Page 19 of Shelter for Shay
“Didn’t answer the hot question.” Becca cocked her head.
“He’s not bad on the eyes,” Shay admitted. Her mouth defied her and she smiled.
“While you’re grinning, it sounds like there’s a but there.”
“It is weird having someone like him around. Sometimes he’s quite chatty and open. Other times he barely talks. But mostly, it’s like he sees straight through you.”
Becca gave a knowing smile. “That sounds dangerous.Criminal Mindsdangerous.”
“Oh my God. You need to stop watching that crap. Moose is a Navy SEAL. He’s a decent man who had a troubled childhood. He’s not going to go all Ted Bundy on me,” Shay said quickly,then hesitated. “I can’t think straight and having him there doesn’t help. He and my mom have a weird bond. I’m used to people telling me how great she is and how much she helped them. But this is next level. And then there’s how he’s always just there, helping before I even ask. It’s weird.”
“You’ve never been good at asking for anything,” Becca said gently. “And I can’t believe I’m going to say this… don’t shut the door if he’s someone who makes things feel less heavy. You deserve some light in all of this.”
Shay looked out the window, past the flicker of the Blue Moon’s patio lights, toward the quiet lake beyond. A man stood on one of the docks. He looked out of place in his freshly pressed dark suit with his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the post, staring at the patio.
“I’m not sure I even know what light looks like anymore,” she said, squinting, trying to get a better look. But then the man pushed from the post and strolled up the dock and disappeared around the corner. For some strange reason, Shay felt as though the man had been watching… her.
But she chalked that up to the conversation.
“Well,” Becca said, reaching for her wine again. “Maybe start by watching how you look at him.”
“I’m not interested,” Shay said.
“Your red cheeks say otherwise.” Becca lifted her wine, sipped, and smiled like she’d just won a million dollars. She was the kind of person who believed in love. Believed in happily ever after. Believed that everything worked out in the end.
For her, all that was true.
“Only because I’m frustrated.” Shay fiddled with her wineglass. “A man is the last thing I need right now.”
“A distraction from all this is exactly what you need.”
Before Shay could say anything, the main door opened, letting in a gust of cool air and a tall figure in a tan jacket.
Andy Harmon, Lake George State Trooper, old friend, and local fixture, stepped inside. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on their table almost immediately. “Well, well,” he said, strolling over with a smile. “If it isn’t trouble and her shadow.”
Becca laughed. “I haven’t been trouble in years.”
Shay stood and offered a quick hug. “Hey, Andy. You on patrol or just hunting down overpriced wine?”
“Bit of both as my mom sent me to bring her home dinner. Dad’s working late again, and my little brother is flunking like everything,” he said, tipping his head. “How’s your mom doing? I’ve been meaning to stop by. My folks have a basket for you.”
“She’s… holding on,” Shay said. Her throat tightened, but she forced a small smile. “Some days are better than others, but the doctor said the end is days, or at best, a week or so away.” She saw no reason to lie to Andy. His family were old friends, staples in the community, and they deserved the truth. Not some sugarcoated version of it.
Andy’s smile faded. “I’m sorry, kiddo. She’s always been one of the good ones. She really helped me and my family.”
“Yeah,” Shay said softly. “She touched a lot of lives.”
Andy glanced between them. “You girls having a good time?”
“Trying,” Becca said. “Between toddler stories and murder trial theories.”
“Speaking of catching up,” Andy said, turning his attention to Shay again. “I heard Moose Rhoades is in town.”
Shay blinked. “How do you know that?”
“Lake George has eyes,” Andy said with a grin. “Tell him to give me a call. I’d love the chance to say hello.”
“I’ll give him the message.” Shay nodded.
