Glancing at the files scattered on the desk, Grant did not envy his friend's responsibility. Even though the small force pulled their weight, it fell on Mitch's shoulders to make sure the department was well-run. Gazing into Mitch's face, he knew that meant not showing up for patrol with a hangover, no matter how mild.
"I know, I know," Grant said, his chest tight. Seeing Mitch's raised eyebrow, Grant continued, "I drank too much last night, even though I knew I had early morning patrol. I swear Mitch, it wasn't that bad. I've got a headache and confess to not feeling my best, but I'd never show up for patrol unable to perform my duties."
He eyed Mitch while rubbing his slight scruff, wishing once more he had done a better job shaving. Seeing Mitch's mouth curve into a slight smile jolted him back in his seat. "What? What are you grinnin' about?"
Mitch laughed out loud and said, "Jesus, Grant, you're acting so guilty, if I let you keep talking, you'd confess to God knows what!" Mitch sobered as he shook his head. "I know you're sporting a slight hangover, but I also know you'd never put yourself or this town at risk by going out on patrol if you couldn't do the job."
Slumping down further, Grant scowled at his friend. "Then what the hell did you want to talk about?"
"How about the reason you left the engagement party early and headed to the pub in the first place?"
Grant's scowl deepened and he considered denying there had been a reason. One look at Mitch and he knew he could not get away with that. Sighing, he said, "It was just weird seeing her there with a date." Jillian. Shit, why is it even hard to say her name?
"Look, you and my cousin have danced around each other since you were kids … kind of like me and Tori."
Grant pinned Mitch with a stare. "I beg to differ. You fell for Tori when you were eight years old. I, on the other hand, was not in love with Jillian back then."
"Oh no? You didn't tie her shoelaces together when she took a nap on the floor of the playhouse? You didn't chase her with bugs and frogs in elementary school? You didn't beat up Roger in middle school because he was picking on her? You didn't-"
Throwing his hands up in defense, Grant groaned, "Okay, okay. Jesus, I had no idea you were keeping fuckin' score!"
"You're one of my best friends and she's my cousin. Of course I was keeping an eye on you two."
The silence in the room settled over the pair, each lost to their own thoughts for a few minutes. Finally, Mitch said, "I know you care for her. What I don't know is why you keep her at arm's length? When I moved back to town and discovered Tori had moved here also, I couldn't wait to make her mine."
Grant struggled for a moment, trying to find a voice to his thoughts. "Jillian and I aren't like you and Tori." Heaving another sigh, he confessed, "I don't know, Mitch. I … I'm just not the right man for her."
"Okay," Mitch acknowledged, gaining a quick, wide-eyed look from Grant. "Hey," he shrugged, "I didn't say I agreed with your assessment, but if that's how you really feel, then why the drunk-fest when she showed up to a party with someone else?" Leaning forward, his elbows resting on the desk, Mitch continued. "You need to either let her go completely or decide you want to go for her. Either way, sitting on the fence is only hurting both of you."
Grant's gaze jumped to Mitch's pensive face. "She's hurting?"
Shaking his head, Mitch said, "That's for you two to figure out. But for now, go home. Sleep and go for a run. Get the rest of the alcohol out of your system and be back here, clear eyed and ready to go tomorrow. And I'll see you tonight at the meeting."
Standing, Grant knew Mitch had gone easier on him than he deserved. Walking to the door, he looked over his shoulder and nodded. "Thanks, Chief," he called out with a wave before heading out to his jeep, the idea of a hot shower and a nap calling to him. Passing by the coffee shop once more he tried to put thoughts of the beautiful Jillian out of his mind.
Chapter 2
Her dark mood in contrast with her bright, tie-dyed shirt, Jillian slammed the coffee pot down harder than she meant to, causing a few patrons in her shop to look up in surprise. Forcing a smile onto her face, she called out, "Sorry, folks! Don't know my own strength!" Hoping they bought her excuse, she inwardly cursed.
"Do we dare ask what has you in such a snit?"
Jillian tossed her long, blonde braid over her shoulder, recognizing the voice before turning around. Cutting her eyes to the side, she watched as her two best friends walked over to the counter.
Katelyn MacFarlane, with her long, black hair, stood in contrast next to Tori Bradford whose reddish-blonde tresses hung down her back. For a second, Jillian was reminded of the Barbie dolls that the three used to play with when they were children. Each had one that looked like them and their dolls would mimic their friendship and adventures.