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“Something like that.”
“Is she the reason why you’re not so grumpy this morning?” he asked.
“I’m still grumpy,” I said, moving toward my desk.
“You’re still stubborn, apparently.”
“Why isn’t Castle grumpy?” one of the other guys yelled out.
I shot Dexter a frustrated look. “You started this bullshit.”
Dexter smiled slowly. “I think he’s got a girl, but he’s not confirming.”
I raised my voice. “If I did have a girl, I wouldn’t tell you assholes.”
The guys in the room yelled out more jokes, some raunchy teasing. Nothing I hadn’t heard them do to other guys. Instead of being annoyed, it felt good to be included. I always thought I’d hate it if the guys were in my business, but they probably just wanted the best for me.
“No shame in liking a girl, you know,” Dexter said to me when it died down.
“Even when it’s my ex’s sister?”
“Have you asked your ex if she cares?”
I glanced at the empty screen on my phone. I was fairly sure I still had her number, as long as she hadn’t changed it since then. “It’s on my list of things to tackle.”
He sounded like Ethan. The advice was sound. I just needed to take it.
* * *
Later that day, Chief called me into his office. “What’s this I hear about a community fundraiser?”
“The local shop and restaurant owners are having a picnic to raise money for kids in foster care. They need supplies.”
“You involved in it?”
“I’m helping plan it.”
He nodded. “Good. I want you involved. Make sure the mayor’s office knows what’s going on. Coordinate with that new event coordinator—what’s her name?”
“Naomi.”
“Yeah, run things past her. Make sure they have whatever they need from us.”
“Got it.”
“I spoke with Max Pierce the other day. He had good things to say about you. You’re doing a good job.”
“Thanks, sir.” It meant a lot coming from him.
“You catch the guy who’s tagging stores?”
“Dexter got a video from a new store across the street. But you can’t see his face. I can tell from his height that he’s young. Maybe middle school age.”
“You know any kids that age who’ve caused trouble in the past? Maybe start there.”
“Will do.”
“It could be someone new, though. I know this isn’t high on our priority list, but the mayor doesn’t like someone marring the historic area. Tourism is a priority for him.”
