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Life has been busy for both Tim and Lucy. Tim, working around the clock. He was establishing himself as Metro Sargent and has built close relationships with his team. After the tension with Lucy and how he got his position in Metro. He was so thankful for the sacrifice she made and his Wilshire family for the five player trade. He had never felt so professionally fulfilled. Aside from training his former hot shot rookie as a TO😉 This was right where he wanted to be. Tim loved the Metro action he gets to be a part of and always trusting his men to always have his back at every turn. The only downside was on many occasions his schedule didn’t align with Lucy’s. They were so strong as a couple and always prioritized each other when they could. Always making it work. They had been together for almost a year now. They hadn’t officially moved in together but that was just a formality as they spent all their nights at Lucy’s. Even if they only got a few hours together, they would always have their time together. A little time was better than none.
Lucy for her part was busy too. She had passed the detective exam with flying colours. In the top five. The officer who was originally blocking her after the five player trade had reconsidered. Grey had changed the officers tune. Regardless of Lucy’s actions on Tim’s behalf. The LAPD would benefit from having Lucy as a detective. She had too much talent for her path to be stalemated. Lucy had been so relieved when she was able to continue down her chosen path. Lucy had absolutely no regrets getting Tim into Metro. It’s where he was meant to be individually and also for them as a couple. This was a sacrifice she would make a thousand times over with no hesitation. She had been so relieved when it all worked out for them and their careers. Lucy was still on patrol as there wasn’t an official open detectives spot at Wilshire. However, Lucy would step in to help Angela and Nyla on cases. Also, she would work on short UC ops. Lucy had made a decision she would not pursue long term UC assignments as her dreams had changed and it wasn’t her dream anymore. She did still love the UC action so would step in for short ops where she could still go home to Tim. When Lucy wasn’t helping on cases she was out on patrol which she also still loved.
Tim was out on a Metro call and Lucy was chatting with Angela and Nyla before she headed out on patrol. As Lucy was about to head out. A tall, thin blonde strolled through the doors . Ashley McGrady. What was she doing here? thinking Lucy. Ashley heading straight towards the detectives. Angela felt a rush of adrenaline come over her. She was not only protective of her best friend but also Lucy who had become one of her best friends and is protective of their relationship. As Ashley approached, Angela stepped in front of Lucy. “Hello, Ashley. What can we do for you?” asking Angela. “Hey, Angela. I wanted to talk to Lucy about something” replying Ashley. Lucy walked over to the side with Ashley. Angela and Nyla sticking close within hearing distance.
“Ashley. What’s up? nervously asking Lucy
“Lucy. Look. I know you’re close with Tim and I need your help. I regret how I broke up with Tim. I let my own fears and insecurities get the best of me. I have had a lot of time to think and process. I miss him. I really loved him. I was hoping that you would help me. I just want to talk to him. We haven’t spoken since I broke up with him. Maybe, you could help arrange a meet up? Test the waters for me. I just want a second chance”
Lucy could feel tears forming. Her stomach felt tight and clenched. She felt literally like throwing up. She just needed to get out of this situation to process what was actually happening. Lucy felt insecure in a swift moment which she hadn’t felt in their almost year long relationship. At first, Lucy had convinced herself she wasn’t Tim’s type. Ashley and Isabel had many similarities and they were his type. After Tim affectionately assured her that wasn’t true. Lucy was his type. Over time, Lucy felt secure physically with their connection. Now, she was doubting herself again. If Ashley was willing to give him everything that he wanted for his future. Would Tim still want Lucy as his forever? she was spiraling.
“Umm. I have to head out on patrol. Tim isn’t here right now. See you later Ashley”
Ashley was left confused. Did Lucy not want to help her? Ashley walked towards Angela and Nyla. “Well that was a little weird” Angela piped up. “Was it?” Ashley sighing. “Well yah, I really thought Lucy would help me” answering Ashley. “I’m pretty sure Tim will be out for most of the day. You might want to try and catch up at a later time” lying Nyla. Tim could be back at the station anytime. They were both hoping they would miss eachother. Ashley left the station clearly exasperated.
Angela looked at Nyla. “Oh hell no, she’s not waltzing back into his life with her blond skinniness like nothing happened and causing problems. I’m gonna talk to Tim” snipping Angela. “Here’s your chance, look who just walked in?” replying Nyla.
“BRADFORD. We need to talk!” yelling across the station was Tim’s best friend.
“What’s your deal Lopez? SIMMER DOWN”
“Your office. NOW”
As Tim closed the door in his office. Fearful of what was going to come out of his best friends mouth.
“Lopez. What’s going on? Your kinda scaring me”
“Nyla, Lucy and I were chatting at my desk before Lucy headed out on patrol. Guess who stopped by?”
“I don’t know. Who?”
“A thin, blonde lifeguard”
“Ashley? What did she want?”
“Oh funny you should ask. She came in with this regret bullshit. Wanting Lucy to help in getting a second chance with you”
“WHAT?! You’re screwing with me, right?”
“I wish I was. Literally, she asked Lucy to help arrange a meet up for you and Ashley. She gave her this ridiculous speech on how she had regretted breaking up with you and wanting another chance”
“WHAT THE HELL?! I haven’t spoken to her since we broke up. What did Lucy say?”
“Nothing. She bee lined out of here and told Ashley she had to get out on patrol. But Tim, I saw the hurt in Lucy’s eyes. She was about to cry if she didn’t get out of there”
“Hurt! Crying! WHY? Lucy is the love of my life. I haven’t even thought about Ashley. Not once, since it ended. If anything she did me a favour. Made me realize where my heart belongs. Lucy knows how in love I am with her”
“You might want to reassure her. I could sense she was feeling insecure”
“I will talk to her as soon as I can. I hate that she feels insecure about Ashley. I love Lucy and only Lucy. Hell, I was even in love with her while I was still with Ashley. God damn, I am going to make it clear to Ashley where things stand. She there is absolutely NO CONFUSION”
“Good idea”
From: Tim Bradford
To: Ashley McGrady
“Hi Ash. Angela told me you stopped by. Listen, I don’t want to meet up with you. I haven’t talked to you in almost a year. I’m happy. Actually, I have never been happier. I’m with Lucy now. She is the love of my life. You did me a favour when breaking up with me. If made me realize just how much I love Lucy with all my heart. I’m sorry to be so blunt. I just need to be clear. There is no chance for us. I’m now with my forever. I wish the best for you”
From: Ashley McGrady
To: Tim Bradford
“Well that explains why Lucy couldn’t get away from me fast enough. I should have known. I always had a feeling there was more than friendship with you and Lucy. I had to try. Have a good life Tim”
Tim didn’t respond. He said what needed to be said. His only priority was Lucy. Assuring her how much he loved her and only her was all that mattered. Tim hated that she was questioning anything. He wanted to see her face. The waiting was going to be the death of him. He knew she needed to see his face when they talked.
Tim was called out on a call at the end of the day. Lucy had returned and changed out, heading home. It was a long day. All Lucy wanted was a glass of wine, takeout and some trashy reality TV. She was still reeling with what had transpired at the station. She knew they would talk when he got home. Hoping he wouldn’t be stuck at work all night. Lucy had only been home for a hour when she heard the front door lock turn and there stood her boyfriend. Feeling a sense of relief.
“Hi baby” said Tim
“Hi babe”
As Tim sat down beside her. Instantly, cradling her in his arms.
“Luce. I heard what happened at the station today”
“I’m sure” replying Lucy
“Sweetheart. Look at me”
Lucy turned her teary eyed face towards him.
“Luce. Baby. You have absolutely NOTHING to worry about. Angela was under the impression you were really upset by Ashley showing up. I can’t believe she had the nerve to instil your help. Regardless, I absolutely hate that you questioned anything for a second”
“I know, Tim. I was shocked to be honest. I couldn’t help but feel insecure. I haven’t felt that way since the very beginning with us. It’s just…it brought it all back again”
“Brought what back, Luce?”
“That I’m not really your type. You know, Isabel and Ashley could be twins. I’m just not them. I know you love me. I really do. It’s just. It seems Ashley regrets losing you and she’s willing to give you what she refused to before. It made me a little nervous. Im sorry, Tim”
“Luce. Listen to me. Listen to my words. I want to make myself clear. You are absolutely gorgeous Lucy. Drop dead gorgeous. When I wake up next to you, see you at the station, even just our nights at home together. The one feeling I have is how damn lucky I am that you chose me. You are without a doubt MY TYPE. Everything about you. Please don’t ever doubt that. I haven’t given Ashley an ounce of thought. The only person I ever or will ever think about is YOU. You are forgetting one thing when it comes to Ashley”
“What’s that?”
“SHE’S NOT YOU”
“You are it for me. My forever. My first and last everything”
“Thank you, babe. You always know the right thing to say to make me feel better”
“Just speaking the truth, baby. I told Ashley where my heart lies and will always lie. We won’t be hearing from her. I was CRYSTAL CLEAR with my feelings”
“Now let’s watch some trashy reality TV and let me spend the night showing just how much I love you, Lucy Chen”
“Nothing would make me happier, Tim Bradford”