Sharon turned the radio on behind her, and began humming along with the classical music as she finished her paperwork. It was a Friday afternoon, and everyone else in the office had taken advantage of her generosity in completing the file while they went home to complete shopping or whatever they needed to do on a free afternoon before Christmas. The office was quiet.

She was so caught up in what she was doing that the knock on her office door made her jump.

"I'm sorry," the apology came.

Sharon blinked, then smiled. "Don't be. What brings you downtown, Nicole? I think your father went home some time ago."

"I came to see you, actually. Mind if I come in?"

Sharon watched the younger woman bite her lip slightly, obviously unsure if she was overstepping bounds, and immediately smiled.

"Of course," she said, waving Nicole into one of the chairs across from her. "I'm flattered. To what do I owe the honour of your visit?"

Taking the offered seat, Nicole placed her bag on the chair beside her and tried to look relaxed. "I wanted to thank you again for coming to the ballet with us last weekend. I was really happy to see you."

"It was my pleasure. I love the ballet, and I love the Nutcracker, so it was perfect. It's nice having someone new to watch in the performance, as well. Your step-sons did a wonderful job."

Nicole smiled, and lowered her head slightly. "Sometimes I forget they are only my step-sons. I couldn't love them more if I was their real mother."

"I know what you mean. And you are their real mother, don't doubt that. Giving birth is only part of the process."

"Thank you for that. I worry that they will think I'm trying to be someone I'm not."

Sharon leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, studying the young woman. Finally she said, "You're a lot like your father, you know. He's always worried about what others think of him as well. He will shortchange himself long before he gets a chance to enjoy things, simply because he doesn't want to disappoint anyone."

"You really care about my dad, don't you."

"I do," Sharon nodded, and marveled at how easy the confession sprang from her lips. She didn't even have to think about it. Andy mattered.

"He cares about you too. I see it."

"Thank you, that's lovely to hear."

"The tension has always been high when my parents have been in the room together, but when you're there, it seems easier."

Sharon smiled, "I'm glad to help. I know your father loves spending time with you."

"Is he... is he different when it's only you?" Nicole asked nervously.

Sharon sat up, cautious of the turn in conversation. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... is he more relaxed? Is it me?"

"No Honey, it's not you."

"I wonder... you know... I... There's a lot of bad history in my family with my dad, and a lot of years that we couldn't count on him, and I don't know what to do with that."

Sharon was taken aback at the depth of the confession, and leaned forward on her desk, clasping her hands in the process. She willed Nicole to continue.

"He was an alcoholic. I'm sure you know that."

"He still is."

"He's drinking?" panic and sadness pooled in Nicole's eyes.

Quickly Sharon corrected the situation, "No, no he's not drinking. I didn't mean to give you that impression. I'm sorry. Andy has been sober for a very long time. No, it's just that once you're an alcoholic, you're always an alcoholic. Your father is very clear on that point. It's never in the past for him, and he doesn't take his sobriety for granted. He works at it every day. It's easier now for him than it was in the beginning, but he still has to make sure he sticks to his recovery."

"Oh," Nicole slumped back in her chair, confused and relieved. "I thought you meant he was drinking again. I can't go back there."

"He isn't going to make you. You and your brother are the reason he has been sober this long. You have to know that." Sharon felt such sympathy for Nicole.

"I want to believe that, but it's hard. Mom keeps telling me it wouldn't take much for Dad to start drinking again. I'm scared about that. I didn't even have an open bar at my wedding because I didn't want him to be tempted."

Sharon's face got a little tighter as she nodded, "He realized that."

"Did I insult him?" Nicole sounded worried again.

"I think it made him more sad than anything," Sharon told her truthfully. "He knows that's a constant worry for you, and he wishes it would go away."

"I don't want to hurt him, I just never know."

"He knows that, Nicole, but I think your mother is wrong. I think it would take a great deal for your father to start drinking again. He's been sober longer than he was drinking, and he knows better than anyone what his drinking cost him."

"Dad says you understand what drinking can do to a family." Nicole ventured, looking to see Sharon's reaction.

Nodding, Sharon looked down at her clasped hands. "I do know, and it's not easy. My..." She didn't know why, but Sharon couldn't say the word 'husband' in front of Nicole. "My children's father is an alcoholic, and a gambling addict, but unlike Andy, he's never been serious about his recovery. My children have never understood why their father won't do that for them. You and your brother are very luckily that your father saw the damage and did something about it."

"I didn't know that. Does it bother them that you are dating another alcoholic, even if it's someone who has changed?"

Sharon didn't know how to answer the question. She and Andy weren't dating, not really, but they did enjoy spending time together and it was a complication that Andy should explain to his children, not herself.

"My children haven't met your father yet," she decided to say, truthfully.

"Then... they don't live in LA?"

Smiling sadly Sharon replied, "No, my son works in a hospital in Seattle, and my daughter is based in New York. She's with the American Ballet Theatre."

"Oh..." Nicole's eyes got larger.

"What is it?"

Nicole shook her head, "It's nothing. You must be very proud."

"I am. If you're interested, I could take you and your new sons to see her dance the next time she's in town... if that's okay with you."

"That would be nice," Nicole said nervously. "Thank you."

"Really... what is it?" Sharon had to know.

"I shouldn't say anything, but my mother is convinced Dad is making things up about you, and I thought she was right. Dad has a hard time with the truth sometimes. But he's not lying about you, is he."

"Your father has a hard time with letting people down," Sharon felt the need to correct her. "As for lying about me, I don't know what he's said."

"Just that you know things, that you know people. That you do your job because you love it, not because you need the money."

"He's said that?" Sharon raised her eyebrow.

"Well... not in so many words, I guess. Mom just thought Dad was making all of that up to make himself sound more important. She couldn't see how someone like you would be interested in my dad.

"Oh..." was all Sharon said, wondering at the thought.

"Anyway, it's nice to know my dad isn't lying about you. I'm glad he has you. He needs some good things in his life to replace all the bad."

"Thank you. Yes he does, and if you don't mind me saying it, all he wants to make life better is to spend more time with you and your family, and your brother. That's when he's happiest."

Nicole smiled sadly, "It's so strained though. That's why I'm glad when you are there. I noticed the way you touch Dad's arm to calm him, or touch his back to make him feel strong. You make all the difference."

"You're giving me too much credit. All you need to do is spend more time with him, and it will get easier, I promise. That's all he wants."

"I want to invite him for Christmas," Nicole started softly.

"He would love that."

"Would you come?" The question was asked with great hesitation.

"I don't know..." Sharon began.

"That's okay," Nicole replied hastily, reaching for her bag and standing. "If you have plans already, you don't have to worry about it."

Sharon stood and moved around the desk to block Nicole's retreat. "Nicole, I think the best gift we can both give your father this year, is one-on-one time with you. I can't do anything to help my own children's relationship with their father, but I can help you and Andy."

"You'd give up Christmas with him for me?"

"Without hesitation," Sharon smiled at her. "However, I do suggest that it's only your father. If your mother is going to be there, I'll be there too, but I think this year you should kindly but firmly tell her you are spending the day with your dad."

"I came here to ask you what I should give him for Christmas. I figured you would know him better than anyone."

"Time and you. That's all he wants."

Nicole nodded, and stood a little taller. "Okay, then that's what he'll get. Thank you, again."

"I haven't done anything," Sharon reached over and squeezed Nicole's arm as they ended their conversation.

"You've done more for my family than you'll ever know."