Page 17 of Easton
“Have you always liked cars?”
“Is this a police interrogation or what?” He finally turns his blue eyes on me, and I chuckle.
“No. It’s called getting to know someone.”
“You know me.”
“Does anyone know you?” I counter, then wonder if that went too far. Maybe he doesn’t know I’m being playful.
But then Easton offers me a small grin. “Good point.”
“So…”
“God, you’re annoying. I don’t know…I mean, Idolike the job. I’m not sure if I always liked cars, but I like them now, which is what matters. It’s… I like that I can get lost in it—just me and the car. I like seeing something beat up become something new again.”
Jesus Christ, this man. I sure hadn’t expected him to say that. To feel it? Yes. To tell me? Nope. There are so many layers to himthat I wouldn’t have expected, that I don’t think anyone expects, and again, I realize I want to uncover them all.
“What? You’re staring at me,” he says.
“I guess I like listening to you talk.”
He rolls his eyes, and I admit, it sounds cheesy. But it’s true.
“I think that’s cool—how you feel about cars. And how you adopt dogs in need.” He doesn’t reply, and I nudge him with my arm. “You can ask questions about me too if you want.”
“Why would I want to do that?”
For a moment, I feel the sting of rejection, but then he chuckles.
“You’re a police officer because of Travis.”
I nod, liking that he realizes why and that he remembers my cousin’s name.
“Do you like it?”
“That’s a difficult question.”
“You have to answer. I answered yours.”
Again, he makes me smile. “I was planning on it. In theory, yes, but I acknowledge that problems exist within the community. I’m not blind to them, and sometimes it gets me down, makes me wonder if this is what I should be doing, but then I also want to try and make the world a better place. I’ve organized training programs for how to help those with mental-health struggles, and our department puts a lot of money on education, on diversity training and combating racism.” It’s not nearly enough, but I’ll keep fighting for more.
“I can see that…those things being important to you.”
“They should be important to everyone,” I reply, just as Meadow comes running. Pretty Girl is doing some exploring, and Spot is still following her around.
“I think Spot is in love with Pretty Girl,” Meadow snickers.
“There’s quite a bit of matchmaking going around,” Easton replies, but I’m not sure what he means by that.
I look over and watch Spot with her. “He really is trying to woo her,” I tease.
“He’s a regular Casanova,” East replies.
“Ooh!” Meadow looks delighted. “You should name him Casanova! That’s so much better than Spot.”
“That’s a great name, kiddo, but I’m sure Easton wants to get to know him a little more before he chooses.” I don’t want him to feel obligated to take her naming suggestion.
“I like it,” East replies. “Pretty Girl! Casanova!” he calls out, and both dogs come running. Of course, Casanova is only coming because Pretty Girl is, but it’s a start.