Chapter One
Grayson
“You can’t serve the town on an empty stomach.” Grandpa places a plate on the table. “Eat up, Grayson.”
He walks back toward the stove, sporting his Christmas apron over his slacks and button-up shirt. He hums along with the record player as he flips another cinnamon pancake.
“Thanks, Grandpa. What are you up to today?”
“Oh, the usual. Meeting the gang for one last round of golf before the first snowfall.”
He might be in his late seventies, but he acts like he’s in his fifties at most. He’s almost as active as I am. He goes running every morning, with me or one of his buddies. He’s on the golf course a few times a week and still goes along the trails right outside of town for hikes.
“Just make sure you don’t pull a muscle, old man.” I grin, shoving a forkful of pancake in my mouth. Gramps’s cooking could rival any of the state’s top chefs.
Grandpa chuckles. “Don’t let the wrinkles fool you, boy. Age is what you make it. Besides, I’ve got to show those young’uns how it’s done.”
His energy is infectious, making the early morning feel less daunting. I’ve got my one-year review this week, and these things always stress me out. Being the youngest and newest officer at Oakridge Hollow PD, any mistake I make, even something minor, is that much more noticeable.
Captain’s a good guy, and I think I’ve proven myself this year. And while I think the evaluation will ultimately be fine, it’s lingering over me like a dark cloud. I roll my neck around, trying to release the tension.
“You’ll be fine, Grayson,” Grandpa reassures me, patting my shoulder. “You’re a great officer.”
“I know, I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.”
“You gotta get out of your head. Just keep being the best Grayson Sanders you can be.”
He’s got a point. There’s no use in overanalyzing; it won’t change anything. But that doesn’t make it any easier.
“Thanks, Gramps.” I take a deep breath and softly smile.
My gaze flickers to the clock on the stove. I stuff the last bite into my mouth and rise from the table. I place a couple pancakes in a container, throw some fresh fruit on it, and pop the lid on.
“Gotta run; I’ll see you tonight.” I pat Grandpa’s back as I pass him, heading for the door.
“Tell her I said hi.” Gramps waves his spatula toward me. “And she’s due for another Sanders dinner!”
I roll my eyes as I grab my gear from the hook. “I’ll let her know you say so.”
I zip up my jacket and stride toward my navy-blue truck parked in the driveway. The early morning chill bites at my neck. The leaves have all fallen from the trees, and soon, it’ll probably be a snowy wonderland.
As I drive down Main Street, I spot the bookstore. The lights are already on inside, and through the glass, I can see my redheaded best friend behind the counter. She’s in her element, probably humming some indie song that I don’t know. A small smile creeps onto my face.
I get out of my truck with the pancakes under my arm and walk into the corner store next door.
“Good morning, Mr. Bradford.” I tip my head toward the owner.
“Ah, Grayson, my first customer of the day. The usual?”
“Yes, sir.” I pull out my wallet.
“Not today, son. It’s on the house. Thank you for your service to our town.”
“Well, I couldn’t make it through the holidays without your peppermint hot cocoa. So, thank you.” I stuff some cash into the tip jar on the counter.
Cradling the warm cups in my hands, I thank Mr. Bradford and head over to the bookstore. The familiar scent of old paper and coffee greets me as I walk in.
“Welcome to Timeless Tales!” Tandy, who is now arranging books on the shelf, muffles through the pencil in her mouth.
She looks over her shoulder and tucks the pencil behind her ear, a bright smile lighting her face.
“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” she teases, a playful glint in her eye.
“I guess I’ll have these all to myself then.” I flash her a grin as I raise the two cups.
Her eyes widen, and she rushes over to me, leaving the books behind. She snatches one from my hand and takes a quick sip, inhaling the minty chocolate with a contented sigh.
“Delicious. Thank you.” She smiles sweetly. “I have to help Jane with a new shipment that came in last night. Plus, we’re prepping for our first Cookies and Holiday Tales event this week. So, it’s bound to be a long day.”
“Well, you’re in luck because I also brought you Gramps’s cinnamon pancakes.” I set the container down. “Fresh fruit, too. I figured you didn’t eat this morning, per usual Tandy fashion.”
Her hazel eyes sparkle with surprise. “You spoil me, Gray.” She chuckles. “You’re the bestest friend a girl could ask for.”
“I aim to please,” I reply as Tandy takes too big of a bite.
She sighs and mumbles what I think is, “This is so good.”
I chuckle. “As much as I’d love to watch you stuff your face, I have to get to work.”
She swallows quickly. “That’s right. Review week?”
“Review week.”
“Gray,” she sets both her hands on my shoulders and looks at me head-on, “you’re a great officer. You have nothing to worry about.”
She squeezes my shoulders, the warmth radiating down my arms, as she looks at me with unwavering belief. Her confidence in me strikes something in my stomach. It’s an odd sensation, one I brush off as just prereview nerves.
“Thanks, Bookworm.”
“Now, go show them what you’re made of and save the town from rogue squirrels or something.” She pushes me toward the door.
“Yes, ma’am.” I salute her, then turn to leave. “Oh, and Gramps sends his love. He says you’re due for another dinner.”
“I’ll never turn down his lasagna!” She takes another bite of the pancakes and hums.
I step back outside, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. Tandy Vaughn, my best friend, never fails to brighten my day.
But as soon as I’m back in my truck, I think about the review again. Without Tandy to distract me, my anxiety creeps back in.
It’s my one-year evaluation with the department—a standard check-in and one I’ve done before at my old department in the city, but it feels like so much more.
If I’m not a good fit here, maybe it’s time I go back to the city.
The thought of leaving, though, doesn’t sit right. I hope I’ve done enough to stay.