to your head," he glanced at her, sighing loudly, but the small smile that appeared on his lips belied his attitude. She placed the device in her ear and rearranged her hair so it would be invisible. "Best you have him sit on your other side. It's rather discreet, but the guy is a pain. No need to create drama."
"Exactly. Worst-case scenario, I'll go to the bathroom to change the side," when she saw his jaw tense, she placed her hand on his arm in a reassuring caress. "They won't notice. What about the wire for you to hear what will be said at the table? We should have placed it before I changed the blouse."
"It's easier to place on women," he shrugged nonchalantly, holding the device. "Where do you want it? We can fasten it on your bra; the neckline of your top is modest, but it shouldn't impede the microphone."
She thought for a moment, finally deciding on a place.
"Here," she pointed to the right side of the blouse, the fabric having enough pleats for it to remain hidden even if she moved. He knelt in front of her and nodded, satisfied.
"Here you go. It should work just fine," he said as he affixed the wire to her blouse. "It's invisible, even I can't see it, and I know exactly where it is. Any discomfort on your side?"
"No, it's perfect. I can't feel a thing," she said, impressed. "You're very good at that."
He rolled his eyes and nodded, still holding her tenderly. Then, his face softened, his lips spreading into a loving, small smile.
"I just want this to go as smoothly as possible," he said simply, and Chris felt a strange thrill.
"Let's hope it does," she smiled, fondly. "I know I said I loved that little game, but I must admit that tonight I'd love nothing more than to spend the evening with you."
"I won't be far," he reminded her, and she nodded, feeling a little sad. He took her in his arms. "You'll have your dinner with them, and then we'll come back here for a romantic, cozy night…"
"Yeah, about that…" She started hesitantly, and he immediately frowned at her change of tone. "Tan talked about Bonnie wanting to go clubbing a little after dinner… Sorry I forgot to tell you."
"Oh… okay…" His brow pleated in a worried frown.
"I said I didn't want to stay late as we were working tomorrow…" She quickly amended, hoping to bring a smile back to his lips.
"Of course, don't worry. I'm sure you'll find a way to shake them off. Worst case scenario, you'll just repeat what I tell you," he grinned at her.
"Well, you have to promise you won't blabber nonsense in my ear. I need to stay focused, or they will notice something," she admonished him mockingly.
"That would be careless of me," he teased her back, his eyes betraying a hurt expression. "I promise you will only get my best lines."
"Before we go, I have one last question…" She stepped out of his embrace, taking his hand in hers.
"Only one?" He teased with a wide grin. When she rolled her eyes, he laughed wholeheartedly.
"It's not that I don't appreciate the suit you're wearing… but why?" The question had been on her mind since he had stepped foot into her apartment. "You seem a little overdressed to eat…" She stopped mid-sentence when she realized he could hardly eat in a car. "Oh… but where are you going to eat?"
"I'm going to enjoy a nice meal in the same restaurant as you will…" He nonchalantly offered, and she looked at him with questioning eyes.
"How?" She shook her head, trying to comprehend his plan for the evening. "They will see you."
"No, they won't." He assured her with a boldness that bordered on cockiness. "Tan and Bonnie have been talking about that restaurant for a while. You know how much I like Mediterranean cuisine, so I checked the place out weeks ago. I thought it might be a nice place for a date of our own."
"Of course, you've gone there…" She smiled admiratively at him.
"They actually have several dining rooms, and you can even eat at the bar if you wish so…" He explained. "Great bar, by the way. Their mocktails are delicious. You should definitely have one. So as soon as I knew for sure you were going there, I made my own reservation. And there's little fifty dollars won't achieve."
"You bribed them?" She chuckled at his nerve, and he nodded smugly.
"I told them a sob story about my best friend being forced into a double date against her wishes." She rolled her eyes playfully. "I think they took pity on me when I said I wanted to make sure you were going to be okay."
"That's so sweet…"
"So, there won't be any particular table that will be off-limits for me." He concluded, taking her hand in his. "I'll be there, heard but never seen. They chose a rather central table for your party of four, and I will be at a reasonable distance, nowhere near you guys, but I'll see everything."
"You're very smart, you know…" She smiled, gentle pride washing away the last of her tension now that she knew the lengths he had gone through for her.
"I like to think so." He shrugged arrogantly but smiled, allowing a glimpse of the happiness that bubbled up within.
"I seriously can't believe it." Because suddenly it made sense, the suit, the restaurant, his current nonchalance… "You have to be the cockiest guy I know."
"And you love me for it…" He countered with a wide smile.
"Yeah, I do… so much…" Her hand caressed his cheek tenderly, her eyes following every single line of his face. "I really do…"
He sighed, closing his eyes at her touch.
"We have to go…" She reminded him with a smile.
"Of course, we should definitely get you to your date on time." He joked, forehead pressed against hers, and they shared a small chuckle. Then, he dutifully moved his body away, keeping their hands still interlocked.
"Maybe you should text Tan that you're leaving for the restaurant now." He advised her, and she nodded. "I'll get there on the bike before you will. My reservation is a little earlier than yours. I'll be in place long before you if I'm lucky. If not, I'll bide my time."
"Poor Julian has no chance against you." She teased him with a laugh.
"Of course, he hasn't. He's outplayed and outsmarted."
She burst out laughing as she texted Tan, while Street locked the door of her apartment. The evening promised to be very interesting.
Bonnie emerged from the bathroom and stepped into the quiet living room. It didn't take long for her ears to catch the sounds of laughter drifting from the kitchen, bringing a smile to her lips. It seemed the bond between two of her favorite men had strengthened, filling her with joy. Tonight held promise, and she hoped Chris would see the potential in her cousin, making life even better.
Eager to join the laughter, Bonnie headed towards the kitchen, her steps quickening with anticipation. As she approached, Tan's laughter mingled with Julian's melodic voice became clearer, prompting her to quicken her pace. Upon entering the kitchen, the two men paused their conversation and greeted her with smiles.
"Well, look who's finally decided to join us," Julian quipped, winking at Tan, and Bonnie chuckled at his playful tone.
"I see your sense of humor hasn't changed," she teased, making her way to Tan and placing a loving hand on his shoulder. "It's wonderful to see you both getting along."
"He's not so bad," Tan chimed in with a grin, earning a playful shove from Bonnie. "You look stunning, my love," he added, his hand reaching up to caress her cheek, sending a flutter through her heart.
"Thank you, darling," Bonnie replied warmly, leaning in for a quick kiss before turning to Julian. "So, if you're both ready, I think it's time we head out."
"We're all set. I'm eager to finally try this restaurant you've been raving about," Julian said, rising from his seat. "Oh, by the way, I didn't bring my car. I hope it's alright if you drive, Victor."
"Of course, I don't mind," Tan replied, though he frowned slightly at the news.
"It's just I'm not used to LA anymore, especially downtown," Julian explained apologetically. "I've become so used to public transportation in Chicago, I have problems using my own car for the moment."
"Well, now that you have us, I'm sure we'll take the best routes for you," Bonnie reassured him, linking her arm with his and offering her other arm to Tan. "Victor is the best driver; he's even allowed to drive their big Hummer at SWAT."
"Black Betty is not a Hummer, don't let Luca hear you get that wrong," Tan teased with humor. "He loves her more than anything else, Melissa included. So, Julian, are you planning on coming back with us? We have a guest room..."
He tried to keep his tone light as he questioned the other man. A part of him needed to know Julian's intentions. If Julian thought he could get Chris to take him to his place or worse, to hers, he would be up for disappointment. But the surgeon simply shook his head.
"No, I don't want to impose. I'll just Uber from there," Julian reassured them, raising his hand when he saw Bonnie was about to contradict him. "It's more than okay. I'm supposed to have breakfast with mom anyway; I need to get home. And however good the evening will end, I know I'll get home alone."
"Right," Tan said, nodding happily. He felt his wife's grip on his arm tense, and his grin widened. "And now let's go, or we'll be late."
Just as they started walking towards the door, his phone pinged, and he quickly checked the screen.
"Chris just texted to say she was on her way," he announced, pocketing the device again and gesturing towards the exit. "Let's go. My shortcut is good, but she'll likely be there before us."
"Oh," Bonnie said, grabbing her own phone with a frown. "I'll message her that we're on our way. I don't want her to worry if we take too long."
"Let's go give this evening the best start possible," Julian said as they finally walked out of the apartment.