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Lucy puts her head in her hands, in complete shock. Her dad didn’t even show up and they’re both embarrassed by her. They aren’t proud of their own daughter. She can’t keep doing this with them, she’s done. Lucy sobs as Jackson comes over. He has to come back home for something and finds her crying in he kitchen.
“What happened?” Jackson is worried. He moves Lucy to the couch, making sure the oven is turned off before he goes.
“She said that I’m a paid bully. That I should have a job they can be proud of. I never have been and never will be good enough for them.” Jackson really doesn’t care for Lucy’s parents and he is beyond mad.
“They’re wrong Lucy. You’re better than any of us and you are going to have a flourishing career. Everyone knows this and sees it.” Jackson empathizes the word ‘everyone’ when he speaks.
“Thanks Jackson. You’re a great friend.” Lucy finally murmurs. “Go be with your family. I’ll be fine.” Lucy insists even though he doesn’t believe her.
“Why don’t you come?” Lucy shakes her head, not wanting to go out. She isn’t in the mood
“No, I’m going to change into pajamas, order takeout, and drink wine from the bottle.” Jackson bids her goodbye after she tells him to go. He is hesitant, but leaves.
Once he’s outside and in his car, he dials a familiar number. It’s the only one he trusts to help Lucy right now.
“Jackson?” Tim answers and he sounds worried.
“Hey Tim. I don’t have a lot of time. Lucy’s mom showed up tonight and it didn’t go well. They were supposed to celebrate Lucy becoming a P2. Her dad went to book club and her mom basically called her a disappointment.” Tim gasps hearing what Jackson said and he’s angry.
“What? I’m on my way to her. No one deserves that, especially Lucy.” Jackson is so glad she has Tim. Lucy will listen to him.
“Thanks Tim. She pushed me out the door. I appreciate it.” They hang up and Tim runs around to organize the night. Jackson doesn’t need to thank him, he wants to do it.
Lucy’s sitting on her bed, wearing a shirt she stole from Tim and a pair of shorts, unable to comprehend the night. The tears won’t seem to stop and she hates it. There’s only one person she wants right now. Lucy grabs her phone and dials before thinking.
“Lucy?” Tim picks up the phone and hears a quiet sob.
“I’m sorry to bother you. Are you busy?” Lucy feels guilty for calling him, but he’s the only one she wants.
“Not at all. What’s wrong?” Tim’s already grabbed dinner for them and her favorite cupcakes. He hopes he can help even slightly.
“Can you come over? Please. I’ll…I’ll explain when you get here.” Tim hates how upset she sounds and just wants to yell at her parents for making her so upset.
“I’m on my way to you now.” They both hang up and Lucy sits there, lost in her thoughts. She doesn’t hear the knocks on the door or the key in the door. She just knows Tim’s in front of her not even ten minutes later and she jumps into his arms.
“Woah. Hey. I’ve got you.” Tim didn’t expect to find Lucy this way. He really does not like her parents. He hears her rambling, but her words don’t make sense.
“Couldn’t…come…disappointment…not good enough…failure.” That’s about as much as he catches. He holds Lucy close as he sits on the floor with her in his lap. His arms are around her and he just wants to comfort her.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you.” He murmurs into her ear. It takes time, but she calms down and he can see she’s embarrassed. “Don’t think about trying to run.” Tim knows her too well.
“I just broke down because of my parents, to my former TO.” Lucy shakes her head. “For once, I want to not feel like a disappointment to them. I’ll never be good enough.”
“I’m your friend Lucy, not just your former TO.” Lucy cracks a smile. “You’re not a failure or a disappointment Lucy. Their hold ups aren’t on you. I’m sorry about what happened. You’re truly incredible and you are an amazing cop. It’s their loss, not yours. You have a whole family behind you.” Lucy knows he means the station, even him. She wants to tell him she was joking on her last shift, but from the look in his eyes, he didn’t feel the same.
“Thank you for coming. I just didn’t want to be alone and I didn’t want anyone else.” Lucy admits honestly.
“I wanted to come.” Tim tells her honestly and she sees a glint of hope in his eyes. “You’re one of the top five rookies I’ve trained.” Lucy laughs at that.
“Oh I cracked the top five?” Tim shrugs and helps her up. He pulls her in for another hug.
“You definitely did. Now I have dinner, cupcakes, wine, beer, and whatever trashy show you want to watch.” Lucy looks up at him.
“How?” Her face is one of confusion. She didn’t give him enough time to do all of this.
“Jackson called me.” Tim says sheepishly. “I came as soon as he told me. I hope that’s okay.” Lucy puts a hand on his arm.
“It’s more than okay.” Tim smiles as he helps her to the living room.
“Don’t you dare move. I’ll bring you food.” Tim tells Lucy and she rolls her eyes. She watches Tim go take the food out and carefully bring hers. “Eat.” He tells her and he leaves room for no argument. Tim goes to grab his and takes his spot on the couch next to her.
Lucy puts the TV on, Tim rolls his eyes, as she laughs. They eat together and it’s perfect. She almost forgets about her parents earlier. Tim takes their food and puts the leftovers into the fridge. He grabs the cupcakes and a beer for each of them to the couch.
“My favorite!” Lucy’s eyes go wide with excitement. Tim chuckles looking at her. “You know me so well.”
“Too well.” Tim takes a sip of his beer as Lucy bites the cupcake. She moans at how delicious it is. Tim looks at her. “Your mother is wrong. You’re not a disappointment or a failure.” Lucy’s shoulders fall and he hates how upset she is. “You aren’t. If they can’t see how amazing their daughter is, it’s on them, not you.”
“Thanks Tim. That means a lot.” They share the cupcakes and laugh until Jackson comes home. Once Tim’s left, Lucy hugs Jackson.
“You always know what I need.” She tells him. He stares at her and she knows what’s about to come. Jackson has yelled at her about her feelings more than once.
“Yet, you didn’t make your move.” Lucy’s face goes red. She takes a breath and explains her last day as a rookie. Jackson stares at Lucy as she goes to protest. “Nope. Go get your man. You two are the only idiots who can’t see it.” Jackson refuses to let her back down. “He dropped everything to come over tonight. If I told him where your parents lived, he’d go defend you, even though he knows you don’t need it. That man is so far gone for you.”
“You’re right. I just didn’t think he felt the same.” Lucy hates how her voice cracks. “I’m an idiot.” She feels stupid.
“You’re protecting your heart. The little boys you’ve dated have hurt you. Tim’s not like that. That man will do anything for you. He’s your soulmate. Mark my words.” Lucy hugs him and is about to round the corner to her building when she runs into something hard. Tim.
“Hey.” Lucy looks up at him, so glad he’s in front of her.
“Are you okay?” He looks concerned, making sure she isn’t injured. “Did I interrupt your plans?”
“I’m fine. No, I found my plans.” Lucy wraps her arms around his neck and wastes no time in kissing Tim. He is taken aback, but melts into it. “I should have done that sooner.” Lucy says after and Tim smiles.
“I was coming back to you. I am done hiding.” Lucy’s hand lands on Tim’s face. “I meant what I said: you’re amazing. I think we’re worth the risk and I’m sorry for not being honest with you sooner.”
“We are worth it. I don’t know too many people who would drop everything like you did tonight.” Lucy kissed him again.
“Now, come up and cuddle me. I expect pancakes tomorrow.” Tim laughs as he grabs his bag from his truck. Lucy got her cuddles. Bonus: Tim made pancakes, with just his sweatpants on. “I could get used to this.” She smiles as she watches him. Tim Bradford knew he was done for the minute he laid his eyes on Lucy. Now he finally had what he’s wanted for so long and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Lucy cut her parents off. She had her own made family and they loved her for what she was. Tim was her number one supporter and cheered her on every single stage of life. Jackson was right: Tim was her soulmate.