Page 20 of Smitty

He lingered for a moment, making me wonder if he was hitting on me, but before I could give it much thought, he turned and started toward his patrol car. “I think you’re onto something with this Jimmy kid. Let me know if you need any help looking into him or his folks.”

“I will. Thanks.”

I smiled, then made my way across the street. By the time I got in my car, Eubanks was gone, giving me a clear view of the Mercer house. I looked up and found Melissa watching me from the living room window. I found it a little strange, but then again, everything about today felt off.

I gave her a quick wave before starting the car and heading back to the office. I filled my supervisor in on what had taken place during the home visit. I told Gloria, too. They both validated my concerns about Jimmy. They gave me some advice on how to move forward, but before I could do anything, I had to complete a mountain of paperwork.

By the time I was done, it was after five, and everyone was leaving for the day. There just weren’t enough hours in the day. Feeling frustrated, I packed up my things and headed home. My head was pounding, and exhaustion was starting to catch up with me.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to make any stops. Ryan messaged and volunteered to swing by to pick up Anslee on his way home from work, which I was thankful for. Now, I just had to muster the energy to make dinner and finish this week’s laundry.

I pulled into the drive. I sat there for a moment, gathering myself, before I finally got out and went inside. I opened the door, and my heart swelled when I found Anslee playing on the floor with her blocks, looking happy as can be. As soon as she spotted me, she called out, “Mom-ma!”

She abandoned her blocks and came barreling toward me. I couldn’t help but smile as she wrapped herself around my legs. I leaned down and ran my hand over her little head. “Hey there, sweet girl.”

“I gots blocks,” she announced proudly.

“I see that.Are you having fun?”

“Um-hmm.”

She nodded as she released my legs and rushed back to her toys. Seconds later, Ryan appeared carrying two takeout containers from my favorite restaurant. He smiled and lifted them as he said, “Best cure for a rough day.”

“You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“You shouldn’t have.”

“But you’re glad I did,” he smirked.

“Yes, I am.” I let out a sigh of relief. “You are the best.”

“I know.” He placed the takeout on the table before reaching for a bottle of my favorite wine. “And I brought reinforcements.”

“I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“I do what I can.” He motioned his head toward Anslee. “She’s already had her noodles, and she informed me at least six times that vegetables are yucky and make her sick.”

“She did, did she?”

“Oh, yeah. She made me swear adamantly that I wouldn’t make her eat any more. Which I did, but I had my fingers crossed, so it doesn’t count.”

“She’s going to think you’re a traitor.”

“Just doing what I gotta do.”

“That’s exactly what a traitor would say.”

I dropped my purse and workbag at the door before joining Ryan at the table. He pulled out our takeout boxes while I poured us both a glass of wine. I felt a little guilty as I sat back and took a sip of wine. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“I know.” My chest tightened when he said, “Just wanted to do something to help… I know these past few days have been hard for you.”

Ryan was always so thoughtful, so reliable, and supportive in every way. While I appreciated it, I often felt bad that he and I didn’t share the same feelings, especially on nights like these when he was so thoughtful.

“You know, there’s a girl out there who would love this kind of attention.”

“Yeah, yeah. But tonight, you get the pleasure.”