Every New Beginning... (Chris Evans AU)

.33.

Opal POV

"I know that look," Jameson whispers close to Lily, unaware that I can hear him clear as day.

My mind races. Two officers receive a message at the same time, give each other the same look and the third officer knows exactly what it means. I thought I'd be free from anxiety, at least for the day. Nice to know my mind and heart woke up on opposing sides once again where Chris is concerned.

I notice Spencer cut his eyes at Chris, while Chris swallows thickly. Jameson continues to watch the exchange.

"So, I guess I'm the only male here that has no clue what is happening right now?" Anthony questions the group, his head going back and forth with all three gentlemen.

"Welcome to the club," Laura says as she takes another bite of her bacon. "What's going on, Spence?"

Chris quirks his brow at Spencer, telling him it's up to him if he wants to let the rest of us in on what's happening. Spencer clears his throat, takes a swallow of juice and rests his elbows on the table. "We, uh, well, Chris and I...it looks like we'll be going undercover in a couple of weeks, so we won't be beat cops for a while."

My eyes snap up at Chris, who turns his head ever so slightly to look at me. "Like, what kind of undercover?"

He sits back a bit in his chair, lifting the cup of hot coffee to his lips. He takes a sip before answering. "Not quite sure yet. There's a couple of possibilities. They said we'll know more when we get back in," he pauses, "tomorrow."

My heart plummets as I'm taken aback. I don't know why I thought he'd be here longer. Technically he wasn't suppose to be here at all, so really I should be thankful for the couple of days I have with him. "When are you leaving?"

His arm rests across the back of my chair now, turning his body towards me ever so slightly. "I need to leave probably by 3 am. That'll give me time to get in, grab a couple hours of sleep before reporting to the station at 3 pm. I'm sorry. I was planning on staying at least another day, but they want us in to start the briefings."

It's my turn to swallow harshly now, except I do it to keep back the tears threatening to fall. I think Chris notices because his hand is now caressing my shoulder rather than just resting on the chair.

Laura was already prepared for the upcoming exit because Spencer was leaving after our meal this morning, his shift starting first thing Monday morning.

"Undercover is not for the faint of heart," Jameson pipes in.

Myself and Lily both jerk our heads towards him, our faces showing how that comment was not appropriate at this point in time.

"Have you done anything like this before?" Rae asks both men.

"Some. Nothing too major though. It's part of the training we've gone through though over the last couple of years," Chris replies, his hand going from the back of my chair now to rest just above my knee.  Spencer just nods his head in agreement.

   I find myself feeling as though I'm going to shrink back into my shell. Sensing the change in body language Chris leans in a little more, kisses my temple and whispers, "it's all good. I promise." I shift my gaze from my plate up to his face just in time to catch his adorable wink.

   Conversation continues among our group, myself staying somewhat quiet. I hear bits and pieces, nod or give a small smile when necessary, just picking at my food at this point.

   "So when can you go back home, Ope?" Lily asks, pulling me back into the conversation.

   "Oh, um, tomorrow," the answer kept short. "I need to pick up my car from the shop too if you're not busy in the afternoon."