Page 24 of Color of Love

“I would look badass in a tutu with a wand, admit it,” Dean said, and leapt on Beau, sprinkling more grass over him like it was fairy dust.

“Bibbidi-bobbidi-back the fuck up, dude!” Beau shouted, dusting grass off his head. Blake started laughing, it came out harsh and rusty, like he wasn’t used to it. Jesus, when was the last time he had honest-to-God laughed? These guys were funny though, and since he’d been with them, he hadn’t thought about any of his issues. When they settled down, Dean turned to him.

“We’re having a barbecue next weekend, you should come,” Dean said casually.

“Oh yeah? Who’s gonna be there?” Blake asked, even though he already knew.

“Probably just me, Christy, Beau, Taylor and maybe Justine if she can make it,” Dean replied. Blake didn’t know what to say. He didn’t think it was a good idea because if Justine were there, she might let slip something about his sessions, or he could have an episode. He really didn’t want an episode in front of everyone, especially Justine, even though she was his psychologist he’d had too many in front of her now, it was just embarrassing. There was also the possibility that he could do something stupid, like touch her.

“Yeah maybe,” he said, noncommittal was probably the best way to go.

Dean shrugged. “The invitation’s there if you want it, no pressure.” He smiled at Blake. Feeling reluctant to leave but like he should probably quit while he was ahead, Blake stood up.

“Good game guys. I better get back, got some work to do this afternoon.”

Beau and Dean stood up and Dean held out his fist. Blake looked at it before bumping it with his and then did the same with Beau.

“Cool, well I’ll see you on Monday for the NWS meeting,” Dean said.

“Yeah, and I’ll see you next weekend at the barbecue,” Beau said, his tone firm like Blake had better show up. Blake smirked, were they forcing him to hang out with them? He couldn’t say no to that, could he?

“I’ll see you around,” he said to both before leaving. He decided to run the rest of the way back but when he got home, he actually felt tired. Instead of heading into the office he sat on the couch and then after a little while, fell asleep. He woke a few hours later from his nap feeling refreshed: the first time he’d had a few hours’ sleep in what felt like forever.

He had a shower and grabbed some food. He contemplated heading to the bar for more immersion therapy but panicked. He had been pretty sociable the last couple of days and it had taken a lot out of him. He decided instead to focus on the case file he’d created on the previous sheriff. Blake had spotted a few incidents where there had been complaints made that had been brushed under the rug or potentially covered up. He needed to do some digging but he also needed to be careful: the officers were still loyal to the previous sheriff. Whatever digging he did, he needed to do it discreetly.

His cell rang, distracting him from his work.

“Deputy Miller,” he answered.

“Hello Deputy, it’s Dr. Michaels from the Citrus Pines veterinary practice, do you have a few minutes to talk about the fox that was brought in last week?”

Blake’s stomach dropped. He already didn’t like the sound of this, it could only be bad news. The first thought that rushed through his mind was, how was Justine going to take it?

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