She raises her hair in a bun while replying. “No, I moved here about eight months ago from Dallas. Needed a bit of a scenery change. My brother lived here, so it seemed like the best place to come.”
Not many people come here from the bigger cities, and that’s probably because it’s a different way of life. Small towns are famous for imposing in other’s business, but also for banding collectively as a community when needed. The best example of that is the housing that the Jacksons provide to those that need somewhere safe to stay. They weren’t required to do that, but helping others out that need it reminded me why I would never want to live in a big city.
“Big city girl, huh? Too much traffic for me. I like to keep it simple.”
She smiles. “Tell me about your simplicity.”
I smile, set my beer on the table edge, and lean in. The discussion tracks as I reveal how the folks in Grapevine are a meaningful form of support for what’s happening with my dad right now. She needs to know that she has picked a wonderful city to live in.
“It’s a refreshing pace here. Between construction and congestion, it takes too long to get anywhere in Dallas.”
Our conversation turns, and we end up discussing sunsets. Living in Dallas, it’s hard to enjoy it because there are high buildings everywhere, but here there is nothing obstructing the view. You can sit on your porch and enjoy it every night. Raquel would look stunning on a blanket underneath the sky with a backdrop such as that. It might be a plan for a date if she says yes. First, I will need to work up enough courage to ask her. It’s been, what, like almost two years since I have asked someone out. What if she says no? Rejection isn’t something that I do well with, but who does.
Something about her instills confidence in me, and the way our conversation flows easily without having to force it only makes matters better. Raquel needs someone to give hers back, because she is too beautiful to be staring at the ground. Her head should be held high, and someone needs to tell her how beautiful she is.
“Serious question, ready?”
“Okay? Shoot,” I respond.
“If you could choose one superpower, which one would it be?”
Well, that’s one hell of a question. Every action has repercussions and those need to be considered delicately. Super strength is great, but that also means you can crush everything. It’s not something you can switch on and off. Being invisible sounds nice, but I’m not going for that one. “To heal people. Or, to take away people’s pain.”
Okay, I know how cliche that resonates, but I would do anything to diminish my dad’s condition.
“You are the first person who has presented that as a superpower. Great choice. Mine would be to fly. So, I can just get up and go wherever I want while looking down at the magnificent sights.”
Tessa serves her another refreshment, winks at her, and shuffles away.
“So, you’re joining the department, huh?” Raquel asks.
“Start on Monday. Was looking for a change.”
“Don’t let my brother haze you. He can be a real jackass sometimes.”
Fuck, of course. Why else would she be here? Not even officially part of the team and already I’m talking to someone’s sister.
“Don’t worry, he’s not here yet.”
“Well, if your brother doesn’t kill me on Monday, wanna go to dinner sometime?”
She fidgets with her fingers. “I’d love to.”
Her smile wavers, but we swap phones. My stomach sinks knowing that her brother might be upset with me once he finds out, but nothing worth it comes easily, right?
“It’s been fantastic talking to you. It’s time to head home for me, but I’ll call you.”
She watches me wander away, and I wave once I get to Damon and Liam. “Alright, guys. I’m outta here. We have so much to get done this weekend while Hazel’s in town. Thanks for the invite.”
As much as I’d love to stay longer and chat with Raquel all night, sleep is calling my name after a long exhausting day outside. I marvel in my confidence tonight. It’s been too long since I’ve asked a woman out and rejection is always a fear of mine. Women prefer bad boys, most of the time, and I don’t have time to play cat and mouse games.
Once inside my truck, I head toward the house, thinking about how I would have left earlier if she hadn’t been there. Damon is my friend, but things like that just aren’t something I’m interested in. I’m skeptical because if Hazel and Damon didn’t push me to go, then I wouldn’t have met Raquel. Even with everything going on with my father, I still want to make time for her.
I pull in behind Aiden’s truck and park, wondering how Hazel’s night is going with our father. She doesn’t get to come down as often as he would like, but at least she is making the effort. We have no way of knowing if he has years or months left, and like me, she needs to spend as much time with him as she can. Regret is a terrible thing, and I don’t wish it upon anyone.
The front door opens, and Hazel steps out. “So, who’s the girl? Aiden claimed you were talking to someone.”
Does he always tell her everything? What I do is none of her business. Jesus, we’re adults. “Yes. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
“It’s been a while since you’ve been on a date. Good for you.”
I roll my eyes and go up the stairs.
“Make sure you call her,” Hazel yells up the stairs.
I’m not the type of guy that asks for your phone number and then never calls. Some guys wait a day or two, but I find myself wanting to talk to her. Will she think it’s weird if I message her now?
I shake my head, and put all my worries aside as I click on her name and bring the message screen up.
What the hell do I even say?