Alice has turned her attention to a paperback book on her counter, fidgeting with the bookmark. I can't make out the title from this angle.
“How’s the studying coming along?” Nora asks, resting her chin in her hand.
“It’s going well,” I reply, making sure to include Alice in the conversation with my gaze. “Just a lot of information to absorb. Sometimes I wonder if I can retain it all.”
"We're not like Alice here," Nora says. "Twenty-five. Still sharp."
Twenty-five. Ten years younger than me, but that's not too bad.
“What are you studying for?” Alice asks, pulling my attention back to her face—those expressive eyes behind her glasses.
“Sergeant’s exam. It’s coming up in a few months.” I lean forward slightly. “It’s either take it now or wait another two years, and I’m not getting any younger.”
“Oh, hey Sawyer,” Megan calls from the drive-thru area, unlocking the door that separates her station from the main floor.
I nod politely in her direction.
“Well, good luck with the exam,” Alice says, opening her book and removing her bookmark with careful fingers. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“Thanks. What are you reading?”
“Oh, it’s a—” Alice’s face flushes red again, and she touches her neck self-consciously. Whatever it is, she’s embarrassed about it.
“It’s basically porn,” Nora announces with zero filter.
“Nora!” Alice swats playfully at her coworker’s arm.
The words leave my mouth before my brain can stop them. "Well, I'm sure your boyfriend appreciates it."
Real smooth, Edwards. Why not just hand her a note that says "Do you like me? Check yes or no"?
“Oh no, I’m not seeing anybody,” Alice says quickly, glancing between Nora and me.
“Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it,” Nora mutters under her breath, returning to her paperwork.
Thanks, Nora.
“I won’t take up any more of your time,” I say, tapping the counter once with my knuckles. “I’ll see you around, Alice.”
I give her a final nod and head for the door, but I can feel her eyes on me as I leave.
Once I'm back in the patrol car, I sit there for a moment, shaking my head.
I haven't felt this awkward around a woman since high school. Alice has me second-guessing every word that comes out of my mouth, making three-dollar deposits just to talk to her.
But the way she blushed when I said I wanted her to help me.
Yeah. Worth it.
Chapter 8
Alice
Istirthepotofspaghetti sauce with a wooden spoon while Madison snacks on cheese cubes with her glass of wine.
"So whatever happened with that hot cop from the coffee shop?" Madison pops another cheese cube in her mouth.
I keep my eyes on the sauce. "Sawyer."
