His eyes light up at the mention of the class and he starts going on and on about all the things he hopes they’ll do. Thank God.
Since I couldn’t get him from Gloria’s until late today, by the time we finish dinner it’s time to get ready for bed. He goes through his normal routine that he’s learned so well he doesn’t need much help from me anymore, and then climbs into bed before handing me the same book about a boy whose best friendis a dragon that he’s had me read every night for a week. I think I’m getting to the point where I can recite it by heart.
He falls asleep by the time we’re halfway through and I take a minute to just watch him. I never could have guessed in a million years that I would end up with Oliver, but there’s something that just feels right. Like he was always meant to be here with me. I may feel lost some of—okay most of—the time but we’re figuring things out together.
If my sister could see us, I hope she would be proud. There’s a lot of resentment inside me about how she left Oliver and the circumstances of her death, but I know deep down she was a person in an immense amount of pain and I wish I could have been there for her. I know that through my work I’ve tried to save young women and get them out of bad situations again and again. Some of the time it worked and others, like the reason I finally decided to leave the LAPD, failed spectacularly. I just hope that if Molly could see us together, she would be happy. I lean forward and give Oliver a kiss on his forehead before switching his new night light on and move the door until it’s open just a crack.
The couch creaks just the tiniest bit as I flop down onto it, exhausted from my long day. I flip on ESPN, not even registering what’s on. I don’t plan on watching, I just want some background noise. Taking a sip of my fresh beer I let my mind drift and of course it lands on my spitfire of a neighbor.
I was thinking about asking her out on an actual date, especially after our night together. There’s no denying that we have amazing physical chemistry. Hell, even when we’re arguing you can feel the sparks flying. I was going to talk to her about it in the morning, but when I woke up the spot in the bed next to me was cold and empty. She’d slipped away at some point while I slept. If she was actually interested in me, she would have stayed, right? It’s not like I forced her out of the house. Hell, shewas ready to make a run for it as soon as we were finished. I had to drag her back to bed for a few more moments of her time.
I’m not interested in chasing someone who doesn’t want to be caught and I have a feeling that fits Bianca to a T. Maybe it’s for the best, it’s not just me I have to worry about. There’s Oliver too. Unfortunately, he already seems overly attached to her so I’m not sure it matters if we’re dating or not. She’s just so young and let’s not forget how reckless she is. It’s probably best that we just stay distant neighbors and forget about that one amazing night together. Never mind that I can’t stop thinking about how it felt to be inside her while she made those little whining noises that drove me crazy.
Fuck, and now I’m hard.
I shouldn’t be surprised, just the thought of her has been able to get my cock to stand at attention since the moment we met. The other night she was like every fantasy I’d ever had all rolled up into one. It was hands down the best sex of my life. Would I like a repeat performance? Of fucking course. But it isn’t just a physical thing. At least not for me. We may fight like cats and dogs, but I like her. There’s a connection between us.
Which leads me to my current dilemma. I want to see her, speak to her, but it feels like she’s been avoiding me. Again. Now that I know it’s her birthday, it couldn’t hurt to send a quick happy birthday text, right? She’d probably see through that right away, plus she’s obviously out partying with friends. Then again, who is she out with? Is she with a guy? What if she meets someone when she’s out? That thought sends a wave of jealousy coursing through my veins and I don’t like it at all. I’ve never been a jealous person before, but apparently Bianca brings out that side of me.
I run my fingers through my hair. I sound fucking ridiculous, like some kind of fifteen-year-old-girl with her first crush. I need to just man the fuck up and message her. If she’s busy shedoesn’t have to answer. Besides, it’s just polite to wish someone happy birthday.
I pull her contact up on my phone and stare at the blank screen. Should I just say “Happy Birthday” or should I write out a longer personal message? After I’ve written and deleted four different texts, I roll my eyes at myself and just type out a quick “Happy Birthday Sparky” and hit send before I can change my mind. She can answer me or not, it’s no big deal.
I try to watch the replay of today’s baseball game but end up glancing down at my phone every fifteen seconds, so I toss it away from me to the other end of the couch. I refuse to be this pathetic. Which I immediately backtrack on when my phone buzzes and I dive across the cushions like I’m trying to escape a bomb.
Bianca:How’d you know?
Me:Oliver said he needed to get you a present.
I give up all pretense of watching the game and stare at the phone, waiting to see if she’ll say something else. Maybe I should have asked her a question to keep the conversation going? Then again, she is at a party. I can’t really expect her to be paying attention to her phone.
Bianca:Thats sveet of him. He doesnt have toget me anything
I look at the message for a second. I’ve never texted with her before so maybe this is the normal kind of message she sends? Somehow, I doubt it.
Me:How much have you had to drink tonight?
Bianca:Lots! Dont worry offiver im not driving.
I let out a groan. Goddamn it. Why does this girl bring out every protective instinct in my body. I’m sure she’s fine. She already told me she wasn’t driving and it’s really none of my business how much she drinks anyway. I should just put the phone down and get ready for bed. Yeah, that’s what Ishoulddo.
Me:Where are you?
The time between her replies is setting me on edge.
Bianca:At my birtheday party. It’s my birthday.
Me:I know. Are you somewhere safe? How are you getting home?
Bianca:I’m perfectly safe. Ill either stahy here or catch a lyft home.
Shit. I’d go pick her up, but Oliver is asleep and she still hasn’t told me where she is. At least she’s not driving but I don’t like the idea of her getting a ride home from a stranger. Sure, most of the time those rideshare services are safe, but that’s not always the case. I’ve seen it happen before.
Me:Don’t get in a car with someone you don’t know Bianca.
Bianca:uh oh detective dickwad is back
Uhhh is that what she’s been calling me? I don’t know whether to be pissed or laugh. Since she doesn’t seem to be listening to me about her safetyagainI’m leaning towards pissed.