Page 97 of The Way We Are

Now it’s my turn to laugh. Simon is the only man I trust to continue the swimming lessons I started with Savannah before she left for college four months ago. He's sixty-five and has a stomach that could have kept the Titanic afloat. He was the perfect candidate.

Savannah’s laughter simmers when I disclose, “I saw your dad last weekend. He’s keeping Willis on his toes.”

“I am so glad Willis stayed on as his nurse. He craves familiarity.” She inhales and exhales three times before asking, “Did he mention me?”

“Only a hundred times. He won’t forget you, Savannah. You’re impossible to forget.”

I hear her cheeks rising over the phone. “You have to say that. I’ve had your dick in my mouth.”

I groan before adjusting my crotch.

Savannah’s next question makes quick work of my stiffy. “How’s your mom? Things still quiet?”

Even though she can’t see me, I nod. “She’s good. She’s got an entire army looking after her now.”

What Savannah said months ago was true. Speaking out about domestic violence doesn’t necessarily mean ousting those involved. When I expressed concerns about my father’s temper to our neighbors, they vented similar worries. Knowing they had my approval to seek assistance if things got out of hand eased their concerns dramatically, which in turn alleviated mine. Although I’ll never be off-duty when it comes to protecting my mom, it's nice to know my shoulders aren’t the only ones carrying the burden.

When Savannah is unable to hold back a yawn, I shift my eyes to the alarm clock glowing in the hotel room I am sharing with Brax. Even though Brax isn’t a fan of me joining the boys in blue, he's here, supporting me. When I spoke to him and Chris last week, they said they would both make the trip to Orlando to watch me graduate. Brax arrived late this afternoon. I haven’t heard from Chris.

Noticing it's nearly 1 AM, I mutter, “It’s late, I better let you go. You’ve got classes tomorrow.”

“No!” Savannah squeals down the line, her voice so loud she startles Brax. “Not yet. I’m not even tired.”

“Shh,” I request with a chuckle. “You’ll wake up Brax. He’s snoring like a baby.”

Savannah’s apology is barely heard over Brax’s grumbled, “I’m not sleeping; I’m just bored waiting for the entertainment to start.”

When I arch a brow, confused, Brax blubbers, “Are you fucking serious? You’ve been together over six months and you haven’t had phone sex yet? What the hell is wrong with you two?”

Hearing how long I’ve been with Savannah makes my chest swell with pride. For six months, she’s been my girl. Six long, glorious months. I had dreamed things could be this good, but I never thought they would turn out even better than I envisioned. She’s firm when she needs to be and sweet when she’s not. She complements my good side and improves my bad. She's everything I could have hoped for, and then some.

Wanting to wipe the arrogance from Brax’s face, I mutter, “I didn’t say we haven’t tried it. I’m just wondering why you want to watch me stroke my dick?”

Brax gags at the same time Savannah hollers.

“I don’t wanna watch you touch your cock.” His deep timbre is scarcely heard over his numerous dry heaves. “I wanna hear Savannah whispernaughtythings into my ear.”

Even my cell falling from my ear so I can whack Brax over the head with my pillow doesn’t stop me from hearing Savannah’s hearty laugh. Her giggles encourage my assault.

“You ready?”Brax asks, straightening the plain black tie hanging down my first official police uniform.

I drag my eyes from the crowd, which is surging in size for every minute that passes, to him. “Yeah. I think. Where’s Chris?”

Brax isn’t shocked by my choppy response. The nerves fluttering in my stomach have reduced me to one or two-word sentences most of the day.

“He’ll be here. He’s just parking his car,” Brax assures.

When I gesture to the massive half-empty parking lot, Brax stammers out, “He’s...getting coffee?”

He slaps my back three times, ensuring he and Chris will forever have my back without words. I know every unspoken promise is true. They’ve had my back in more ways than I can count the past six months. Chris drove Savannah to her school when a mix-up with paperwork meant my request for three days of leave approved for the wrong month. Brax drops in to visit my mom once or twice a week at a bare minimum just to make sure she's okay, and he even lined up an after school gig for Damon at the tattoo shop he’s been working at the past nine months. They have my back—and hopefully with my first placement being assigned at Ravenshoe PD, I’ll soon have theirs as well.

“I’m gonna go grab a seat before all the good ones fill up. Keep an eye out for me. I’ll be the one cheering you from the front row.”

After racking his knuckles against my chest, he disappears out of the mesh tent that the other twelve recruits and I are getting ready in.

The first personI spot when I march toward the area assigned for me and my fellow recruits is Regina. She's standing up on stage, her smile as proud as every other mother in the small crowd. The second person I see is Brax. He's sitting front and center as promised. The two chairs beside him are noticeably vacant since every other chair in the makeshift outdoor arena has been filled. The third person I spot nearly has me choking back tears. I never expected to see her here—not in a million years. It's my mom.

Noticing the direction of my gaze, Brax stands from his chair and gestures for my mom to join him at the front. Although her face shows her embarrassment at arriving late, it also shows her gratitude for Brax’s offer.

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