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COLTON
After carrying her to bed the other night, I’d held her all night, barely able to sleep due to my contentment with just being with her. I wasn’t holding anything back. I loved her.
Every once in a while, that old fear crept in about her needing me and me not being there. But as quickly as it popped into my mind, I dismissed it. I wasn’t a kid anymore, and Remi was a strong woman who could take care of herself.
I couldn’t believe I’d misjudged her. When I was a kid, I thought she was a little flaky and wild. Her car choice and juice shop made me think she was a hippie. And maybe she was a little on the new age side with her yoga and meditation, but mindfulness and positivity weren’t bad things.
I felt better with her than I had in years. Since before Austin got hurt. Before I took the weight of the world and everyone around me on my shoulders.
Remi called the law firm to talk to Dylan to discuss the possibility of Rebel Sports being involved, even if it was last minute. Dylan talked to Reid, and they loved the idea, quickly jumping on board with plans to host a pick-up football game with the players who could attend on short notice. They also promised to include foster kids in their future fundraisers for equipment, activities, and programs.
Their goal was to reach every kid who couldn’t afford athletics, and supporting the county foster care system went hand in hand with their mission.
Remi was busy but excited to be planning something that promised to be fun and worthwhile. I hoped it brought her healing.
On Friday, I went to Hailey’s Spice & Tea Shoppe to talk to her about our idea for Corey. She mentioned that Ryan’s business partner, Jake, was her brother, and she’d known Ryan forever. She didn’t know Corey but was willing to give him a chance.
Avery said she didn’t need to be present for me to talk to Corey about it. After school let out, I went to the garage without Dexter. I didn’t need him to keep me in line or to be the good cop this time.
Arriving at the garage, I noticed it was doing good business. The bays were filled, and there were more cars in the lot, waiting to be serviced.
Ryan came out, wiping his hands with a cloth. “What can I do for you?”
“I want to run something by you.”
“Shoot.” Ryan’s expression was wary.
“I spoke with Hailey, the owner of the Spice & Tea Shoppe. She’s willing to allow Corey to work off the damage he did by cleaning and painting the apartment above the shop to get it ready for a tenant.”
Ryan’s gaze softened. “She’s Jake’s younger sister.”
“That’s what she said. She’s willing to give Corey a chance.”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“If you’re okay with it, I’d like to tell him. I think it might be worthwhile for him to understand that not only does Hailey trust him, but I do too.”
Ryan considered me for a moment before saying, “I appreciate that.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. We’re having a fundraiser in two weeks to raise money for the county’s foster care program. The shop owners are hosting it, and they’re offering service hours to middle and high school kids to help with setup and takedown. Do you think that’s something he’d be interested in?”
“If he isn’t, I’ll make sure he understands it’s mandatory. The school requires service hours.”
“That’s right.”
“Let me get him.”
A few seconds later, Corey followed Ryan out to greet me.
“Officer Castle has something he’d like to discuss with you.”
Corey nodded, looking expectantly at me.
“I have a couple of opportunities for you. The owner of the tea shop, Hailey, has agreed to allow you to work off the damage. She has an apartment above the shop that needs to be cleaned and painted for a new tenant. Do you think that’s something you can do?”
Corey cleared his throat. “Yes.”
“We’re also hosting a fundraiser, a picnic in the park hosted by the local shops and restaurants. There will be food and games. Proceeds from the tickets will go to providing clothes and supplies to kids in foster care. It’s an opportunity for service hours, which are required for middle school kids.”
