Page 93 of Call it Reckless

“She’s so sweet. But I don’t want to ruin this for her. Maybe I should just stay in the back, or better yet, stay home.”

Reid pulled back, frowning at me. “That doesn’t sound like you. Where’s my fighter?”

“I know how this town works. Word has already spread to a tri-county area. The farther away, the worse the rumor. Do you know someone stopped me a few days ago to ask if it was true that I was really running a gambling casino in a hidden room at the back of the garage? Nora and Trin are doing a hell of a job spreading rumors.”

Reid chuckled but quickly stopped when he saw the distress on my face. He brushed my hair back from where it had fallen into my eyes. “Most folks know they’re just ridiculous. And when they go back to seeing what bad service they’re getting from Tanner’s, they’ll come racing back to you. You have to give them time.”

“It’s not just me I’m worried about.” It wasn’t fair to Paige. It wasn’t fair to Lexi. And it wasn’t fair to Reid.

“I know what some people said about you,” I told him.

His eyes shuttered like they did when he didn’t want to talk about work. “Don’t listen to gossip, Bri.”

“But being with me could hurt your election chances if you decide to run. This town needs you as sheriff. And if standing by me hurts your chances, then I can’t allow that.”

“Look. I love that you’re trying to look out for us, but I know this town, too. People aren’t so simple-minded here that they can’t listen to reason. And the election is a long way off. Lots can happen by then. So, no. No hiding in the background.”

Sure, there were plenty who didn’t buy into the accusation that it was my mistake that caused Mrs. Smith’s car problem. But there were more that wanted to believe the worst. To some, I only returned to Sterling Mill when I had no other options, not because I wanted to be here. I couldn’t even argue that.

I was used to having to fight against prejudices. It had never been easy entering a field dominated by men. It was easy for many to believe I’d made a mistake.

But I’d never fought something so invisible before. Reid had tried to convince the new interim sheriff to have all the vehicles serviced at Head to Tow, but Monroe Sinclair had dug his heels in and refused to even let me offer a quote.

“You’re right. I just want to make sure Lex’s party is the best ever.”

“Then you be there, because I guarantee, if you’re not, it won’t be the best. She adores you, Bristol. Almost as much as I do.”

My cell rang, interrupting the moment.

“Bristol. I’m so glad I caught you.” Em’s voice came through the phone as if she were panting.

“What’s wrong? Is it the baby?” I started searching for my keys so I could get to her. Reid also reached for his jacket.

“No, no. Nothing like that. I’m fine, the baby’s fine, everyone is fine.”

I stood still. “Then what’s wrong? Why do you sound like you’ve run a marathon?”

I heard her breathe in deeply and then let it out. “Richard Bowen asked Zach if we could take care of Sterling this week while he takes a short vacation to visit his brother. You know how much Sterling likes Zach. It’s too much for us to constantly drive over there, plus we all know Sterling likes company. So, we offered to keep him here.”

I snickered, remembering the story she’d told me of how Sterling had made quite a show at Zach’s first town hall meeting when Zach’s name was mentioned.

“That’s been fun, I’m sure.”

“It was…for the first day or two.” Em’s voice was definitely exasperated. “We love Sterling, but…”

“But?”

“He’s been doing great with everyone, especially Zach, of course. And honestly, he’s been a huge hit with the guests. But you know how mischievous he can get. So, while it’s great during the day, it’s been awful when we bring him home in the evening. He gets along fine with Milo, but Callie, our cat…well, not so much.”

“What happened?”

“Sterling quickly learned how to mimic the sound of the can opener, which brings Callie running. Of course, there’s no food. Then Sterling sits in his cage and laughs. Honestly, it’s getting on our nerves. Since we know Sterling loves you and loves dogs, do you think you could give it a try and take him?”

I laughed and glanced at Reid, who was watching with interest. “Sure. I’ll take Sterling and see how it goes. Hopefully, he and Buddy will get along well.”

“Thank you,” Em said, relief evident in her voice. “Just don’t put him on any more ballots or teach him any bad words.”

“Why does everyone think I’m a bad influence on Sterling?” I asked in my most innocent voice.

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