You & Me: The Complete Series (3 Book Boxset)

by Lisa Shelby

  I walk back to the driver’s side window and ask that they both get out of the car. I ask her son to stand on the sidewalk on the side of the car. His mom gets out and as soon as she’s standing in front of me I can smell the alcohol. She is beyond drunk. She’s blasted out of her mind.

  “Ma’am if you could come stand over here.”

  She meets me at the back of her car where my car lights are illuminating the situation now that the sun has almost completely set.

  “Ma’am how much have you had to drink tonight?”

  She tries to step closer to me, and just as she’s about to reach a hand out to touch me, I ask her to step back towards the car.

  “Ma’am, please stay where you are and I’m going to ask you again…how much have you had to drink tonight?”

  Slurring and wreaking of booze she answers. “Oh, just two glasses of wine. I’m fine.”

  I see her son sit down on the curb with his head hanging between his shoulders. He’s placed himself between the back of his mom’s car and the front of my patrol car. I’m sure he’s been through this before and he looks tired, sad and alone.

  I put his mom through a barrage of tests, and I look over to see that Emily has joined her son on the curb and is shaking his hand. She starts to talk to him and I can see his body language ease just a bit as some of his stress ebbs from his shoulders. I don’t need a breathalyzer to know she’s drunk, but we’ll deal with that at the station.

  I can see that Emily is rubbing her son’s back and trying to comfort him. God she is an amazing person. I should consider myself lucky to count her as a friend, but of course I’m greedy and want more. Moments like this make my feelings for her even stronger than before. It’s in this moment that I know without a doubt I am still in love with her. She is and always has been the one for me. This is really not the time for this revelation to occur as I have a job to do. Besides, realizing I am still in love with her shouldn’t be any kind of surprise to me. There hasn’t been anybody that has even come close since her.

  Come on, Kelly, focus for Christ’s sake!

  I have what I need, and it’s time to head off to jail. Before we can head out we’ll need to pat her down to make sure she doesn’t have any weapons or drugs on her. Because she’s a woman, Benson does the frisking, I hand-cuff her and go to put her in the back of my car.

  As I put my hand on the top of her head to make sure she doesn’t hit her head, she slurs, “Officer, you sure do smell nice. What kind of cologne is that?”

  “Soap ma’am, just soap.”

  “Well, it smells awfully nice.”

  I really hope Emily didn’t hear that. Worse than that though is now telling this kid that his mom won’t be going home with him.

  “Hey Bud, Officer Benson can give you a lift if you like. Do you have grandparents or any family that we can call that you can stay with for the night?”

  “I can call my grandma. I’m sure she can come get me.”

  “Why don’t you give her a call and Officer Benson can take you to her? Do you have a phone or do you need to borrow mine?”

  “Thank you, sir but I have my phone here. I’ll call her now.”

  Emily stands to give him some privacy and walks over to Benson and I.

  “His name is Jason and he’s thirteen. He said he knew she shouldn’t have driven, but she picked him up like this in front of his friends and he didn’t know what to do. He was so embarrassed that he just wanted to get out of view of his friends. He’s a really sweet kid.”

  “Thanks for keeping him distracted, Em, that was really nice of you. Although, I did tell you to stand on the sidewalk at the back of my squad car, not to sit on the curb up here, but still…thank you.”

  “No problem, he looked so alone and I just couldn’t take it, so I came and sat with him. Sorry for breaking the rules.” Oh how I would love to punish her for breaking those rules later, but we’re just friends. So that won’t be happening unless I pull up my big boy pants and prove to her that we can be more than friends.

  Jason walks over and explains that his grandmother is expecting him and that if Benson can give him a lift to North Portland where she lives he would really appreciate it.

  Emily walks over to him and gives him a hug. Of course, that is what she does.

  “You take care and keep up the good work in school. Things will get better kiddo even if you have to make that happen for yourself. You can do it.”

  “Thanks, Emily. It was really nice to meet you.”

  I thank Benson for taking him and as we walk back to my car we see Willy. He’s a local transient who I’ve taken a liking too. He’s a nice old man who lost his family and all hope years ago. He doesn’t cause any trouble and always does as I ask. He has just lost the ability to care about himself anymore.

  “Evening, Officer Kelly. Who’s this beauty you got along with ya tonight?”

  “Hey Willy, this is my friend,” I say begrudgingly. “Emily, this is Willy, Willy, this is Emily.”

  “Nice to meet you, young lady. Saw you there with that boy. That was very kind of you.”

  “It was my pleasure. Willy. He’s such a sweetheart. It’s nice to meet you too.”

  “So, Emily…how do you know Officer Kelly?”

  “He’s an old friend, Willy. How do you know him?”

  “Old friend you say, do you? Hmmm…interesting…very interesting. He’s an old friend of mine as well. He takes care of this old man and makes sure I stay out of trouble. He’s one of the good ones, Emily.”

  “Okay, that’s enough, you two. Emily, why don’t you head back to the car and I’ll be right there.”

  “Okay, bye Willy.”

  She gives him a wave and a smile that melts his heart, and mine.

  “She’s a keeper, Officer Kelly,” Willy whispers to me.

  “That she is, Willy…that she is. Hey, I have to head out but you okay? You need anything?”

  “Nope, I’m fine but thanks for asking. If you do anything right now, it better be findin’ a way to keep your hands on that pretty little thing. I think she’s just what you’re missing.”

  “You are a wise man and I think you just might be right. Gotta go, Willy. You stay safe out here and call me if you need anything.”

  As I walk back to the car I realize that I need to listen to Willy and not let her get away. I need to figure out how I plan to do that without running her off. She scares easily and her past isn’t any help either. I am so glad that the Fanuas are visiting next weekend and Liam and Mr. F can help me come up with a plan to get my girl back. But for now, let’s go to jail and then write my DUII report. What a way to woo her; jail and report writing. That’s some romantic shit right there.

  After a trip to jail and processing my DUII I let Emily know that she should go. I have quite a bit of paperwork ahead of me as a DUII arrest is not just as simple as taking the person to jail, and there’s no reason for her to sit around while I write. Besides, I don’t think I could focus on my report if she was sitting right there in close proximity of me.

  I drive her to the station then walk her to her car. She seems reluctant to leave but it’s late, and I’m sure she has to get up early with Ireland.

  Knowing I can’t stand here all night I finally break the silence and say, “It was great to see you, Em.”

  “Good to see you, too. Thanks so much for letting me tag along, it was great.”

  “No problem, I was glad to do it. Say hey to little Ireland for me.”

  “Will do. That will make her day.”

  Not knowing how to say goodbye but not wanting to let her go, I simply raise my hand and she knows exactly what I am looking for. A second later I get the slap to my hand that I was anticipating, and instead of grabbing her hand and pulling her into my arms I simply say, “Have a good night, Em. Drive safe.” She shyly smiles, gets into Justine and drives away.

  The only thing going through my head is MORE! I need more of her!

  Chapter 16
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br />   Emily

  So far I have loved my time at my new job. It’s only part time, but that actually works well as far as my Masters classes and being able to afford pre-school for Ireland goes. I’m working at Happy Valley High School and am assisting the SPED (special education) teacher, Heidi Colyer, for the first half of the school days. The thing I love about the SPED group is that I get to spend time with all sorts of great kids. There are kids that just have mild ADD and need additional assistance focusing and with organization. There are kids with behavioral issues that can be a bit of a handful, but are still great. And there are kids that are not neuro-typical and may be somewhere on the autism spectrum or have other challenges that require additional support. These kids usually have one-on-one time with specialized aides. I don’t get much time with them but I love the time we do get to spend together.

  All my kids are great, even the kids that have behavioral problems. When you get down to it, there’s usually a reason for their behavior and sometimes in these smaller settings where the kids can get some one-on-one time with an adult, you can figure out what those things are and really help them.

  There are also some kids that you just click with and I already have a couple of those. Austin Gilbert and Jesse Miller are two such kids. They happen to be good friends and great kids. They’ve both had a rough start but they seem to have each other’s backs and they have never been anything but respectful to myself and Mrs. Colyer. For some reason, I just get these two and I feel like I’ve helped them here and there. Their list of missing assignments seems to be dwindling, but the school year has just begun so only time will tell.

  Today, when the boys arrive to class there’s something odd going on between them. Jesse is keeping his head down and pretending to look at his work but is clearly off somewhere in his head, while Austin is doing everything he can to get my attention without causing a scene.

  “Hey guys, how was your weekend?” I ask as I approach their table and heed Austin’s signals.

  “Not too bad, Miss Jacobs. How about yours?” I get from Austin, but Jesse doesn’t reply.

  “It was good, thanks for asking. Either of you need help with any of your classes?”

  I can see Jesse just barely shake his head, but it’s clear that Austin would like my attention.

  Practically begging he asks, “Miss Jacobs, can we go over my English essay?”

  “Sure, let’s see what you have so far,” I say as I take the seat next to him.

  As Austin turns his notebook towards me I can hear my heart pounding in my head when I read the note that he has written for me.

  Jesse’s dad hurt him this weekend. He’s not okay and needs help but he made me promise I wouldn’t say anything to anybody but we have to help him. He has to get out of that house. He stays to protect his younger brother but it isn’t safe for either of them. Check his arms.

  I write ‘ok’ on the paper and my mind starts spinning with ideas of what to do. I know I have to play it cool so that Jesse doesn’t notice anything is off, so I spend another couple of minutes with Austin and we do actually look at his English essay and then I leave him to work.

  I walk around the class and check on a couple of other kids before I get to Jesse and once I reach him I take the open seat next to him.

  “Hey Jess, you’re pretty quiet today. Everything okay?”

  “Yep.”

  “Why are you wearing such a heavy coat today? It’s gotta be like ninety degrees outside.”

  “Dunno, just felt like it.”

  “Hey bud, can you look at me?” He’s been hiding behind his long hair and I can tell he doesn’t want me to see why.

  “Jesse, you aren’t yourself and you won’t even look at me. What’s going on?” I press on.

  “Nothing, just leave me alone,” he huffs. It’s clear he’s getting frustrated with my insistence.

  “Well, I won’t do that but let’s see what you have for homework that we can work on. Whatcha got?”

  “Just some math, no big deal,” he shrugs.

  “Well, get it out of your backpack and let’s take a look and make sure you understand what you guys are studying in class this week.”

  He just sits there, but once he realizes I’m not going anywhere he gets his binder out of his backpack and flops it on the table awkwardly.

  On a heavy sigh he says, “I don’t have a pencil.”

  “Here, borrow mine,” I say handing him mine.

  Out of habit when he starts to write he pushes up his sleeves on his jacket and cringes. I can just barely see the burn on his forearm but it’s enough to send a protective rage through me.

  “Jesse, look at me,” I order and all the sweetness has left my tone.

  Still refusing to look at me and sounding exhausted, he pleads with me once more. “No Miss Jacobs, just leave it alone.”

  Standing from the table I announce, “Jesse is gonna help me run to get some supplies, Mrs. Colyer, We’ll be right back. Austin, have her look at your essay when you’re done if I’m not back in time.”

  Jesse doesn’t move.

  “Would you like me to cause a scene in front of the whole class or would you like to go sit in the Commons and talk to me?”

  With that he abruptly gets up and the sliding sound of his chair gets everybody’s attention while he storms out of the classroom ahead of me. We don’t say anything until we reach the Commons. He throws himself into a chair at the nearest table and I sit across from him.

  Because we’re out in the open and anybody that walks by can see and hear us he whispers, “Miss J, you don’t understand. I can’t let you get involved in this. I have to stay in my home with my brother and if they make me leave I won’t be there to protect him.”

  He finally lifts his head to me and I can see that his left eye and temple are severely bruised. He lifts his jacket sleeve and shows me burn marks. I try my very best not to gasp out loud, but inside I am cursing and trying to catch my breath.

  “Jesse, did your mom or dad do this to you?”

  “My mom isn’t around.”

  “So, it was your dad.”

  No reply.

  “Are those cigarette burns, sweetie?”

  With tear filled eyes, this six-foot plus boy who scares most of the other kids in school away with just a look pleads with me. “Listen, you can’t take me away. Who will watch over William?”

  “Jesse, let’s see what we can do to help you. Let’s go on up to the counselor’s office and talk to somebody. As an employee, I have to report any abuse that I see, but hopefully we can get both you and your brother somewhere safer.”

  “Do you really think we could both get out?”

  “I can’t make any promises, but I am sure there is always a chance, Jesse.”

  I cannot believe I am headed to happy hour after the day I’ve had. After a couple of hours in the office with Jesse and the authorities, I was an emotional mess and Cami thinks happy hour is just what I need. I hope I did the right thing for Jesse and for William. I just want them to be safe. The social worker from the Department of Human Services says that they’ve reached out to their Grandmother, and she’s going to pick them both up and stay with them while things get figured out. They’re issuing a warrant for his dad’s arrest and hopefully, if Jesse continues to cooperate, his dad won’t be coming home anytime soon. Thank goodness he’s still 17 and not an adult yet or things may not be going as well as they are as far as getting the boys removed from the house together. I left him with our School Resource Officer, Officer Blackburn, and even though I knew he was in good hands, I hated to walk away from him.

  After dropping Ireland off at my mom’s and meeting at Cami’s place, we hop in her car and head down to The Observatory to meet Alex. It’s our favorite little spot, with the best drinks, and oh my God the oregano fry bread is to die for! I’m really not in the mood for this but I appreciate Cami trying to help. To be honest, I miss my best friends. I’ve lived with Cami for the last eight year
s and not seeing her every day has been more of an adjustment than I anticipated. She really is my rock and I owe her so much. And I feel like I have years of catching up to do with Alex. I think I can manage a happy hour if it means time with the two of them.

  I fill them in on the details of poor Jesse, and what a great friend Austin was. That he made sure that an adult saw what was happening, and got him help. reassures me that I made the right decision and that I deserve an adult beverage to celebrate.

  Since I’m not much of a drinker, my plan is just to have one drink but Cami seems to have other plans. We manage to find three stools at the bar so we belly up and order our drinks. Our favorite adult beverage, here at The Observatory, is the Chelsey’s Bellini. It’s ridiculously sweet but sooo good. It’s made with pear vodka, peach puree and champagne. One is all that’s needed for this light-weight. My plan is to sip slow and fill my tummy with fry bread.

  We order our drinks and bread as we talk about Cami’s new job in Real Estate, Alex and her job as an event planner, my Masters classes and job at the school. The bar is slowly getting louder and warmer. There is a group of guys that look like they just got off work and are looking to blow off some steam. As always, Cami zeroes right in on them.

  “Hey chica, I bet I can get us some free drinks.”

  “I don’t want any free drinks, but you go right ahead. I’m happy right here with my fry bread.”

  “Oh no, you’re the one who had the shit day. You are drinking!”

  “Cami, I have to go to work tomorrow and I have Ireland to take care of. I cannot get shitty.”

  “One shot won’t kill you.”

  “Have you met me? I barely drink, let alone do shots. You go right ahead though, and I’ll drive us home, but there is no way I am doing shots!”

  “You know you can’t stop her once she gets her mind set on something.” Alex giggles as we watch Cami do what she does best.

  Cami introduces herself to the guys and she’s amazing to watch in action. She isn’t overtly sexy, and she is far from a slut, but she is so damn cute that guys just fall under her spell. She promises nothing and still gets drinks everywhere we go. Tonight, she’s in a professional yet sexy, tight, black sheath dress and with her heels giving her some height and helping her amazing legs stand out…these guys don’t stand a chance. She has a confidence about herself that I’ve never had. I haven’t been out much in the last five years—my life has been more diapers and bottles than bars—and the time away hasn’t done much for my self-esteem. I feel so much older than my 26 years and to be honest, I’m not really interested in meeting anybody. Besides, I have the guy of my dreams wanting to try again and I friend-zoned him.