46. Vivian
Chapter forty-six
Vivian
As I get out of my SUV, it’s impossible to miss the scene unfolding across the street. Chloe Jones is screeching at some poor unfortunate soul on the phone, that is until she sees me. She launches the meanest glare she is capable of and if looks could kill, I’d be flat out on the sidewalk. Thankfully her ugly sneer is only a reflection of her own heart, and not an actual threat. After everything that happened last week at the Riley’s, Chloe made a very public scene at O’Dell’s that resulted in her throwing her engagement ring at Chase. I hope he keeps it and never talks to her again, especially after MK confirmed that Chase only proposed because Chloe faked a pregnancy. I give her a big smile and wave as I internally bless her heart, hopefully she is blessed right out of town.
Without thinking, I start to pull Java Jive’s front door open and wince slightly. Switching quickly, I go to grab the door with my left arm, annoyed I tried to use my dominant arm out of habit. The bullet wound may still be tender but today is the best I’ve felt since I was shot last week. I still cannot believe I have a bullet wound, let alone that I was shot by Marcie Claire Riley. I don’t believe she was intentionally aiming for me but when Clark tried to take the gun away from her, instead of dropping it, she pulled the trigger. Thankfully the wound was through and through so once my stitches come out in a few days, the only physical reminder should be a small scar on my right bicep .
When I told Eloise what happened later that evening, I was terrified we would have a massive regression with her nightmares. I was so relieved she hadn’t overheard anything until I got home so I could be the one to explain everything to her. Elosie was upset and for a moment was confused why I was shot and didn’t die when a bullet killed her daddy. Explaining bullet wounds to a five-year-old is not something I ever expected to do as a mother. Harlow came to see me at the hospital and gave me some suggestions on how to frame the discussion and terms to use that were age appropriate. Both Savannah and Walker sat in the room and helped me navigate explaining it all to Eloise. Since then, my brothers have informed me Eloise has individually asked each of them about bullets and guns, so I expect to have more of these conversations with her in the foreseeable future. She has not had any nightmares and is convinced it’s because her stuffed toy dog Casper keeps them away so she is safe while she sleeps.
I wave at the barista and say hello as I walk into Java Jive. My eyes scan the space before being held captive by Walker’s gaze. As I make my way to the back of the coffee shop, my face breaks out in a genuine smile.
“Hey there, Sugar,” Walker greets me as he bends down and gently wraps his arm around my waist pulling me close. He tilts his head down and our kiss starts softly before he groans and pulls back.
“Hey there yourself, Special Agent Man. Have you been waiting long?” I sit across from him at the small bistro table. I notice the drinks and pastries waiting, raising my eyebrows in a silent question to him.
“Nope, you are right on time. I ordered you an iced Americano with sugar-free hazelnut and cream, but if you’d rather have a mint chocolate frappe, just let me know. When I talked to Savannah earlier, she said you’ve been on an iced Americano kick lately, so her inside scoop helped me with the order.”
“That was very sweet of you, and yes, the iced Americano is perfect. But when did you talk to Savannah? She didn’t say anything to me.” I pick up my drink and a small moan escapes me as the flavors dance together on my tongue.
“Is it good?” Walker’s eyes darken with an intense heat at that little moan.
My tongue swipes across my lower lip. “So good. It’s perfect.” A blush creeps up my face because I’m not just talking about the drink, it’s him. He’s perfect.
Walker shakes his head slightly before answering my question, “I called your sister this morning. She sent me a text asking about my availability for your father’s birthday party in a few weeks.”
My eyes widen a bit; I wasn’t aware my sister was inviting him. Walker sees my reaction and insists, “If you don’t want me to come, it’s fine, she was just being nice. It’s your dad, your call, baby.” Daddy’s birthday parties are always a good time. They usually consist of a barbecue in the backyard with family, friends, an open bar, a local yacht rock cover band for entertainment, and his requested flavor of cake, which is chocolate every single year.
“Well shoot, my sister stole my thunder.” I play with my straw, suddenly nervous for some reason. Walker takes me in and tilts his head, waiting for me to continue. “I was going to ask you to be my … my date for that evening.” I look down at my drink as that damn blush creeps back up my chest and neck.
Walker leans in and gently lifts my chin until I’m looking at him. “That’s better. I always want your eyes on me. I would be honored to be your date, and like I told your sister, as long as I’m not called away on a case, I will happily be there.” Getting to spend time with Walker in person will revolve around his career, but that hardly feels like a sacrifice to me when I believe his job is heroic .
“But I do have one condition.” He raises a single finger before pausing. Now it’s my turn to tilt my head at him. “Will you allow me to take you out on a proper date to the restaurant of your choice to celebrate the case officially being closed?”
I bite my lip and try to hold back the grin that quickly spreads. Walker had mentioned celebrating once the case was closed, and I was wondering when—and if—he would bring it up. Thrilled he just officially asked me out, I tell him, “Yes, of course, I would love that.” His smile grows into a full-fledged grin, and that dazzling sight should really be considered just as powerful a weapon as the service pistol strapped to his lower back. “Does that mean it’s really over?”
“Yes, it’s been an insane week. I’m sorry I haven’t seen you in a few days, I was in New York for the last arrest we needed to make with the case.” I wave away his apology, dismissing it just like I did the ones he gave me on the phone the last few nights. He contemplates something before saying, “I think it’s fair to say our next date would be our what, third or fourth date?”
“Well, we had New Year’s Eve with my family, that lovely evening at your place, and now this is the second time we met for coffee, but the first was for official business so I’m not sure how to count all of that, but we have spent time together multiple times.”
“I don’t think I want to count when you got shot as a date, baby.” Walker’s eyes go dark. “If that rogue bullet had gone a few inches over, I could have lost you.”
“Let’s absolutely not count that one and maybe agree we don’t need to count dates at all. The only thing that counts—to me anyway—is we continue to spend time together.” He hums and nods in agreement. “And Walker? You didn’t lose me, but for what it’s worth, you definitely have me,” I admit as he reaches out and takes my hand. Nothing about our relationship has been traditional or typical, but we also have quickly established a depth most wouldn’t understand.
“And you have all of me, Viv, for as long as you want to keep me.”
“What if I play for keeps?” My question is barely a whisper, but I’m being serious.
“Then I think we both win, baby.” He squeezes my hand and flashes another brilliant smile. We talk more about where we see this thing between us going and my face is starting to hurt from smiling.
“And after our conversation last night, I think I’m going to do it. I think the time is right. I’m going to ask my former neighbor in Chicago if her sister is still interested in buying my condo, and if not, I’m going to put it on the market. It’s time to make this move to Tennessee official.”
“That’s great, Viv. You know I’ll support whatever you want to do.” He’s right, I do know that, and I also know he genuinely means it. “And you know Nashville isn’t so far from Forrest Falls.”.
“I know.” A sigh escapes me, making me sound slightly melodramatic. “I’m not sure if I see Eloise and I living in Nashville though, but it wouldn’t be too far from my family.”
“No. You misunderstood me, Sugar. I’m not talking about you moving to Nashville. I’m implying if I were to commute from Forrest Falls to Nashville.”
“Oh … Oh! I like the sound of that!” I grin and don’t even try to play it cool. I have zero cool when it comes to this guy, just butterflies and magic.
Walker gets a call from the chief of his division and he has to step outside to take it. I enjoy the view of watching him walk away from me and blatantly check him out. As if he knows, he shoots me a mischievous grin and a wink over his shoulder. Busted, but worth it .
I really like the idea of Walker living in Forrest Falls, and hopefully that also means with me and Eloise. I know it would mean leaving my sister’s guest house, but maybe I could explore that offer Daddy made about us building something on the family land. Wherever we live, as long as I’m with Eloise and Walker, I know I’ll be home. Who knows what the future holds, but if they’re each holding one of my hands, I know it will be good.
While I wait for Walker, I take the opportunity to enjoy some people watching. The chime over the front door signals, but instead of my handsome man, it’s a beautiful woman with deep auburn hair. As she walks in, I notice the subtle streaks of dark purple in her hair and she is totally rocking a bohemian hippy vibe, clearly one of those people that seems to radiate sunshine. She also looks so familiar to me, but I can’t place where I know her from.
The place isn’t that busy so I can eavesdrop on her conversation with the barista. “Hi! My name is Cameron Walsh and I’m here for an interview with the owner.” She reaches out and shakes the barista’s hand.
“Whoops! That’s funny! Taylor had that wrong, he told me a guy was coming in for the interview.” The barista laughs and rolls her eyes. “At least he got the time right.”
“You can call me Cami. And I promise, it’s not the first time someone sees the name Cameron and assumes it’s a guy’s name.” She smiles as the barista makes a joke that Taylor should understand as he also has a name that is gender neutral. Cami briefly looks over to where I’m seated but quickly averts her eyes when we make eye contact.
That was odd.
I try to be subtle as I continue to eavesdrop but for the life of me, I cannot place where I know this girl from, but I know I do. I’ll have to ask Savannah if she recognizes the name .
The name Cameron Walsh doesn’t ring a bell, but something about her face certainly does.