What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 6

The next morning, Tim went about his routine. As he prepared breakfast, Olivia joined him in the kitchen, her presence bringing a small sense of normalcy to the morning.
After breakfast, Tim gathered Olivia's things and they headed out to drop her off at his sister Genny's house. As they drove, Olivia glanced at her father, noticing the distant look in his eyes.
Olivia- Dad, are you alright? You seem a little off.
Tim offered his daughter a reassuring smile, grateful for her perceptiveness.
Tim- I'm fine, Livi. Just a little tired, I guess. But don't worry about me, I'll be alright.
Olivia furrowed her brows slightly, a concerned expression crossing her face.
Olivia- Are you sure?
Tim- Oh, uh... well, it's nothing to worry about, Liv. Just... thinking about work, that's all.
Olivia's concern deepened as she sensed her father's unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his distant demeanor than just exhaustion.
Olivia- Dad, are you sure it's just work? You can tell me if something else is bothering you.
Tim's grip tightened on the steering wheel as he grappled with how to respond. He had always tried to shield Olivia from his own emotional struggles, but now her perceptive nature was forcing him to confront them.
Tim- Liv, I... It's complicated.
Olivia waited in silence, her gaze fixed on her father, her concern palpable.
Olivia- Dad, do you... are you sure, you don't have feelings for Lucy?
Tim's heart sank as Olivia voiced the question he had been dreading. He had hoped to keep his feelings for Lucy hidden.
Tim- Liv, Lucy is just a friend. There's nothing more between us.
He hoped his words would reassure Olivia, but the concern in her eyes persisted.
Olivia- But Dad, you've been acting different ever since she started spending more time with us. I can tell there's something more going on.
Tim sighed, realizing he couldn't evade Olivia's questions any longer. He owed her honesty, even if it meant confronting his own feelings.
Tim- Liv, I... It's complicated. Lucy and I we spend so much time together on the job, and... well, things are a bit more complicated than they seem.
Olivia furrowed her brows, puzzled by her father's cryptic response.
Olivia- What do you mean, Dad?
Tim hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal to his daughter.
Tim- It's just... Lucy and I have a complicated history, Liv. But I promise you, there's nothing romantic between us.
Olivia studied her father's expression, searching for any hint of deception. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story.
Olivia- Okay, Dad.
Tim- Thanks, Liv. Now, why do you care so much about who I'm spending time with? You never used to ask about these things.
Olivia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Olivia- I don't know, Dad. I guess... I just want you to be happy. And if Lucy makes you happy, then I want to understand why.
Tim took a moment to absorb Olivia's words, her sincerity touching him deeply. He realized that his daughter's concern stemmed from a place of genuine care and love, and he couldn't bear to lie to her any longer.
With a long sign he starts talking.
Tim- Okay, Liv, you're right. I do have feelings for Lucy.
Olivia's eyes widened in surprise, her expression a mix of astonishment and understanding.
Olivia- Really, Dad?
Tim nodded, a sense of relief washing over him as he finally admitted the truth.
Tim- Yes. I care about Lucy deeply, more than I ever realized. She's become such an important part of our lives, and... I've come to realize that my feelings for her run deeper than just friendship.
Olivia- I kind of had a feeling, Dad.
Tim looked at Olivia, a mix of surprise and curiosity evident in his expression.
Tim- You did?
Olivia nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Olivia- Yeah, it's hard to explain. But I guess I just noticed how you two are around each other, and... well, it seemed like more than just friendship.
Tim's heart swelled with warmth at Olivia's perceptiveness.
Tim- I see.
Olivia's smile faded slightly as she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind.
Olivia- Why haven't you asked her out then? I mean, if you like her, why not take that chance?
Tim's expression softened with a hint of sadness as he considered Olivia's question.
Tim- It's not that simple, Liv. I'm her boss, for one. And Lucy has such a great relationship with you, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that.
Olivia listened intently to Tim's explanation. After a moment of thoughtful silence, she spoke up again, her voice filled with conviction.
Olivia- Dad, I think Lucy likes you too.
Tim's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze shifting to Olivia as he processed her words. He hadn't considered the possibility that Lucy might reciprocate his feelings.
Tim- You do?
Olivia nodded, her expression serious but sincere.
Olivia- Yeah. I mean, she always so happy when she's around you, and she asks about you when you're not there. Plus she looks at you, the same way you look at her. It's just... something I've noticed.
Tim felt a flutter of hope stir in his chest at Olivia's words, a glimmer of possibility dawning in his mind.
Tim- You really think so?
Olivia- I do, Dad. And I think you should talk to her about it. You'll never know unless you ask.
Tim- Yeah, I can't do that.
Olivia's brows furrowed with concern as she regarded her father, her expression a mixture of confusion and empathy.
Olivia- Why not, Dad?
Tim sighed, struggling to articulate the complexity of his emotions.
Tim- I told you, it's... complicated, Livi. I'm her boss, for one. And besides, even if she did feel the same way, it might not be fair to put her in that position.
As they arrived at Genny's place, Tim turned off the ignition and faced Olivia with a solemn expression.
Tim- Livi, I need you to promise me something.
Olivia's eyes met his, her curiosity piqued by his serious tone.
Olivia- What?
Tim- Promise me you won't say anything about this to anyone. It's... it's important.
Olivia- I promise, Dad. I won't say anything.
Tim- Thanks. I appreciate it.
With that, Tim walked Olivia to the door of Genny's place, ensuring she was safely inside before turning to head back to his car and driving to the station.
As the day passed and Tim went about his duties at the station, his thoughts occasionally drifted back to the conversation with Olivia. However, his focus remained on his work until Genny's call interrupted his routine.
Tim glanced at his phone, noting Genny's name on the caller ID. With a sense of urgency, he answered the call.
Tim- Hey, Genny. What's going on?
Genny's voice sounded strained on the other end of the line.
Genny- Tim, it's Tyler. He fell and hurt himself pretty badly. I need to take him to the hospital. Can you come pick up Olivia?
Tim's heart sank at the news of his nephew's injury, but he quickly composed himself.
Tim- Of course, Genny. Don't worry about it. I'll be there soon.
Genny- We're on our way to the. Hospital, I'll meet you there.
Tim- Okay.
With that, Tim hung up and immediately made his way to the hospital.
Upon arriving, he spotted Genny outside the emergency room, her face etched with worry. Olivia stood by her side, looking concerned.
Tim approached them quickly, his concern evident.
Tim- Genny, what happened? Is Tyler alright?
Genny sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion.
Genny- He fell off his bike and injured his arm pretty badly.
Tim- Okay, and why aren't you with him?
Genny- He's getting an X-ray and we weren't allowed in the room so we came here for some fresh air.
Tim listened intently to Genny's explanation, his worry for Tyler evident in his furrowed brow. After a moment of silence, he realized the time constraints of his job.
Tim- I'm sorry, Genny, but I have to get back to work soon. Is there anything I can do before I go?
Genny shook her head, offering a weary smile.
Genny- No, Tim, we're fine. Thank you for coming.
Tim nodded, understanding, and turned to Olivia.
Tim- Come on, sweetheart. Let's get going.
Olivia nodded, her expression a mix of concern for Tyler and understanding of her dad's need to return to work. Together, they walked back to Tim's car, the worry for Tyler still lingering in their minds.
As they drove away from the hospital, Tim couldn't shake the feeling of guilt for leaving Genny and Tyler behind, but he knew he had to fulfill his duty as a police officer.
Tim- I know it's tough, Livi. But we'll check in on him later, okay?
Olivia nodded. Together, they made their way through the bustling station to Tim's office. Once inside, Tim gestured for Olivia to take a seat while he retrieved a few snacks and drinks from the small fridge in the corner.
Tim- I'll be right back, I have to talk to Gray. Just stay here and if you need anything, give me a call, okay?
Tim nodded reassuringly to Olivia before stepping out of the office to speak with Sergeant Grey. Meanwhile, Olivia settled into the couch, and started reading as she waited.
A few minutes later, Tim returned, a stack of files in his hands. He set them down on his desk and pulled out a chair to sit across from Olivia.
Olivia- What's all that?
Tim- Just some case files I need to go through. Nothing too exciting.
Olivia nodded, her curiosity piqued despite Tim's attempt to downplay the significance of the files.
Olivia- Can I help?
Tim glanced at the stack of files before meeting Olivia's gaze with a solemn expression.
Tim- I appreciate the offer, Livi, but I don't think it's a good idea for you to help with these. Some of the cases involve pretty tough stuff.
Olivia furrowed her brows, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes.
Olivia- Oh, okay.
Tim reached out to gently squeeze Olivia's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile.
Tim- It's not that I don't appreciate your willingness to help, sweetheart. It's just... some of the things in these files are disturbing, and I don't want you to be exposed to that kind of stuff.
Tim nodded at Olivia's understanding and appreciation, grateful for her maturity. He grabbed a snack, then settled into his chair, ready to dive into the pile of files.
As he flipped through the first few folders, Tim's mind focused on the task at hand, analyzing the details of each case methodically.
As the afternoon wore on, Tim delved deeper into the files, determined to make progress on the cases before him. He glanced up occasionally to check on Olivia, just to see her sitting on the couch and reading.
The afternoon progressed, Olivia remained engrossed in her book, occasionally glancing up to steal a glimpse of her dad absorbed in his work. After a few hours, she set the book aside and stretched, feeling the need to take a break.
Olivia got up from the couch and made her way towards the restroom, feeling a slight twinge of discomfort from sitting for too long. As she reached the door, she heard Tim's voice behind her.
Tim- Where are you going?
Olivia turned to see Tim still seated at his desk, his attention momentarily diverted from the files.
Olivia- Just going ito the restroom. I'll be right back.
Tim- Okay, and..
Olivia- Yeah, I know. Don't talk to Smitty.
Olivia smiled at her dad's reminder.
Olivia- Don't worry, I won't.
As Olivia left the office, Tim returned his focus to the files, but after a while, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He glanced up at the clock, noting that Olivia had been gone for longer than expected.
With a furrowed brow, Tim set aside the file he was reviewing and stood up, a sense of concern gnawing at him. He stepped out of his office and glanced around the station, spotting Smitty engaged in conversation with another colleague.
Ignoring the temptation to ask about Olivia, Tim made his way down the hallway towards the restroom. He knocked lightly.
Tim- Livi? You okay in there?
He called out, his voice laced with concern.
Olivia opened the door, a slightly startled expression on her face as she saw her dad standing there.
Olivia- Dad, I'm fine. Just needed a moment.
Tim's brows furrowed deeper, his concern evident as he glanced at Olivia.
Tim- You've been gone for a while. I got worried.
Olivia- I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to worry you. I just saw Angela on my way here, and we ended up catching up for a bit.
Tim nodded, relieved to hear that Olivia was alright.
Tim- Okay, I'll be in my office.
Olivia nodded, her smile returning as she watched her dad retreat back to his office. Once Tim was out of sight, Olivia closed the restroom door behind her. A few minutes later joined her dad in his office.
Tim glanced up as Olivia entered the room, offering her a small smile. Olivia returned the smile.
Tim- Everything okay?
Olivia- Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry for making you worry, Dad.
Tim waved off her apology with a reassuring gesture.
Tim- It's alright, Liv. I'm just glad you're okay.
Olivia hesitated for a moment, shifting in her seat before speaking up.
Olivia- Dad, can I ask you something?
Tim looked up from his work, giving Olivia his full attention.
Tim- Of course, Livi. What's on your mind?
Olivia bit her lip, feeling a bit uncertain about how to phrase her request.
Olivia- Can I go see Lucy?
Tim paused, considering Olivia's request. He knew Olivia enjoyed spending time with Lucy, but she and he also had work to focus on.
Tim- I understand that you want to see her, Liv, but she and I, we both are quite busy today. Maybe you can go and see her after shift?
Olivia's face fell slightly, disappointment evident in her expression.
Olivia- Okay.
Tim- I'm sorry, Livi.
Olivia nodded, accepting her dad's respond with a sigh. She settled back onto the couch and picked up her book, trying to focus on the words on the page despite her lingering disappointment.
As more time passed, Olivia managed to immerse herself in the story of her book, momentarily escaping the disappointment of not being able to see Lucy. Eventually, she reached the end of the book, closing it with a sense of satisfaction.
Tim noticed Olivia finishing her book and realized they both needed a break.
Tim- Hey, Livi, how about we take a break? I could really go for some ice cream, what do you think?
Olivia's face lit up at the suggestion, the disappointment from earlier fading away.
Olivia- That sounds great!
With a smile they left the station in search of some sweet treats.
As they stepped out of the ice cream parlor, Olivia cradled her ice cream carefully, eager to enjoy the sweet treat. Tim walked beside her, a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced at his daughter's excited expression.
Tim- Let's head back to the station. We can enjoy our ice cream there.
Olivia nodded enthusiastically, her anticipation growing as they made their way back to the station.
As they made their way back to the station, Olivia couldn't resist sneaking a few spoons of her ice cream, the cold sweetness refreshing against her tongue. Tim chuckled softly at her eagerness, enjoying the simple pleasure of their impromptu outing.
Upon their return to the station, they were met with the sight of Lucy, who happened to be passing by. Her eyes widened playfully when she spotted the ice cream in Olivia's hand.
Lucy- Ice cream without me? I'm hurt!
Olivia giggled, offering Lucy a warm smile.
Olivia- Sorry, Lucy. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Want some of mine?
Lucy waved off the offer with a grin.
Lucy- Nah, I'm good. Thanks, though.
As Lucy walked away, Olivia leaned closer to Tim, her excitement bubbling over.
Olivia- Dad, did you see how she looked...
Tim's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and he quickly glanced around, hoping no one had overheard Olivia's comment. He placed a hand over her mouth, his expression serious.
Tim- Shh, Liv, keep it down. We don't want anyone hearing.
Olivia's eyes widened in realization, and she nodded, understanding the need for discretion. Tim kept his hand over her mouth as they made their way back to his office, Olivia occasionally trying to speak beneath his palm.
As they walked, Olivia couldn't resist the temptation to tease her dad a little. With a mischievous grin, she licked Tim's hand. Tim recoiled in surprise, quickly pulling his hand away.
Tim- Livi!
Olivia- Sorry, Dad. But why didn't you just ask me to stop talking like a normal person?
Tim couldn't help but smile at Olivia's playful spirit, shaking his head in amusement.
Tim- You know you're anything but normal, Livi.
Olivia chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes.
Olivia- Well, you didn't exactly ask me to stop.
Tim couldn't help but laugh at Olivia's witty response. He decided to play along, enjoying the lighthearted moment.
Tim- You know, Livi, I haven't washed my hands a single time today. Who knows where they've been?
Olivia's eyes widened in mock horror, and she let out an exaggerated gasp.
Olivia- Ew, Dad! That's disgusting!
Tim- Just kidding. But seriously, keep the teasing to a minimum. I don't want to stir up any rumors around here.
Before they knew it, the end of their shifts approached, and it was time to head home.
Tim stretched, feeling the fatigue of the day settling in, but also a sense of contentment from spending time with Olivia. He glanced over at his daughter, who was gathering her things, a small smile playing on her lips.
Tim- Ready to head home, sweetheart?
Olivia nodded, her expression reflecting a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.
Olivia- Yeah, I'm tired.
As they drove home, Olivia pretended to doze off in the passenger seat, her breathing slowing into a rhythmic pattern. Tim glanced over at her, amused by her antics. He knew exactly what she was up to but decided to play along.
Tim pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. He turned to Olivia, who was still "asleep" with her head leaning against the window.
Tim smiled, indulging Olivia's playful charade. He gently lifted her from the car, cradling her in his arms as he carried her towards the front door. Olivia nestled comfortably against him, enjoying the brief moment of being carried like a little child again.
At the front steps of their house, Tim whispered softly to Olivia, his voice filled with warmth.
Tim- I know you're not asleep.
Olivia grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement, but she stayed limp in his arms, playing along with the game.
Once they reached the door, Tim carefully shifted Olivia in his arms, balancing her weight as he reached for the doorknob. With a gentle push, they stepped inside.