4. Ryan
Chapter 4
Ryan
I t’s days like today that make being a chief hard. I could really use a bit of guy talk but I also have to respect that I’m their superior. Problem is, in a small town, where everyone is a friend, everyone also knows one another's business and they’re always looking to talk.
So I’m not surprised to see Jace and Maddox standing in my office after the training.
“We’re here to take you out.”
I wave my hand. “You’ve been on shift here for the last forty-eight hours, I’m sure you’d rather be home with your girlfriends than out with me.”
“Who do you think told us to take you out? They both want the gossip!”
I chuckle. “Sounds about right for this town.”
Maddox folds his arms across his chest and leans against the door frame. “I wouldn’t put it past them that they’re all at my mom’s house tonight anyway, trying to get the scoop.”
I close my eyes and take a breath. I'm sure the entire town began to buzz as they watched her little white two door come flying back into town. And if me and the guys go to Love Beach Brews, the talk will spread like wildfire.
I could use a wildfire right now to occupy my mind.
I hold their expectant stares then finally relent. “Fine.” They cheer and usher me from my chair and office.
“Probie, you’re driving!”
We walk into Love Beach Brews and I nod to Isaac who’s behind the bar. He and Maddox are best friends, having grown up here. And now Isaac is dating Maddox’s sister, Reece. That went over like a lead balloon, but Maddox grew up, finally. I guess having a good woman talk some sense into you will help get you there faster.
They push me towards the end of the bar and we each grab a stool. The game is on, the place is loud but walking in? Well, it was like a record scratch went off. I could feel every eye land on me the moment we entered. Looks like the town is well aware of our newest visitor.
“Hey guys, how’s it going? Chief! What are you doing out?” Isaac speaks with an over-exaggerated tone.
Maddox sighs. “Cut the crap, Isaac, he knows why we’re here.”
I roll my eyes. “Gossip. What else would I be here for?”
Wells, the brewmaster slides three cold beers across the bar top before grabbing a bottle of whiskey from the shelf and three shot glasses. He pours and pushes them toward us.
“Oh no,” I warn, “I have to be at the station tomorrow.”
“You say that every day and guess what? You don't have to be there. Life can carry on if you’re home for a day.”
I eye them, then the shots. That whiskey is calling my name tonight. I grab the glass and down the shot not waiting for them to catch up. The burn slides down my throat and before I can even swallow it, Wells is already refilling.
I’m in for a long night.
“Start talking.” Maddox points at me.
I scoff. “Please, like you don’t know the story already?”
Jace takes his shot and taps the bar for a refill. “The trouble is Chief, we know a thousand stories. This town has told a lot of them, at least one for every day you've been here. But we’d like to hear it directly from you.”
Jace is right so I down half my beer to build momentum. I don’t really need the liquid courage to tell my story, it's more about not wanting to look like a loser. She left after I asked her to stay. How do I explain that without looking like a fool?
“Short story? I met her four years ago, we dated for six months. I thought it was more than it was and she didn’t.”
“And?” Isaac prompts.
“And she left.”
“And you let her?” Maddox asks in outrage. He knows a thing or two about being stubborn.
I push away from the bar top a bit and cross my arms. “What was I supposed to do? I asked her to stay and she said no.”
“There had to be a reason.”
“There was. She wanted to work, see the world. As a traveling nurse she's very much in demand. She said she loved me, but I guess she loved her job more.”
They fall silent and I realize the impact of my statement. Yeah, I was in love. But sometimes shit doesn’t work out.
Maddox nudges me. “And now she’s back.”
“And she came to see you.” Jace signals for another round of beers and Wells comes over.
“She looked good, too.” I break into a smile and the guys tease me.
“There he is! I knew you were a stud, Donnelly. You turn heads every time the fire department shows up.”
“There’s only one head I want to turn.”
“So then do something about it,” Maddox says with ease, like it’s just that simple.
I shake my head. “If she’s just passing through I won’t allow myself to get attached again. I can’t.”
“But you can’t live your life alone either. I mean, you're past forty already. You don’t have many good years left.”
I give Maddox a shove. “Fuck you,” I say half-heartedly and he snickers. “I don't know, fellas. I don’t know what to think.”
“Maybe don’t try to think of anything yet. Let it be. She’s here in town. You’re going to see her. Hell, she’ll probably come looking for you again.”
“I don't know. I was kind of a jerk to her today. She caught me off guard and I immediately threw words back at her about leaving.”
Jace shakes his head. “I get that, but now that you’ve had a minute to breathe, and let it sink in that she’s here in town, find out what her plan is and then you can make an informed decision of how to move forward.”
Maddox teases. “Probie, you’re so smart.”
“I’m also not a probie anymore. Can you pick another name?”
“You'll always be probie.” He claps him on the back.
“And you'll always be the dick hat guy.”
Isaac starts to laugh uncontrollably. “It’s true then?” He doubles over slapping the bar top. “I thought Reece was fucking with me. No way does Marigold make you put hats on your dick, bro.”
“Oh, Marigold doesn’t make him do anything. He’s very willing,” Jace says snarkily.
I stifle a laugh and order another round. “More shots before this gets completely out of control!”