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Tim had just sat down and opened a beer when he hears a loud knock on his door. When he swings the door open, Angela barrels inside almost making him lose his balance.
“Woah Ange. What is going on?” She looks at him and holds a finger up, needing a minute.
“I overheard Lucy in the locker room today. She thought she was alone, but I was hidden. She was yelling at her parents I think.” She takes a breath. “I heard them say some pretty awful things to her and her chosen career. How she was a disappointment. Lucy told them they didn’t even have the decency to celebrate with her when she made P2. Her dad chose his book club over his own daughter and her mom insulted her so she kicked her out. Tim it was awful. I heard so many horrible things. She didn’t even have anyone cheer her on.”
“Oh Angela.” Tim’s heart drops. He grabs his keys and shoes without a word.
“Tim-“ Angela starts.
“No, she deserves to be celebrated. She never uttered a word about her parents. Lucy is the best rookie I’ve ever trained and will be one of the best cops this city sees.” Angela looks at him and nods. “Go home Ange. I got this.”
She hugs Tim and thanks him before leaving. Tim makes a plan as he gets into his truck and heads to Lucy. Tonight is about her. She should be celebrated .
Tim knocks on the door and a red eyed Lucy answers. “Oh Tim. Hi. What are you doing here?” She stutters out.
Tim takes a breath as he takes in her disheveled appearance. “I heard about what happened with your parents Lucy. You deserve to be recognized and celebrated. I’m taking you out.”
Her eyes meet his and he finally sees a smile form. “I don’t want to be a bother Tim.” She finally says.
“Then let’s say I’m doing this for me more than you.” She shoves his arm and giggles.
“You’re such a jerk. Let me clean up and get ready.” She relents and goes into her room to clean herself up. It’s just Tim. He isn’t doing this out of pity is he? Oh what if he is? How did he even find out?
Lucy puts clean clothes on and washes her face as best she can. She walks into the living room and she swears Tim is stunned momentarily.
“Ready to go?” She smirks, swaying her hips a bit more than usual. Okay so maybe she wasn’t completely lying on her last day as a rookie, but it’s Tim. She knows he doesn’t feel that way about her.
He nods and opens the door. Lucy locks up and they head to his truck. Being the gentleman that he is, he opens the door for her. “For me? Wow.” She gets in. “Thank you kind sir.” She winks.
Tim shakes his head chuckling and shuts the door. He walks to the other side and slides in. He pulls out and drives to Lucy’s favorite burger spot. Lucy’s eyes light up as she sees where they are. She turns to Tim, her eyes sparkling and a smile forming on her face.
“Yes Lucy, we are getting burgers.” He says grinning. Lucy’s touched because Tim drove out of his way for her favorite food. There are other burger joints, but this one’s her favorite. He tells her to wait and opens the door for her.
“I could get used to this.” She says beaming.
“Don’t get to used to it Chen.” Tim winks as he says this.
They both order and Tim pays before Lucy can even attempt to. “Tim-“
“Nope my treat Lucy. Now go find us a table.” She does as she’s told. Tim’s walls have come down slowly, but not many people see this side of him. She’s one of the very few and she adores it.
Tim brings her out of her thoughts when he places the food down. She inhales the scent. “This smells amazing.”
“It is the best around.” Tim tells her. They enjoy their food in peace before Tim starts talking. “I’m sorry about your parents Lucy. You are an incredible cop, one of the top five I’ve trained.”
“I cracked the top five huh?” She forms a smile on her face.
Tim scoffs. “Don’t let it get to your head.” Lucy rolls her eyes as she bites a fry. “Seriously Lucy. I heard the things your parents did and said. I’m proud of you Lucy. You will be better than any of us. You’re an amazing cop.” He lightly squeezes her hand and she has to shut her eyes to stop the tears.
“Tim, thank you. I’ve never had their support. I was never good enough, even with straight A’s. My career is a disgrace to them. I told them I’m done. I can’t keep them in my life if they can’t accept who I am. They told me I was a paid bully for the city. We do so much good every day and they won’t ever give me the chance to show them. I need to cut my losses because I’ve found the family I never had here.”
“You have Lucy. You’ve done so much good already.”
“Thank you Tim.” They finish eating their food and he cleans up.
“Come on. I’ve got somewhere else to take you.”
Lucy nods and takes his hand as he leads her to his truck. They get on the road, but not before a quick pit stop. Tim won’t tell her for what reason of course.
He gets back on the road and soon enough they arrive at their destination. Tim hates the beach, but here he is setting up a blanket to watch the sunset.
“Tim you don’t have to do this.” Lucy tries to hold back a sob.
“You told me this is something you enjoy doing. We’re celebrating you, so I found it fitting.”
He leads her to the blanket and pulls out the small basket. Inside is dessert. A slice of cake and pie from her favorite place. They share the desserts and bask in the glow of the sunset. “It’s so beautiful.” Lucy whispers. Tim agrees, but he’s staring at her. She doesn’t see because she’s staring at the sunset.
Lucy turns and looks at Tim. “There’s something I need to tell you.” She says shyly.
“What is it?”
“My last day. I lied.” She says nervously. Tim’s confused. “I said I was joking about having feelings for you, but I was lying. Tim, the truth is, things have been changing for a while between us. I just didn’t want to ruin the little friendship we were forming or to be treated differently. I have feelings for you.”
Tim stares at her and puts his hand on hers. “Thank god.” He says as he brings his lips to hers and kisses her. “Things changed when you got taken. I’ve been in denial because you’re my rookie. You aren’t anymore.”
“Tim what you did tonight means everything. Thank you for celebrating me.” She leans back into him as she finishes watching the sunset.
“Always Lucy. Always. I do have one more surprise for you.” He says sheepishly. She turns around confused. “I got you a small gift.” He pulls out a small moonstone necklace. “I thought it was fitting.”
“I love it Tim. Thank you.”
This time she kisses him just as the sunsets and she knows in this moment, she will never be alone again.