“Too abstract yet not abstract enough, and the colors are all wrong. They’re too primary.” I look around and smile.
“Now this, Ilove.“ I reach for the macrame wall tapestry. The intricate design is feminine and unique.
“I do like that. Why don’t you come to my apartment when we finish here and help me put everything up, and I’ll pay you with pizza?” Her smile is cheesy and hopeful.
“Ugh, only because you mentioned pizza.” I roll my eyes playfully.
“I know the way to your heart.”
“I think you’re the only one,” I joke.
“I don’t know… I’m feeling some competition coming on.” She winks.
“Right.” My eyebrows pull together as if she’s lost her mind.
She’s definitely crazy. There is no competition for my heart in the horizon. It’s so far out there, that I think we’ll be living on the moon before that happens.
I don’t trust myself to choose a good guy. Considering my past relationships, who seemed like safe and nice candidates, I wouldn’t know how to distinguish a rotten apple even if I took a bite out of it.
It’s like I’m a magnet for jerks, and after one too many, I give up. The headache isn’t worth it, not to mention the heartache. At what point can a woman say she’s done with dating and not be judged for not wanting a man by her side?
Besides, my career is first, and getting my degree in school counseling is my priority. It’s been my dream for as long as I can remember. Helping children overcome struggles and challenges, have someone they can talk to, work through emotions.
“How about we have some coffee? I see that you’re zoning out again.” Dani’s words break through the fog in my mind.
“Yeah, coffee is good. Coffee knows the way to my heart.”
She laughs and pays for her things. After she puts them away in her trunk, we head to the coffee shop.
“Now that we’re relaxing, let’s circle back to your deputy.” Dani leans back in her chair with her latte in hand.
“He’s not my deputy, and there’s nothing to say,” I respond. “I was speeding, ran a stop sign, and got pulled over.”
“He didn’t say anything? Flirt a bit? Did you?”
“Of course not! It’s my first ticket, I was freaking out.”
“Flirting could’ve gotten you out of it.” She shrugs.
I scoff at her words. “I wouldn’t flirt or use any excuse to get out of a ticket. If I broke the law, then I have to deal with the consequences.”
“You are a rule-follower. It’s why I think you became a teacher. It’s also why I’m your best friend. I can shake you up sometimes.” She waggles her eyebrows and shimmies in her seat.
I giggle and shake my head. “You’re ridiculous, but you’re right.”
“I know.” She swipes her shoulder arrogantly.
My laughter gets caught in my throat when I notice a patrol car driving down the street. I wonder if that’s Nate or one of his colleagues. My belly flips at the thought of him coming in here during a break and getting another glimpse of him.
Do I seriously have a crush on the new guy in town who is also my student’s uncle?
Crushes are so seventh grade.
Chapter 5
Lizzy
Iclutchthepaperin my hand and take a deep breath before pulling open the door to the station. I hope to all that’s holy that I find another deputy that isnotNate. I know for a fact that more people work here.