Page 46 of Seducing the Sheriff
Billy looked at me with a pleading expression, like he thought I’d intervene on his behalf, but I said, “You heard what Destiny said. Out!”
“But, but…” He shuffled toward the door, turning with one last look, as if Destiny might change her mind.
“Sorry about that,” Destiny said brusquely when the door closed behind Billy. “I don’t take that kind of language in here.” Then she grimaced. “Billy’s always had a big mouth, even when he was a kid.”
I was still in the middle of my freak-out, and Destiny was being so nice and matter-of-fact to me.
“Would you mind taking his mom her order. I know that was what Billy was in here for and she’ll skin him alive if she doesn’t get her macchiato.”
“I’m not sure who I should be more worried about. Billy or his mom,” I said.
Destiny waved her hand. “Billy’s all mouth. You know what young guys are like. They never think with their upstairs brain.”
And right then, I was back to the previous night. I hadn’t been thinking with my upstairs brain last night.
“I’ll make one for her and a hot chocolate for Rosie. Then no one will shout at you.”
This was going to be an expensive quick call to the coffee shop.
“The drinks are on me,” Destiny continued. “You shouldn’t hear that kind of language in here.”
Now I felt guilty. I made sure I stuffed several notes in the tip jar so she knew how much I appreciated her support.
“You’re not responsible for someone else behaving like that,” I assured her.
She nodded, but I wasn’t sure she was convinced.
I left juggling three cups, and various treats, because Destiny threw in an extra two for the ladies. I sat in my car and downed half my coffee in three large gulps. I felt I’d earned it after the past fifteen minutes.
I rubbed at the bristles on my chin. I hadn’t had time to shave this morning as I’d snuck an extra five minutes in bed with Greg.
Had throwing Billy out of the coffee shop been the right thing to do? Or would that just fuel his resentment against queers? The last thing I wanted was him taking it out on other gay and lesbian residents in Charming. I’d seen this happen elsewhere in the county and I didn’t want it to happen here.
I’d keep an eye on him. Maybe I should warn Greg. It wouldn’t take much to send his home up in flames. I reached for my phone, then hesitated. Now I was using any excuse to call him. I needed to get back to the office and do my job.
Rosie greeted my offering of hot chocolate with delight and a scolding about making her put on weight. Mainly delight. I noticed she didn’t refuse it.
Then, with some trepidation, I went in search of Joan, Billy’s mom. She was a police officer, who worked for the police chief.
She smiled at me as I approached her desk. “Sheriff! I see you come bearing gifts.”
“It’s from Destiny,” I said. “A macchiato.” I handed her the drink.
Joan furrowed her brow. “I sent Billy out for that nearly an hour ago. Did you see him?” Then she caught sight of my expression. She gave a long-suffering sigh. “What did he do now?”
“Upset Destiny with some inappropriate language. He’s been banned.”
Joan cursed under her breath, using words I’d only heard from a distant cousin in the Navy. “I’m going to kill him. What kind of language?”
I winced. “He made a comment about queers.”
Now it was her turn to flinch. “I’m so sorry, sheriff.”
I waved it off. “You don’t need to apologize, Joan. Billy is an adult. He can make his own mistakes. But Destiny didn’t want you to miss out on your drink.” I dug in the bag and handed her the macaron. “And a sassy saucer.”
Joan stared at it, then shook her head. “Destiny is such a sweetheart.” She eyed me for a moment. “I am sorry, sheriff.”
I understood. She was apologizing without us having to drag out an awkward conversation.
