The next day
Olivia is reading one of her books, and is startled by the tapping on her window. Looking up, she sees Elliot standing on her fire escape, waving at her. Feeling a flutter in her chest, she gets up and opens the window.
Olivia is startled by the tapping on her window. Looking up, she sees Elliot standing on her fire escape, waving at her. Feeling a flutter in her chest, she gets up and opens the window.
Despite her initial surprise, Olivia feels a warm smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Seeing Elliot standing there on her fire escape brings back a flood of conflicting emotions.
"Hey... what are you doing here?" she asks, leaning against the window frame.
Elliot grins, holding up a container filled with freshly baked cookies.
"Heya Liv, I brought some cookies," he responds, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I haven't seen or spoken to you in a few days. I missed ya."
Olivia's heart thumps loudly in her chest as Elliot's words sink in. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed him, too.
"I've missed you too and your cookies," she admits, her voice softer than she intended. At the same time, she took one of Elliot's cookies and headed back to lay on her bed.
Elliot chuckles, watching as Olivia takes a cookie and settles on her bed.
"Well, I knew cookies would do the trick," he teases, leaning against the doorframe. "Nothing says 'I missed you' quite like a peace offering of a delicious snack."
Olivia can't help but chuckle, his easy-going nature always putting her at ease.
"I guess you know the way to my heart," she jokes, taking a bite of the cookie. "But don't think cookies will get you out of everything."
Feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement, Elliot takes a seat on the opposite side of her bed. He keeps a respectable distance, not wanting to invade her personal space too much.
"You got it caption. You know," he starts, trying to keep his tone casual, "you have a really nice place. It's cozy."
"Thank you, it's my comfort zone…..how was your date the other night?" Olivia says, trying not to sound jealous
Elliot's smile falters for a moment as Olivia mentions the date. He had hoped she hadn't seen that.
"Um... it was fine," he responds, a bit awkwardly. "Not much to tell, really."
He fidgets with the corner of her bedsheet, avoiding her gaze. He can sense the slight hint of jealousy in her voice, but he's not sure how to address it.
Olivia's eyes narrow slightly, noticing how uncomfortable Elliot seems to be.
"Just fine?" she presses, her voice hinting at a mix of curiosity and jealousy. "You looked pretty cozy kissing her." Olivia lets out a small laugh
Elliot's cheeks turn a slight shade of pink, caught off guard by Olivia's directness. "It was just a harmless kiss," he tries to dismiss, his voice rising slightly. "How was your date with Nick?"
Olivia laughs, feeling a bit defensive. "Nick and I are close, but it's strictly platonic. We're partners, not a couple."
Elliot nods, relieved to hear that there was no romantic involvement with Nick. "So, it was just a friendly night out?" he asks, his tone a bit less tense. "Just two good friends spending time together?"
Olivia smiles, her expression a mix of jest and affection. "Yeah, like us right now," she agrees, meeting his gaze. "Just hanging out, eating cookies, talking like friends."
"Hey Liv, can I ask you something?" Elliot says, shifting on the bed and meeting her gaze
Olivia meets his gaze, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "Yeah, of course," she says, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "What's on your mind?"
Elliot senses the hesitance in Olivia's voice and takes a gentle approach.
"Why have you been avoiding me?" He asks, his tone soft and understanding. "You've been distant lately, and I've missed hanging out with you."
Olivia's expression softens as she sees the genuine hurt in his eyes. She reaches out and places a hand on his arm. "Oh, El," she sighs softly. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way. Life has just been a bit hectic lately. You know how it is." Olivia lies
But Elliot senses there's more beneath the surface.
"Liv, I can tell there's something else," he pressed, his gaze searching her face. "You can be honest with me; you know that."
"I- it's nothing, Elliot." Olivia says, forcing a smile
As much as he wants to pry, Elliot decides to back off for now, not wanting to push her too hard.
"Fine," he relents, though he's clearly not satisfied. "If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you. But just know, I'm here for you, no matter what."
"T-Thank you." Olivia smiles
Elliot's gaze softens, and he reaches out to give Olivia's shoulder a comforting squeeze.
"Just know, Liv," he says softly, "that I'm always here for you. No matter what, I'll always have your back partner."
"Thanks, Elliot. I appreciate that, and 'e too."
They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the air feeling slightly lighter. Elliot, sensing that he's gotten through to her a bit, decides to change the subject.
"So," he says, attempting to lighten the mood, "how's your work going? Still kicking ass caption."
Olivia chuckles softly at Elliot's attempt to shift the conversation.
"Yeah, still kicking ass and taking names," she replies with a teasing smile.
"Good..good. Hey, I know this is random, but come to dinner and meet my kids tomorrow? Bring Noah?" Elliot flashed her a big smile
Olivia looks a bit taken aback by the sudden invitation, but he recovers quickly. "Um, dinner? Tomorrow?" She says, surprise lacing her voice. "With your kids? Well, I mean, if you're sure it's okay…"
"Of course, Liv. You've stuck with me, Benson partners, better or worse, so yes, I want my kids to meet my best friend." Elliot flashes her. A huge smile
"Alright, charmer, then me and Noah will be there." She lets out a smile
Elliot's face lights up at Liv's agreement to attend the dinner. He grins widely, feeling a weight lift off his chest.
"Great! Tomorrow dinner it is," he confirms, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. "My kids and mama will be thrilled to meet you and Noah."
Olivia smiles at Elliot's enthusiasm. She can't help but feel a twinge of nervousness mixed with excitement at the thought of meeting his family. But she does her best to appear calm and composed. "I'm looking forward to it," she replies genuinely. "I've heard a lot about your mom from you. Can't wait to meet her."
Elliot grins, feeling satisfied with the outcome of the conversation. "Perfect, 6 it is," he confirms, heading towards the window. "I'll see you then, Liv. Night." He steps out onto the fire escape, closing the door behind him with a wave.
Olivia bustles around her apartment, double-checking that she and Noah look presentable for the evening ahead. She straightens Noah's shirt, smooths out the wrinkles in her skirt, and adjusts her hair in the mirror. She feels a flutter of nerves, eager to make a good impression on Elliot's family.
Olivia flinches slightly as she hears Elliot's knock at the door. She takes a deep breath, mentally reciting a mantra to calm her nerves. With a final glance at Noah to ensure he's ready, she heads for the door and opens it.
"These are for you." Elliot smiles handing her flowers.
Olivia's cheeks flush at Elliot's compliment, a shy smile gracing her lips. She takes the flowers from him, their fragrance filling the air around them. "Y-you're too sweet," she stammers slightly, looking down at the flowers to hide her blush. "Thank you, they're beautiful."
Elliot shoots Olivia a charming smile, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before speaking. "Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman," he says, his voice low and smooth. "They barely compare to you."
Olivia looks away, flustered by Elliot's compliment. But she can't help the smile that creeps onto her face, her heart fluttering in her chest. "You really know how to smooth talk, don't you?" she teases, her tone light and playful.
Elliot chuckles, amused by Olivia's reaction. He knows he has a way with words, especially when it comes to her.
"What can I say?" he grins, shrugging innocently. "I can't help it if the truth just rolls off the tongue when I'm around you."
Noah, who had been quietly observing the exchange between Elliot and Olivia, suddenly pipes up, his small voice breaking the moment. "Hey, Elliot," he says, looking up at him with inquisitive eyes. Elliot's attention turns to Noah, who stands nearby, "Hey there, little man," Elliot says.
Elliot opens the door to his mother's house, " hey, mama" Elliot hugs his mom, "This is my friend Olivia and her son Noah."
Elliot's mother, Bernie, grins widely as she sees them enter. She immediately rushes forward to greet them, a warm smile on her face. She hugs Elliot affectionately before turning her attention to Olivia and Noah.
"Ah, Welcome!" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Olivia you're very beautiful! And Noah you're very handsome you can call me grandma Bernie! " Says Bernie hugging them both.
Olivia and Noah smile at Bernie's warm greeting, feeling immediately welcomed. Olivia blushes slightly at the compliment on her looks, while Noah preens at being called handsome.
"It's nice to meet you," Olivia replies, returning the hug. Noah nods, his smile wide. "Hi, Grandma Bernie!"
Bernie motions towards the back of the restaurant, where a door leads to the family's private living area. From the other side of the door, the sound of chatter and laughter can be heard.
"The rest of the kids are in the living room," she says, a hint of pride in her voice. "Feel free to go join them while the food is being prepared. Just make yourselves at home."
Kieran and Seamus bounce with excitement, the energy of youth making them seem like a whirlwind of chaos.
"Grandpa!" They shout in unison, their voices full of laughter.
Kieran, the elder of the two, grabs Elliot's arm. "Pick me up! Pick me up!"
Seamus chimes in, tugging on Elliot's shirt. "Me too! Me too!"
Olivia stands nearby, watching the scene unfold with a soft smile on her face. Seeing Elliot with the young kids, his gentleness and warmth evident in his interactions with them warms her heart. A sense of fondness and affection blossoms within her as she witnesses this tender side of him.
Elliot laughs at their antics and easily scoops up both Seamus and Kieran, one in each arm. He lifts them off the ground, holding them up in the air, making them squeal with delight.
"Got ya both!" He chuckles, playing along with their boisterousness.
"Hey kids, this is my friend and neighbor Olivia and her son Noah. Noah Liv is Maureen, her husband Jim, kids Kieran and Seamus, and Kathleen, Lizzie, Dickie, and Eli." Says Elliot
The group of kids, ranging from teenagers to young adults, turns their attention to Olivia and Noah as they enter the living room.
"Hey there!" says Maureen, the oldest of the bunch. She gives Olivia a friendly wave and a warm smile on her face. Her husband, Jim, stands beside her, nodding in greeting.
The younger kids, Kieran and Seamus, curiously look over at them while Kathleen, Lizzie, and Dickie chime in with their own hellos.
As the children continue to bombard Olivia with their questions, Bernie's voice cuts through the chatter.
"Alright, alright! Dinner's almost ready; just going to set the table."
"I can help Bernie." Oliva offers her a warm smile.
She turns to Olivia, a warm smile on her face. "Don't you worry, dear. You and Noah are our guests. You just sit down and relax."
Olivia smiles kindly at Bernie, her southern kicking in. "Oh, please, I insist." She counters, placing a gentle hand on Bernie's arm. "I'd be happy to help set the table. You've done so much already, it's the least I can do."
Eli, a young boy in his early teens, turns his attention to Noah as Olivia follows Bernie to the dining area. "Hey there, Noah," he greets with a friendly smile. "Wanna come play Legos with us?"
Noah's eyes light up at the suggestion, and his excitement is evident in his expression.
"Yeah, Legos!" He exclaims, the words tumbling out quickly. "I love Legos!"
Elliot stands there for a moment, watching as Eli leads Noah away, their excited chatter fading slightly as they head to the other room.
As his mother and Olivia go into the kitchen, he can't help but feel a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Seeing his family and his friend getting along so well fills his heart with joy.
Bernie looks at Olivia, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You're a beautiful woman Olivia, you would've scared the pants off Kathy." Bernie laughs.
Olivia smiles shyly at the compliment, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh, stop it, you're too kind," she replies, a small laugh escaping her. The thought of 'scaring the pants off' Kathy brings a hint of mischief to her smile.
Bernie looks at Olivia, her eyes filled with a mix of affection and pride. "So, how long have you known Elliot? He seems pretty close to you and your handsome son, Noah!"
Olivia smiles warmly as she helps set the table, a soft glow in her eyes.. "We met a little over a month ago, but it feels like it's been a lifetime. He's such a wonderful person, and we just clicked."
Elliot strides into the kitchen, his easy smile on his face. He notices the two women and quips with a hint of humor in his voice. "What's all this whispering about in here? Talking about me, are we?"
Bernie laughs heartily and gives Elliot a playful nudge with her elbow. "Caught us red-handed! Can you blame us, though? You're a tough topic to resist chatting about, dear."
Olivia smiles, her eyes sparkling as she chimes in, adding a flirty tone to her words. "Oh, absolutely! You're quite the charmer, Elliot." Olivia giggles.
He's flattered by the compliment, a hint of a blush coloring his cheeks. He teases back with a playful smile. "Oh, stop it, you two. You're going to make my head swell."
Bernie glances at Olivia, a twinkle in her eye. "Could you do me a favor, dear," she asks kindly. "Would you let everyone know that dinner is ready? I'm sure they're all starving out there."
"Sure, Bernie." Olivia straightens her outfit and takes a moment to compose herself before heading out to the other room.
As Olivia leaves the kitchen, Bernie turns to Elliot with a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "She's a lovely woman, isn't she?" she says, her voice touched with a hint of motherly affection. "I can see how fond you've become of her and her son. There's something about her that just seems... perfect for you."
Elliot chuckles lightly, his expression is genuine. "I know, Mama," he replies, "Olivia and I are just friends. But it's true that she has a certain... charm about her. I enjoy her company immensely."
Bernie's expression softens as she looks at her boy, her voice filled with a hint of sadness and a touch of hope. "Elliot, my sweet child," she begins gently, her eyes meeting his. "You're not getting any younger, and I know it's hard to move on after losing Kathy. But I've seen the way you look at Olivia and how she glances back at you. There's a special connection between you two."
Bernie gently takes Elliot's hand in hers, her touch filled with a mother's love. She continues, her voice soft and warm, with a hint of pleading in her tone.
"Don't let the past hold you back from finding happiness again. Olivia and Noah have brought so much joy into your life. Just don't shut yourself off to the possibility of something more. You haven't even brought a woman here since Kathy. So I just know Olivia is the one for you. I can feel it."
Olivia enters the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. Behind her are Eli and Noah, the boys chattering excitedly about the Lego play they had just finished. Everyone starts to take their seats, and Elliot's seat happens to be directly across from Olivia. As the family members settle down, Elliot glances over at Olivia, a mixture of emotions in his eyes.
Maureen, an energetic young girl, turns to her father with a mischievous smile. "Hey, Dad, how did the date with Dani go last night? I heard you two kissed." She playfully teases, her voice filled with curiosity.
Elliot chokes on his food for a moment, his face turning slightly red. "Maureen, where'd you hear that?" He manages to sputter out, trying to maintain a neutral expression.
Maureen continues, her voice filled with gossipy excitement, the words tumbling out quickly. "I heard it from Dani's daughter. We are best friends, you know. Her mom also said you just wanted to be friends." Maureen grins mischievously, enjoying the effect her words are having on her father.
Elliot glances across the table at Olivia and notices her gaze is cast downward. He then turns to Bernie, their eyes meeting, and she gives him a sly wink. She can clearly see there's something on Elliot's mind.
Bernie, always honest and unfiltered, chimes in with a disapproving tone. "You know, my dear," she says, fixing Elliot with a stern but loving gaze. "It's not nice to kiss a woman and then tell her you just want to be friends. That's just leading her on and playing with her feelings."
Elliot looks at his mother with a mixture of guilt and determination. "I know, Mama," he begins, his voice filled with a hint of resignation. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful. She kissed me. I didn't want to be rude, but Dani is a nice person. I... I have feelings for someone else."
As Elliot speaks, Olivia drops her fork and quickly tries to cover it up, pretending nothing happened. However, the sound of the falling fork is clear and noticeable. Bernie, always observant, glances over at Olivia with a perceptive gaze. She notices the way Olivia tries to play it off, the subtle movement of her hands, and the way her eyes dart away from Elliot.
Maureen, her young mind eager for answers, chimed in with a sense of innocence and curiosity. "Dad, why didn't you say anything then?" She looks up at her father, her eyes wide and expectant, waiting for an explanation.
Elliot responds to Maureen with a mixture of regret and honesty. "Like I said, Maur," he begins, his voice laced with a hint of remorse. "You had already set up the date. I didn't want to hurt Dani's feelings, and I was honest with her when I said I just wanted to be friends."
Kathleen, ever the curious and nosy teen, chimes in with a mixture of interest and eagerness. "Yeah, Dad, spill the beans! Who is this girl you have feelings for?"
Elliot glances over at Olivia, his gaze lingering on her as he takes a deep breath. His words are soft, almost whispered, "It's nothing," he starts, his voice betraying a sense of doubt and uncertainty. "I... I doubt she feels the same way."
Bernie, ever the advocate for open communication, chimes in with her own advice. "You know, my dear," she says gently, her eyes filled with wisdom and concern. "You won't know until you say something. You'll never know if you don't try."
As Bernie finishes her sentence, Elliot and Olivia's gazes meet for a brief moment. There's a mixture of emotions in their eyes, a mix of uncertainty and yearning. They hold each other's gaze for a moment, a myriad of thoughts racing through their minds.
The room falls momentarily silent, the tension palpable between Elliot and Olivia. Everyone around the table seems to sense the electricity between them, although the children are blissfully unaware of the undercurrents of emotions present.
"Whoever she is, Dad," she says, her voice filled with confidence and warmth. "She would be lucky to have you." Says Lizzie
Elliot, his gaze still locked with Olivia's, responds with a soft but firm conviction. "And I would be lucky to have her." His voice is steady and sincere, his eyes never leaving Olivia's.
Bernie, ever the mediator, senses the rising tension between Elliot and Olivia. She tactfully shifts the focus away from them, turning her attention to the children.
"So, kids," she says warmly, her gaze moving between Eli, Noah, and Maureen. "How's school been lately?"
Olivia, her face flushed with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, is the first to break the intense eye contact with Elliot. Inside her head, a wave of emotions floods her thoughts, and all she can think is, "Wow, Elliot has a crush on another woman? Should've known why he wanted to be just friends."
Once the dinner is finished, Olivia and the girls pitch in to help Bernie clean up the dinner table. The clinking of dishes and soft chatter fills the kitchen as they work together to restore order. To have some girl talk.
Kathleen, her curiosity piqued, cannot help but express her burning desire to know the identity of the woman her dad has feelings for. "I really want to know who this woman Dad likes is," she says, her voice tinged with excitement and intrigue.
Lizzie, her own interest piqued, chimes in with her own thoughts. "Yeah, I'm pretty curious too," she admitted with a slight smile. "Who is this mystery woman that Dad has feelings for?"
Maureen, ever the blunt one, pipes up with her own perspective. "Yeah, Dad, giving up on Dani for this mystery woman, she must be a hot shot or something," she says with a hint of intrigue and a sparkle in her eye.
Bernie, her smirk widening, joins in with her own observations. "All I can say is she's a very beautiful, kind woman," she chimes in, her tone filled with a hint of knowingness.