Page 5 of Forever and Always #1
BOBBY
A s I enter the office, my co-worker Jenny looks up from her desk, her eyes bright. “Hey, Bobby! How’s it going? You look like you’re floating on air.”
I try to play it cool, but a smile sneaks across my face. “Just had a good morning, that’s all. Though my car did break down.”
Jenny raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Good morning, car trouble? Spill the tea, Bobby! What happened?”
I take a deep breath, weighing how much to reveal. “I had a bit of a car emergency, and this really cute—actually, hot—police officer came to my rescue.”
Jenny’s eyes widen with excitement. “Ooh, hot police officer? Give me the scoop!”
I laugh, feeling a bit giddy. “His name is Darke. He’s not just handsome; he’s also really kind and helpful.”
Jenny’s enthusiasm is palpable. “Bobby, this is amazing! You should totally get his number and ask him out!”
I blush, feeling a bit shy. “Actually, he already has my number. He’s picking me up at 5 pm to take me to the mechanics so I can pick up my car. And why would I ask a police officer out on a date?”
Jenny grins mischievously. “I say you should! People have seen the way you light up when you talk about him!”
Town gossip really moves quick.
I laugh, trying to deflect her teasing. “You’re just imagining things, Jenn. It’s really nothing.”
But Jenny’s words linger in my mind. I do feel a spark of excitement whenever I think about Darke. The way he smiled at me, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners—it’s enough to make me feel… a bit too excited.
I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts. “Anyway, enough about that. What’s the update on the Smithson wedding?”
Jenny winks, clearly not ready to let the topic go. “Oh, don’t think you can change the subject that easily! But fine, I’ll let it slide… for now.”
She fills me in on the latest details about the wedding, but my mind keeps wandering back to Darke and the anticipation of seeing him again. Despite his imposing height, he’s genuinely nice to talk to.
“And we’re going to do this cake—hello? Bobby!” Jenny’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
I blink, refocusing on her. “Oh, sorry! I was just… um, thinking about the cake design.”
Jenny raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. “Thinking about the cake design? With that goofy grin on your face? Yeah, right!”
I chuckle, feeling a bit sheepish. “Okay, okay. Maybe I was thinking about something—or someone—else.”
Jenny’s grin widens. “You’re thinking about Darke, aren’t you?”
I sigh, trying to play it cool. “Maybe a little. But it’s nothing, really.”
Jenny’s expression softens, turning serious. “Listen, Bobby. If there’s a chance at something real, don’t let it slip away. You deserve to be happy.”
I smile, feeling a warmth in my heart. “Thanks, Jenn. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The conversation shifts back to the wedding arrangements, but my thoughts drift to the clock. It’s 3 pm. Only a few more hours until I see Darke again.