Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Nathan, who’d been talking to Hugo, excuses himself and saunters my way. Tate allows Jude to tug him away from me over to the dining room table. Normally, I’d brace myself for a conversation with Nathan, but things are different between us now.
“Sloane,” he says, offering his hand to shake. “I wanted to congratulate you on making detective.”
Pride thumps in my chest as I shake Nathan’s hand. “Well, they had an opening, so…”
He smirks. “They don’t just fill it with anyone. You deserve to be in that position.”
“Thank you.” Nathan doesn’t typically praise me, so this feels strange.
“Hiroshi tells me you’re doing well. I’m pleased the two of you were able to work things out.”
Once I learned that Tanaka was actually a good guy, it was easier to get to know him. I was also shocked to learn his wealthy wife was the Seattle gallery owner who hired Dempsey for commission work. Small world. Because of this, we’ve gone to dinner on a double date with them a few times now. Mona and Dempsey nerd out over art, while me and Tanaka talk about work, mostly to discuss updates on how Bishop and the mayor are faring in prison. I even talked Tanaka into buying the station a badass coffee machine when I got a few drinks in him one night.
“Me too,” I agree with a smile. “And Mona just found a buyer for a piece Dempsey is working on. Did he tell you? They’re from New York and offered him fifty thousand.”
Nathan nods, pleasure gleaming in his eyes. “He’s well worth it. Does this mean he’s going to pay off that ridiculous car now?”
The pearl-white Dodge Hellcat Redeye, the Widebody Jailbreak edition, purchase was another source of contention between Nathan and Dempsey. I’d cosigned on it for Dempsey since his credit’s still new, which didn’t earn me any brownie points from his father. Nathan thought Dempsey would choose something more practical or affordable. But my man prefers 807 horsepower over practicality. The girlfriend in me thinks he’s hot driving the thing. The cop in me nearly has a shit fit whenever he exceeds the speed limit.
“Doubtful,” I tell him honestly. “He wants to remodel the kitchen.”
Nathan narrows his eyes for a moment, considers my answer, and then nods. “Your kitchen does need updating.”
I flip him off. “I know, I know. My oven sucks and it drives Dempsey insane. You two are cut from the same cloth.”
Nathan claps me on the shoulder and then leaves me be. I find my seat beside Dempsey as Jamie starts bringing out casserole dishes. Beauty is asleep in Dempsey’s lap, so his hand is free to take mine and he threads our fingers together.
I’m happy—really happy—with him.
Rex, who’s now in a highchair between Spencer and Dempsey, tries to make a grab for the puppy. Luckily, his arms aren’t long enough. He settles for throwing his sippy cup instead. Dempsey deflects it with his elbow and then playfully tickles Rex until he squeals. Then Dempsey turns to me and mouths, “Thank God you don’t want kids.”
I burst out laughing. It’s a conversation we’ve had many times over. I wanted to make sure he was okay with the fact I never plan to get pregnant. He’s young and I didn’t want him to be held back if that’s what he wanted. Thankfully, we were on the same page. Sure, he’d make a great dad, but he’s a fantastic uncle not just to the kids in his family, but to those in mine.
I’m okay with being Aunt Sloane and Uncle Dempsey over Mom and Dad.
My phone buzzes again. When I pull it out to peek at it, it’s my other sister this time.
Rhiannon: Trevor got the job! He’s going to be a mechanic’s apprentice at the garage. They’re paying him fifteen dollars an hour with no experience and working around his school schedule. I’m so proud of him!
I send her back a bunch of hearts and clapping emojis. I show Dempsey and he grins. Jamie lent me the money and we were able to get Trevor into a fantastic rehab facility. Not only did he get sober and proper mental health treatment while there, but they also enrolled him in a tech program for him to continue now that he’s out of rehab.
Rhiannon: I think we should celebrate. Mom says everyone should meet up at Nadine’s for supper one day this week. Can you and Dempsey make it? I know it’d mean a lot to Trevor.
Me: Absolutely. We’ll be there.
Rhiannon: Yay! I’ll start making plans and let you know the exact date.
I put my phone away as soon as the table is set with mountains of food. Jamie sits beside me and we chat about Kaden while food is passed around. I tell her the good news about Trevor and she’s just as thrilled as I am. The dynamics of our friendship have changed since I’m with her son, but we’re finding new ground and I’m grateful to have her back in my life.