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Chapter Six
Jerry wasn’t used to being with a woman who was so dedicated to her career. Reanna wasn’t a woman he could just pick up the phone and call any time. And she sure wasn’t one who would drop everything either. He respected that about her. She might not admit it, but she was as driven as he was, they just chased different things.
But Jerry found himself worrying about her. Granted, Hope Valley didn’t have much of a crime rate, but even in the smallest of towns, things could go very wrong. He didn’t want Reanna to be caught in the middle of it when something did.
When she sent him a text and it was after midnight, his heart felt like a lump in his throat.
ARE YOU AWAKE?
Even if he wasn’t, he was wide awake now. YES. IS EVERYTHING OKAY?
She sent, CAN I CALL YOU?
He’d been resisting that urge all day. But she’d told him what a rough week this was going to be for her. Never easy switching a shift when you’re used to sleeping at night. YOU CAN CALL ME ANY TIME.
His phone rang immediately, and she said, “Jerry, I got a call today from…your mother.”
“My what?” he had to be hearing things. Why would his mother call Reanna? No one even knows she exists. “What did she want?”
“She asked me to dinner on Thursday. I guess it’s a surprise for Shanda and Kenneth.”
Well at least Reanna had a clue as to what was going on at the family dinner. “Did she say what type of surprise?” Heart men didn’t like surprises of any kind.
“From what I gather, it’s an engagement party. I’m invited because I’m in the wedding party. But to be honest with you, I don’t want to go,” she stated.
Me either. “Why not?” He knew his reason, but wanted to know hers.
“First of all, I’m supposed to be on duty. I can see if I can switch with someone, but it is short notice. And secondly, I won’t know anyone there except for you and Shanda.”
“Since the party is for Shanda and Kenneth, it sounds like you belong there. But if it’ll cause you issues to change shifts, then just let her know you can’t attend. I’m sure there are others who can’t either. As you said, it is short notice.”
“It’s not an issue really. I don’t have a clue what to expect. The one person I’d ask would be Shanda, and I can’t because it’s a surprise. That leaves me to ask you,” Reanna said.
He wanted to help her, but honestly had no idea either. “Seems my mother left out some information for us as well. Why don’t I call her and ask for the details and I’ll call you back?”
“Goodness Jerry. You can’t call your mother at this late hour,” Reanna said.
“How about I come and take you out to dinner tomorrow night and I can update you then?” he offered. “Hopefully that gives you some time to sleep when you get off your shift.”
“Jerry, aren’t you getting tired of driving here from Boston all the time? I could always meet you in the middle somewhere.”
And then I don’t get to hold you like I want to.
“It’s no issue. Does six work for you?” he asked.
“Yes, but I would rather eat in if that is okay. I have a new recipe I have been dying to try. It’s a no pasta, pasta dinner,” she said.
He didn’t care what she cooked. It wasn’t dinner that appealed to him. “Should I bring anything?”
“No. I’ve got it covered.”
“Not even dessert?” he teased, knowing damn well how much she loved that.
“I think we’ll skip dessert tonight. If I keep eating like I have the past few days, I’m going to get as big as a house,” she laughed.
“Only if you don’t work it off afterwards,” he said playfully.
She giggled. “Well then. Can you be here at five? I wouldn’t want to miss my workout because I need to leave for the station.” He heard her patrol car radio announce something, then her siren blared as she said, “I got to go. See you tomorrow.”
