More Than Friends
Pairing: A/O, A/S
Dislcaimer: I own nothing. These characters belong to Dick Wolf.
Spoilers: None
Summary: What if one dinner could change everything?
"Note: I was feeling a little creative, so I decided to post three chapters. Hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading, you guys!
Chapter 4
A couple of days later, Elliot Stabler looked over at his partner who was again sitting at her desk unable to concentrate. She’d been walking around like a nervous freak for a few days now. At first he simply ignored it. Over the years, he’d learned that there were certain times that Olivia needed to work things out on her own. But after watching her break yet another pen was too much for him.
“Alright, enough already! Spill it.” He asked never looking up from his paperwork.
She looked up and stared at him. “What you’re talking about.”
“Liv, you’re walking around here brooding and way more than usual, I might add. You’ve even managed to shut Munch up and that’s saying something. Not to mention, you’ve been a bundle of nerves this week.” He finally looked up at her and kept his voice low enough so they weren’t overheard. “Talk to me. What’s going on? You’re not in any kind of trouble, are you?”
Olivia frowned. “No.”
“Then what is it because I know it’s something?”
When Olivia didn’t answer, he tossed his pin aside and stood up. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Olivia looked at him strangely. “What are you doing?”
“You need to talk about something and we can’t do it here.” He grabbed his coat off the back of his chair and pocketed his keys. “Let’s go.”
Olivia finally conceded and did the same. Fifteen minutes later, they were nearing park across from the courthouse. Elliot parked and they got out for a walk. It was another five minutes before Olivia decided to talk.
“Abbie has a date with Serena Southerlyn this Saturday night.”
Elliot nodded then glanced at Olivia. “I thought you said that you and Abbie were just friends? Have your feelings for her changed?”
“No.”
“So… why does the fact that Abbie is going out with Serena bother you so much?”
“It doesn’t.”
“You know… it’s okay to be a little jealous, Liv. Friends fall for each other all the time. It’s perfectly natural. You should just tell her how…”
“I haven’t for Abbie and I’m not jealous, Elliot.” She snapped.
He looked at her strangely. “O…Kay. So… you want to tell me what has you so turned around then?”
Olivia sighed heavily. “Serena is bringing a friend along; you know to… take the pressure off.”
“So?”
“So, Abbie told her that was a great idea.”
“I’m still not following. What’s the problem?”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “It’s a double date, you idiot! Serena is bringing her friend and Abbie is bringing…”
Elliot finally realized what was going on. “Ooh…and you’re the other friend.” He started grinning. “You’re going on a blind date!”
Olivia started grinding her teeth. “It’s not really a blind date.” Elliot looked at her waiting for an explanation. “I already know her.”
“Who is it?” When she didn’t answer, Elliot nudged her. “Liv?”
“Alex Cabot. Serena is bringing Alex with her.”
Olivia thought she was going to have to pick her partner’s jaw up off the sidewalk. Surprised would be an understatement. “You have a date with Alex Cabot?”
“It’s not really a date.”
“I thought Cabot was straight?”
“She is.”
“But you have a date with her?” Elliot was still confused.
“Serena and Alex are good friends. She’s just bringing her for moral support.”
“I can’t believe it.” Elliot laughed. “Even when you’re not trying you manage to fair better with the ladies than the rest of us.”
“Elliot focus, will you!”
“Sorry. It’s just… you have a date with the Alex Cabot?”
“More like M I A Alex Cabot.”
“Oh, so that’s what this is about? You’re still pissed at her, huh?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Not really.” He said shrugging his shoulders.
“Oh, come on El. We kept our mouths shut while she was in WPP and nearly lost our pensions because of it when she came back for the Connor’s Trial. Then she gets out of the program and doesn’t even bother to come by or even pick up the fucking phone! The only reason we knew she was back was because of the article on her engagement and promotion is the paper. We didn’t even get a heads up. How can you not be pissed?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I don’t know what she’s been through, having her life taken away like that. What I do know is she paid a high price for going after a bad guy. She tried to get justice for the victim no matter the cost. I have to respect her for that.” He shrugged. “Besides, Cabot and I were never more than colleagues. We hardly ever saw eye to eye on things. I never expected her to make a special effort to see me when she came back… if she ever came back.”
Olivia simply growled and continued walking. He took a few long strides to catch up. “Liv, you were the one who she was close to. We all knew that you two had a bond. If I had to be pissed at her for anything, it would be that she hurt your feelings.”
“I’m not hurt.” Olivia denied.
“I’m your partner, Liv… and I was there that night when she stepped out of that SUV. I never wanted to bring it up or ask you because I thought it was too personal, but… the way you two looked at each another…I guess I just assumed…” He trailed off and looked at her.
She shook her head and turned away. “You were wrong.”
“Okay. So she screwed up and didn’t call or come by. But she obviously must want to see you again since she agreed to come to this dinner. That has to mean something, right?”
“Yeah. It means she probably got suckered into it by her friend like I did.”
Elliot laughed. “I gotta give it to old Abs. She really does have a set of balls on her. Only Carmichael could talk you into something like this.”
“I’m glad that you’re finding this funny.”
“Oh come on, Liv. It’s not that big of a deal. Worse case scenario, you and Cabot spend a couple of hours playing nice and then go your separate ways. At least you’ll finally be able to put her behind you.”
“Don’t you get it? I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to put her behind me.” She mumbled. There. She’d finally said it.
The both stopped and sat down on an empty bench. Elliot gathered his thoughts before he continued. He had always had his suspicions about his partner’s feelings for their former ADA. He also knew what it cost her to admit it.
“Did you ever try to call her?” He asked softly.
“Why would I call her? I wasn’t the one who had been away for three years.” Olivia said defensively.
“True, but you were the one who knew if there was something for her to come back to.”
Complete silence.
“I was going to call her. A few days had gone by and I decided that I was actually going to go by and see her. But…” She shook her head and sighed. “… then I picked up some news rag and saw that she’d made the Society page. ‘Former Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot Returns to a new life, new job, and new love.’ Not only was Alex back, but with a new job and a new fiancé; a very male fiancé. That answered at least one of my questions. Suddenly, I didn’t feel up for a visit anymore.”
“I’m sorry, Liv.”
“Yeah. Me too.” She let out a deep sigh and stood up quickly. “Look, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. It’s ancient history anyway. I’m just going to grin and bear it Saturday long enough to make a graceful exit. I’m going to do it for Abbie because I know Serena means something to her and because she’d do the same for me. I’ll be fine.”
“You sure.”
“Sure. Just be on standby for a rescue ring if necessary, will ya?”
Elliot stood and nodded even though he had his doubts. “You got it.”
Across the street, Alex stood on the courthouse steps. Her attention was drawn away from the annoying defense attorney before her to the two people making their way back towards a police cruiser. It was something so familiar about the way they moved, especially the way she moved. A ghost of a smile nearly reached her lips as she watched the familiar swagger. “Olivia”
“So do we have a deal on murder two, Counselor?”
Alex blinked and returned her gaze to the young attorney who had been trying his best to not be intimidated by her. She suddenly remembered that he’d wasted half her lunch hour with his lame offers. She pinned him with her famous Cabot glare. “I’ll see you and your client in court, Counselor.”
She never gave him a second thought as she looked back across the street in search of the two familiar bodies only to see the cruiser drive away. “Definitely Olivia”
Chapter 5
Serena was on her fifth outfit when Alex buzzed her apartment. Nothing seemed to fit right and she couldn’t seem to find that perfect outfit. When she opened the door still in her light blue robe, Alex looked at her watch then back to her friend in shock.
“We’re supposed to be there in thirty minutes, Serena. Why aren’t you dressed?”
Serena took in her friend’s attire. Alex looked stunning in the simple black dress. “Because unlike you, I can’t find the perfect thing to wear.”
Alex looked down at herself then back at Serena. “I wore this so because it’s simple and this date isn’t about me.”
“Right.” Serena said sarcastically letting her inside. “That’s why you look like a million bucks and I look like a smurf.”
Alex shook her head and immediately headed to Serena’s bedroom. “Come on. Let’s get you dressed.”
Serena followed willingly. She’d take any help she could get at this point. Luckily for her, there was one thing that Alexandra Cabot knew better than the law; and that was fashion. Ten minutes later, Serena was standing in her full length mirror taking one last appraisal of herself. She had to admit. She looked good, damn good. Alex had chosen a royal blue silk cocktail dress with spaghetti straps that fell just above the knee; topped off with matching blue stilettos with light jewelry. A quick sweeping up of her hair off her shoulders and Serena was perfect ten.
“I think you’re good to go now. What do you think?”
“Yes.” Serena sighed in relief. “Thanks for saving my ass…again.”
“Anytime Smurfette.” Alex teased.
Serena rolled her eyes as they walked out the door.
The ride to the restaurant was quiet. The only noise was the light out of tune humming from the cab driver. Serena looked over and saw Alex looking thoughtfully out of the window.
“You know… I should be the one who is nervous. I’m the one on a real date.”
Alex smirked. “This is true.”
“You’re worried about seeing Olivia again.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only to someone who knows you.” She turned in her seat to face Alex. “You know… I never really got the chance to know Olivia all that well, but what I do remember about my dealings with her was that she was one of the most compassionate people I’d ever met. I don’t think that has changed since the last time you saw her.”
Alex smiled wistfully. “That my dear friend, I’m certain of.” But that doesn’t mean that compassion will be directed towards me. She gave Serena’s hand a friendly pat. “Stop worrying over me and just concentrate on your date. I’m fine.”
“Okay.”
“We’re here ladies.” The driver interrupted.
Serena paid the tab as they got out. She glanced at her watch and realized that they were right on time. “If I know Abbie, she’s probably already inside.”
“So she hates being late for anything, huh? Typical lawyer. I wonder why you didn’t get that trait?” Alex teased as they made their way inside.
“Oh shut up! It’s not my fault you two are weird.”
Abbie was a bundle of nerves as she and Olivia waited inside the restaurant. Olivia smirked as she saw Abbie fidget with her sweater for the tenth time. She reached over and slapped her hands away like a stern mother. “Stop fidgeting. You look fine.”
And she did look fine. Olivia thought Abbie looked very elegant in the simple black cashmere sweater with grey slacks.
Abbie let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”
“Why are you so nervous? You and Serena have been talking on the phone like two teenagers every night this week.”
Abbie shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes. She hated feeling unsure about anything. It was so unlike her. “It’s different… you know. Now, it’s face to face…a real date.”
“You’re afraid she’ll be able to see through your bullshit?”
“Yeah… I mean no! I…” She glanced at Olivia and noticed the smirk on her face. “Stop teasing me, Liv! You’re supposed to be here for moral support, remember?”
Olivia laughed. “I know and I’m sorry. It’s just very rare that one gets to see Abbie Carmichael come completely undone. It’s kinda cute.”
“Enjoy it while you can, Benson. Enjoy it while you can.”
Olivia smiled gently and placed a calm hand on Abbie’s arm. “Come on, relax. If anyone should be nervous, it should be me. I haven’t seen Cabot in nearly three years and I’m fairly sure that neither of us will be enjoying one another’s company tonight.”
Abbie nodded then looked at Olivia. “I know what this is costing you and I really do appreciate it.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“It would probably help if they weren’t so beautiful wouldn’t it? Hey, maybe tonight will be different. Maybe they won’t look a million bucks and….”
Olivia glanced up and saw Serena and Alex walk through the door. She gasped. “I wouldn’t bet on it, Tex.”
Abbie followed her gaze and gulped. “Holy shit.”
Chapter 6
It was Alex who spotted them first. For a moment she could have sworn that her heart stopped beating. Everything else disappeared and all she could see was Olivia. Her Olivia and damn did she look good; just as she had expected. No one could wear all black like her detective and yep… there it was tossed over the back of her chair; that leather coat. It took her a moment to realize that Serena was speaking to her.
“Maybe they’re running late.”
“No. There here.” Alex managed to say. Suddenly, her throat was terribly dry. She tilted her head in the direction of the table where two brunettes were looking their way. “They’re right over there.”
Serena’s smile widened and bordered on what Alex would call goofy as she made eye contact with Abbie. She nudged Serena with an elbow. “Don’t you think we should go over and sit down?”
“Right. That sounds like a good idea.”
Abbie and Olivia stood as they approached the table. Alex glanced around and noted how low the lighting was and the soft music playing in the background. If she allowed herself to dream, she could almost believe that she was about to share a romantic dinner with the woman in front of her. The sound of Abbie’s voice brought her back to reality.
“Hi.” Abbie said nervously.
“Hi yourself.”
“Wow. You… You look… wow.”
Olivia couldn’t help but smirk at her friend’s lack of vocabulary. Noticing that Abbie was lost in a lustful haze, she elbowed her and smiled. Abbie blinked. “Oh… um… Serena, you remember my friend, Detective Olivia Benson.”
Serena smiled and extended her hand. “Of course I do. It’s good to see you again, Detective.”
Olivia took her hand and smiled. “Call me Olivia.”
Serena took a deep breath and glanced at Alex. “And I believe you both remember my friend, Alex.”
Abbie nodded and they exchanged pleasantries. When Alex and Olivia finally faced one another, Abbie and Serena both held their breaths. It was Alex who took the first step.
“Detective. It’s been a long time.”
“Hello Counselor.” Breathe, Olivia, Breathe
TBC
Dislcaimer: I own nothing. These characters belong to Dick Wolf.
Spoilers: None
Summary: What if one dinner could change everything?
"Note: I was feeling a little creative, so I decided to post three chapters. Hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading, you guys!
Chapter 4
A couple of days later, Elliot Stabler looked over at his partner who was again sitting at her desk unable to concentrate. She’d been walking around like a nervous freak for a few days now. At first he simply ignored it. Over the years, he’d learned that there were certain times that Olivia needed to work things out on her own. But after watching her break yet another pen was too much for him.
“Alright, enough already! Spill it.” He asked never looking up from his paperwork.
She looked up and stared at him. “What you’re talking about.”
“Liv, you’re walking around here brooding and way more than usual, I might add. You’ve even managed to shut Munch up and that’s saying something. Not to mention, you’ve been a bundle of nerves this week.” He finally looked up at her and kept his voice low enough so they weren’t overheard. “Talk to me. What’s going on? You’re not in any kind of trouble, are you?”
Olivia frowned. “No.”
“Then what is it because I know it’s something?”
When Olivia didn’t answer, he tossed his pin aside and stood up. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Olivia looked at him strangely. “What are you doing?”
“You need to talk about something and we can’t do it here.” He grabbed his coat off the back of his chair and pocketed his keys. “Let’s go.”
Olivia finally conceded and did the same. Fifteen minutes later, they were nearing park across from the courthouse. Elliot parked and they got out for a walk. It was another five minutes before Olivia decided to talk.
“Abbie has a date with Serena Southerlyn this Saturday night.”
Elliot nodded then glanced at Olivia. “I thought you said that you and Abbie were just friends? Have your feelings for her changed?”
“No.”
“So… why does the fact that Abbie is going out with Serena bother you so much?”
“It doesn’t.”
“You know… it’s okay to be a little jealous, Liv. Friends fall for each other all the time. It’s perfectly natural. You should just tell her how…”
“I haven’t for Abbie and I’m not jealous, Elliot.” She snapped.
He looked at her strangely. “O…Kay. So… you want to tell me what has you so turned around then?”
Olivia sighed heavily. “Serena is bringing a friend along; you know to… take the pressure off.”
“So?”
“So, Abbie told her that was a great idea.”
“I’m still not following. What’s the problem?”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “It’s a double date, you idiot! Serena is bringing her friend and Abbie is bringing…”
Elliot finally realized what was going on. “Ooh…and you’re the other friend.” He started grinning. “You’re going on a blind date!”
Olivia started grinding her teeth. “It’s not really a blind date.” Elliot looked at her waiting for an explanation. “I already know her.”
“Who is it?” When she didn’t answer, Elliot nudged her. “Liv?”
“Alex Cabot. Serena is bringing Alex with her.”
Olivia thought she was going to have to pick her partner’s jaw up off the sidewalk. Surprised would be an understatement. “You have a date with Alex Cabot?”
“It’s not really a date.”
“I thought Cabot was straight?”
“She is.”
“But you have a date with her?” Elliot was still confused.
“Serena and Alex are good friends. She’s just bringing her for moral support.”
“I can’t believe it.” Elliot laughed. “Even when you’re not trying you manage to fair better with the ladies than the rest of us.”
“Elliot focus, will you!”
“Sorry. It’s just… you have a date with the Alex Cabot?”
“More like M I A Alex Cabot.”
“Oh, so that’s what this is about? You’re still pissed at her, huh?”
“Aren’t you?”
“Not really.” He said shrugging his shoulders.
“Oh, come on El. We kept our mouths shut while she was in WPP and nearly lost our pensions because of it when she came back for the Connor’s Trial. Then she gets out of the program and doesn’t even bother to come by or even pick up the fucking phone! The only reason we knew she was back was because of the article on her engagement and promotion is the paper. We didn’t even get a heads up. How can you not be pissed?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I don’t know what she’s been through, having her life taken away like that. What I do know is she paid a high price for going after a bad guy. She tried to get justice for the victim no matter the cost. I have to respect her for that.” He shrugged. “Besides, Cabot and I were never more than colleagues. We hardly ever saw eye to eye on things. I never expected her to make a special effort to see me when she came back… if she ever came back.”
Olivia simply growled and continued walking. He took a few long strides to catch up. “Liv, you were the one who she was close to. We all knew that you two had a bond. If I had to be pissed at her for anything, it would be that she hurt your feelings.”
“I’m not hurt.” Olivia denied.
“I’m your partner, Liv… and I was there that night when she stepped out of that SUV. I never wanted to bring it up or ask you because I thought it was too personal, but… the way you two looked at each another…I guess I just assumed…” He trailed off and looked at her.
She shook her head and turned away. “You were wrong.”
“Okay. So she screwed up and didn’t call or come by. But she obviously must want to see you again since she agreed to come to this dinner. That has to mean something, right?”
“Yeah. It means she probably got suckered into it by her friend like I did.”
Elliot laughed. “I gotta give it to old Abs. She really does have a set of balls on her. Only Carmichael could talk you into something like this.”
“I’m glad that you’re finding this funny.”
“Oh come on, Liv. It’s not that big of a deal. Worse case scenario, you and Cabot spend a couple of hours playing nice and then go your separate ways. At least you’ll finally be able to put her behind you.”
“Don’t you get it? I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to put her behind me.” She mumbled. There. She’d finally said it.
The both stopped and sat down on an empty bench. Elliot gathered his thoughts before he continued. He had always had his suspicions about his partner’s feelings for their former ADA. He also knew what it cost her to admit it.
“Did you ever try to call her?” He asked softly.
“Why would I call her? I wasn’t the one who had been away for three years.” Olivia said defensively.
“True, but you were the one who knew if there was something for her to come back to.”
Complete silence.
“I was going to call her. A few days had gone by and I decided that I was actually going to go by and see her. But…” She shook her head and sighed. “… then I picked up some news rag and saw that she’d made the Society page. ‘Former Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot Returns to a new life, new job, and new love.’ Not only was Alex back, but with a new job and a new fiancé; a very male fiancé. That answered at least one of my questions. Suddenly, I didn’t feel up for a visit anymore.”
“I’m sorry, Liv.”
“Yeah. Me too.” She let out a deep sigh and stood up quickly. “Look, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. It’s ancient history anyway. I’m just going to grin and bear it Saturday long enough to make a graceful exit. I’m going to do it for Abbie because I know Serena means something to her and because she’d do the same for me. I’ll be fine.”
“You sure.”
“Sure. Just be on standby for a rescue ring if necessary, will ya?”
Elliot stood and nodded even though he had his doubts. “You got it.”
Across the street, Alex stood on the courthouse steps. Her attention was drawn away from the annoying defense attorney before her to the two people making their way back towards a police cruiser. It was something so familiar about the way they moved, especially the way she moved. A ghost of a smile nearly reached her lips as she watched the familiar swagger. “Olivia”
“So do we have a deal on murder two, Counselor?”
Alex blinked and returned her gaze to the young attorney who had been trying his best to not be intimidated by her. She suddenly remembered that he’d wasted half her lunch hour with his lame offers. She pinned him with her famous Cabot glare. “I’ll see you and your client in court, Counselor.”
She never gave him a second thought as she looked back across the street in search of the two familiar bodies only to see the cruiser drive away. “Definitely Olivia”
Chapter 5
Serena was on her fifth outfit when Alex buzzed her apartment. Nothing seemed to fit right and she couldn’t seem to find that perfect outfit. When she opened the door still in her light blue robe, Alex looked at her watch then back to her friend in shock.
“We’re supposed to be there in thirty minutes, Serena. Why aren’t you dressed?”
Serena took in her friend’s attire. Alex looked stunning in the simple black dress. “Because unlike you, I can’t find the perfect thing to wear.”
Alex looked down at herself then back at Serena. “I wore this so because it’s simple and this date isn’t about me.”
“Right.” Serena said sarcastically letting her inside. “That’s why you look like a million bucks and I look like a smurf.”
Alex shook her head and immediately headed to Serena’s bedroom. “Come on. Let’s get you dressed.”
Serena followed willingly. She’d take any help she could get at this point. Luckily for her, there was one thing that Alexandra Cabot knew better than the law; and that was fashion. Ten minutes later, Serena was standing in her full length mirror taking one last appraisal of herself. She had to admit. She looked good, damn good. Alex had chosen a royal blue silk cocktail dress with spaghetti straps that fell just above the knee; topped off with matching blue stilettos with light jewelry. A quick sweeping up of her hair off her shoulders and Serena was perfect ten.
“I think you’re good to go now. What do you think?”
“Yes.” Serena sighed in relief. “Thanks for saving my ass…again.”
“Anytime Smurfette.” Alex teased.
Serena rolled her eyes as they walked out the door.
The ride to the restaurant was quiet. The only noise was the light out of tune humming from the cab driver. Serena looked over and saw Alex looking thoughtfully out of the window.
“You know… I should be the one who is nervous. I’m the one on a real date.”
Alex smirked. “This is true.”
“You’re worried about seeing Olivia again.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only to someone who knows you.” She turned in her seat to face Alex. “You know… I never really got the chance to know Olivia all that well, but what I do remember about my dealings with her was that she was one of the most compassionate people I’d ever met. I don’t think that has changed since the last time you saw her.”
Alex smiled wistfully. “That my dear friend, I’m certain of.” But that doesn’t mean that compassion will be directed towards me. She gave Serena’s hand a friendly pat. “Stop worrying over me and just concentrate on your date. I’m fine.”
“Okay.”
“We’re here ladies.” The driver interrupted.
Serena paid the tab as they got out. She glanced at her watch and realized that they were right on time. “If I know Abbie, she’s probably already inside.”
“So she hates being late for anything, huh? Typical lawyer. I wonder why you didn’t get that trait?” Alex teased as they made their way inside.
“Oh shut up! It’s not my fault you two are weird.”
Abbie was a bundle of nerves as she and Olivia waited inside the restaurant. Olivia smirked as she saw Abbie fidget with her sweater for the tenth time. She reached over and slapped her hands away like a stern mother. “Stop fidgeting. You look fine.”
And she did look fine. Olivia thought Abbie looked very elegant in the simple black cashmere sweater with grey slacks.
Abbie let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”
“Why are you so nervous? You and Serena have been talking on the phone like two teenagers every night this week.”
Abbie shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes. She hated feeling unsure about anything. It was so unlike her. “It’s different… you know. Now, it’s face to face…a real date.”
“You’re afraid she’ll be able to see through your bullshit?”
“Yeah… I mean no! I…” She glanced at Olivia and noticed the smirk on her face. “Stop teasing me, Liv! You’re supposed to be here for moral support, remember?”
Olivia laughed. “I know and I’m sorry. It’s just very rare that one gets to see Abbie Carmichael come completely undone. It’s kinda cute.”
“Enjoy it while you can, Benson. Enjoy it while you can.”
Olivia smiled gently and placed a calm hand on Abbie’s arm. “Come on, relax. If anyone should be nervous, it should be me. I haven’t seen Cabot in nearly three years and I’m fairly sure that neither of us will be enjoying one another’s company tonight.”
Abbie nodded then looked at Olivia. “I know what this is costing you and I really do appreciate it.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“It would probably help if they weren’t so beautiful wouldn’t it? Hey, maybe tonight will be different. Maybe they won’t look a million bucks and….”
Olivia glanced up and saw Serena and Alex walk through the door. She gasped. “I wouldn’t bet on it, Tex.”
Abbie followed her gaze and gulped. “Holy shit.”
Chapter 6
It was Alex who spotted them first. For a moment she could have sworn that her heart stopped beating. Everything else disappeared and all she could see was Olivia. Her Olivia and damn did she look good; just as she had expected. No one could wear all black like her detective and yep… there it was tossed over the back of her chair; that leather coat. It took her a moment to realize that Serena was speaking to her.
“Maybe they’re running late.”
“No. There here.” Alex managed to say. Suddenly, her throat was terribly dry. She tilted her head in the direction of the table where two brunettes were looking their way. “They’re right over there.”
Serena’s smile widened and bordered on what Alex would call goofy as she made eye contact with Abbie. She nudged Serena with an elbow. “Don’t you think we should go over and sit down?”
“Right. That sounds like a good idea.”
Abbie and Olivia stood as they approached the table. Alex glanced around and noted how low the lighting was and the soft music playing in the background. If she allowed herself to dream, she could almost believe that she was about to share a romantic dinner with the woman in front of her. The sound of Abbie’s voice brought her back to reality.
“Hi.” Abbie said nervously.
“Hi yourself.”
“Wow. You… You look… wow.”
Olivia couldn’t help but smirk at her friend’s lack of vocabulary. Noticing that Abbie was lost in a lustful haze, she elbowed her and smiled. Abbie blinked. “Oh… um… Serena, you remember my friend, Detective Olivia Benson.”
Serena smiled and extended her hand. “Of course I do. It’s good to see you again, Detective.”
Olivia took her hand and smiled. “Call me Olivia.”
Serena took a deep breath and glanced at Alex. “And I believe you both remember my friend, Alex.”
Abbie nodded and they exchanged pleasantries. When Alex and Olivia finally faced one another, Abbie and Serena both held their breaths. It was Alex who took the first step.
“Detective. It’s been a long time.”
“Hello Counselor.” Breathe, Olivia, Breathe
TBC