Single and Seeking Barson story

Chapter 17

It was Saturday. Olivia walked slowly through Botanical Gardens with Dr. Brad Taylor beside her. He was telling her stories of his medical school days, and she was very happy he wasn't asking her questions. This was the last place she expected to be today.

She and Barba worked all night together in his office, using cheap coffee to stay awake. Barba drove her home at 2:AM, It was not the time for a sidebar, but she really needed one. She was so quiet as he walked her into her apartment. She said good night to him, and locked her apartment door. She called him a little while later. "I just wanted to make sure you got home ok." She said to her friend.

"You have perfect timing. I just walked in." Barba answered. "I was just going to call you."

"You and I need to get some sleep. Good night Barba".

"Good night Liv, sweet dreams."

"Barba?"

"Yes."

"Never mind."

"Liv, are you ok?"

"Yeah", she answered slowly. "It can wait,"

"It doesn't have to."

"It isn't Important. Good night Barba."

"Liv,, just say it, and I'm in the car within 5 minutes on my way to you. Not just tonight, always." Olivia took a breath, shocked by his words, "I mean it.."

"Really, Barba, it can wait. sleep well." Before he could respond again, she hung up the phone.

Brad Taylor's voice brought Olivia out of her thoughts of Barba, and back to the current moment. "I hope you're enjoying this Olivia." Brad, walked toward a bench, and sat down, Olivia followed, sitting next to him, but not too close.

"Yes, it's beautiful here." Olivia said.

"It is. I try to come here at least once a month. It's nice to come here with someone".He scooted closer to Olivia. "I can tell you're a difficult person to get to know Olivia, but I'd like to."

At that moment Olivia's phone rang. "Benson." She said quickly." I'm on my way." She hung up her cell phone, and got off the bench. "I'm sorry Brad. I have to go."

"Work?"

"Yeah, you know how it is,"

"I do." Brad replied. Olivia smiled. "I'll get you a cab."

"No need, I'll take care of it." Olivia answered walking away.

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Rafael Barba was sitting with his mother finishing dinner when his cell phone rang. He answered quickly. "Hello."

"I need a sidebar." He heard Olivia say

"I'll be out of here in 5 minutes." He said. His mother smiled and arched an eyebrow. He hung up.

"I know who that was." Lucia said, her eyes twinkling.

"Mami , please." Rafael said rolling his eyes.

"Make sure you bring her some food. I have enough to feed an army."

"I would, but I don't have time."

"Rafi, I'm surprised at you." Lucia was up, and rapidly walking into her kitchen "You don't think I can put a bag of food together in less than 5 minutes, food that's already cooked." He watched as his mother opened the fridge.