Page 22 of Wrecked By You

We stopped next to the swings, and Mrs. Friendly put her hand on my shoulder. “It’s a small town. I’m pretty sure most people will eventually recognize who you are and possibly know what happened with your father. It was a publicized event, since your mother was so vocal about not wanting him to go to jail.”

I nodded. “It was hard.”

“I bet it was. I am not a gossip, and I’m not a busybody, but I do know that your last name is different than it used to be. So, you must have been married?”

I waved a hand through the air and wished that I could evade these questions. “I was married. I thought about going back to my maiden name, but I honestly didn’t want to because I figured it would make me even more recognizable.” I ran a hand throughmy hair and felt miserable. I’d taken time earlier to make sure my curls were just right, but it was hot, and I knew my curls would be straightening out.

Mrs. Friendly nodded and gave me a soft smile. “Well, all I have to say is that I’m glad you’re here. Everything is going to work out.”

I wish I could believe her, but there was this nagging worry in my gut. “Is it?”

Mrs. Friendly gestured to the swing. “Shall we sit and swing for a little bit? I often do this. I like to spend my break this way.”

We both sat, and after swinging for a little bit, I started to feel substantially better. Mrs. Friendly started pumping her legs faster. She was pretty good for being older. I giggled and pumped faster too.

Mrs. Friendly laughed. “A little sunshine and swinging does it for me every time. I can walk back in there and feel wonderful.”

I smiled and closed my eyes, feeling the wind whoosh around me. I thought of Damon and how we used to come to this park all the time growing up.

I wasn’t sure how long we’d been out there when suddenly I heard two car doors slam, one after the other. I opened my eyes in time to see McCrae and Damon each step out of their cop cars.

McCrae walked toward Damon and threw his hands up in the air. “How come I always get sent to Mrs. Burke’s house? I am so tired of her and that stupid cat.”

Damon put his hand up, signaling for him to calm down. “Calm yourself, Officer Armstrong. That is part of the job.”

McCrae scoffed. “I know that it’s part of the job, but how come I’m always the one that gets sent there?”

Suddenly, Mrs. Friendly called out to them. “Gentlemen.” She slowed and got off the swing.

Nervously, I followed suit.

Fourteen

Damon

I glanced over and saw Mrs. Friendly and Isla. I wasn’t sure why they were just standing there looking at us, but I moved toward them. “What’s going on?”

Mrs. Friendly walked toward me. “We just needed a break.” She looked toward Isla. “I’ll head back in there. Why don’t you take some time?”

McCrae grinned at me, then opened his arms. “Hey, I heard you took the job here. You look amazing!”

Was it stupid that I felt a tad jealous when she fell into his arms laughing? Of course, Isla and I had been in each other’s lives for a lot of years, and my brothers would always tease me about getting together with her. After all, McCrae was single and only a year younger than me.

Isla pulled back and laughed. “Look at you, McCrae. Pretty handsome yourself. I think it’s great that you ended up being a police officer.”

She turned, and her eyes met mine. Something passed between us. Attraction and chemistry. Things I couldn’t get awayfrom. Last night, I had been falling asleep just thinking about her. Just remembering it made me dizzy.

McCrae chugged out a laugh. “I think it’s great that you’re back. I want you to know that you can always count on me if you need help.”

Her face softened, and she smiled. “Thanks. I guess you’ve heard everything about me already.” She gave me an accusing look.

McCrae seemed to pick up on her silent accusation and pointed at me. “He doesn’t tell me anything. I get all my information from the gossips in this town.” He cupped a hand and leaned into her, acting conspiratorial. “Just so you know, they’re everywhere.”

She grunted. “Don’t I know it.” She was wrapping her arms around herself and looking away.

I scowled at McCrae. “Dude, shut up. You’re being rude.”

McCrae threw up his hands. “Oh gosh. I’m sorry. Are you okay?”