“You don’t like me. Everyone knows you don’t. I want to know why before I am to choose whether or not I want to work with you indefinitely.”
The tension in the room was as thick as the fog that descended over the reservoir in the early mornings.
I took a breath. Honesty was always the way to go. “Okay, you’re right, I don’t like you. And I know you don’t like me, but you’re not the one being asked why.”
She smirked and tilted her head.
“From day one you hated me because I broke some stupid training record. I guess it was just a bad first impression.”
“That’s not true. You don’t like me because you love Luke and I’m dating him. It’s jealousy, just say it.”
Her outburst took everyone aback. All eyes were wide.
“I’m dating someone else, Nikki. Luke and I are in the past. And that has nothing to do with our working relationship.”
All of the men looked down at the table in front of them.
“I would, however,” I continued, “like to ask you for your help if I am hired on as a full-time ranger.”
“Help with what?” she spat.
“Help with the boat. You’re exceptionally good at maneuvering it, and I have a lot to learn.” Kill her with kindness as my mother would say. “If you had some extra time, I’d love for you to teach me what you know.” Especially since I wasn’t a complete and total loser at driving the boat now.
Nikki let out a grunt. “We’ll see.”
“If that’s all?” Ursula interrupted. All the heads bobbed minus Nikki’s, which was now looking down at her hands. “We’ll let you know what we decide.”
I took that as my opportunity to leave. “Thank you for your consideration,” I said before walking out of the room.
27
Garrett showed up on my parents’ doorstep promptly at 6:00 that evening. We were going to have supper with them and then head out to the bar for the season-end party.
“You look beautiful,” Garrett said holding a massive bouquet of summer flowers.
I had on a floral maxi skirt and a pink tank with a jean jacket over top. Fall had finally settled in and required more clothing in the evenings.
“These are for your mother,” he said.
“Oh they’re beautiful, thank you,” Mom said from behind us. “Come in, come in.”
She ushered him into the dining room where my entire family sat their eyes wide. It had to be especially difficult for them to differentiate him from Derrick who was plastered on the television every night for the murder of Boy Boy.
“This is Garrett Henry,” I said and introduced him to everyone.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Your daughter is an absolute joy.” He squeezed my hand, and we took our seats at the table.
“I’m sorry to hear about your brother,” Tom, Megan’s husband, said.
“Thank you.” Garrett smiled. “But he’s getting what he deserves. I love him—he’s my twin—but after all his lies, I can’t bring myself to protect him anymore.”
The night after Derrick was taken into custody we’d talked for hours. He explained why he hadn’t just told me about his brother—that he was afraid at first that I’d fall for Derrick over him since Derrick was more charismatic. Then he thought Derrick had skipped town and didn’t want to let on that he knew about Derrick’s involvement with Boy Boy’s gang. He and the police—Luke especially—had been working closely to catch Derrick.
“Rylie tells us you like the Broncos,” Dad said. “You know it’s our favorite team.”
“I do. Rylie has recently enlightened me on the intricacies of football. I see many games in our future. I could probably even swing tickets for all of you to join us at a game.”
This was met with various thank-yous and words of excitement. All of the earlier tension about Derrick melted away.
“You were amazing with my family,” I said as we pulled into the bar where we were having the season-end party.
“Your family is amazing. You’re lucky to have them.”
“I truly am.” My insides warmed. “How’s Helen doing?”
“She’s back in Florida. All the excitement here was a bit overwhelming and she had to retreat to her quiet place.”
“I hope to see her again. She was flawless under pressure. You should have seen her boldface lie to that killer lady.”
“She had to deal with my brothers and me growing up. She’s always been pretty tough.”
“Speaking of your brothers, how is Derrick?” I asked. We hadn’t talked about the subject much because I hadn’t wanted to pour salt into a wound.
“He’s doing okay. Even though I know it’s right that he’s behind bars, I still have a hard time with the fact that I couldn’t help him.”
This was not completely true. Garrett was paying his big-name attorney to defend his brother in hopes he’d get a reduced conviction due to his taking down a notorious gang member.
I squeezed his arm. “You’re a good brother, you know that?”
He smiled and gave me a quick kiss. “Thank you.”
We walked into the bar hand-in-hand, and Shayla waved. Seamus had his arm proudly around her neck, and she was downright beaming.
“I got in!” she said as I approached.
“Oh my goodness, that’s amazing.” I hugged her tight. The reservoir wouldn’t be the same without her, but we’d stay in touch.
“So did I,” Brock said.
“Wow, congratulations,” I said trying to hide my lack of enthusiasm.
“And we’re expecting a baby,” Brock said rubbing Bella’s completely flat stomach.
“Brock, you weren’t supposed to tell anyone yet,” Bella said. “We’re only six weeks along.”
“Sorry sweetie, I’m just so excited,” Brock was glowing more than Shayla and Bella put together. I couldn’t help but smile for him.
The other rangers, minus Nikki, sat around watching and sipping their beer.
Garrett pulled out a stool for me and helped me sit before taking the seat next to me. Several of the guys’ eyebrows raised, but they said nothing. They could take notes on how to treat a lady. Antonio looked awkwardly away, trying not to make eye contact.
“Oh,
