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Eli stared directly into Bridget’s eyes, hoping against hope there was something in Bridget that this would all ring true for. When Bridget shook her head and took another step away, Eli was sure she was lost.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Too late,” Bridget said.
Eli resisted letting out a snort. This was how it went every time. She would share and inevitably, whatever it was, Bridget would take it to heart. “Then I’m sorry, but I’m not going to hide any longer.”
“You don’t even know her,” Bridget spat.
“No, I don’t know her well. But at least she’s willing to get to know me better, at least she’s willing to take a risk. And you know what, Bridget? I want to be with her. I really do. I want to see where it goes.”
Tears streamed down Bridget’s cheeks. “I don’t want you to be with her.”
“Or anyone, I assume.” Eli’s voice calmed. She stepped forward, grasping Bridget’s hands. “But here’s the thing, Bridget, I am not with you. I haven’t been with you in two years, and like I said two years ago, I am not going to wait around for you to decide when you want to be with me. I’ve moved on. You need to move on, too, for your own well-being.”
Silence filled the gap between them, Bridget not making eye contract for quite some time. The mood shifted, and Eli knew she had made her point. “Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.”
Relief washed over Eli. Bridget sniffled, and then she rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“You’re right.”
“I know I’m right.”
“Shut up.” Bridget smirked then she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around Eli’s shoulders. “I’m sorry about the other night.”
“Thank you for apologizing, really.” Eli mimicked Bridget’s stance, hugging her tightly and rubbing a hand over her shoulders to give as much comfort as she could.
“Eli?”
“Yeah?” Eli moved away so she could look Bridget in the eye again.
Bridget brushed her fingers over her cheeks. “I know it’s awkward, but seriously, don’t pull over on the side of the road to have a make out session, especially without your flashers on.”
Eli did laugh then, embarrassment whipping through her. If only Bridget had known the full story, or if only she wasn’t chiding Eli about stuff they used to do all the time. Nodding, Eli chuckled. “Yeah, I won’t do that again. Promise. Scout’s honor.”
“Good. Now go on. I’ve got real police work to do.”
“Sure, you do. Taking down the next high-speed runner?”
“You know it.” Bridget grinned as she strutted toward her cruiser.
Eli didn’t wait. They’d see each other again, no doubt, but hopefully the boiling over point was done and they would truly be able to make progress toward being friends once again. She wouldn’t have to lose a lifelong friend because of decisions they had both made.
When she got back to the truck, she stepped on the gas and the clutch, roaring the engine to life. She paused and watched Bridget pull out onto the highway and turn her cruiser toward town. Eli slapped the radio on and faced Sarah, who gave her a curious look with a single raised eyebrow.
“Don’t ask.”
“Wasn’t planning on it, but is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I think it is. For the first time in a long time.”
“Good.” Sarah’s lip was back between her teeth again.
Unable to resist, Eli leaned over the middle seat and grabbed Sarah’s face between both her hands and pulled her in for a quick, hard kiss. When she moved away, Sarah tugged her back, making the kiss last longer than she had originally anticipated. Sarah slid away by pressing soft kisses to Eli’s lips and then grinning.
“So what are we doing now?” Sarah whispered.
“We’re going to the house.”
