Sam laughed. “Slow down. Now if I caught all that you think this officer is gay, you think that she thinks you’re gay and now she’s invited you to the firing range? Tell me again why this is a problem?”
“Sam! It’s a problem because she thinks I’m gay and she probably thinks this is a date. I’m not gay and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.” Stacy said emphatically.
“Stacy seriously; gay people can be just friends with straight people you know! Maybe she does think you are, so just let her know you’re not and hang out. I doubt you will hurt her ego, she’s a cop after all.” Sam giggled.
“Stop laughing at me Sam. I’m serious. I don’t want to be mean and of course I know a gay person can be just friends with a straight person.” Stacy said in a frustrated tone.
“Listen Stacy, why are you so worried about it? Just be honest with her and if all she’s looking for is a booty call, then you haven’t lost anything right? You may end up with a friend out of it and that’s what you want right?” Sam said sincerely.
“Okay, I’ll do that. Thanks Sam.” Stacy hung up the phone and looked at the paper again. She noticed that Officer Cash had written her phone number at the bottom of it. “Well here goes nothing.”
She picked up her phone and typed out a text This is CSI Evans. I received your summons and I can meet you on Saturday. We need to clear up a few things though; I don’t want you getting the wrong impression of me. She hit the send button, laid her phone on the counter and went about making some dinner. She found herself glancing at it frequently, but no reply came.
Several hours passed and she began to feel silly. This is stupid, I’m going to bed. She either answers or she doesn’t. Maybe she’s working tonight and is busy. She watched TV as she tried to go to sleep, but sleep wouldn’t come. It was after midnight when she decided to throw on some sweats and run to the local 24-hour market to find some ice cream.
She was walking back up to her apartment from the car when she realized someone was leaning against the side of the building in the shadows. She glanced around and saw no one else outside. Damnit, I wish I had my sidearm now! She turned and walked back to her car, got in and locked the doors. I’ll just wait a few minutes and see if they leave. Just then, a man walked down the sidewalk and the person in the shadows stepped out and they embraced. Great, I’m paranoid. No, not paranoid, aware of your surroundings.
She stepped out of her car and jumped as she heard a voice behind her. “Are you always out this late?” It was a familiar voice. Shit, why does she keep me off balance?
She turned around slowly, expecting to see that cocky smirk on the officer’s face, but instead saw exhaustion and stress. “No, I’m not unless I’m working. I couldn’t sleep so I went on a late night run for ice cream. When I got back I saw someone standing in the shadows so I got back in the car; turns out he was just meeting up with someone.”
The officer smiled wearily. “That was good thinking, better safe than sorry. I’ll walk you to your door.”
“You don’t need to Officer.. Randy; I can see that you’re exhausted.” Stacy responded with a smile.
“I am, but I don’t think a few more steps will kill me.” Randy motioned for her to walk.
They stopped in front of Stacy’s door. “Thank you, it wasn’t necessary, but thank you.” Stacy said as she unlocked the door and opened it. “Would you like a drink? I don’t have much selection; okay I really only have beer or vodka. You look like you could use one.” She unconsciously reached out and touched Randy’s arm.
Randy slowly looked down at Stacy’s hand on her arm and then back up and her face. Stacy saw the brief change in expression on Randy’s face and carefully removed her hand. Interesting; I wouldn’t have imagined that a simple, innocent touch would make her uneasy. Aren’t cops supposed to be egotistical?
“Thank you, but I’d better get to bed. I had a long day. I hope you get some sleep too.” She said as she turned and headed towards her apartment. Stacy noticed that her shoulders seemed slumped almost in defeat. Well, maybe I’m wrong about her being gay. But then why would she invite me to the range? Oh, like she isn’t just being friendly? Jesus. You’d think I’d be better at this with two sisters that are lesbians.
She closed and locked her door, put the ice cream in the freezer and climbed in bed. The ice cream no longer interested her; instead she wondered what had happened that day to make the self-confident woman seem almost unsure of herself.
Randy leaned against the back of her door, slowly sliding to the floor. She held her head with her hands. The day had been by far the worst of her career. She had been called to some pretty tough scenes and she thought nothing could rattle her anymore. That was until today. Her mind replayed the call. She stood up, walked to her refrigerator and pulled out a beer. Flopping on the couch, she took a long swallow and clicked on the TV. She didn’t really watch the show playing; her mind wandered to her new neighbor. She saw my reaction when she touched me. She probably thinks I’m playing games with
