"They were my light through every dark tunnel while I was away. I cherish them."
"I still like the other necklace better." She gives me a knowing smile. A dangerous mixture of naughty innocence. Of course, she’d remember the vibrating wand necklace. Charlotte sighs, the battle in her mind apparent. "I'm getting married in less than two days. We're too late."
I’m not one to back down from a challenge. I chuckle. "Just give me the green light. My motorcycle will be out back if you need a getaway ride."
Mouth ajar, she punches my shoulder, failing to hold back a giggle. "Do I look like a runaway bride to you?"
"Won't know until you try."
We share a laugh, then pause as the air thickens in the silence. She raises her eyebrow. Then so do I. Would she run away with me?
"Kez, I love?—"
"Babe, there you are!" Before Charlotte finishes her sentence, her fiancé approaches. He pulls her to her feet and pecks her lips, grinning as if he’s the happiest man on the planet. "We should see the guests out."
Eli fixes his eyes on me with that Ken-doll grin. “Kezzzzz,” he drags out my name, like a frat boy. “Welcome back. And thank you for your service.” He gives me an appreciative nod while his arms tighten around Charlotte’s waist. “Can't wait to catch up at the wedding. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
My nostrils flare. I want to tell him not to talk to me like we’re friends. We just met. But, remembering that Charlotte loves him, I offer a weak smile. “Sure thing.”
He shifts his attention back to his bride and exaggerates a kiss on her neck. My stomach drops when she giggles and I look away. I can’t watch what feels like kiss number one-hundred and seven.
“Let's get out of here, babe. I’m beat and ready for bed. Later Kez.” Eli takes her hand and they walk off toward the lobby. Meanwhile, I feel like I’m back on the beach. Powerless. I watch the love of my life walk away yet again. The aftermath of my decisions.
Before they turn the corner, I feel it—her stare. I don’t want to look, but I do. I have to. Our gazes lock, and for a moment the world falls away. Her lips part. Is she about to say something? My chest tightens. Waiting. Hoping.PleaseCharlotte, give me a sign. Just one.
My grip tightens around my motorcycle helmet. I take in her hazel eyes before they’re gone. The ones I’ve spent decadesloving. There was something in that look. I know there was. There’s still a chance she’ll choose me…isn’t there?
CHAPTER 2
KEZ
10 years later
“I’m a fan of Christmas,but this is too much spice. It’s enough to clear out the damn North Pole.” I groan after sneezing for the third time in two minutes and nearly spill my peppermint latte all over my uniform. “You can smell the cinnamon a mile away.”
“You should try my abuela’s horchata. At least you know where the department’s budget is going.” Paige laughs enroute to the drink station and refills her Styrofoam cup with apple cider. A sip later, her face scrunches, as she fights off a sneeze. Her voice is strained when she speaks again. “Kez, this party is so unnecessary. The mayor isn’t even here yet. We should’ve just done the pairings in peace like usual. Not this PR stunt.”
I know Paige wasn’t a fan of the Academy not revealing the K-9 Partnerships prior to today, but I’m not worried. I’m a fan of surprises. Especially auspicious ones.
“Are you about to miss a hot date or something?” I tease.
“Actually, I do have one this weekend. Don’t worry she’s not a police officer. If I wanted to deal with an insufferable pain in the ass, you’d have that covered, friend.”
“Since when do you have time for dating?” I whip around and spot the only other openly queer K-9 officer in the district. “Hey Brian, did you know that Paige has a date?”
He exaggerates a well-played gasp. “I didn’t know lesbian veterinarians talked to anyone other than cats.”
“Hey! That’s Lead K-9 Trainer to you.” She scoffs, “I date plenty. Thank you very much. Unlike Kez who only dates her job.” She grumbles underneath her breath loud enough for us to hear. “Ass.”
I burst with laughter as her cheeks redden. I’ve been down the dating road plenty of times. Not worth the heartbreak. I love Paige and I’s friendship about as much as I enjoy poking fun at our hopeless singleness. MyEverybody Needs a Butch Bestiet-shirt she gifted me for Christmas last year is proof. Before I get a chance to respond, a yell from down the hallway catches my attention.
“And last but not least. Langston! You have a visitor.” Chief waves her arm in my direction, her usual serious demeanor suddenly cracks with a grin. “I think you might like this one. She’s a cutie.”
Applause echoes through the hallway. My turn to finally meet my canine partner.
“Congratulations, Kez!” Paige bumps my shoulder with hers. “This is only the beginning of the next chapter of your already amazing career. See you there.”
I finish my peppermint latte and toss the cup in the bin. In my peripheral view, I glimpse the Hall of Heroes photo of dad and Duke beside the plaque on the wall. My chest swells with pride as I thumb Duke’s K-9 silver pendant attached to my necklace. Dad gave it to me the day I told him I wanted to join the academy.
