Ethan and I shake hands, and I take a seat in a chair across from him. We’re meeting to discuss the fall festival that’s coming up, more specifically, the role for the police. Apparently, managing the security for one of the town’s festivals is part of my job description now. Gotta love small towns.
“No problem. I’ll be frank, Ethan, I’ve never coordinated something like this. It’s not exactly common for the city police to be so heavily involved; normally, the event organizers would hire private security and we would just patrol.”
Ethan laughs. I like the guy, he’s my age, and very down-to-earth for a town mayor.
“Around here, everyone wears a lot of hats, and security seemed a natural fit for the police force.”
“Oh, agreed, it makes total sense. I just hope you can fill me in a bit more on what to expect.” I pull out a notepad and pen. “How many people normally attend, what hours are we looking at, do we need to secure the site before and after or just during, those kinds of things.”
He nods and sits up straighter, leaning forward to place his arms on the desk. “You’ve already given it some thought. I like that. Tell me, how are you and your daughter settling in?”
The shift in conversation takes me by surprise. I came here for work, not personal matters. But if I’ve learned anything these last few weeks, it’s that people around here genuinely care about each other, and that means, no matter what, they take the time to make conversation. It’s been an adjustment slowing down like that, but I enjoy it.
“So far, so good. Violet and my aunt have been exploring the area; she loved the Martin farm. It’s nice having my family around.”
“And she’s taking dance classes with my friend Serena. Is it true you guys know each other?”
Ah. I get it. This isn’t just a personal chat, this is acheck up on the new guychat.
“Yeah, we have a history.”
“She’s an amazing woman.”
“She is.”
“Look dude, I don’t want to sound like some ridiculous overbearing ass. I made that mistake with Paige when she and Wyatt first hooked up and got shit for it from my sister and my fiancée. So I’ll cut the crap. Treat her well, okay? Everyone’s really happy to have you in town, and if you and Serena work something out, great. But if you hurt her, it’s going to make it awkward and bad for everyone. So just don’t.”
I stare at him, unblinking for a moment. It’s my cop stare, perfected to the point of making most people crack. Sure enough, he starts shifting in his seat, so I break eye contact with an easy grin. “Ethan, I have no idea who Paige and Wyatt are, but believe me on this. I have no intention at all of doing anything but treating Serena the very best I can. Our history is not mine alone to share, but let’s just say I’m hoping to have more than justhistorywith her.”
Ethan lets out a chuckle. “Shit, I can see why you’re a good cop. And sorry. I forgot you might not know everyone yet. Hey, why don’t you come out to Hastings for a drink tonight after your shift? Everyone’s meeting up; we try to get together at least once or twice a month.”
“Thanks for the invite, but I need to go and relieve my aunt who’s babysitting.”
“No worries. The invitation is always open. I’m sure Serena can let you know when we’re heading to Hastings. If it works better with your schedule, some friends and I go trail running every Monday afternoon. You’re also welcome to join us if that’s your kind of thing.”
“That could actually work sometime, yeah.”
“Cool. Okay, let’s get this festival stuff out of the way.”
When I get home from work, Aunt Claire informs me that I’m to get changed and head over to her house for a family dinner. Given how tired I am, the idea of not having to cook sounds pretty damn good, and there’s a space at my aunt’s house where Violet can go to sleep if it gets late, so it’s an easy decision to sayyes, please.
When we get to my aunt and uncle’s house, three of my five cousins are there already. Kat is in the kitchen mixing up some sort of potato salad that smells amazing, and Max and Beckett are outside with my Uncle Dennis.
“Is Sawyer on shift?” I ask Kat as I set down Violet and watch her toddle over to the basket of toys Aunt Claire keeps in the corner for when we visit.
“Yeah, he’s on nights tonight and tomorrow. He’s pissed to be missing dinner tonight,” she replies as she pivots to the fridge and pulls out a tray. “We made ribs.”
“Oh, hell yeah.” My mouth instantly starts to water. Aunt Claire’s ribs were famous when we were younger, and I haven’t had them in years. “Okay, what can I do to help?”
“Nothing. These go on the grill to caramelize the sauce and then we eat.”
“Hey, Leo! Grab a couple beers and come on outside.” Max sticks his head through the door. “Hey, baby Vi, how’s it going, little peanut?”
Violet looks at him but says nothing, then goes back to her toys.
“Well, she looked at me. I count that as progress. We’ll be best friends in no time.” Max grins.
“Yeah, until I take her to you for her immunizations and she realizes Uncle Max gives her owies.”