#directionless

Of course Genny had met Lucy several times already, in fact Genny was pretty sure she had already made up her mind what kind of person Lucy was. And she loved her! Anyone who could make her hard nosed brother squirm with a look, stop in his tracks with one touch and make him laugh, really laugh was worth her weight in gold.

Tim had always talked more about Lucy than any other colleague, she’d heard stories of Angela and his watch commander, but Lucy had quickly become a regular feature of their catch up phone calls. Then she had met Lucy and seen the shift in her brother’s behaviour, his desire to be around her. Once she had moved to the city, with Ashley out the picture, she had been amused to see the pair of them trying to hide their obvious affection for each other from her. Then the calls to look after Kujo had started, not just ‘can you drop in and take him for a walk’ during a shift but requests to have him over night. She new he had a dog sitter and only asked her as a last resort and she didn’t mind at all, the boys loved Kujo and it stopped them begging her for a pet for themselves. It was clear he was regularly spending the night away from home, on top of his normal shifts.

So when Genny had called to invite him over for lunch she had been keen to extend the invitation to Lucy but was a little unsure as to how her notoriously private brother would take it.

“Hey Tim, is this a good time?”

“As good as any”

“Perfect, how would you like to come over for lunch on Sunday?”

“Actually that works for me, as long as I can bring the dog?”

“Of course. Actually… as you’ve mentioned bringing someone…”

“Genny?”

“Is there anyone else you’d like to bring?”

“…”

“It’s just an offer, anyone you’d like to bring would be welcome”

“… thanks, I’ll ask.”

“Perfect. Let me know if she has any food preferences, see you both at the weekend!”

And she had quickly hung up the phone.

Genny heard Tim’s truck pull up outside but forced herself to stay in the kitchen and wait for the knock at the door, she was determined not appear too keen. After a couple of minutes she heard hushed voices outside the door and then, eventually a knock. As she swung the door open she was greeted immediately by Kujo’s nose pushing its way forward, she bent to stroke his head and then straightened up, first, into the beaming face of Lucy Chen and then looking up into the serious face of her brother.

Genny took in Lucy’s arm casually looped through Tim’s, the way the woman’s body was turn in towards his. “Hi! Genny thanks so much for inviting us over. I brought garlic bread”

Tim bent down and unclipped the dogs lead, letting him run off in search of the boys in the garden.

“Hi Genny” he lent forward and hugged her briefly, he moved back, placed his hand on Lucy’s lower back and ushered her forward into the house.

Genny welcomed them both in and led the way to the kitchen. She fixed them both drinks and they chatted about work, house renovations and the boys. Genny watched her guests move around each other. The way Lucy’s body turned in his direction as he moved about the kitchen, how his hands moved to touch some part of her whenever she was in reach. The way Tim smiled at Lucy’s endless gentle teasing, no sign of irritation just warmth and affection as he rolled his eyes and chuckled and in return Lucy’s constant good humour. She seemed to find his grumpy demeanour endearing, which Genny new from personal experience was a must if you were going to spend any real time with Tim.

Time had come to put the meat on the grill. Tim stood, passing a plate of kebabs to Lucy and picking up the steaks himself and the pair walked out into the garden. Genny watched her two buys walk over to the couple, they had both met Lucy at Tyler’s little league match and the four quickly struck up an easy conversation. After a few minutes of chatting, whilst Tim loaded up the grill, Lucy moved off into the garden with the boys and they all started playing catch. Tim watched them from the grill, fiddling with the heat before turning a walking back inside the house.

“That’s a mighty big smile you have there big brother” Genny ventured, somewhat bravely.

“It really is great to have you and the boys back”

“Riiight” she earns herself a sharp look from her brother “and it doesn’t have anything to do with your friend? The beautiful, energetic, witty woman, who hangs on your every word and chooses to spend her precious days off playing catch with your nephews?”

“Maybe” to her amazement the gruff exterior melts and she seizes her chance to push his boundaries a little.

“She it, isn’t she?”

He sighs deeply “without doubt.”

“Marriage?”

“If she’ll have me”

“Oh she will, she loves you”

“She does, doesn’t she” and Genny is shocked by the surprise in his voice.

“You’re a pretty great guy”

Their conversation ends quickly as Lucy runs back in to tell Tim it’s probably best he comes to turn the meat as things are getting a little smoky outside.

The rest of the afternoon runs like clockwork, they sit down to eat. Tim asks the boys about school and Lucy picks out their more child friendly adventures to share at the table. The boys practically beg for Lucy to come and throw the ball around with them after the food is cleared away but Genny sends them off. “Uncle Tim and Lucy want to spend some of their day off together boys”

The adults move inside, Genny taking the comfy chair, leaving the couple to the well worn sofa. Tim takes the corner, arm out along the back of the sofa until Lucy folds herself into his side and his arm automatically tucks in around her. Genny gets up to make coffee for herself and Lucy, from the kitchen she watches Tim dip his head and kiss the woman he clearly loves on the forehead. They talk quietly, contentedly. Lucy’s hand touches his chest and Genny turns away. It’s too sweet and innocent and she wants them to have their moment of privacy.

Genny’s guest stay until the end of Lucy’s cup of coffee. Genny offers to have Kujo for the night as thanks for Lucy doing a great job of wearing the boys out and Tim eagerly agrees. As Tim pops to the car to grab some of the dogs supplies Genny takes the opportunity to talk to Lucy alone.

“Thank you so much for having me over” Lucy hugs Genny warmly

“You’re very welcome, don’t wait for that brother of mine to invite you back. You’re welcome here any time. All the Bradford boys love you” and then because she can’t help herself “not just the oldest one” she adds pointedly. Her smiles widens as she watches the colour rise in Lucy’s cheek. “Maybe we could go for lunch?” She asks as Tim walks back through the door with an armful of supplies.

“Only if you bring pictures of teenage Tim!” Lucy playfully jabs him in the ribs

“No” Tim puts both hands on Lucy’s hips and pushes her out the door “it was nice knowing you Genny, sorry it had to end this way” he jokes crossly as Genny blows him a kiss and waves.