Page 16 of The Lies We Believe

Montoya

I know! I’ll be taking one of the first stake out shifts tonight. Don’t panic, we’ll keep your boy safe.

Me

That’s good to know, but I need a favor.

Montoya

Dare I ask?

I snickered as I pictured her rolling her eyes at me. I grinned down at my phone as I typed.

Me

I need you to pick up an order for me from Walmart. I got River to order some clothes and bits considering he has nothing and my stuff drowns him.

Montoya

I can only imagine! You’re a giant among men

Montoya

Sure, no probs. Let me know the deets and I’ll drop it all off later.

Me

Thanks, M

Montoya

Fuck off you know I’ve got your back.

I did. She was the best partner I could have asked for, but she was more than that—she was my friend. We confided in each other about so much, and most days, it felt like it was us against the world when we walked into the station. But I wasn’t sure I could tell her about these feelings I’d been having. I didn’t want to see disapproval in her eyes, because I wanted her support, always. She was a part of my life, and I didn’t want to jeopardize our working relationship or friendship.

My eyes flicked up to the screen, confirming the payment had gone through. I quickly confirmed the collection time with Montoya, then slipped my phone into my pocket and headed back into the kitchen to load the dishwasher.

River was clutching his coffee mug, looking out the window to the backyard beyond it. “You can sit out there if you want for a bit, or I could show you where everything is in your room? Montoya is going to pick up your order and drop it over later so you can make it into your space.” River tilted his head to the side to show he was listening, but seemed thoroughly consumed with the outside world. “Whatever you want, really.”

Not knowing what else to say, I rinsed the empty plates and loaded the dishwasher before searching my junk drawer for a notepad and pen. “Here.” I placed them on the counter for him. “Did you want another coffee? Juice? Water?”

Shaking his head, River got up, rounded the counter, and rinsed his cup and glass before sticking them in the dishwasher while I wrung my hands, unsure what to do next. I wanted to hug him, but this wasn’t about me. As if River could read my mind or my sheer lack of direction, he scribbled on the notepad.

Can I see my room?

“Oh sure, follow me.” He did, following me into the living room, where I grabbed the blankets and headed upstairs. It was unnerving how silently he moved around. The stairs that creaked under my weight stayed silent under his. I cleared my throat. “This one is mine,” I said, pointing at the door to the right. “And this one is yours. There are two more at the other end, but they’re empty.” I shrugged when River’s eyes widened. “It’s not like I have anyone else to visit me, no family or anything.”

River scribbled on his notepad.

Partner?

“Montoya is my partner. You met her at the station.”

Exhaling heavily, River started writing again.

Girlfriend?

A deep laugh punched its way out of me. “Good god, no. She’s a friend. More like the little sister I lost, and the closest thing to family I have. I have…” I licked my lips, feeling seriously confused by his line of questioning. “I’m not in a relationship.” My shoulders slumped. “I’ve never really…” I spread myhands wide. “Never really had any long-term relationships or anything.”

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