“I feel like I just became a cop. Now I’m going to be a detective?”
“So? Sometimes the right thing just falls into your lap. Look at me with Rebels. I never thought this old warehouse would be for sale, but then for it to go to auction so I could grab it at a steal and still have enough money for the renovations? You just gotta do it, man.” Roman gives his opinion while dropping off a round of appetizers.
I knew they’d all have their opinions, but subconsciously, I needed them. The only thing holding me back is the fear that I’m not good enough for the job.
“You’re all right. I’m just worried I’m not good enough for it. And a little worried about getting hurt again. If Jack was even two inches higher and over a little, my brain would be smattered all over Aubrey’s cabin, and this wouldn’t be just a hole in my cheek.”
I haven’t admitted how scared I am to get hurt again to anyone but myself.
“That’s a chance you have to take, son. You chose a dangerous career sure, but any of us take a chance every morning we let our feet hit the floor. You can’t let your fear control your life.”
“Thanks, Pops. I get it. But, I don’t know. I think I just need a day or two to make a decision. Can you all do me a favor and keep this to yourselves for now? Especially you, Pops.”
“You better not let your mother find out from anyone but you if I agree. I’m not getting put in the doghouse because of your secrets.” He raises a brow, staring at me in the way he did when we were kids and doing something he didn’t approve of but knew we needed the space to do it on our own.
“Promise. She’ll be the first one I tell when I make the decision.”
“Okay, can we move on from the sappy shit now?” Cooper asks.
“Yes, please. And preferably on to someone else. Like Liam,” I offer.
“What the fuck did I do?” His eyes widen, hating the attention on him.
“Knocked your wife up,” Hunter offers, taking a sip of his beer.
“I did do that.” Liam’s wide, goofy grin on his face makes us laugh.
And just like that, the tension of the night is broken, leaving me with my own thoughts just where I like them.
In my own head.
Me:Where am I going?
Aubs:The inn. Just come in the main entrance and you’ll go right through to the kitchen. Violet is pulling cookies out now.
Me:I feel weird just walking in.
Aubs:It’s not. I promise. You’ll live here soon enough and you have to get used to the open door policy.
Me:I live in a closed door policy world.
Aubs:Not anymore, babes. Get used to it >
Ugh. New social settings aren’t my favorite. Probably why I haven’t branched out to find a hobby or a job, instead choosing to stay home or spend time with Lily. Not like I was a big socialite back home, despite my father urging me to be friends with therightgroups and people.
James was the right people. Look how well that worked for me. Although, I suppose my father doesn’t care about that. As long as I got him thebusinessconnections, he doesn’t give a shit.
I wish I could be a fly on the wall in his office right now. Having a dead daughter and her missing fiancé could go either way for him. He could be the grieving father or the number one suspect. Depends which cop he’s dealing with and how well his guys did placing evidence.
Parking my car at the inn next to an array of ATVs, I take a deep breath, readying myself to go into this girls’ night.
Aubs:I see you parked out there. Don’t even think about turning around.
Me:What if they see through my lie?
Aubs:I mean, they probably will. > But they won’t tell anyone what they suspect. Our backstory is flimsy at best for people who really know me like the Keatons.
Me:That’s terrifying.
