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Today is the day! The last day as rookies for Lucy and Jackson. They celebrate with donuts and then head to the station. As excited as she is to be a P2, she will admit she’ll miss Tim. The beginning was hard, but as the months went on, they grew close. He has saved her life, she’s saved his and he’s become important to her.
Lucy gets changed out and headed to roll call. Tim is surprisingly not there yet. She takes her seat at the front wondering how things will be next shift. After today, they are each off for three days. She’s grateful to compose herself before being on her own.
Everyone else walks in as Grey leads roll call. “Be safe out there everyone.” Lucy goes to get their bags when Tim calls for her.
“Shops ready, bags and all. Ready?” He smiles at her. What is going on? Their day starts smoothly. They take a few simple calls, which does help the morning to go faster. Their last shift has been great. Conversation is being had and Lucy is surprised. Tim is different than he has been in previous months. She loves this side of him.
Lucy hopes it isn’t some twisted Tim test! He wouldn’t do that on the last day would he? He hasn’t done one in months. They stop for lunch, somewhere not near where everyone else is.
It’s a food truck they have not been too. Tim took them off duty for a bit. He grabs her favorite and places it in front of her. He looks at him and she notices how nervous he is.
“Tim, are you okay?” She asks gently, placing her hand on his to calm him down a bit.
“Yeah. I, uh, was working up the courage to say something to you.”
“You can say anything to me Tim.” Lucy smiles and wonders what has him all worried.
“Lucy, I have a confession.” The sweat on his forehead and clammy hands are doing nothing to calm his nerves.
“It’s okay Tim. Whatever it is.” Lucy’s not sure how to feel. She’s acting calm, but internally she’s stressed.
“Okay. Let me get this out before you say anything. Please. Lucy. Things have changed since we met. I was horrible in the beginning. One because of my life and two because I needed you to see that the world was not all sunshine and rainbows. Lucy you’ve changed me. You taught me things I didn’t think I needed. You have helped me as much as I’ve helped you. I am in awe of the cop you are becoming. A part of me wants to ride with you forever, but a part of me wants you in other ways. Lucy, I have feelings for you. Ones that have grown stronger especially since everything happened with Caleb.” Tim stops talking and lets out a breath.
Lucy sees why he wanted to eat separately. She’s relieved and petrified at the same time. She wants Tim but she’s afraid of what could happen with her career. She is sick of worrying about the ‘what if’s’ and is willing to take this chance. Yes she loves being a cop, but Tim’s the first person who truly understands her and makes the effort.
“Oh Tim.” She says unsure of how she wants to play this out. Her heart is racing, but she wants him. She takes both their body cams off and sits closer to Tim. “I have feelings for you too. I was so scared what people would think, but honestly, I don’t care. You are what matters Tim. I love my job, but I love you more.” Tim realizes what she said and that she has never said that before.
“I’m really glad you feel the same way. I wasn’t sure if you felt this way, but I had to take a chance. It’s worth the risk. I promise I’ll protect you.” Lucy goes to protest. “I know you don’t need it, but I’m not letting anyone try to say awful things. We are doing this by the book.” He looks at her lovingly. “I love you too Lucy.” He whispers. She blushes.
“Let’s eat and get back out there.” They finish eating, albeit their bodies as close together as possible. They head back out.
The afternoon goes by slowly, but they do get a few calls. They head back a little early so that they can get paperwork done early. When everything’s been turned in, Tim waits for Lucy outside the locker room.
“Are you free tonight?” He murmurs as they walk out together.
“My moms coming for dinner, but can I come over after?” Her eyes twinkling. “Be around 9?”
“Sounds perfect. Also here’s your evaluation I turned into Grey today.”
Lucy reads it and sees that it ends on “I will miss riding with her.”
She looks up at him. “I’ll miss riding with you too, but we can find other ways to ride together.” She winks as she walks to her car. Tim gulps and shakes his eyes smirking. She’s trouble. Tim heads home and hears a knock forty five minutes later. It’s only 6:50 so he’s confused as to who’s here. He opens the door to Lucy with puffy red eyes.
“I’m sorry I know I’m early.” I usher her inside.
“What’s wrong?” I ask sitting her on the couch and moving a loose strand of hair behind her ears.
“My parents.” She struggles to say. “My dad felt his book club was more important. My mom showed up and told me I am a paid bully for the city. I am an embarrassment because of my job. Why don’t they ever support me? I’m sorry I shouldn’t be complaining about bad parents, but nothing I do is good enough. I’ll never be good enough.” She lets out a sob and Tim holds her hands in his.
“You are good enough Lucy. It’s not you. It’s them . I’m sorry they are so awful. You deserve better. I am proud of you. You are the top rookie I’ve ever trained. Your instincts and background are what make you exceptional.” Lucy smiles through the tears.
“Really? The top one?” He chuckles as he sits back with her on the couch.
“That’s what you got from that? You’ll never be alone again. I promise. I will always be proud.”
Lucy wants to cry from happiness. She finally has a job she excels at and found someone who loves her for her. Her parents are officially cut out of her life. Lucy has everything she needs right next to her.