A/N: Kindly note that when I first started this story years ago, Rusty had not yet been open about being gay, and Shandy was not yet Shandy… they had just finished having that date in Nicole's wedding, but something came up in my life and I stopped writing. By the time I started writing again, a lot of things had happened in Major Crimes and my theme was already obsolete, since Shandy had been born and they were already dating! Perhaps that was the reason I have not continued this story. I felt nobody would be interested in it when Shandy had started dating. Anyhow, I decided to continue this chapter as it had been on my laptop for years.
I must admit he was surprisingly breathtakingly attractive in his tailored suit that my jaw almost dropped when he entered the condominium with a bunch of peach blossom roses.
"Lt. Flynn, they're beautiful. Thank you. But you didn't have to. It's not my birthday," I said bashfully.
"I couldn't resist when I saw them at the shop. Beautiful flowers for my beautiful Captain."
He flashed me a killer smile that almost made my heart skip a beat. I was never the type to swoon, nor have I ever found a flatterer and a smooth talker attractive either. Andy Flynn can really be a charmer if he chooses to be, but this won't win me over. An intelligent man was my weakness. I went out a few times with the brainy guys in school but not once with a jock. I supposed it sounded judgmental to think he was not the intellectual type.
Though he perpetuated this night like a date by insisting he pick us up and take us home after the party, in my book this constitutes only as having him as my plus one in the birthday party-a buffer as I was at her daughter's wedding.
I said thanks for my flowers and placed them in my Tiffany Vase before we left for the party. There was no awkward silence in the car. We conversed easily as if we were back in the office, and Andy always included Rusty in the conversation, giving him equal importance as an adult.
I was grateful that without me saying so, he noticed that I was feeling chilly inside the car as I was wearing a red low-back sequined mermaid cut gown, and he adjusted the air-conditioner for my comfort. I scolded myself for foregoing my wrap, but it was not every day I get to flaunt what I have. As the adage goes, if you've got it, flaunt it, and judging by Andy's look of admiration the minute he set his eyes on me, it was worth a little chill.
"How's school, Rusty?" asked Andy without sounding nosey.
"Well, I'm having a hard time in Philosophy. I was called to explain about Albert Camus, and I have absolutely no clue and after I was scolded for a full seven minutes for my inadequacies, the entire class suffered because of a pop quiz afterwards, yet I still couldn't understand Albert Camus philosophy for the life of me."
Andy gave him a kind smile as though to reassure him he understood how he was feeling.
"Well, let me see. Do you know the story of Sisyphus?" asked Andy.
Rusty gave him a confused look and shook his head.
"You see, in mythology, he was punished by the god Zeus to roll this huge boulder up a slope and just as it reaches the top, the boulder roles down again and he would have to push it up the slope again. This he had to do over and over for eternity."
"That sucks," says Rusty.
"But what does that have to do with Camus?" he asked.
"You're right it's a fucked-up existence. The predicament of Sisyphus sounds hellish and as per other philosophers, the only way out of that miserable existence is suicide to end one's suffering but not for Camus. He believes that Sisyphus is happy rolling the boulder up again and again because in doing so, he had not succumbed to defeat which angered the god Zeus even more because he failed in making Sisyphus miserable. In a perspective, Sisyphus seemed the victor in the end. Camus believes that as man's suffering and hardships are inevitable, people must learn to accept them, the same way they accept triumphs and blessings. Accept the bad things the same way you accept the good in your life."
I was stunned. It never crossed my mind that he would be a critical thinker. I misjudged him to be all brawn. I was seeing a side of him I was not aware of.
"I didn't know you like Philosophy, Lt. Flynn," I commented.
"Well, I used to believe in Niccolo Machiavelli's philosophy that "The End Justifies the Means," he laughed.
"That's the reason I was always in Sharon's office when she was in Internal Affairs. We are always at odds with each other," laughed Andy.
"What about now?" asked Rusty curiously.
"I can say I have matured drastically the last few years I had her as my boss," said Andy good-naturedly.
"Say, do you know about Literature, Lt. Flynn? I could use some help with my book report. I don't think I can finish Les Miserables. It's so darn long, it's taking all my time. Can you just give me a few pointers on the theme, and I'll just expound on that? I know half of the plot anyhow."
"Rusty!" I scolded.
"You shouldn't have any short-cuts when doing your homework. Give it your best."
"I am doing what I can but there's just too much work this semester and so little time," protested Rusty.
"Your mom is like Aristotle-strive for perfection," laughed Andy.
"Seriously, I'll be happy to help. I can still remember the misfortunes and transgression and finally the repentance of the protagonist- thief turned philanthropist Jean Valjean."
"Woow thanks! Can you also help Kris? She's doing Lady Chatterley's Lover," said Rusty excitedly, full of hope.
"Why would she pick that? I mean that was a controversial classic novel because it talked about sex and clandestine affairs during the time it was a taboo topic in society. Why couldn't she just pick a Mary Shelley or something? Geez, I could be accused of pedophilia discussing sex with a fourteen-year-old not my daughter. Tell her to change it if she wants my help," said Andy.
I couldn't help but snigger at his look of displeasure. He looked cute with creases forming on his forehead.
"Better yet, why don't I give you the pointers then you help her out that way you win brownie points. Does that sound good or does that sound good?" teased Lt. Flynn encouragingly.
Rusty was suddenly uncomfortable.
"Uhm… I don't like her that way, Lieutenant. We're just friends. I don't need to score any brownie points."
I tried to stir the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic.
"Are you excited to meet Kris' parents?" I asked.
"Not really. Like I said, she and I are just friends. I'm a little nervous that his parents won't like me," said Rusty.
"Why worry if you say you and she are just friends," I said with a teasing smile.
"Hey kiddo, what's not to like? You're a very respectful kid, you're good in school, you're even a part of the swim team with Kris, and you're not bad looking either," smiled Andy, boosting Rusty's confidence.
Rusty flashed Andy a relieved smile but the haunting look in his eyes did not quite vanish.
Arriving at the Hilton, Andy hastily handed his car keys to the valet before rushing to the passenger side of the vehicle to gallantly open the car door for me. He flashed me his winsome smile that to my chagrin seemed to send my heart skipping a beat more than I care to admit.
The hotel bellman greeted us warmly as he pointed us to the front desk which we luckily did not need to inquire from since a big electronic signboard showed the list of events and the corresponding function rooms being held in the hotel that night.
I looked around the hotel's charming autumn themed décor trimmed with faux cherry blossoms around the lobby and mezzanine overlooking the bar area. I found myself barely breathing as Lt. Flynn reached out to press the elevator button, inadvertently brushing against me. Looking up, I found my face inches away from his I could see the dark pools in his cloudy grey eyes.
I felt my face flushed, thankfully before anyone could notice, the ping of the elevator door sounded and together with two other hotel guests, we stepped in, my red cheeks unnoticed.
"Rusty!" Kris' excited voice greeted us.
"I'm so glad you can make it, Rusty," cried Kris, rushing to our side.
"Hello Capt. Raydor…Lt. Flynn. Welcome to my mom's party. Let me introduce you to my parents," she invited excitedly, pulling Rusty to the other side of the ballroom, with me and Lt. Flynn following close behind.
Apprehension was apparent in Rusty's eyes, a stark contrast to the elation in Kris' as he let Kris drag him across the ballroom.
A woman in a strapless black gown embroidered with glittering rhinestone with blond hair tied in an elegant chignon stood near the main table, a forced smile on her face, greeting the guests. She looked like one of those actors that seemed to smile just because they were expected to smile but the Genuity did not quite reach the eyes.
"Happy Birthday, Mrs. Slater. Thank you for having us," said Lt. Flynn, extending his hand for a handshake after Kris made the introduction.
"Kris' friends and their families are always welcome," replied Mrs. Slater.
She engaged us with a few pleasantries before asking Kris to lead us to our designated table. As we leisurely walked to the table near the buffet, we were caught by Mr. Slater and warmly introduced himself. The dark haired, burly man appeared more congenial than his better half as he shook our hands and thanked us for taking the time to attend. He kissed his daughter's head and shook Rusty's hand before taking the time to introduce us to the people sharing our table.
"This is Dwight, my friend since college, and his wife Anne. This is my colleague from advertising, Anita Solis. We both work in Ace Sachi and Sachi, and this is her husband Tom, a banker."
"And these are Captain Raydor and Lieutenant Flynn."
Kris' father smiled. "Now that you all know each other… I'm sorry I've got to go and see our other guests. Please enjoy the cocktails before dinner."
Dwight shook Andy's hand first, mistakenly addressing him as Captain Raydor, then turning to me next to half-heartedly shake my hand.
"Good to meet you, Captain Raydor…Lieutenant."
Andy smiled good-naturedly and corrected him.
"I'm Lieutenant Flynn. She is Captain Raydor. So, you and Mr. Slater go a long way back since college? That's some strong friendship. I haven't even been in touch with anyone from college."
Dwight ignored Andy's friendly gesture of making some small talk to disperse any dead air, but Dwight was not as good-natured as Andy. Instead of continuing Andy's general, friendly subject, he took the opportunity to display his chauvinistic nature.
"Captain! She's a captain? What's the world coming into? Even our military and police are being invaded by women. Don't you just hate when they take the title that was rightfully for a man? I pity you for having to endure their feminism every single day at work," said Dwight as though there were no other women in the table…as though I was not even at the table to hear his disparaging comment.
Andy replied with a chuckle.
"Dwight, my man. It's already the twenty first century, of course there is gender equality nowadays. it's just a matter of calling. Some women are born to be lingerie models, some are terrific home makers such as your wife."
Andy gave Dwight's wife a friendly smile before continuing his point.
"Some are meant to be Advertising Executives-like Mrs. Solis… I know it's a tough job trying to keep those creative juices flowing."
Mrs. Solis flashed him a beaming smile.
"And some are born to law enforcement leaders like Captain Raydor here," explained Andy matter-of-factly.
"Don't you think it was unfair for you to have a woman get the higher title than you," said Dwight.
"Captain Raydor earned her title with her own merits. She worked hard for it so why would I be upset about that? It's not like she became Captain because she's got a pretty face. Don't feel sorry for me at work. I'm a lucky guy, I get to see a pretty face everyday I go to work."
Andy's views were different from his, but Andy carried on the conversation without contention. I must admit I was surprised Andy did not even raise his voice. He maintained his amiable disposition and good nature. And that earned him brownie points for me as I was truth be told, having a hard time stopping myself from slapping Dwight on the face. He was just too far from my reach. I looked at his wife who seemed to have learned to acquire a disinterested attitude. I feel sorry for her, Dwight was worse than Jack.
It was nice of Andy to enlighten the obnoxious man seated two seats away from him about women but hearing him call me pretty twice in front of these people sounded like sexual harassment to me, but anyhow I would cut him some slack. After all I possessed a higher rank than him, and technically in the case of sexual harassment, he cannot harass me because I had more power over him.
Forgetting the asshole seated at our table, I suddenly felt self-conscious. Had Andy always scrutinized me when we were at work? Or was he speaking like a man just to keep peace with Mr. Obnoxious?
During dinner I was amazed how intelligent a conversationalist Andy was. He was able to engage in a lengthy discussion with the banker, Mr. Solis, about the stock market, treasury investments, and the different currency fluctuations. I really thought he was nothing but a brawny, hot-tempered Lieutenant.
And, ever the charmer that he was, did not forget to be attentive to my needs. He was so warm and attentive that we were asked twice if we were husband and wife. He would chuckle and shamelessly tell everyone I was his boss, as much to the chagrin of Dwight.
Andy pulled out my chair whenever I would get up or seat down, he helped me carry my plate of desserts from the buffet to our table, and he drew me in to the conversation if someone was talking to him so I wouldn't be left out.
Andy appeared to be truly an ideal date. If this were, maybe I would let him kiss me, I thought to myself.
Later, as he dropped me and Rusty off at the condo, he brazenly kissed my cheek after thanking me for a wonderful evening; letting him escort me and Rusty to the party.
"Bye, Andy. I was surprised you didn't lose your temper with Dwight," I said.
He flashed me a boyish grin and explained, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."
He waved good-bye.
I found myself staring long after his car had gone. I was seeing him in a totally different light. Something I was just not prepared for.