Me: I’ve got a place. About an hour away. When you coming?
Theo: This weekend.
Me: I’ll see you there with the keys.
Theo: Thanks bro.
While I’m excited to reconnect with my brother, I’m a little worried about his girl. I know who Lola is because he’s talked to me about her so much, and last week, he called to say things were finally happening for them, but that she was in a bad place after her friend's death. Now I worry if she’ll be ready for my brother. And parents.
My phone dings again, and I expect it to be Theo this time. I’m pleased to see it’s not.
Pretty Girl: Hi Reed, I’m feeling better. Thank you for asking.
Me: Glad to hear it. Still up for tonight?
Pretty Girl: Yes. I have an appointment late in the afternoon, but I’ll stop for Chinese food on my way home and come get you. If that’s okay? If you’re busy, that’s fine.
I shake my head at her answer.
Me: I’m coming pretty girl, wild horses couldn’t keep me away.
Pretty Girl: See you at 7. Bye Reed.
Me: See you soon pretty girl.
Anticipation motivates me to continue on with my paperwork, and I have it on my captain's desk in record time. As I glance up at the clock, I see it’s time to head home, and I’m grateful that no emergency calls have me running to a crime scene instead.
Locking the drawers of my desk, I grab
my truck keys and head out, saying goodnight to Colby as he’s on the phone.
The evening sky is clear, and the streets are quiet as I pull out of the parking garage and into traffic. Enjoying the leisurely drive home, my mood changes when I see a familiar car parked in front of my house. Glad to see Hope’s car gone, I try to hide my annoyance as I pull into the driveway.
Slamming my vehicle's door shut, I glare at Carla—my ex that won’t let go and pops up every now and again. Usually between boyfriends and in need of cash. We haven’t been together in over two years now, but she’s like a bad weed that just won’t go away.
“What do you want, Carla?” I snap, unlocking the door.
“Don’t be like that, Reed. Aren’t you glad to see me?” She purrs the words like we’re long-lost lovers. My menacing glower stops her from grabbing my arm like she was going to. “Can we talk, please?” A word I don’t think I’ve ever heard her say.
“Five minutes,” I bark as the door opens. “Stay here. Don’t wander. Don’t come in, and for fuck’s sake, don’t touch a damn thing.” Ignoring her dourness, I take the stairs two at a time to lock my weapon in the safe on my night table before changing shirts and rushing back downstairs.
“Three minutes left.”
“But you were upstairs and told me not to move,” she huffs out.
“Two and a half.”
Stomping her foot, she begins to talk as I go to the kitchen for a glass of water. “Braden and I broke up. He kicked me out.” I raise a brow. I don’t know why she thinks I care. “Can’t we just try again? We were so good together, Reed.” She puts on a pouty face that, once upon a time, I found sexy. Now she just looks like she’s got something in her eye.
“No. One minute.” I hear Hope’s car drive up, and I’m eager to get this viper out before Hope thinks there’s something going on.
“Please, Reed. I never stopped loving you, you know.” There’s a knock on the door before I can say anything.
“Time’s up. Leave.”
Carla lets out a little growl as she opens the door, and I realize what’s about to happen when she sees Hope standing there with takeout bags.
“Carla,” I hiss her name in warning.