Single and Seeking Barson story

Chapter 16

Olivia tiptoed slowly into her apartment at 11PM. She didn't want to wake Noah or Lucy up. She was surprised, and grateful that her small living room light was on. "Hello," She heard a voice say. She jumped, and quickly spun around. She could feel her heat beat. She took a deep audible breath when her brown eyes focused on Noah who was sleeping soundly on Barba's arm.

"What are you doing here?" Olivia whispered. Where's Lucy?"

"Liv, It's just me. everything's ok." Barba said gently. . "Let me just put Noah back in his bed and we'll talk." Barba made sure Noah was securely in his arms, before he got up, and walked toward the boy's bedroom.

"Don't drop him." Olivia called softly as he walked.

"I won't." He called back. Within moments Barba was back in the living room. He walked in front of Olivia. He spoke rapidly." I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Lucy's fine She wanted to make plans, so, she asked me to watch Noah. She said she would make up the hours during the week."

"She's Ok?"

"She's Ok."" Barba watched as relief washed over Olivia's face, and her body began to relax.. She moved to the sofa, and sat down. Barba sat down next to her.

"Why did Lucy call you? If she wanted to go out all she had to do was say something, there's something going on with her. I feel it in my gut." She leaned back on the sofa and looked Barba directly in the eyes. "Barba don't you know never to sneak up on a cop?"

"Yes, and I know not to sneak up on you Lieutenant, which is why I called you when I got here. Your phone was off. "

"How long how you been here? When did Lucy call you?"

"Not long, and I called you earlier. You never turn your phone off, and when I didn't hear from you after awhile I called your land-line, that's when Lucy asked me to keep an eye on Noah."

Olivia spoke quickly, "What's gotten into her lately? I told her, I didn't have to go out tonight. Olivia was silent for a moment. She grabbed her left foot, and took off a black heel before she continued speaking. "She insisted I go, and then wouldn't let me go until I agreed to wear this dress." Olivia was suddenly self-conscious. She wanted to turn away from her friend's intense green eyes, but she didn't.

"She's in love." Barba answered trying to keep his voice steady, Olivia didn't see it, but she always took his breath away, he was used to seeing her in work clothes. Recently, he was privileged enough to see her in casual clothing. which made his heart skip an extra beat because, he knew that he was in her inner circle. She allowed him to see beyond her title, and there was so much to see. He had never had the opportunity to be this close to her, so dressed up. They both attended the same fancy fundraising dinners, but she was always technically out with someone else. Barba heard her other heel drop to the floor.

"She told you that?" Olivia asked. Barba could see, it hurt her, that he knew information about Lucy before she did. Lucy was a part of Olivia's small family.

"She let it slip."

"When did she have the time? I saw a a picture on her phone of someone, I should have asked her about it. I've been meaning to, but something always comes up."

"She's not hiding it Liv, I just don't think she's quite ready to introduce him to you or Noah."

"Maybe", Olivia said softly. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere... unless you need to." Olivia said quickly jumping up. She held on to one shoe, and picked up the other from the floor.

"Me, I'm not going anywhere Liv. I need a sidebar." He watched as Olivia walked to her bedroom. In his head the short conversation he had with Lucy over the phone replayed itself. Lucy said, she thought he was taking Olivia out tonight, Olivia said that Lucy wouldn't let her leave the apartment until she agreed to wear that dress. Barba smiled, his half smile, a smile that was for Olivia Benson only.