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Emily stands to give him some privacy and walks over to Benson and I.
“His name is Jason and he’s thirteen. He said he knew she shouldn’t have driven, but she picked him up like this in front of his friends and he didn’t know what to do. He was so embarrassed that he just wanted to get out of view of his friends. He’s a really sweet kid.”
“Thanks for keeping him distracted, Em, that was really nice of you. Although, I did tell you to stand on the sidewalk at the back of my squad car, not to sit on the curb up here, but still . . . thank you.”
“No problem, he looked so alone and I just couldn’t take it, so I came and sat with him. Sorry for breaking the rules.” Oh how I would love to punish her for breaking those rules later, but we’re just friends. So that won’t be happening unless I pull up my big boy pants and prove to her that we can be more than friends.
Jason walks over and explains that his grandmother is expecting him and that if Benson can give him a lift to North Portland where she lives he would really appreciate it.
Emily walks over to him and gives him a hug. Of course, that is what she does.
“You take care and keep up the good work in school. Things will get better kiddo even if you have to make that happen for yourself. You can do it.”
“Thanks, Emily. It was really nice to meet you.”
I thank Benson for taking him and as we walk back to my car we see Willy. He’s a local transient who I’ve taken a liking too. He’s a nice old man who lost his family and all hope years ago. He doesn’t cause any trouble and always does as I ask. He has just lost the ability to care about himself anymore.
“Evening, Officer Kelly. Who’s this beauty you got along with ya tonight?”
“Hey Willy, this is my friend,” I say begrudgingly. “Emily, this is Willy, Willy, this is Emily.”
“Nice to meet you, young lady. Saw you there with that boy. That was very kind of you.”
“It was my pleasure. Willy. He’s such a sweetheart. It’s nice to meet you too.”
“So, Emily . . . how do you know Officer Kelly?”
“He’s an old friend, Willy. How do you know him?”
“Old friend you say, do you? Hmmm . . . interesting . . . very interesting. He’s an old friend of mine as well. He takes care of this old man and makes sure I stay out of trouble. He’s one of the good ones, Emily.”
“Okay, that’s enough, you two. Emily, why don’t you head back to the car and I’ll be right there.”
“Okay, bye Willy.”
She gives him a wave and a smile that melts his heart, and mine.
“She’s a keeper, Officer Kelly,” Willy whispers to me.
“That she is, Willy . . . that she is. Hey, I have to head out but you okay? You need anything?”
“Nope, I’m fine but thanks for asking. If you do anything right now, it better be findin’ a way to keep your hands on that pretty little thing. I think she’s just what you’re missing.”
“You are a wise man and I think you just might be right. Gotta go, Willy. You stay safe out here and call me if you need anything.”
As I walk back to the car I realize that I need to listen to Willy and not let her get away. I need to figure out how I plan to do that without running her off. She scares easily and her past isn’t any help either. I am so glad that the Fanuas are visiting next weekend and Liam and Mr. F can help me come up with a plan to get my girl back. But for now, let’s go to jail and then write my DUII report. What a way to woo her; jail and report writing. That’s some romantic shit right there.
After a trip to jail and processing my DUII I let Emily know that she should go. I have quite a bit of paperwork ahead of me as a DUII arrest is not just as simple as taking the person to jail, and there’s no reason for her to sit around while I write. Besides, I don’t think I could focus on my report if she was sitting right there in close proximity of me.
I drive her to the station then walk her to her car. She seems reluctant to leave but it’s late, and I’m sure she has to get up early with Ireland.
Knowing I can’t stand here all night I finally break the silence and say, “It was great to see you, Em.”
“Good to see you, too. Thanks so much for letting me tag along, it was great.”
“No problem, I was glad to do it. Say hey to little Ireland for me.”
“Will do. That will make her day.”
