{"id":323,"date":"2018-12-15T05:02:29","date_gmt":"2018-12-15T05:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/?p=323"},"modified":"2020-11-11T18:26:51","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T18:26:51","slug":"december-15th-actually-love-part-2-by-spencer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/?p=323","title":{"rendered":"December 15th- Actually, Love Part 2 by Spencer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click here to read Part 1<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

This story is inspired by the iconic cue card scene in\u00a0Love Actually<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/em>arguably one of the most romantic holiday movies of all time. You can see the clip here<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Starsky had been right. Riding along with Officer Murphy was an eye-opening experience. \u201cPolice work is as much intuition as training,\u201d Murphy stated brusquely, echoing what they\u2019d heard from time to time in the preceding months. Even if they\u2019d had time to consult a textbook as they cruised the streets, it didn\u2019t hold all the answers. They had to decide for themselves if the kid loitering outside the convenient store was looking for trouble or just waiting for friends. They had to determine the best way to cool down the hot head whose sports car had just been rear ended by a Buick. How to break up a rumble in the park before it started. How to show compassion to a junkie curled up in an alley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch loved nearly every minute\u2014loved using not only his knowledge but also his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the days passed, Hutch\u2019s respect for his senior officers and bond with his fellow trainees grew. He wished he could transmit to Vanessa how important he felt his work was. But she never seemed to understand, or even try.<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Ken? Punks, junkies, and crooks? Is that what your day is made up of?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sighed and set his fork down on the Noritake dinner plate, his meal half-eaten. He didn’t want to spend another evening arguing. He desperately wished he could feel at least as close to his wife as he did his coworkers. Maybe it was that police work held an element of danger that caused emotions between partners to be heightened. Loyalty. Trust. Each shift began with the understanding that each officer might come face to face with injury or even death at any time. Hutch had come to realize that they all lived on the edge. It made relationships more precious. Life more meaningful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch anchored himself in that thought as the Christmas season approached\u2014his and Vanessa\u2019s first away from their families. He hoped that sharing traditions would bring them closer together, even as the commercialism of the holiday had long since diminished its appeal for him. He loathed the image of Santa Claus\u2019 overflowing bag in place of the simple gifts of the Wise Men; the garish lighting displays that overshadowed the one single Star of long ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

In California, Christmas seemed even more unsettling. At least in December Minnesota\u2019s pristine fields of snow still held a touch of magic, while in L.A., mid-winter didn\u2019t seem much different than April or September.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ring of the phone interrupted their dinner and Vanessa, having finished the salad that served as her usual meal these days, went to answer it. Hutch listened half-heartedly as he toyed with his potatoes. He rarely got phone calls; they were usually for Van. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that. I\u2019ll let him know,\u201d she said after a few seconds then hung up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was someone from the captain\u2019s office,\u201d she said, her face gone slightly pale under her tan. \u201cAn officer was shot tonight answering a call.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShot?\u201d Hutch\u2019s felt his heart sink.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKilled, actually,\u201d she clarified carefully. \u201cThey were calling to let everyone in the department know before it made the news.\u201d For a minute Van\u2019s cool facade melted. Even she couldn’t help but feel for the fallen man, his wife and family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho . . . Who was it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStark something, I believe he said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Instantly, Hutch\u2019s unease suddenly shifted to sheer terror. His heart thudded in chest and his palm bore down on the table. \u201cStarsky?<\/em>\u201d He prompted, his voice strangely horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It was Stark. Dan Stark. Did you know him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had met Officer Stark but didn’t know him well. He’d been a patrolman for several years. Neither a rookie nor a veteran. But he’d seemed like a good officer. Quiet and conscientious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s fingers relaxed slightly and he felt a huff of air leave his chest. A loss of one was a loss for all. But what if it had been Starsky? For some reason he knew he couldn’t have borne it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Officer Stark had been responding to a report of a disturbance in the warehouse district where he’d gotten caught in the crossfire of a local gang war that had erupted without warning. As with most police memorials, the street in front of the funeral home was a river of squad cars. Uniforms stood four deep in the line to the coffin. The red-leaved poinsettias that interspersed traditional flower arrangements were reminders that a joyous season had been tinged with tragedy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yvonne Stark\u2019s red eyes showed anguish on her otherwise brave face, although the new widow insisted that Dan had died doing what he thought was right. His death was not in vain. Despite these assurances, for the Stark family, Christmas would forever be marred by grief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dan\u2019s partner seemed no less distraught. \u201cIt was my job to have his back,\u201d he repeated over and over again. \u201cI\u2019d take his place in a heartbeat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch couldn’t help but be touched by the man\u2019s devotion to his partner. That’s what it was all about, he thought as he paid his respects. People who’d stand up for each against the darkness in the world. Who fought to make their communities better. Despite the tragedy, Hutch was gripped with the hope that he’d have a partnership like theirs someday.<\/span><\/p>\n

Afterward, many of the mourners gathered at Huggy Bear\u2019s, not yet ready to go home to their ordinary lives. They looked to the support of their police family instead. Huggy seemed to be everywhere as he kept the drinks flowing while not saying anything about the accumulating tabs. His typical bubbly personality had turned calm and quiet, as if it was his <\/em>friend who had died as well. Hutch appreciated that and wondered once again about the enigmatic man. What was<\/em> his history? His connection to the neighborhood? Yet at the moment it really didn\u2019t matter. All he knew was that the man could be trusted. Perhaps even with all their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI went to Dan and Yvonne\u2019s wedding,\u201d one man was saying. \u201cThey made such a great couple.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis daughter is the same age as mine,\u201d another one added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like pebbles piled one atop the other, the mourners contributed their stories to the memories of the man. The time Dan fell and broke his ankle when running down a robbery suspect, the practical joke he\u2019d played on Ernie in Records, the drive for school supplies he\u2019d started for a group of foster kids. The memories built a monument to a well-lived life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked around the room as he listened to the stories, drinking in the sincerity of the emotions along with his beer. Then his eyes came to rest on Starsky slumped in a corner. The man had never been known for his grooming\u2014his close-cropped hair his only concession to their profession\u2019s conservative dress code\u2014but that day Starsky looked downright slovenly. His uniform was wrinkled, his shadowed jaw looked like it hadn\u2019t seen a razor in days, and his usually bright eyes had gone dark. It was clear Starsky had been drinking for some time. The man was clearly in pain and Hutch\u2019s heart went out to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch tipped his bottle in Starsky\u2019s direction. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize Starsky and Dan Stark had been close,\u201d Hutch said to Colby who was sitting next him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colby turned his head to Starsky\u2019s solitary figure. \u201cThey weren\u2019t that I know of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s taking it so hard because his dad was a cop,\u201d someone else at their table said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, maybe that\u2019s it. I think I remember him telling me that his dad was killed when he was just a kid,\u201d said John.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the line of duty, you mean?\u201d Hutch asked, incredulous.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah that\u2019s it.\u201d Colby waved a hand at Huggy who went off to get him another drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked at John Colby as if he\u2019d never seen him before. How could he gloss over something as important as that? It wasn\u2019t as if it was some small detail, like he didn\u2019t care for anchovies on his pizza. No doubt the death of his father had colored the man\u2019s whole world<\/em>. And here Starsky was, wanting to follow in his father\u2019s footsteps despite everything. Fuck!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch got up and went over to Starsky\u2019s table. No one else was sitting with him. Perhaps he\u2019d chased them all off. Perhaps he purposefully wanted to be alone, just not by himself. Despite the choice of several empty chairs, Hutch took the seat beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re you doing?\u201d Hutch asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m doin\u2019.\u201d Starsky\u2019s words were slurred, his fingers slack on a half-full bottle of beer. A few empties had gathered faster that Huggy could clear them away.<\/span><\/p>\n

The silence that followed was awkward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard about your father,\u201d Hutch started in quietly after a few minutes. \u201cThis has got to be tough on you.\u201d He felt uncomfortable yet somehow wanted Starsky to know that he knew how much Officer Stark\u2019s death must have hit home. That he was there if Starsky needed to talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked up at him, eyes bleary. But even bleary they were . . . beautiful<\/em>, Hutch thought. The most amazing shade of blue. \u201cLife\u2019s tough all around,\u201d he said. \u201cAt least pop died doing what he loved. That\u2019s the best thing, ya know. Love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Starsk,\u201d the nickname came out unexpectedly, yet as easily as coming home. \u201cThe world could always use a little more love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s all kinds of love, you know, Husch. Between huzbands and wives, parens and kids, friends . . . Love is all around us. You juz have ta look for it.\u201d Starsky\u2019s words were slurred, yet Hutch was amazed at his eloquence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch put his hand over the top of Starsky\u2019s beer. \u201cMaybe I should take you home. You can\u2019t drive like this. You\u2019re going to get someone killed,\u201d he said gently, and was surprised that Starsky agreed with a somber nod of his head. Maybe it was the cop in Starsky that knew instinctively when he\u2019d crossed a line. Even stone drunk and hurting, Dave Starsky wasn\u2019t about to endanger anyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch called Huggy over to their table to settle their bills. \u201cI was wondering if I was going to have to call Starsky here a cab,\u201d the barkeep noted as he collected the money Hutch handed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, you\u2019re a cab,\u201d Starsky mumbled, bungling the punch line of the corny joke.<\/span><\/p>\n

Huggy just gave Starsky a look that Hutch could have sworn held a touch of tenderness. \u201cHand Goldilocks here the keys. I\u2019ll make sure no one messes with your car,\u201d he assured Starsky as he pocketed the change. It wasn\u2019t the first time he\u2019d dealt with a patron who\u2019d had one too many.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch took the ring of keys Starsky pulled out of his pocket. Then he hefted him clumsily until he was able to wrap an arm securely around his waist. He could smell the alcohol on the breath that brushed his ear as he helped Starsky walk out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Four<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I see your face before me
\n<\/em>As I lay on my bed
\n<\/em>I cannot get to thinking
\n<\/em>Of all the things you said*<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s apartment was in a big white house that sat on the curve of the road in a quiet neighborhood. He hadn\u2019t said anything on the twenty-minute ride home other than to offer enough directions to get them there. Hutch parked his Chrysler by the curb and helped Starsky out of the passenger side and up to the entrance of his unit. He unlocked the door with a key from Starsky\u2019s ring.<\/span><\/p>\n

The place was bigger than it looked from the outside. It wasn\u2019t messy, but not immaculate, either. It just looked lived in. A newspaper was open on the dinette table to the sports section. Several books and magazines dedicated to photography and cars were stacked on an end table. The furniture worn but comfortable. So different than Vanessa\u2019s high-brow style.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky hadn\u2019t sobered up any on the ride. In a way, he seemed even more muddled when they arrived. Lost, even. Hutch had meant to leave him on the couch but decided to settle him in his bed instead. He maneuvered him into the bedroom where Starsky fell easily into the crisply made bed. A holdover from his army days perhaps, Hutch mused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou going to be okay, now?\u201d Hutch asked, with the distinct feeling that he was trespassing into Starsky\u2019s private turf.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Starsky mumbled. \u201cYou can go now.\u201d He rolled over, pulling the covers along with him as if to wrap himself in a cocoon. What did he want the fabric to shield him from?<\/em> Hutch wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay then.\u201d Hutch looked at Starsky for a minute, then sighed. In his current condition, Starsky didn\u2019t look so formidable. He looked almost . . . innocent. A surge of protectiveness came over Hutch. As if he were somehow responsible for the gruff New Yorker. As if they belonged together in some indefinable way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head in self-recrimination. Tomorrow Starsky would wake up back to normal. His barriers would be locked back in place. He doubtless wouldn\u2019t even thank Hutch for the ride. More likely, Starsky would be incensed that Hutch had dared to invade his privacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stepped away to set Starsky\u2019s keys on the nearby dresser. Along with a comb and a handful of pennies, an array of black and white photographs lay scattered across its top. Realizing they must some of Starsky\u2019s own work, Hutch\u2019s interest piqued. He began to look through them but then stopped, stunned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of them were of . . . him<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch in profile at the target practice, gun in hand and gaze intent; Hutch gathered with a couple other cadets in a hallway, his head thrown back in a laugh; Hutch relaxing at a picnic table in the park, his hair ruffled by the wind. Each shot was well constructed and showed off Hutch\u2019s fine features to their best advantage. In fact, Hutch had to admit to himself, he\u2019d never looked so good.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky gave a small groan and Hutch turned back to him, one of the pictures still in his hand. Based on its angle, Hutch figured it must have been taken from the street in front of Huggy Bear\u2019s. Through the window, Hutch sipped a beer pensively, the reflection of the glass creating an almost ethereal double-exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all of me<\/em>,\u201d Hutch said with a touch of wonder. He thought he should have been bothered by the revelation that the man had been practically stalking him, but oddly enough, he wasn\u2019t. He was touched.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky struggled to a sitting position. He looked at the picture dangling from Hutch\u2019s fingers then slowly up to his face. His eyes held a profusion of emotions\u2014anguish, embarrassment, heartache, longing\u2014combined into a reality he didn\u2019t dare speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t even like<\/em> me. You . . . you never talk to me . . . .\u201d Hutch stammered, confused. Although the images told a different story, one he couldn\u2019t quite grasp. He looked to Starsky for clarification.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSelf-preservation,\u201d Starsky responded quietly. \u201cI guess it\u2019s because . . . I like you too<\/em> much. I\u2019ve lost so many people I\u2019ve cared about. Pop was just the first. Then there was \u2018Nam. . . \u201d Starsky\u2019s voice faltered and his attention drifted away, as if he were reliving a hundred nightmares. \u201cSince then, I\u2019ve never let myself get close to anyone. But I knew somehow\u2014with you\u2014if we ever did get close, I mean, it would be different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean . . . different?\u201d asked Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Just different<\/em>.\u201d Suddenly Starsky lurched to his feet. \u201cI have to use the bathroom,\u201d he mumbled, then he rushed past Hutch and out the bedroom door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked after him wondering if he should see if he needed help, but Starsky quickly closed the door to the bathroom behind him. That answered that. Then Hutch heard the sound of water running. Apparently, Starsky could take care of himself. Besides, what could Hutch do or say that would smooth over the awkwardness of the moment? He\u2019d just found out that everything he had believed about the man, including his opinion of Hutch himself, was completely wrong. Hutch felt as if up and down and down was up. None of it made sense and he didn\u2019t know where he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vanessa would be waiting for Hutch at home. She hadn\u2019t wanted to come to the funeral\u2014funerals just depressed her, she\u2019d said. Now he\u2019d be late getting back. She wouldn\u2019t be happy to find out he\u2019d stopped by Huggy\u2019s. Hutch had already anticipated her ire when he walked in. Love may be all around, as Starsky had said, but it seemed to be hiding from him these days. Maybe he needed to look a little harder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Christmas Eve dawned disconcertedly clear and mild and Hutch reminded himself how he needed to get used to the Southern California winters. As a lowly cadet, Hutch was scheduled to work on Christmas the next day. He didn\u2019t mind. He\u2019d rather spend the day doing something useful rather than sitting at home opening pointless presents and eating tofu turkey. Vanessa didn\u2019t seem to mind either. She\u2019d made last minute plans to fly back to Minnesota, although he didn\u2019t know why she needed three suitcases for the short trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

He and Vanessa set up a small white aluminum tree for Christmas\u2014a real pine would only have left a mess of needles to clean up. In order to salvage at least some remnant of the holiday spirit, that evening Hutch talked Vanessa into watching \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d with him. She merely shrugged and poured herself another glass of wine. The scenes of softly falling snow on the TV screen inexplicably made Hutch miss Duluth. He must be getting sentimental as he aged, he mused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as the gym floor began to move, about to drop the happily dancing couples into the pool below, the doorbell rang. \u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d Hutch said, unfolding himself from the sofa. Vanessa merely nodded, distractedly. He knew she wasn\u2019t all that interested in the movie. He wondered where her thoughts were.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hutch opened the door, he was shocked to see Starsky standing in front of him. He was holding several cardboard posters in one hand and a boom box in the other. Hutch hadn\u2019t seen Starsky since the day of the funeral and was surprised at how much he\u2019d missed him, even from a distance. But it was just as well, Hutch had thought. He had no idea what to say to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch glanced behind him, reflexively checking on Vanessa. Her dislike of unexpected company was legendary, especially any of his friends from the academy. But Starsky held up a finger in front of his lips and lifted the top poster. Tell her it\u2019s carol singers<\/strong> was spelled out in big letters across the cardboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch suppressed a smile. Starsky had done his research well. Damn, if he wasn\u2019t going to make a spectacular cop. A great partner. He\u2019d do his old man proud soon enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it?\u201d Vanessa called out, a touch of irritation in her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s carolers,\u201d Hutch answered over his shoulder. Starsky switched on the boom box and immediately the sound of a choir singing \u201cSilent Night\u201d began to play. Hutch and Starsky exchanged a conspiratorial look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky slipped the cardboard to the back of the stack and displayed the next one in order. It read, With any luck, by next year.<\/strong> . .<\/span><\/p>\n

And the next, I\u2019ll be with partnered with one of these guys<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following card Starsky held up had several paper Clint Eastwood cutouts from his role in \u2018Dirty Harry,\u2019 and Magnum Force\u2019 stuck on it like a collage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nearly laughed aloud, thinking how all his buddies at the academy thought of Eastwood as the ultimate super cop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky grinned back then continued to lift up the cards one by one, revealing to Hutch what each had scrawled on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

But for now let me say. . . <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Without hope or agenda. . .<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Just because it’s Christmas . . . <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(And at Christmas you tell the truth) . . .<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Here, Starsky paused as if gathering his courage to show the next card, and when he did, Hutch felt his knees grow weak.<\/span><\/p>\n

To me you are perfect.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A soft, wistful expression came over Starsky\u2019s face.\u00a0 He continued to lift each card up in turn. And I\u2019d want you for a partner . . .<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Until you look like this . . . <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky held up a picture of a decrepit mummy that had Hutch stifling a giggle, then smiling from ear to ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Starsky had reached the last card. It simply read Merry Christmas.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky and Hutch stood for a minute looking mutely at each other. Something indefinable passed between them. Hutch mouthed \u201cMerry Christmas\u201d and Starsky responded with a little \u2018thumbs up\u2019 gesture. Then Starsky turned and walked resolutely away. Hutch thought back to that first day in self-defense class. How the surly New Yorker called him blondie and teased him about his prep school bearing. He knew now it had all been an act. Self-preservation, Starsky had called it, after all he\u2019d been through. In anticipation of the journey they, as rookies, were about to embark on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Realization dawned. An inescapable truth Hutch had probably known all along. The reason he\u2019d been so troubled by Starsky\u2019s cold-shoulder treatment, yet not by the photographs\u2014a bold invasion of his personal space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch went after Starsky then, forgetting about Van for the time being. He ran out the door of his apartment building and down to the street. It was dark and unusually deserted. Hutch figured everyone else must be celebrating the holiday with friends and family. Then he saw a lone figure crossing the road with a gait he\u2019d recognize anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky,\u201d Hutch called out, the name echoing off the buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky paused, allowing Hutch to catch up with him before he got to his car. Hutch grasped Starsky\u2019s arm and turned him around. As he did, he felt a coil of tension deep within the other man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to be afraid of being friends with me,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen down the road\u2014we\u2019ll get knocked around, sure. It\u2019s part of the job. Maybe even killed. Heck, we\u2019re all going to die someday. But I think the two of us are meant to be in this thing together. Don\u2019t you think we should give us a chance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the two men faced each other they finally allowed themselves to feel the connection they could no longer deny. An awareness that something bigger than both of them was on the horizon. They just had to reach for it. Take a leap into the unknown. It was frightening, yes, but thrilling, too. And neither were cowards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky paused, as if thinking through what Hutch had said. Then, after a few minutes, he gave him the faintest of nods and the corners of his mouth drew up in what Hutch took for a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch thought it might possibly be the best gift he\u2019d ever received. He smiled back. \u201cSee you in class,\u201d he said, then turned back toward his apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n

EPILOGUE<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vanessa never came back from Minnesota. Hutch figured out later\u2014the same time as he discovered that their joint bank accounts had been drained\u2014that she\u2019d been planning her move for weeks. She called him on New Year\u2019s Day. Being married to a cop held no future, she\u2019d told him. When Starsky showed up at his door a short time later, pizza and six-pack in hand, Hutch had to disagree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weeks later, despite having been served with final divorce papers, academy graduation day was a jubilant occasion. The newly minted officers were handed their diplomas with full pomp and circumstance. Afterward, Hutch gathered with Starsky and the other graduates at Huggy Bear\u2019s where the barkeep declared drinks were on the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see you two have mended fences,\u201d John Colby noted, as Starsky and Hutch sat squashed together in a crowded booth. Hutch thought his tone held a hint of jealousy. While Hutch had learned that he could read Starsky like a book, Colby, he\u2019d decided, was a mystery. He shrugged his shoulders with careful nonchalance and took another swig of beer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Starsky\u2019s sullen demeanor had been replaced with an exuberance that seemed unending. \u201cYep. We\u2019re both been accepted by the Bay City PD. How about you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure yet,\u201d Colby admitted. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019m ready to sign on anywhere. I think I might hit the road for a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch thought he heard of touch of guardedness in John Colby\u2019s tone, but brushed any momentary unease aside. Then he and Starsky traded glances that were flooded with warmth. The roads they\u2019d been on had already led them home.<\/span><\/p>\n

You gave your promise to me and I gave mine to you
\n<\/em>I need someone beside me in everything I do<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>You know I love you, I always will
\n<\/em>My mind’s made up by the way that I feel
\n<\/em>There’s no beginning, there’ll be no end
\n<\/em>‘Cause on my love you can depend.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

*Love is All Around<\/em>,<\/strong><\/span> Lyrics by Wes Presley<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Click here to read Part 1 This story is inspired by the iconic cue card scene in\u00a0Love Actually\u00a0arguably one of the most romantic holiday movies of all time. You can see the clip here. Starsky had been right. Riding along … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,7,17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen","category-sfw"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=323"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":652,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/323\/revisions\/652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}