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In September after a particularly bad date, Patty Harper had had enough. She was determined to make restitution to Tony before the holidays began. Chances were that his relationship with that girl had about run its course. She’d strung Rick Jackson along, although he was the first to admit the relationship had gone nowhere fast. But they were friends with benefits, albeit somewhat forced from his perspective, but a single guy with no prospects couldn’t be too choosey. Needing a read on what was happening between Tony and the little mother, Patty got in touch with Rick.
“Now’s not exactly a good time,” he mumbled into the phone.
“Give me half a break, Rick. I suppose you’ve got someone there.”
Trying to come up with an excuse why he couldn’t talk to her, he hesitated just long enough. “It’s none of your business.”
“So you’re alone,” she said, laughing. “I’m not surprised.”
“You really know how to hurt a guy.”
“I’m sorry. I need your help and your honesty. How are things going between the Irish lass and Tony?”
“Who wants to know?”
“I want to know. I want to get back with him, and I’d like to do it before Christmas.”
“Ain’t gonna happen. You’re wasting your time.”
“Why not? As long as he’s breathing, there’s a chance.”
“I heard through the grapevine they’re moving in with Big Mike so they can save for a house.”
It was a lie, of course, they’d already moved in with Ma and Pop Saint, but Rick wasn’t telling her that.
“That makes no sense at all. She has an apartment. I’ve followed him over there before.”
“Oh, so now you’re stalking him?”
“Well, actually it was her. I lied. Look, give me a break, okay? Tony and I were together since I was fifteen years old. It’s not easy getting back into the game after being with the same guy you’ve been with all of your life.”
“You’re wasting your time, Patty. The guy is hooked. You should leave him alone.”
“When I want your advice, I’ll ask for it. Anyway, come out with me. I’m starving.”
“If I must, but you’re driving. Pick me up at nine.”
The next day at the station as Rick began his three-day stint, he looked for Tony, who would be on his way home soon.
“Buddy, just so you know, I saw Patty last night, and the girl is itching to make trouble for you.”
Tony looked at Rick like he was an apparition. “And why are you telling me this? There’s nothing I can do about Patty. If she makes trouble for me, then I’ll deal with it. I was kind of counting on you to keep her busy, give her a new hobby.”
“No can do. We have zero chemistry.”
“Is that right? Why’d you sleep with her, then?”
“I didn’t!”
“So she’s lying about it? Get real, Rick. Don’t use her like that. No matter what you think, it will hurt her.”
Without saying more, he walked away. Bridget would be there soon, and he needed to see her, he ached for her. The three nights away from his family were not getting any easier. And now that she was starting to show, they’d be sharing the news with everyone at the station soon.
“There you are,” he said, waving to her as she got out of the car.
They embraced and kissed right away, no longer aware of or caring what others thought of them together. “How was it last night?” she asked.
“Fine. After I talked to you, we had one call, a heart attack in Pala that no one else could get to. What about you? How was Flynn?”
