Page 3 of Espresso Your Love
Today is my first full day in Meadowbrook, and I’ll say it hasn’t disappointed. Meeting a beautiful blonde at the local shop would brighten anyone’s day. Even though it was a small interaction with her, she was intriguing and polite. Well, besides the staring, but I thought it was cute. I could barely hold in my laughter with her flustered fake typing.
I just got in yesterday and am temporarily staying at the bed-and-breakfast here in town. I was supposed to be renting a small house right on the border of town, but it fell through. Something about an infestation of goats. Yeah, I’m not so sure if that’s the actual reason or if the owner didn’t want an out-of-towner staying in their home.
Now, I need to find a new place to stay. I’ll be on the hunt after I meet with the chief today. That was him calling right now, asking if I could drop by earlier than planned. He wanted to welcome me to town and asked if I could come in before my first shift to meet everyone. I know this is a small town—things are going to be different than the city—but I might have underestimatedhowdifferent they’ll be. In a good way. Everyone has been so polite and kind.
I wanted a change, and change is what I’m getting. Coming from a big city to a small town will do that to you. Granted, I’m not coming from Los Angeles or anything, but it’s still different.
It seemed like the right time to choose a slower pace of life, and when this job opportunity came up, I had no doubt that this was my next step.
I pull into the parking lot for the police station.
“You ready, Max?”
His ears perk up, and he gives me a little bark.
I hop out and open the back door. Max jumps out and immediately comes to my side. I scratch behind his ear.
“Okay, let’s show them what we got.”
I take a deep breath and open the doors. While it’s slower than the station back home, it’s still busy. The reception desk has one older woman, probably in her sixties, and a few townspeople are waiting in the lobby. An officer comes through a door off to the side, and a mixture of voices comes through.
“Hi, how can I help you?” the woman behind the desk asks.
“Hello, ma’am.”
She waves her hand at me. “Oh, nonsense. None of that ‘ma’am’ stuff. I’ve got decades more life in me. You can call me Cecilia.” She adjusts her glasses on her nose.
“Hello, Cecilia. I’m Ryan Hayes. I have a meeting with Chief Dobbs.”
“The chief was just telling me all about you. You’re coming to test out the small town life, huh?”
“I’m ready for a change of pace and happy to be where I’m needed.”
“Well, I’ll tell you something—everyone has been anticipating your arrival.”
“I hope that’s a good anticipation.”
“Are you kiddin’? You’ve been the talk of the town! Here, I’ll buzz you through. You can’t miss his office. Just straight through there.”
“Thank you, ma—” I pause as she raises her eyebrow. “Thank you, Cecilia.” I dip my head slightly in a nod and start walking toward the door.
I open the door to see the bullpen off to the right. Officers are scattered about chatting. There are enclosed offices along the outside of the room. I scan the room until I find the office labeled “Chief” straight ahead of me.
I knock on the door.
“Come in!” a deep voice on the other side shouts.
I open the door and walk in. “Hello, Chief Dobbs. I’m Ry—”
He immediately stands up from his desk and shakes my hand. “Ah, Ryan. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, son. We’re so glad to have you here in Meadowbrook.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“And this must be Max. It’s a pleasure to meet you, hero.”
Max lifts his paw to shake the chief's hand.
“Ah, he’s also a gentleman.” He laughs in a deep raspy tone. “How are you settling in? Are you all unpacked?”
