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Lucy tapped her pen against the desk, the rhythmic sound filling the quiet room. Her eyes kept drifting over to Tim, who was talking to Nolan in the break room. He was back to his old self—closed off, distant, like nothing had ever happened between them.
It hurt more than she expected. It stung, really. Watching him act like everything was fine while she was still trying to figure out how to breathe without him.
She wanted to look away. She told herself to look away. But she couldn’t. She just kept watching.
He didn’t even notice. Of course he didn’t. Not anymore.
Her fingers tightened around the pen, the tapping now louder in her ears. It wasn’t helping. Nothing was.
“Get it together,” she muttered under her breath, though it didn’t make her feel any better. It wasn’t supposed to hurt this much.
But it did.
And she kept watching.
Grey leaned against the doorframe, watching Lucy from across the room. She was still tapping her pen, her focus trained on Tim, her eyes intense, like she was trying to read something that wasn’t there.
He’d always been protective over his officers. It came with the job, and he took it seriously. But with Lucy… it was different.
He couldn’t quite explain why, but he’d always felt a little extra pull toward her. Maybe it was the way she carried herself, always trying to prove she could handle anything. Maybe it was her heart, so open and genuine in a world that didn’t always give people the chance to be that way.
Lucy was special.
And watching her now, it was hard not to feel a pang of something—sympathy, concern, even frustration. She was struggling, and Grey could see it, though she was trying so hard to hide it behind a wall of professionalism.
His jaw tightened as he watched her gaze flicker back to Tim, her eyes softening, like she was waiting for something that wasn’t coming.
He didn’t know exactly what went down between her and Tim, but one thing was clear—Tim had messed up.
Idiot.
Grey shifted his weight, feeling a protective instinct surge. It was hard not to care about Lucy. It wasn’t just because she was a fellow officer. It was because she deserved more than this.
He stood there for a while longer, just watching her. He couldn’t help it.
After the ride-along, Lucy wanted nothing more then to changed out of her uniform, still feeling the weight of the day on her shoulders. The adrenaline had faded, but the emotional exhaustion lingered.
She was putting her gear away when she noticed Grey standing in the doorway, watching her. He looked like he was about to say something, so she straightened up, trying to shake off the exhaustion in her voice.
"Hey," he started, stepping into the room, his usual easy smile replaced by a more serious expression. "Good job today."
Lucy blinked, surprised. It wasn’t often Grey gave compliments like that. "Thank you sir," she said, feeling a warmth spread through her. It meant more coming from him than she expected.
Grey continued, his tone softer now. "Anderson always knew you’d be a great cop. You're proving her right."
Lucy shrugged, unsure of how to respond. "I don’t feel like I am," she admitted, her voice quiet. "There’s still so much I don’t know. So much I still have to figure out." The detective’s exam ran through her mind.
Grey’s expression softened. He stepped closer, his gaze steady but kind. "That's because you can't see where you started anymore." He paused, letting the words sink in. "I can. And from where I'm standing, you've come a long way."
Lucy absorbed the words, the weight of them settling in her chest. She thought back to everything she’d been through: Caleb, the near-death experience with the criminals, losing her parents in a way that left her feeling unmoored. And, of course, Tim.
But she was still here. She hadn’t given up. She hadn’t quit.
Maybe that had to mean something.
Grey gave her a small smile, clearly noticing the shift in her mood. "I know it's tough," he said, his voice gentle. "But you’re doing more than you think. And you’re not alone in this."
Lucy nodded slowly, grateful for his words, even if she didn’t have all the answers.
"You should come over for dinner this Friday," Grey added, breaking the silence.
“Sir-” She began.
"It’s not a big deal, just a quiet night. You’ve been working hard. Besides Luna always loves company. Empty nest they call it. Domique hardly ever comes home."
Lucy hesitated, about to decline. "It’s really not necessary, Grey—"
But he cut her off with a firm, but friendly, shake of his head. "It’s not up for debate. You need to unwind. Plus, it’ll be nice to have someone else around. So, Friday?"
Lucy felt the corners of her mouth tug upward. Maybe she didn’t have everything figured out, but she knew one thing—Grey had her back. And right now, that was enough.
"Alright," she said, finally giving in. "Friday. I’ll be there."
It was Friday evening, and Lucy found herself sitting in her car, parked in front of the Greys' house. She stared at the cozy, traditional home, the lights glowing warmly through the windows. It looked so… perfect. So normal . It made her feel like an outsider.
She hadn’t been to a place like this in a long time. Growing up, her house had never felt like this—there was always some kind of tension, some kind of mess. But the Greys? Their home felt like the picture-perfect family life, the kind of place where everyone sat down for dinner together without a second thought.
Lucy groaned, running her hands through her hair. "I can’t do this," she muttered to herself, shaking her head.
Without thinking, she grabbed her phone and hit dial, her thumb hovering nervously as it rang. Tamara picked up on the third ring, her voice almost immediately breaking the silence.
"Whatup?"
Lucy let out a frustrated sigh. "this is… weird. It feels weird." She looked at the house again, her stomach a tight knot. "It’s just so… I don’t know. I feel like I’m intruding."
Tamara’s voice was calm, but there was a teasing edge to it. "Aren’t you supposed to be at the Greys' house for dinner?"
"Yeah, but I don’t think I can do it," Lucy admitted. She exhaled loudly, staring at the house as if she could will herself to feel more comfortable. "I don’t know, Tamara. It just feels wrong." There was nothing wrong, per say, about going to your boss and his wife’s house for dinner.
Tamara let her talk, listening as Lucy rambled, her nerves spilling out in a jumbled mess. Lucy mentioned how it felt strange to be in a family home that wasn't her own, how awkward it felt to sit down to a meal with people who were kind enough to invite her, but who probably didn’t even know how to deal with her, either.
Her voice shook as she spoke. "I’m just not… I don’t know how to be normal about this. What if I make it weird? What if they’re all judging me? It’s just—"
Tamara interrupted her, but not in the usual teasing way. Instead, her voice was steady and firm. "Lucy, stop."
Lucy blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"You’re overthinking it," Tamara said. "You’re freaking yourself out for no reason. It’s dinner . Free food, remember?"
Lucy couldn’t help but chuckle at Tamara’s bluntness, feeling a small weight lift off her chest.
“I’ve met Grey, I don’t think he invited you over so he and his super nice and kind wife could laugh at you.”
“What if he’s team tim.”
“Girl, no one is team Tim.” Tamara says flatly.
“Angela probably is.” Lucy muttered.
“Who cares about them?” Tamara groaned.
“I do! They are my friends.”
“Well tonight they aren’t even there. It’s just dinner. With two other people who are definitely team Lucy.”
“Team lucy?” She questioned.
“Yes, I am very much Team Lucy, the captain if you will.” Tamara said. “I will punch that man if you want.” Lucy got silent. She didn’t want Tamara to fight anyone, she didn’t want any harm to come to Tim. She still loved him, that was the problem. She was still very much in love with that idiotic man.
But tonight wasn’t about that man. Tonight was about her. Growing and moving on, just like Tim practically told her to do.
“I got this.” She muttered quietly.
"You’ve got this," Tamara continued. "Just get out of the car, and walk in like you belong. You’re part of the team. And if anyone gets weird about it, you’ll make them feel weird."
Lucy laughed, a real laugh this time. "I’m not sure I’m that smooth."
Tamara’s voice softened. "It’s not about being smooth. It’s about just showing up. It’s about letting yourself be a part of something, even if it’s a little scary. That’s what you always tell me."
Lucy took a deep breath, letting her words settle in. She glanced at the house one more time. The warmth spilling from the windows didn’t feel as intimidating anymore. It just felt like… a place she could be.
"Alright," Lucy said, nodding to herself. "You’re right. I’ll go in."
"Good," Tamara said, her tone now teasing again. "And when you’re done eating, you can tell me all about how amazing it was, okay? We can get ice cream or something."
Lucy smiled. "Deal."
She hung up, took one last deep breath, and stepped out of the car. With a little more confidence now, she walked toward the door, feeling the knots in her stomach slowly start to unravel. It wasn’t going to be perfect. But maybe, just maybe, it would be worth it.
Her finger hovering over the doorbell. She could hear her heart thudding in her chest, and for a moment, she considered turning back to her car. But she’d already made the decision. She had to push through.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed the doorbell. The chime rang out, and she waited, hands fidgeting with the hem of her jacket.
A few moments later, the door swung open, and Grey stood there, smiling wide, his expression warm and welcoming.
"Lucy!" he said, his voice full of excitement. "Hey, you made it!"
Lucy forced a smile, though her nerves were still crawling under her skin. "Yeah, I did. Thanks again for inviting me."
"Don’t mention it," Grey replied with a wink, stepping aside to let her in. "I’m glad you’re here."
He paused for a second, then glanced at her coat. "Let me take that for you," he offered, reaching for the jacket.
Lucy handed it over, grateful for the small gesture, but her mind was still racing. She tried to push the unease aside.
Grey led her down a hallway into the kitchen, and the delicious smell of something cooking filled the air. Lucy’s stomach grumbled quietly, and she felt a little embarrassed, but Grey just laughed softly, as if he’d heard it.
Luna was there, finishing up something on the stove. As soon as she saw Lucy, her face lit up.
"Lucy!" Luna exclaimed, walking over with her arms open wide.
Lucy didn’t know what to do for a moment, but Luna was already pulling her into a warm embrace.
"I’m so excited you could make it!" Luna said, her voice filled with genuine joy. "Grey told me you were coming, and I couldn’t wait. I feel like we never have time to just talk. It’s so nice to have you here."
Lucy blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Luna’s enthusiasm. She wasn’t used to such a warm welcome.
"I’m really glad to be here," Lucy replied, feeling a small smile tug at her lips as she stepped back from the hug. "Thanks for having me."
Luna beamed. "Of course! I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made enough to feed an army."
Lucy laughed softly, feeling more at ease. "I’m definitely hungry."
Grey clapped his hands together. "Perfect. Dinner’s almost ready. You’re just in time."
Lucy nodded, taking in the cozy warmth of the kitchen and the easy familiarity between Grey and Luna. For a moment, she let herself relax, letting the nerves fade a little.
As Grey set the table, carefully arranging the plates and silverware, Luna busied herself by stirring the contents of a pot on the stove. The warmth of the kitchen made Lucy feel a little more grounded, but the nerves still lingered. She stood near the counter, trying to focus on the casual conversation.
"So, Lucy," Luna began, glancing up from her cooking with a soft smile, "how’ve you been doing? It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other."
Lucy hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to share. She didn’t want to make things awkward. But Luna was looking at her with kind eyes, so she answered honestly. "I’m good, mostly. It’s just… a lot, you know?"
Luna nodded, sensing there was more to it. "I’m sure," she said softly. "But, I didn’t want to pry, but I did hear about the breakup…"
Lucy’s chest tightened at the indirect mention of Tim. Her heart still ached in places she wasn’t ready to explore. She swallowed hard, nodding, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "Yeah," she said quietly. "It’s still hard. I’m still angry."
Luna didn’t respond right away, instead turning her attention to the simmering pot. She gave Lucy a moment to gather her thoughts before she spoke again.
"Is that wrong?" Lucy asked, her voice small. "To still be angry, I mean. I feel like I should have moved on by now, but..."
How long should you move on from a breakup? It hasn’t been that long. It hasn’t even been a month. She didn’t really know the timeline. She was over Emmmet after a week, but with Emmett it was different.
He wasn’t Tim.
Luna turned toward her, her expression gentle but knowing. "Lucy, it’s not wrong. It’s human," she said, her tone calm and reassuring. "Anger is part of the process, especially when someone you care about hurts you. You don’t just get over that overnight. It takes time."
Lucy let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. She wasn’t sure why, but hearing that made her feel lighter, like the weight of her feelings was okay to carry for a while.
Luna continued, her voice steady and full of warmth. "It’s easy to think you need to just ‘move on,’ but that’s not how healing works. You don’t just flip a switch and feel better. It’s messy and it takes time. You’ve been through a lot, Lucy. And sometimes, anger is just part of the journey."
Lucy nodded, letting the words sink in. She appreciated Luna’s honesty. It made her feel less alone, less like she was supposed to have everything figured out.
"Thanks, Luna," she said quietly. "I guess I just needed to hear that."
Luna smiled, her eyes kind. "Anytime, sweetheart. You’re doing great. And don’t let anyone tell you how you should be feeling." She paused before adding, "Just remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. You’ve got people here who care about you."
For the first time that evening, Lucy felt a sense of comfort settles in her chest. Maybe dinner wasn’t going to be so hard after all.
The dining room was cozy, the table set with steaming dishes that filled the air with delicious aromas. Lucy sat across from Grey, with Luna beside her, both of them already helping themselves to the meal. The warmth of the space, paired with the home-cooked food, eased some of Lucy’s lingering nervousness.
“This is amazing,” Lucy said between bites, glancing at Luna. “Thank you for having me over.”
Luna smiled. “You’re welcome anytime, Lucy. I’m just glad you’re enjoying it.”
Grey nodded in agreement. “It’s nice having you here. Gives us a chance to catch up properly.”
As the conversation flowed, Grey leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes focused on Lucy. “So,” he said, his tone casual but curious, “where do you see yourself in five years, Lucy? Still in patrol? Or are you thinking of moving into something else?”
Lucy hesitated, her fork pausing midair. She wasn’t entirely sure how to answer. “I mean, I’ve always wanted to become a detective,” she said finally. “That’s still my goal. Failing that test doesn’t change that.”
Grey nodded thoughtfully, but there was something in his expression that made Lucy feel like he had more to say.
“That’s a solid goal,” he said. “And knowing you, I don’t doubt for a second that you’ll get there. But I’ll be honest with you—I see you doing more than just detective work.”
Lucy blinked, setting her fork down. “More?” she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Grey leaned forward slightly, his tone steady and encouraging. “You’ve got a presence about you, Chen. You’ve always had it, even when you were a rookie. People listen to you. They look up to you. That’s not something you can teach—it’s just something you have.”
Lucy felt her cheeks flush slightly at the compliment. “I don’t know about that,” she said softly. “I mean, I’m just trying to do my job.”
“And you’re doing it well,” Grey said firmly. “But have you ever thought about the sergeant’s exam?”
Lucy’s eyes widened, and she sat back in her chair, caught off guard. “The sergeant’s exam?” she repeated. “I don’t know. That feels… big.”
“It is big,” Grey admitted, his voice steady. “But you’re capable of it. You’ve got the experience, the intuition, and the leadership skills. You’d make a hell of a sergeant, Lucy.”
Lucy glanced at Luna, who was nodding in agreement, a small smile on her face.
“Wade’s right,” Luna chimed in. “You’ve got what it takes, Lucy. You just have to believe it yourself.”
Lucy felt a rush of emotions—doubt, curiosity, and maybe even a hint of excitement. She’d never really thought about it before, but hearing Grey say it with such confidence made her wonder if he was right.
“I’ll think about it,” she said finally, her voice quiet but sincere.
Grey smiled, satisfied. “That’s all I ask. Just think about it. You’ve got a lot of potential, Lucy. Don’t sell yourself short.”
As they continued dinner, Lucy couldn’t help but let her mind wander. The detective had always been the dream, but maybe, just maybe, there was more out there for her than she’d ever allowed herself to imagine.
Lucy stepped out of the Grey’s house, the crisp evening air brushing against her skin as she let out a small, content sigh. The dinner had been better than she expected—comforting, grounding, and oddly enough, exactly what she didn’t know she needed. For the first time in what felt like weeks, she felt a little lighter.
She slid into her car and pulled out her phone, dialing Tamara’s number. It didn’t take long for the teen to pick up.
“You done?” Tamara answered casually.
Lucy chuckled, shaking her head as she started the car. “Yeah, I’m on my way to get you. Ice cream sounds good?”
“Always,” Tamara replied. “Hurry up, though. I’m starving over here.”
“Ice cream isn’t dinner, you know,” Lucy teased as she drove toward the house.
“For you, maybe. For me, it is,” Tamara quipped, making Lucy laugh.
A few minutes later, Lucy pulled up to the house, and Tamara hopped into the passenger seat. She gave Lucy a once-over before asking, “So, how was it? Was it as weird as you thought it’d be?”
Lucy shook her head, smiling faintly. “No, actually. It was… nice. I really needed that dinner. I didn’t realize how much until I was there.”
Tamara tilted her head, surprised but pleased. “See? Told you it wouldn’t be a big deal. The Greys are cool.”
“They really are,” Lucy admitted. “It was just… good to talk to them. It felt like they cared, you know? Like they really see me.”
Tamara smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Well, duh. You’re kind of hard not to see, Lucy.”
Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her grin. “Thanks, Tamara.”
They pulled into the parking lot of an ice cream shop, the bright neon sign buzzing against the night sky. As they walked inside, Lucy glanced at Tamara, feeling grateful for the small but meaningful moments like this one.
“So,” Tamara said as they scanned the flavors. “What are you getting? Something basic or something that screams I’m emotionally damaged?”
Lucy laughed, nudging her playfully. “Let’s just say I’m feeling optimistic tonight. Maybe I’ll go for strawberry.”
Tamara raised an eyebrow. “I like the choice.”
They ordered their ice cream and found a table outside, the conversation flowing easily between them. For the first time in weeks, Lucy felt like she could breathe again. Maybe things weren’t perfect, but at least tonight, they felt a little easier.