Page 115 of His Virgin Romance Series

“He’s the only brother I’ve got,” I said. “And, I haven’t seen him in over two years. I need to correct that now.”

“Being in jail made an impression?”

“More than you know.” I nodded. “I’ll have to travel to New York and…”

“Okay,” Sarge interrupted me.

“Okay?”

“I’ve changed the roster, you can have Sunday and Monday off, and you’ll be reporting back to work on Tuesday for your forty-eight-hour shift.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Sarge. I really appreciate this.”

He nodded and waved me out of his office. I walked back to the day room where Kendrick and Ryan had joined Mel at the table. I sat down beside Ryan and reached for a sandwich, feeling my nerves attack me suddenly.

“Fuck, dude… what happened?” Kendrick asked, looking at me with a frown.

“What?” I asked.

“You look a little pale.”

“Did you see a ghost back there or something?” Kendrick asked.

“Or did Sarge find more drugs stashed away in your locker?” Ryan asked.

I glared at him, and he smiled sheepishly at me. “Too soon?”

“Too soon.” I nodded.

“What’s wrong, Jared?” Mel asked.

“I’m taking two days off—”

“Lucky bastard,” Kendrick interjected.

“To see my brother.”

“I thought your brother was in jail?” Mel asked.

“He is.” I nodded. “I’m going to New York to visit him.”

“Intense,” Ryan said. “Family reunion, huh?”

“You could say that,” I said. “Although I doubt it’s going to be roses and rainbows.”

“Roses and rainbows?” Kendrick said. “What does that mean?”

“Easy,” I sighed. “I doubt it’s going to be easy.”

“Is there anyone you can take for moral support?” Ryan asked.

“Anyone here volunteering?” I teased.

“Hey, I’d be in for a trip to New York, except that we’re working.”

“Don’t worry about me,” I said. “I can handle this on my own.”

But when I was back at home that night, alone in my empty apartment, I wasn’t quite so sure I even wanted to do this alone. Moral support sounded pretty nice, and there was only one person I was that comfortable with. I thought twice about calling Rachel, but in the end, I caved and called her anyway. She answered almost immediately, and I could tell by her tone that she was glad I had called.

---