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“Hey Chen?” Lucy looks at Tim smiling.
“Yeah?” Lucy asks.
“Save me a dance.” It’s not a question, it’s a statement. Lucy smiles watching Tim walk away to find Angela. Lucy looks around at everyone who’s there. She feels like she’s one of the very few who is there alone and her heart drops. Lucy knows what she wants, rather who she wants, but it’s not something she is sure she’ll ever get.
“Lucy.” She hears her name and smiles at Jackson.
“Hey.” Lucy says quietly as Jackson gives her a weird look. They sit down and Lucy can’t keep her eyes off Tim. All she can think about is the awkwardness of her flirting. It’s over before she realizes and the reception starts. Lucy wants to go dance, but she sits in her seat watching everyone else. The first dance, the couples, all the happiness in front of her.
I want that. Lucy thinks to herself as she watches everyone. She thinks back to flirting with Tim before this wedding. He looks damn fine in that suit and it brought all of her feelings up that she’s been pushing down. Tim was her former TO, but he’s become the most important person in her life. Lucy can feel herself spiraling down the rabbit hole until she feels a hand on her shoulder. Tim.
“You okay?” Tim asks quietly. Lucy nods her head. “I believe I owe you a dance.” Tim says, reaching his hand out. Lucy forms a small smile.
“I believe you do.” Lucy says as she grabs his hand. They go to the dance floor and it’s as though they are the only two there. They fit together so flawlessly, yet Lucy feels so uncomfortable. She’s enjoying the moment, but her head won’t stop going. Her thoughts are taking over.
“Hey, what’s going on in your head?” Tim asks, tapping her out of her thoughts.
“Nothing. It’s just a beautiful wedding. I’m so happy for both of them.” Lucy says through a few tears. They finish dancing when another song comes on.
“How about one more?” Tim asks. Lucy looks in his eyes as she sees one of Angela’s cousins come over and insert herself in between. Lucy walks away. She says goodbye to Angela and Wes. It’s early, but she can’t stay and watch someone else all over Tim. She didn’t say goodbye and she didn’t look his way. Lucy knows she isn’t the girl that Tim would choose.
She goes to her car and leaves. What she doesn’t see is Tim running after him. This night was supposed to go much differently. He asked Lucy to dance for a reason and then he had to go solve a minor crisis with the DJ. Lucy left right after that. Tim goes to Angela and tells her he’s leaving.
“What’s wrong? Anything to do with Lucy running out of here?” Angela gives him a pointed stare.
“Maybe. Ange-”
“Go get your girl.” Angela smirks at him. Tim runs out of there ignoring any and all looks being thrown his way. He gets in his truck and goes to Lucy’s apartment. Her car isn’t there and neither is she. Tim doesn’t know where else she could be. He goes to his house and sees her car in the driveway.
Tim runs inside. Lucy is sitting on the couch with Kojo sitting by her feet.
“Lucy.” She looks at him and sees emotions in her eyes.
“I’m sorry. I, ummm, I didn’t know where to go. After everything that’s happened, I just needed to feel safe.” Tim thought she was okay, but maybe the case caught up with her. “It’s dumb though. I should go home.” Tim grabs her arm.
“Don’t leave. Talk to me.” Tim tells her.
“I’m not the girl anyone chooses Tim.” He finally sees her eyes and they’re red. She’s been crying since she left and Tim feels awful.
“Lucy, what are you talking about?” Tim’s heart races, but all he cares about is her right now. Lucy licks her lips.
“It’s stupid Tim.” He goes to speak but Lucy cuts him off. “I just, I really thought things were changing between us Tim. I felt so nervous after flirting with you because you’re you and I'm me. I’m no one special. People tend not to choose me. Trust me, I’ve been cheated on, used for sex, and broken up by text. Always told I’m unlovable. I thought maybe I had this small chance with you, but I should know better. I am just glad I have you as a friend.” Tim’s heart breaks even more than it was.
“Lucy, where are you going?” He asks as she tries to leave.
“I’m going home. I will put in a transfer request and then everyone can go back to normal.”
“Stop!” Tim exclaims and Lucy looks at him. “Let me speak please.” Tim’s eyes pleading with her.
“I’m sorry.” She says as Tim sits them both down on the couch.
“You don’t need to apologize. You definitely aren’t transferring. Lucy, I wanted tonight to go differently. I had to fix an issue, that’s why her cousin came over to me. You are who I want. I had this grand plan, but I should know that nothing ever goes as planned. I want to take you on a date. I want to be with you. It’s always been you Lucy. Ever since I turned around and looked into your eyes on that first day in roll call.” Lucy can’t help but smile.
“You want me?” Lucy squeaks out. Tim pulls her into his lap.
“I’ve wanted you for quite some time. I wanted to wait until you got further along, but Lucy, I can’t wait. You are it for me. You’re different in the best ways possible.” Lucy leans down and kisses him as she sits in his lap.
“You’re the best thing to ever happen to me Tim. Thank you for taking a chance on me.” Lucy says.
“I should have done it sooner.” He smiles at her and she lays her head on his shoulder. “You know, I want you to be my forever dance partner and wedding date.” Lucy looks at him.
“Forever? I love the sound of that.” Lucy kisses him once more.
A year and a half later, Tim and Lucy share another wedding dance. This time, it’s their first dance and there’s no nervousness or awkwardness.
“I love you Mr. Bradford.” Lucy says as Tim holds her close, swaying to the music.
“I love you Mrs. Bradford.” Tim kisses her hard as they finish their first dance as husband and wife.