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“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Lucy looks up at Tim with a smile.
“Looking forward to it.” He gives her another one of his smiles that’s only reserved for her.
He watches her drive off, catching a glimpse of her eyes in her rear view mirror. For the first time in months, he had hope. Hope that eventually he would get his girl back.
•••
Similar to the day before, Tim walked into roll call to find Miles taking a look at Lucy. Only this time, he was sitting at his table.
“Face forward, boot!” He yells, earning at eye roll from Miles as he turns his attention back to his conversation with Seth who was next to him.
Lucy can’t help but chuckle as Tim takes his seat next to her.
“What’s so funny?” He asks her.
“Nothing.” She says trying to hold back her smile.
Before either one, or Nolan could say anything, Grey walked into the room and immediately started going over the day.
“Dismissed. Bradford, Chen, a word please.”
“Penn, get the gear and meet me in the shop.” All Tim gets is a nod before Miles walks off, clearly not wanting to test him anymore this morning.
“Ridley, you do the same.”
“Yes ma’am.” He says before walking away quickly to catch up to his fellow rookie.
“It’s come to my attention that you two are betting on your rookies.” Grey is in front of them with his arms folded.
“We didn’t put any money on it.” Tim is quick to say.
“You know, I don’t even want to know.” The Lieutenant just shakes his head and walks away.
“What’s that look? It’s not like I lied to him?”
“You sure we won’t get in trouble for this?” Lucy asks him quietly.
“No, there’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.”
“You and your cowboy are going down.”
“Yeah, we’ll see about that Chen.” He huffs out a laugh before turning around and walking out to the shop. Lucy following not far behind.
•••
After a long day of difficult calls, Lucy comes sulking back into the station. She spots Tim from a distance, and he must notice she had a rough day because he comes walking over to her.
“Hey, you okay?” He asks.
“Yeah.” She knew lying to him was pointless, he could read her better than anyone has ever been able to.
“How about I take you to dinner tonight?” He questions, hoping she’ll say yes. He knows otherwise she’ll probably skip dinner and just go straight to bed.
“Tim, you don’t have to.” She says shyly.
“Small doses, remember? C’mon go get changed, I’ll meet you by our cars.” She just nods and walks into the locker room.
10 minutes later, Lucy walked out of the station to find Tim leaning against his truck.
“You ready?” He asks as she gets closer.
“Yeah. Where to?” She asks with a smile, but already knows the answer.
“Oh you know, figured we could try out the food trucks for the first time.” They both shared a laugh.
“I’ll meet you there?”
“Or you could ride with me, we can pick your car up after.”
“I don’t want anyone to see my car still here and start asking questions. Plus, I’m pretty tired and want to get to sleep early tonight.”
“Alright, I’ll see you there.” She nods before getting into her car and pulling away. He smiles as he gets into his truck and follows behind her.
Once they got their food; Lucy of course getting a burger with extra pickles and Tim decided to go with a salad, they found a table and started eating.
“So… I have a question for you. And I need your honest opinion.” Lucy says nervously.
“Anything Lucy. You know that.” Now he’s getting nervous, too.
“Do you think I’m a good enough TO for Seth?”
“Lucy, where’s this coming from?”
“I get that he’s nervous and it’s only been two days, but I feel like I’m not getting anywhere with him.”
“That has nothing to do with you and everything to do with him. Maybe he isn’t fit to be a cop, but I promise you, it isn’t because of you.”
“I just don’t want to let Grey down if he doesn’t make it… or you.” She says the last part a little quieter.
“Listen to me Lucy, you will not let Grey down. He gave you this opportunity because he knows you can handle it. And nothing you could ever do could let me down.”
The look she gives him is one that would always somehow make him fall more and more in love with her. A look of uncertainty but also shocked that someone actually believed in her.
“You’re capable of a lot of things, Lucy. And I know training a rookie is one of them.” He says confidently.
“Thank you for that.” She says with a smile.
“How about this? Let’s talk to Grey and see if he’ll let us swap rookies, even just for a day. Maybe I can put some fear into Ridley and get him moving.”
“Don’t go too hard on him.” She says playfully.
“I’m not going to go easy on him, and you should know that.” She just shakes her head.
“Be careful of Penn, I know he’s been eyeing you.” There it is. Protective Tim is coming out, and even though they aren’t together, Lucy loves it.
“I can protect myself, Tim.”
“I know. But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep my eye out.” Lucy can’t help but blush and start fidgeting with the ring she had on her left hand.
“Lucy, I know I owe you a talk. I’m ready to tell you everything… whenever you are.” She looks up at him with a smile.
“I’ve been waiting for that. Tim, I know why you did it. I still have a lot I want to hear you say yourself, but I want you to know I’m not mad at you anymore.”
“Good to know.” He smirks.
They end up sitting there talking and laughing for the next hour, about any and everything. They were comfortable with each other again and joking around like they used to for so long. Lucy yawns and Tim suggests they finally call it a night.
“Thank you for tonight, Tim. I mean it.”
“I’m here for you, Lucy. Always.” He reminds her.
“I know… I see you tomorrow. Can’t wait to kick your butt with your own rookie.” She throws out a laugh.
“Ha ha very funny. Get some rest.” He gives her one last smile before she gets into her car and drives off.
He knows he’s just standing there smiling like an idiot, but he can’t help it.