Cue even greater shock, which Ralph struggled to hide and failed miserably. “Oh…that’s interesting.”
After an intense study of the intricacies of the dirty sidewalk, where the pigeons strutted at their feet, Tristan finally decided to join in the conversation. “I guess you’re surprised.”
“Surprised, yeah. But you act like I’m gonna be angry or somethin’.”
“I’d hoped you wouldn’t be. I chose to keep work and my personal life separate because I know there are a lot of guys who wouldn’t be so happy to have a gay cop or detective around.”
“And you think I’m one of them?” Ralph might’ve been almost half a foot shorter than Tristan, but he faced him unblinkingly. It was easy to see how he would command respect. “Lemme tell you something. I may be old-school, but I know a good cop when I see one, and you were one of the best. I’da been proud to be your partner and would be willing to risk my badge—hell, my life—with you. And if you ever came to me and said you wanted your old job, I’d take you back in a hot second.”
“Thanks, Ralph. That means more than you know.”
“I thought you knew me better than that.” Hands on hips, he glared at a slightly stunned Tristan, and Sean’s lips twitched not only at Ralph’s ferocity, but at Tristan’s meek acceptance.
“Maybe it was the fact that I didn’t know myself.”
Sean felt Tristan’s stare and smiled into his eyes.
Ralph’s fierce expression cleared. “Well, then that’s a good thing. Listen, I gotta run—meeting the wife for dinner. But try and stop by maybe? People would love to see you.” There was no hesitation in his hug for Tristan, and the firm handshake he gave Sean left no doubt his words weren’t for show. They watched him hustle across the street.
Sean turned to Tristan. “He seemed really nice. And sincere.”
Tristan continued to stare after Ralph. “Yeah. He’s good people. Any issue was with me living inside my head.”
“Would you ever think of going back?”
A quick shake of Tristan’s head. “No. I’ve moved on. I couldn’t ever put on a badge again. Not without having Terry there.”
“I get it. Maybe one day you’ll at least be able to go visit everyone.”
“Maybe.”
But he didn’t sound convinced, and Sean vowed to help him work through the trauma he obviously still suffered from. He took Tristan’s hand and gave a tug. “Ready to eat?”
“You know it.”
They were seated immediately and had only time to order their Sapporos and open the menus when Sean’s phone rang.
“It’s Ray.” He hit the screen. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Listen, I know it’s short notice, but you know how it’s Charlotte’s birthday next week?”
“Yeah, she told me she was looking forward to it because you take the kids for the day and she gets to go to the spa.”
“Takes me two days to recover.” Ray chuckled. “But I had an idea to throw her a little surprise party, and I’m checking with you guys first. Can you and Tristan make it Saturday? She’ll be out all day ’cause I told her to get her hair done too. I think she’ll expect us to go out to dinner, but when she comes home, we’ll all be there.”
“Yeah. Sure, we can make it. I had a cancelation for a party on Saturday. The birthday boy got chicken pox. Are you sure she likes surprise parties? Some people don’t.”
“She’s fine with it, especially since she won’t have to lift a finger. I’ve hired caterers, set-up and take-down people, and a cleaning service to come in afterward. And, I’ve got my mother to take the kids for the night.”
“Well, aren’t you the efficient one. And good move with Iris.”
“Charlotte is very careful never to be negative, but trust me. I know my mother and her ways. Charlotte told me about what she’s been doing, and I told my mother that behavior is unacceptable. I don’t want her around if she can’t be civil. She promised to be better, but I still believe it’s best if she’s not there. This way everyone is satisfied.”
Ray was smart as hell to coordinate the party this way.
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“Terrific. See you there.”
