Page 158 of Coff

Fox

“Hey! Glad you made it!”Peaches says as I walk into the bar.

“Yeah, I might not stick around long if Julia brings her boyfriend.”

Detective Julia McNamara. She’s someone we rely on quite a bit in our security business and also the woman I’ve been fawning after for as long as I can remember. Last year, I finally got the courage to ask her out, but right before I did, she introduced me to her boyfriend.

I was too late. And she’s been dating the asshole ever since. I shouldn’t say asshole. Honestly, I don’t really know him. And I don’t want to.

“Well, she’s here by herself right now.” Peaches nods toward the back of the room where Julia stands with Rover and Coff.

My eyes catch hers, and she waves. I wave back.

“Here.” Peaches hands me a shot. “I’m buying a round of shots.”

I take it and frown. “Are you trying to get everyone drunk?”

He laughs. “One shot? No. This is just my way of welcoming Coff to MTS.”

Even though Coff has been working at Morgan Thompson Security for several months, we couldn’t have a welcome party for him due to his circumstances until now.

“Thanks.” I drink it and set the empty glass on the bar. Then I follow Peaches as he walks to where some of our guys are.

He gives each a shot. “Welcome aboard, Coff.”

Coff’s eyes dart around. “Thanks.”

He’s still nervous despite getting the all-clear from his brother. I don’t blame him. It’s in our nature.

Rover slaps his back. “Don’t worry, we won’t get too rowdy and draw attention.”

Coff’s focus goes to Rover.

“We all know you’re still nervous. It’s understandable.”

Julia laughs. “If you don’t want rowdy, I better warn Dan when he shows up then.”

“Who’s Dan?” Coff asks.

“My boyfriend.”

If I have to watch the two of them all lovey-dovey, I’m going to need another drink. I head back to the bar and order a beer and a shot. As I down the shot, someone sits on the stool next to me.

“Hey, it’s Fox, right?”

I turn and look right into Dan’s eyes. So much for avoiding him. “Yeah. Dan, right?”

We met at the police station once, and despite being good friends with Julia, I’ve not run into him since, not that I’ve spent as much time with her since he came into the picture.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asks him.

He points at me. “Whatever beer he has is fine.”

The bartender nods, then leaves to get his drink.

“Which one of you guys knows Julia the best?”

I study him, wondering why he’s asking. “Depends on what you mean, I guess?”

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