Page 23 of Red Snow
“Okay, honestly, I was out with Marcus and his girl,” I tell her sincerely, “and seeing them together made me think about you. I’d been drinking, and when people mix alcohol and emotions, an ex gets a text. That’s how it goes all around the world.”
She giggles again, andfuckI miss that giggle.
“I see. But we weren’t supposed to do that, Jarrod,” Stacey goes on, pushing the smile off her face. “You know how it used to go with us. We’d break it off, then text or call, and end up hooking up again. Then the drama comes back and we’re fighting over the same stuff. That’s why we said we’d end it for good this time. You broke the rules.”
I feel hot all over from the anxiety, but I fight through it and maintain my tough exterior.
“I know. I wasn’t really thinking straight. I know that’s a lame excuse, but it’s honest.”
“Were you really that drunk?”
“Umm, I guess. I needed to blow off some steam, so I was feeling good, for sure. Marcus and his girlfriend were just really touchy feely, and it was right in my face. I couldn’t help it.”
“What the hell were they doing that made you think of me when you were surrounded by all that ass in the bar? I know how girls flock to you.”
“I don’t know. It wasn’t really what they were doing that got me, it was how Marcus looked at her. He looked at her the way I remember looking at you when we were first getting together.”
She exhales like she’s trying to ease tension within herself before speaking again.
“That’s sweet,” she says before catching herself. “Of him, I mean. That’s sweet that he looks at her like that. How long have they been together?”
“I don’t know, but it seems like it’s been a while. They seemed legit to me.”
“Aww, that’s so good. I’m happy for him,” she says. Marcus and Stacey were always good friends while we were dating. “Will you tell him I said hello?”
“Of course I will,” I reply. “But what’s been going on with you? How’s school?”
“Hard,” she replies, shaking her head. “That’s where I’m coming from, actually. It’s becoming a lot to handle, dealing with the restaurant and going to class almost every night. I might have to really back off of the restaurant so I can keep up with my classes.”
“Well, that’s tough trying to manage a Benihana’s and become a nurse at the same time. But you’re the smartest woman I’ve ever met, so I know you can handle it. Once you put your mind to something, you always rock it.”
Our eyes meet and lock onto each other. I want to say more. I want to tell her how dazzling she is and how it doesn’t matter who I hook up with, because she is the standard that nobody can live up to. But I don’t say anything.
“What about you?” she asks after clearing her throat to break the silence. “How’s work?”
My job has always been a sore subject, so I don’t get too in depth on the topic.
“It’s good. Marcus and I are doing really well lately. Just got a big case.”
“The one at Creekside Park Elementary?”
“Yeah. How’d you know about that?”
“They said something about it on the news. No gory details, just that a teacher had been killed. Your boss, Danielle, gave a brief statement.”
“Of course she did,” I say, shaking my head. Leave it to Sergeant Howell to make sure to get a little spotlight on herself before the investigation can even get underway. Ugh.
“I’m sure you and Marcus will do what you always do,” Stacey continues. “You’re the best because of your dedication, so I know you’ll kill it.”
While I take the obvious compliment, I know it’s always a thinly veiled shot at my love for being a detective. It’s that dedication to the job that was the main culprit in splitting us up.
“I appreciate it,” I say, nodding. “But I don’t like talking about work, so let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we? Are you dating anyone?”
Stacey gasps before laughing out loud. “What? What does that matter?”
“I’m just curious.”
“Why? What about you? I’m sure you weren’t hanging out with Marcus and his girlfriend all by yourself. Areyoudating?”
