Unexpected Love (Jo's Story)

by Nikki Williams

  “Well that makes me feel a lot better. I am glad that you can have a fun time with me.” He laughs, “Well they just opened the doors time for me to get back to work. See you soon.”

  “Can’t wait!”

  “Me either,” he hangs up.

  “JO!” Annie’s mouth is hanging open.

  “What?” I set my phone down next to my plate.

  “You like him like him,” she laughed.

  “What does that mean?”

  “That means you are head over heels for him. I hope he is looking for something serious because if he hurts you I will have to kick his ass. I don’t care how cute it is.”

  “Annie, I am sure that right now we are not thinking long term. I mean he is going to be pretty busy for the next few months.”

  “Yeah I guess. So what are you thinking will come out of this?”

  I look at her with my mouth full, “what do you mean?” I manage to get out.

  “Do you want long term?”

  I just about choke, “We just had our first date last night, come on Annie.”

  “But you like him, so you want something to come of it.”

  “I want to take it one day at a time is what I want. And I want you to calm down about it. We are not telling anyone! You and Michael are the only ones that know, at least on my end. I'm sure it’s not a big deal for him to be dating someone so he may have told people, but I am not ready to say anything yet. Especially him being, well him.”

  “Ok, I won’t say anything, but I hope you don’t keep it secret long.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Michael and I are hoping to have a party for our birthdays next month and that would be awesome if you could bring him if you are still seeing each other.”

  I look at her. “Next month already?”

  She laughs, “Yes, next month. I know this time of year gets crazy for you, but I want you to come this year. We already decided on the third weekend in September so it won’t be the same weekend as Jarrod’s memorial.”

  “Can you believe it has been two years already?”

  “Jo, you’re doing great. You have been great with the girls and you know what, it can only get better.” I smile at her, for the first time in a long time I think she is right. Things are finally starting to get better. Maybe Bobby is right, and maybe Jarrod is up there cheering me on. Sounds stupid but I could see him doing that. “So you said Bobby was at the cemetery? What did he have to say?”

  I laugh, “It’s like you’re reading my mind. I was just thinking about that. He told me that he thinks that Jarrod would be one to be cheering me on right now.”

  Annie smiles, “I agree. I think he would be ecstatic for you right now.”

  I smile and look at my phone. “Holy crap its 10:30 already,” I take my last bite of omelet.

  “Yeah, time flies when you’re having fun,” she laughs. “So what are you doing for dinner?”

  “I'm not sure; Jake is picking me up for lunch and taking me someplace so I am kind of at his mercy tonight.”

  She laughs, “Where is he taking you?”

  “Not sure, he won’t tell me anything. I do know it isn’t someplace public because he knows I don’t want it public yet.”

  “Maybe we could do a double date kind of thing for dinner? At our place or yours. I would like to get to know him a little more. He is dating my best friend.”

  “I can talk to him when he picks me up and let you know.”

  “Perfect. Well, I really should get back home. Michael’s dad was at the house working on the bathroom when I left and I should see how far they got.”

  “Sounds good, and I am going to head back to the station and talk to Chief.” I stand up and start out behind her. I get to my car and wave good bye. I get in and start toward the station. I notice that Ryan’s car is gone when I get there. I walk into the station and first go to HR and drop off my paper that I signed. There is no one there so I leave it on the desk. Then I head down the hall to Chief’s office. I knock when I get there.

  “Come in,” I hear him say. I take a deep breath and open the door. “Jo? What are you doing back?”

  “I forgot to leave my paper with HR so I brought it back and I decided while I was here I wanted to talk to you about my conversation with Ryan earlier.”

  “Ok, have a seat,” he points to the chair across from him. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Do you agree with what he said?”

  He shakes his head, “Jo, if I had a problem with your performance I would have told you. You of all people should know that. We have worked together for seven years now and you know how I operate. You are one of the best detectives I have, which is why I gave you the lead position. You know better than anyone on this squad if I didn’t think you were doing your job, you wouldn’t be here. I think you still have your edge, unlike what Ryan claims, I just think you are a lot more safe then the rest of the crew. I think that makes you a more aware and stronger detective. You went through hell and back the last two years and I know that, so does everyone else in this building. I'm not sure why Ryan said what he did, but let me tell you, I will not have someone talk down to someone else like that. Especially considering he is supposed to be your partner in this environment. I will not lose you over something like this Jo. You are too good at your job.” He pulls out his calendar. “What are you doing Monday afternoon? Say like 2:00?”

  “Not sure, I can’t think of anything off the top of my head.”

  “Ok, good. I am sending an email to your team. We are having a meeting 2:00 here in the board room. We are going to get some things straight and you are going to get your team in order. Up until this point I had considered you and Ryan to be pretty equal as far as managing your team but he just proved to me that he cannot handle working like that. He needs to have a superior other than me. If you want to promote someone to take over his position that is fine. But do me a favor and think long and hard, because if you need to replace him with someone that you trust then I approve. I know how hard it is to work with someone that you don’t trust, and that is no way to work.”

  “I will think about it.”

  “Jo, do something for me, don’t doubt my confidence in you to run this division. I know you can do it. Before you know it you are going to be taking my job,” he jokes. He stands up and walks around his desk. “I will see you Monday, if you have to bring the girls not a big deal I'm sure Turner can run them around for a while,” he laughs.

  I stand up, “Sounds good, see you then.” I walk out of the station and back to my car. I look at the clock when I start the car. It is 11:15. I better get home and changed or I am going to lunch looking like this. Not that Jake would mind but I would like to look a little better. I don’t think the pink dress is clean but I bet I can find something else to wear. I pull into my driveway and park in the garage. I close the garage door on my way into the house and go right up to my bedroom. I open my closet and then remember that I haven’t had time to put anything away yet. Ok, I go to the pile of dresses. I have my light purple sundress that is a cute one. I see my favorite dress on the bottom. It is a light blue ombre dress. I run to the bathroom and change into it quickly. I grab the black pumps that Annie wore Thursday night and put them on. I let my hair out of the pony tail that was holding it out of my face. I need a haircut I can tell that much, maybe some color too. I do my side braid and touch up my make up a little bit. Just as I am putting on some lip gloss I hear a knock at the door. I walk down the steps and see that Jake has parked in my driveway this time. I open the door and can tell that he just got out of the shower not too long ago, and he smells so good.

  “Hey,” he smiles that smile at me.

  “Hi,” I say back. “Getting brave parking in the drive way I see?”

  “I figured I was just picking you up no harm in parking there.”

  I smile, “Yeah, I guess. I just have to grab my purse and I'm ready to go,” I turn and walk to the kitchen table.

&n
bsp; “Hey Jo, who owns a blue minivan?”

  “Shit! My mom!” I get back to the door just in time to see my mom park the van and stare at me from her seat. “I hope you are ready to see me super embarrassed because she is going to do a good job. And she might recognize you.” I see my mom open her door and start toward me. The grin on her face is ridiculous. “Hey mom, I didn’t expect you.”

  “Clearly,” she looks at me then stares at Jake. “I didn’t know you were seeing someone.”

  I laugh at her gawking. “Mom, this is Jake. Jake, this is my mom Cindy.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Jake puts his hand out for my mom to shake.

  “Jake huh? You look very familiar. Have I met you before?”

  I laugh at her and she gives me a dirty look. “Mom, Jackson Adams.”

  She looks at me not knowing exactly what I am saying then it’s like a switch comes on, and she realizes who he is. “THE Jackson Adams?!?”

  “The one and only,” he smiles at her. I see that heart stopping smile work on her too. She turns and looks at me.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating someone?”

  “Well probably because this is only our second date mom,” I try to get her to be quiet before she embarrasses both of us. “Why did you stop by anyway?”

  She seems to snap out of it when I ask her, “Oh, yeah, Abby forgot her baby at Noni’s house and Noni said she thinks you grabbed it and brought it home.”

  “Oh, yeah I'm sure it is in her room.” I turn and head back to the house. When I come back down from Abby’s room I see my mom and Jake standing outside talking. This cannot be good. I hand my mom Abby’s baby and look at her. “So what are you talking about?”

  “Nothing really,” Jake smiles at me. “Your mom was just telling me about the girls.”

  “They will be excited to know that you have met someone new,” my mom smiles at me.

  “Mom, I need to talk to you, in the house,” I grab her arm and pull her in a panic. “Jake, I will be there in a minute why don’t you wait in the car.” He shakes his head and starts to his car. “You cannot say anything to anyone mom! We just started seeing each other and I don’t need this getting out yet.”

  “Why on earth not Jo? This man is amazing; you know the first thing he asked me when you were out of ear shot? How I think the girls will handle you dating someone new because of what happened with their dad? He cares about you and you are trying to hide him?”

  “I'm not trying to hide him mom, it’s not going to be as easy as “hey look at the cute couple”. He is one of the most famous guys in Maryland and I'm sure it is not going to be back page news that he is dating a local girl.”

  “I'm sorry sweetie, I just want you to be happy and you look like you are. So this is really only your second date?”

  “Mom, I don’t have time to talk about this right now, he is taking me to lunch. I will talk to you more tomorrow when I pick the girls up.” I walk to the front door.

  “Alright, I get it, you want to be alone with him,” she teases me.

  “Mom, just please stop. Don’t make this out to be more than it is. I don’t know where this is going. I mean he is a football player and won’t be around much for the new few months. I just want to take it day by day.”

  “Alright sweetie, I get it. I will keep my mouth shut. I'm sorry, it’s just a shock for me to see you with someone. But he is a good someone, I mean look at him,” she glances toward his car. I see that he is on his phone. I smile.

  “He’s a normal guy who has a good paying job,” I tell her.

  “What?”

  “Nothing,” I laugh a little. “I will see you tomorrow afternoon,” I shut the front door and make sure it is locked and give her a hug. I follow her past Jake’s car and walk around to the passenger side and open the door to get in.

  “All set?” He asks as I sit down next to him.

  “Yeah I'm ready,” I look over at him. “So what did my mom say about the girls?”

  He smiles, “Just how she thinks they will be excited to meet me. If that ever happens,” he glances at me.

  “Jake, I don’t want to rush this.” I look at him. I notice that he frowns a little. “Which is obviously not the answer you were looking for.” I watch out my window as he drives. I feel my heart sink a little by making him upset.

  “Jo, it’s not that I'm looking for any answers right now. Trust me I know we need to take this slow, but you don’t understand when I tell you that I have never felt like this toward someone before. It scares me not to know what you want and what you are looking for.”

  “I don’t even know what I want or what I am looking for. So I don’t know how to tell you.” I keep looking out the window.

  “Tell me what made your morning crappy, let’s start with that?” He grabs my hand.

  “Oh, yeah, my crappy morning. Well it will be getting better come Monday.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I am getting total control of my division. Ryan said some things to me this morning that will not be overlooked by my chief and let’s just say that his future now lies in my hands. I have to decide if I trust him enough anymore to allow him to be the next person down from me or if I find a replacement for him.”

  “What did he do?”

  “Told me that I couldn’t do my job anymore. Basically told me that I have played it too safe to be in the position that I am.”

  “But you’re a cop; you’re supposed to be safe aren’t you?”

  “Yes, but he thinks I no longer have the edge to do it. Like Annie pointed out to me earlier, he is lower than me in his position and he thinks that if he can talk me down that maybe he will get the upper hand and get my job.”

  “So what are you going to do?”

  “I'm not sure yet, I was hoping to talk to Annie about it. She knows the history with Ryan and I was hoping she could maybe give me some good outlook on it.”

  “Were you and Ryan friends before you worked together?”

  “No, he started a year after me, but he was always good at his job. We have actually been partners since my second year. That’s why this is so hard for me; I thought he was someone that I could trust. I just don’t understand people like that. I mean why try to undermine someone to make yourself look better?”

  “Man, that sucks,” he kisses the back of my hand. “I hope you can get it figured out without stressing out too much. I thought you had two weeks off?”

  “Yeah, I do. But I stopped in this morning to sign some stuff and he went off on me. So after breakfast I stopped back in and talked to Chief and he told me that we are going to have a meeting Monday at 2:00. So after that my vacation starts, hopefully,” I laugh.

  “Well that’s good. What are you going to do with two weeks off anyway?”

  “Well I was hoping to take the girls to Virginia Beach for maybe a couple days. They start school the Monday I go back to work so this will be our summer end fun.”

  “Wow, they are lucky girls. I bet that will be a fun trip.”

  “Yeah, I'm hoping so. And I think Jarrod’s mom wanted to take them to their cabin for a couple days too so I will have a few days to myself, which is always nice.” I watch out the window and notice that we are slowing down. I see that he pulls up to a gate. “Your place?”

  “I hope that is ok? It was the only place I knew of besides your house that we would be alone.” He puts in a code on the key pad outside his window and the gates open. “We won’t really be alone because I have a chef for lunch but he won’t see us.”

  I smile, “you are so ridiculous it is funny.”

  “What does that mean?” He drives up the long driveway.

  “It means that I am in way over my head with you.”

  He laughs, “Ditto, Ms. Lewis.”

  Chapter Four

  “This is your house?” I am in shock. It looks more like a hotel then a house. “How many people live here?”

  “Just me, I have a maid too, but she does
n’t live here. Only comes during the day when I am gone.”

  “Good lord Jake, my entire family could live comfortably in this house.”

  “Too much?”

  “For me, yes, but you are probably used to this kind of stuff.” I can’t stop staring at the house. It is so beautiful.

  “In all honesty it only has four bedrooms, so it isn’t as big as you think it is.”

  “Yeah four bedrooms, three bathrooms, probably a theater that you watch sports in, I'm sure it has some sort of office, and bar and who knows what else.”

  He looks at me, “I take it you have been in houses like this one?”

  “No, but I have read about them in magazines,” I look at him and smile.

  He smiles and shakes his head. “I’ll give you that one,” he pulls the car into the garage and parks it. He then gets out and comes around to open my door. He holds his hand out to help me out of the car. “By the way, you look amazing, I think I like this dress more than the one you had on Thursday night.”

  I blush almost on cue, it’s like he says that stuff to me to make me blush. “Thanks,” I muster a smile.

  “You’re so adorable when I catch you off guard like that,” he bends down and kisses my cheek.

  “You do that to me on purpose,” I accuse him.

  “It’s possible,” he smirks at me.

  “You’re mean,” I whine.

  He looks at me and shakes his head, “you have it coming, and you are the one that keeps pointing out my magazine like qualities.” He offers me his hand and I take it and follow him into the house. He opens the door and steps in, “welcome to my home.” He smiles at me and shuts the door when I walk in.

  “Jake this is amazing,” I look around. It is even more beautiful inside then outside. “There is no way you did this by yourself.”

  “No, your right I didn’t, my sister is an interior designer and she did it. I just paid for it.”

  “Awe, what a supportive brother to pay for your sister to do work for you,” I laugh at him.

  “You bet anything I can do to help my family. I told you that already.”