I knew arguing with my dad wouldn’t get us anywhere. “I’ll be over at the school for a while. You know how to get in touch if you need me.”
Right before I left the room, Pop stopped me. “Hey, Joe?” I glanced over. “It’s probably time to let Shannon go.”
“It’s impossible to let go of something I was never holding in the first place.”
Not waiting for his reply, I left the station and headed to the school before the first bus arrived. The principal expressed his gratitude to all four of us who showed up, discussing what had happened. Most of the students acted as if it were any other day, but some were hesitant and unusually attentive to their surroundings. Those were the ones to whom we made sure to give extra attention. By the time they were entering the building, they felt more at ease.
As the last of the buses arrived, a familiar SUV pulled to a stop in front of me. I took the few steps off the sidewalk to open the passenger door. “Officer Joe! What are you doing here?” Peyton wondered, passing me the rolled up poster board I offered to take.
“I haven’t seen you in a while and wanted to stop by. How’s it going?” Mrs. Anderson smiled her thanks and I waved, shutting the door behind Peyton.
“You thought I was going to be scared, didn’t you?”
“No.” I smiled. “You’re the bravest person I know. You don’t need me.” She adjusted her backpack as we strolled toward the steps. I returned her project once she settled.
“I’ll always need you, Officer Joe.” A friend called her name and she lit up, pausing before running to the girl. “How’s Maddie doing?”
“She’s great.”
“I have a game tonight. You should bring her by. Mom and Dad will be there.”
“Maybe I will. What time do you play?”
“Seven.”
“I’ll try to swing by when I’m done with work.” I didn’t want to promise anything in case something happened with BC.
“Okay. See you later.” She bounced up the steps beside her friend, appearing not worried in the least. As I turned to check on the students getting off the bus, she stopped. “Hey, Officer Joe?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for coming. I felt safe as soon as I saw you.”
“Anytime, Peyton. Have a good day.”
“You, too.” With a wave, she went through the door.
Pop was right. I should be proud. Whether or not I had anything to do with it, Peyton Anderson was a damn good kid and included me in her life. Anyone would be proud of that.
The entire way home from the shore, Lex rambled. Happiness radiated from her with every word, every smile. Even during the few brief moments of silence, I could still feel my little sister beaming in the seat beside me. Despite being beyond excited for her big day, she took the time to enjoy every second leading up to it. They had an amazing future ahead of them and she insisted on living in the moment. How much more could I want for her?
After dropping her off to get ready for work, I drove to my parents’ house. They wouldn’t be home until later in the afternoon. To prevent myself from mulling over my decision to stay away from Joey, I kept busy by taking a shower, washing clothes, and making a small salad for lunch. There was no reason to eat anything more because Mom had left a note saying she’d pick up dinner from one of my favorite pizza places. I had just sat down when the doorbell rang. Slightly irritated someone interrupted my first bite, I dropped the fork on top of the lettuce and headed toward the front of the house.
When I saw Jack standing there, my frustration melted. He had on an old t-shirt and basketball shorts, looking so much like his younger brother, my heart ached. I pushed the door open. “Hey,” I greeted him. Maddie squeezed her way in and snuggled around my legs. I bent over to scratch her head. “What are you guys doing here?” Her fur felt so soft against my skin.
“Sorry for dropping by unannounced,” Jack said, closing the door behind him.
“You’re welcome to surprise me anytime.” Maddie ran down the hall.
He laughed. “She’s a monster, but she’s cute.”
“She’s adorable,” I agreed. “Can I get you something to drink? I was just sitting down to eat lunch. Are you hungry?”
“I’m good. Thanks, though.” He slid a bag off of his shoulder when the crazy puppy returned. Before he even put it down, she stole a toy out of it and bounced around, throwing the knotted rope into the air and catching it. “Joe asked if you’d mind Maddie hanging out with you for a few hours. He said he’d come get her after his shift.” My smile fell. “She was stuck inside at my parents’ house most of the day yesterday. My mom has some showings today, so she won’t be around. I told him I’d pick her up, but I have to get some sleep. He thought maybe you’d appreciate the company.” He noticed my reluctance. “No biggie if you’d rather she didn’t stay–”
“No,” I cut him off. “Of course, it’s fine. I’d love to have her.”
“Are you sure?” Jack seemed skeptical, as if he knew something was wrong.
“Positive.”
“Joe should’ve asked you himself. Don’t let the jerk push you around.”
“Have I ever let Joey push me around?”
He chuckled. “Nope.”
“I think Maddie likes me more anyway.”
“Everyone likes you more, Babycakes.” Jack kissed my cheek as he set down Maddie’s bag. “There are some toys, her leash, and some snacks. Joe will be here before dinner.”
“Got it.”
“’Bye, Maddie.” She came over to him, and Jack ran his hand down her back, reminding her to behave. We talked for a couple more minutes, then he was on his way.
Maddie trotted behind me as I made my way back to the kitchen. Feeling guilty about eating in front of her, I shared my salad, but only after making her promise not to tell Joey. I had a feeling he wouldn’t be too thrilled. With an ideal body shape, bright white teeth, and a shiny coat, there was no doubt he took very good care of her. She was solid muscle from head to toe. The two of them probably spent hours exercising together.
While I finished folding the last of the laundry, Maddie chewed on her bone. Once the clothes were put away, we went out to the backyard. It didn’t take long to realize the area was too small for the overactive puppy. No sooner did she get into a full sprint, she’d have to stop or change direction because of the fence. I only had to ask one time if she wanted to go for a ride. Her ears perked up and she bolted for the house, knowing that was how she’d get to the car.
When I opened the car door, she hopped onto my seat and climbed over to the passenger side, patiently waiting. “Spoiled brat,” I teased. She responded by licking my face as I situated myself. That was when I figured out the reason Joey got her. Simply by being with such a pleasant dog, any sadness and loneliness disintegrated, at least for the moment.
The five minute drive from the house to the dog park seemed like an eternity to Maddie. Whenever the car slowed or pulled to a stop, she stood, plopping down again once it resumed moving. It kept me entertained and laughing the entire way. As I pulled into the lot of the park, she must’ve recognized where we were. Standing, she circled the seat twice, then scrambled into my lap, pressing her wet nose against the window.
“You’ll have to clean that later.” She offered a small bark, her body vigorously shaking from the force of her wagging tail. “Okay, okay.” The door hadn’t fully opened before she flew out. An unexpected fear took control when thoughts of the busy road behind us crashed over me. “Maddie, wait!” Thankfully, she ran toward the gate leading to the large, grassy field. My heart calmed when I caught up to her. Kneeling, I whispered, “Don’t you ever do that again.” Without the slightest worry, she licked her lips in anticipation. “Maybe Jack was right about you being a monster.” Looking into her sweet brown eyes, I knew there’d be no staying upset. “Let’s go,” I mumbled, irritated by how easily I succumbed to her charm.
The second the latch was lifted, Maddie rushed into the park. A co
uple other dogs played in the grass. Maddie was like the kid who had no trouble talking to other children because she instantly ran over, spreading her craziness amongst them. I hung back, watching to make sure they all played well together. When a few moments passed, one of the owners came up to me.
“Your dog’s a party crasher,” he told me with a smile. For an older guy, he was handsome.
“I can’t take the credit. She’s not mine. I’m just watching her for the day.”
“Ah. That explains why I’ve never seen you before.”
“There’s that, and I’m only visiting.”
“An out-of-towner? Interesting. What has you in my neck of the woods? Obviously, no one comes here for the atmosphere.”
I really hoped he wasn’t flirting with me. “A family thing,” I replied, shifting away. “Maddie!” Hearing her name, she stopped what she was doing and glanced at me. “Come.” She sprinted to my side. “Let’s go for a walk. It was nice talking with you.” Before he had an opportunity to respond, we jogged toward the concrete track around the field. Maddie found a stick on our journey that we played with while we walked. I’d toss it ahead, and she’d fetch and return it. When we’d tug with it, she won every time because I didn’t need the splinters it would no doubt embed in my hand. Her frisky growl humored me. Had I not known her, I’d be afraid to come across such a loud dog.
Time slipped away as I lost count of the number of laps we did. When Maddie’s spark faded, I led her to the water station near the gate so she could get a drink. Once she was satisfied, we left the park. She curled into a ball on the passenger seat of my car, rested her head on the center console, and quickly dozed off. Wanting to get her something, I made a stop at the pet store. She barely moved when I got out of the car. I grabbed the leash from the trunk and opened the door on her side. Calmly, she stood up and stretched as I attached the leash. Even though Jack mentioned there were some in her bag, I picked up a box of treats and a toy. Before we left, something drew me down the last aisle. Unable to help myself, I chose a bright pink collar with a bow and silver rhinestones, replacing the boring red one she had. It looked beautiful against her black coat. Maybe Joey wouldn’t notice.
As I tucked Maddie into her seat, a police cruiser stopped behind my car, blocking my exit. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Vince, Joey, or his dad. Recognizing Kevin the second he stepped out, my skin crawled. What could he possibly want? He was at my door before I could get in.
“Just the person I’ve been trying to track down,” he declared. I didn’t appreciate how he examined me. “I went by your house.” He knew where my parents lived? And why did he put his slimy hand on the roof of my pretty car?
“My house is pretty far from here, so I doubt it.” When Maddie barked, he gazed at her, but didn’t say anything. Using the key fob, I opened the window halfway for her. She stuck her head out and calmed down when I touched her fur.
“Your parents place. Whatever.”
“Is there something I can do for you?”
An evil grin formed on his hard face. “There’s plenty you could do for me, but I’d settle for you getting the hell out of town.”
“Excuse me?”
“Go back to wherever you came from. Leave.”
“Do you always treat people this way?”
“Only the nasty whores who try to steal my sister’s boyfriend.”
“Does Pete know how inappropriate you are with visitors of his community?”
“You don’t belong here.”
“You should probably get back to doing your job. I’d hate to call him while he’s working.”
“He’s too busy covering for his incompetent sons to have time for you.”
Not wanting to cause a scene in the middle of the parking lot in front of curious eyes, I kept my mouth shut and motioned for him to step away from my car. “Don’t worry. I’ll be gone as soon as the wedding is over, and you’ll never see me again.”
“For your sake, I hope that’s the case,” he snapped, pounding his fist on my car. It better not have left a dent. “In the meantime, don’t let me find out you’re with Sullivan. It would suck if you never got the chance to leave on your own.” He slowly backed away, his eyes glued to me the whole time. I refused to budge until he pulled away. I sighed, knowing that was yet another thing I’d have to keep from Joey. It shouldn’t be too difficult since distancing myself was what I planned on.
For years, I had to watch over my shoulder. When I first got out of the hospital and went back to class, it became a habit. However, it wasn’t fear causing the action. It was anger, and nothing would’ve pleased me more than running into Donnie just once. Eventually, the sensation faded and left me empty. Driving home from the pet store that afternoon, I continually checked to see if Kevin was anywhere to be found. Something told me we’d be seeing each other again all too soon.
Shortly after Maddie and I got comfortable on the couch, Dad came home. He sat in his favorite chair and asked how our day at the shore was. We chatted for a bit, then he turned on the news. How someone could watch that crap every day was beyond me. Very rarely were there any stories worth hearing. I hated the horrible things people did to others. Cuddling with a bundle of warm fur relaxed me a little too much. The next thing I knew, the smell of pizza woke me. We went into the kitchen and settled at the table. No one had more than a bite or two when the front door opened.
“Maddie?!” Joey’s voice echoed down the hallway. She overlooked the fact we were eating and set off in search of him. “There’s my girl!” he said. “What the fuck?” I counted the number of footsteps until he reached us. Seventeen. “What the hell did you put on my dog?” Mom bit her lip, holding back a smile, and Dad laughed, not hiding anything. While he stood behind me, I kept shoving pizza in my mouth, ignoring him as long as possible. “I know you heard me, BC. I leave my baby girl with you for a few hours and this is what fucking happens?” I stood and turned, instantly forgetting about the plate and glass I intended to get him. He wore his uniform, and he looked damn good in it. “Well?”
“What?” I cleared my throat and casually strolled over to the cabinet.
“Don’t what me! Why the hell is that ugly thing on my dog?!”
“First of all, it’s not ugly. Second, she’s a lady and deserves sparkly things. You know that as well as anyone.” I brought a plate over to the table. “Sit down. Grab a slice.” I gestured at the box.
“Food isn’t going to distract me. Where is her collar?”
“Around her neck,” I replied, returning to my seat. “Eat or don’t eat, but the collar is staying. I should keep her simply for the fact you put something so boring on her.”
“B, where is her other one?” He repeated the question as if I hadn’t heard it the first time.
“In the trash in the pet store parking lot,” I lied. It was in her bag. “You love your new collar, don’t you, Maddie?” She barked and I stuck my tongue out at Joey. For being on my side, I broke off a piece of my crust and gave it to her.
“What are you giving her? She doesn’t eat that shit!”
“Clearly, she does,” I mumbled, rolling my eyes. My parents remained quiet, probably enjoying the entertainment.
“You are so damn lucky I’m hungry.” He tugged the chair out from under the table and sat down. Trying to convince me of his irritation, he flipped open the pizza box, grabbed a slice, then dropped it on his plate.
I got up to get him a beer. Once it was placed in front of him and I resumed eating, I calmly asked, “How was your day?”
“Wonderful…until someone had the balls to corrupt my damn dog.”
Conversation carried on and, eventually, Joey lightened up. Before the night ended, he’d get used to the idea of his little girl sparkling. The hardest part of sitting there was not staring at him. I wondered if the arrogant bastard stayed in his uniform on purpose. Of course he knew he looked good. Women probably told him that quite often.
Once we finished eating, Joey helped
me clean up the mess. “What are your plans for tonight?” he asked as I placed the last glass in the dishwasher.
“Hanging out with my mom and dad, then going to bed early. I’m not sure what made me more tired. Being in the sun yesterday, or taking Maddie to the park today.”
“You took her to the park?”
“Yeah. Was I not supposed to?”
“It’s fine. I didn’t expect you to do that, though. Thanks.”
I shrugged. “We had fun.”
“If I promise not to keep you out late, will you come somewhere with me? I just have to stop by my place to feed Maddie and change.”
“I should stay home with my parents. I haven’t spent much time with them since getting here. Lex has been selfish.”
“It’s okay, dear.” Mom chose the worst possible moment to enter the room. “We’re off tomorrow, remember?” I did, but Joey didn’t know that.
“Perfect. Let’s get going before my dog starts eating the furniture.”
Mom and I exchanged a glance as Joey headed to collect Maddie’s things. “Don’t look at me like that,” she said. “There’s no reason for you to sit home with us when you have a better offer.”
“Who says it’s better?”
“Stop it, Brielle. If you’d rather sit at home with your old parents than go out with a handsome man, there’s something really wrong with you.”
“Handsome, my ass,” I mumbled, leaving the room to change out of my shorts.
When I finally made my way back downstairs, Joey had gone outside to pack Maddie into his SUV. Mom wished us a good time as I waved, walking out the door. It was her damn fault I had to go anywhere in the first place. Joey didn’t close Maddie in until he saw me coming down the driveway, then he opened the passenger door.
“Thanks,” I whispered. That damn Sullivan grin was trouble.
During the drive to his place, Joey explained how he had gone to Peyton’s school and that she asked him to go to her softball game. He thought I’d enjoy watching the girls play. It had been many years since I’d been at the field, so I immediately felt the excitement. There was nothing better than one of my favorite sports on a warm, breezy spring evening.
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