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It was the first step to opening up, something she knew she needed to do, but she also didn’t want to weigh down a new relationship with all the drama going on in her life.

Bridget clenched her eyes shut as she chickened out. “I just have a lot going on.”

“You know I am here to listen, if you want to talk. I know we don’t know each other well, but I would like to get to know you.”

Bridget warmed at just the thought. She found herself smiling even though she hadn’t fully realized she was doing it. “I want to get to know you, too.”

“Good. I’m glad we’re in agreement there.” Jerica laughed lightly. “Everyone has their own demons, Bridget. I hope you know that. I’ve got some, you’ve got some, and I’m pretty sure your friend Eli has some too, despite her strange ability to seem to ignore them.”

“Her life is pretty perfect, if you ask me. It always has been.”

“No one’s life is perfect.”

Bridget could agree with that, but in terms of good families, Eli had gotten the better end of the deal. “My parents were here, and to say I don’t have the best relationship with them is an understatement.”

“I met them.”

“Oh.”

“I was the one who brought them in when you were being transferred. It wasn’t my job, but…I seem to have an affinity for you that I can’t quite get rid of.” Jerica sounded like she was smiling, but Bridget couldn’t tell. She wished they were together in the same room, then she would be able to figure it out.

“Well, thank you, and I’m equally sorry.”

“Don’t be. They were scared for you.”

Bridget had her doubts of that, but it was a nice sentiment to think about. She would never be the daughter they wanted, but then again, they had the perfect daughter and son. Bridget was the black sheep and would never be anything else. Perhaps it was time she lived into that title. “I’m not sure that’s what they were afraid of, but I’ll let you think that.”

“What else would they have been scared of?”

Bridget sighed. “My parents…I don’t exactly live up to their standards. Having their daughter be a cop was a pretty big problem for them. Having their daughter die in the line of duty would be a scar they’d never escape from.”

“I agree with you there, but I think we’re talking about two different things.”

“Probably.”

“What are you talking about?”

Bridget sighed, debating whether or not to share even more. Pulling back, she stared out the window at Eli’s old farm truck bumbling along the dirt road. “That’s probably a story for another day. I do thank you for taking such good care of them, and me.”

“It’s what I do,” Jerica answered, a wistful tone. “But I enjoyed taking care of you.”

Bridget smiled again, pleased that Jerica could so easily pull that from her. “Did you know, I think I’ve smiled more in this one conversation than I have all week.”

“Really?” Jerica seemed surprised.

“Yes. Eli and I…it’s not always been easy, and until I called her when I was in the hospital, I hadn’t really talked to her in years.”

“How could you not talk to your best friend?”

“She’s also my ex-girlfriend.”

“Oh.” Jerica’s tone dropped.

Bridget winced. She could have introduced that concept a little easier. “Nothing’s going on now, but it made it tough for a few years.”

“I can imagine. It’s hard to fall out with your best friend.”

“It is.” Bridget played with her plate again. “I know this might be forward of me, but when can I see you again?”