#nervous tim

Chapter 2: Out With It, Bradford

Tim FINALLY confesses his feelings to Lucy. How will she react?

All day Tim found himself over analyzing everything. He couldn’t keep a thought together. He was never a man who was indecisive. He rarely questioned things. However, this. Him and Lucy was throwing him into a tailspin. Knowing how he felt without a doubt. He didn’t know how she felt. He had an idea that these feelings would be reciprocated but there was a lot of risks that went along with them taking this next step. Would Lucy want to risk the complications with her career? Tim had already established himself professionally so the risks weren’t even on his radar. For Lucy, she was just progressing in her career. Was Tim worth it? Tim found himself spending the day questioning if he would even talk to her. NO, he had to. These feelings he has for Lucy were far to strong and real. He kept hearing his best friend in his ear. Tim knew he would only hold regret if he didn’t meet his feelings head on. Sure, there was a chance he could get his heart broken. A feeling he last had when his marriage to Isabel imploded. How he became a grumpy, shell of a man. The one person who pulled him out of the darkness was none other than Lucy. So, YES. The prospect of him having his heart crushed was worth it. She was worth it.

Tim had sent Lucy a casual text asking if she wanted to get some dinner at the food trucks. Somewhere that was comfortable and natural for both of them. This was routine for them. They would frequently get lunch or supper at the food trucks as friends. Lucy replied back “sure” as this was just normal for them. He had to just get through the day and not let his spiraling thoughts gets the best of him. Luckily, Metro had a few calls and kept him busy and distracted.

Tim had finished his paper work. Lucy had got stuck in a call at end of shift where she would be running behind. She had sent Tim a text saying she would be delayed probably 30 minutes and for him to order them dinner. Of course, Tim has known for a long time what her favourite veggie order was. She would meet him there as soon as she could. As Tim was leaving the station, running into none other than his best friend. Angela knew all of Tim’s moods. After years of friendship and being LA’s finest detective, she could gage how he was feeling. She noticed he was restless, almost nervous. His body language was screaming ‘awkward’. “Bradford, you alright? asking Angela. “Yeah, I’m fine” replying Tim. “You should tell your face that? What’s going on? You should know by now you can’t get anything past me. Spill it” ordering Angela. “Ugh. Fine. I’m meeting Lucy for dinner and I’m overanalyzing everything. What if she doesn’t feel the same? Am I destroying her career? Am I worth all of this? She could do so much better than a 40 year old grump” rambling Tim. “OK. Stop. Tim. I can guarantee she does feel the same. We have all seen how she looks at you. Always throwing heart eyes your way. You are not destroying anything, there is many options to work around the work dynamic. YOU ARE WORTH IT. You deserve happiness more than anyone I know. You have paid your dues with darkness, you deserve to have your happy ending. Lastly, are you kidding me? You haven’t been that grumpy old man in a long ass time. As soon as that brown eyed ball of sunshine walked into your life. You have changed. You might not see it, but all of us do. And it’s all because of her. Stop thinking and just tell her how you feel” Angela giving her best friend a supportive hug and whispering “Now, go get your girl. You have waited long enough”

It was a beautiful evening. Tim ordered them dinner and sat down. ‘Here we go’ he thought. A few minutes later, she appeared walking up the walkway. Dressed very casual. Leggings and a flower, flowy shirt. None the less, she had never looked more gorgeous to Tim. She was going to be the death of him in all the best ways. Lucy had a mega watt smile as she approached the table. He could just stare at that smile for the rest of his life. Tim instantly became more nervous than he had ever felt.

“Hey you”

“Hi. Luce. Umm. Thank you for coming. Umm how are you?”

“Ok out with Bradford. Why are you acting weird?

“Please just sit. I got your favourite”

“Thank you. Looks delicious. I am so hungry. You seem like you need to get something off your chest”

“You know me so well” muttering Tim

“Too well” replying Lucy

“OK. I need to get this out so please for once can you just listen. No talking”

“No promises” laughing Lucy

“Luce. Please”

“Ok. Ok. Promise. You have the floor Bradford”

“Alright. So ever since we have returned from the op in Vegas I haven’t been the same. Things changed for me. Ashley and I broke up. Which was inevitable, my heart wasn’t in the relationship. There is a reason for that. I think this has been happening longer than I have wanted to admit but definitely after the op. Luce. I have feelings for you. Actually, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you. I know this comes with a lot of complications especially professionally. I never want to lose your friendship. Because you have literally changed my whole world. But I can’t keep these feelings in anymore. I know this is a risk with so many factors, affecting us both. I care about your career immensely and would never want you to risk anything. I will gladly change my direction as I have already established myself in the LAPD. The one thing that is missing from my life is happiness. You, Lucy Chen make me happy”

“Can I talk now? asking Lucy

“Yes. Your turn”

“Your an idiot, Tim. I have loved your dumb ass for so long. Why do you think I ended things with Chris?”

“Ok. But. What about the ‘basic biology’ comment in Vegas?”

“I was scared. You were still with Ashley. After those practice kisses. It destroyed me. I broke up with Chris after the kiss in my apartment. Whether, we were ever gonna have a chance. I couldn’t be with a man when my heart belonged to someone else. There was no indication that you would ever feel that way about me. So, I protected my heart”

“Luce. I’m so sorry. I should have ended things with Ashley long ago. Honestly, I should have never been with her in the first place. She was truthfully a distraction which I feel terrible about. I couldn’t go on any longer keeping my feelings in. You’re right, I am an idiot”

Tim grasped her hand with his. Interlocking fingers.

“Tim. We can figure out the work situation. We deserve this chance that has been a long time coming”

“I agree. Luce, I’m all in. I need you to know that. I want it all. Dates, waking up next to each other, cuddling. Everything”

“Me too”

“Before we take the next step, physically. I think you should take me on a real date”

“Nothing would make me happier”

Tim walked Lucy to her car. Holding her hand along the way. He gave her a sweet, soft kiss as he said goodnight. He didn’t want to. He just wanted to hold her all night long but they had waited so long. That could wait until after a real date.

“Is Friday too soon for our date?”

“Friday. Sounds perfect” swiftly answering Lucy.