Page 129 of The Friends and Rivals Collection

DEREK

A few weeks later

I raise the bar in another rep, and then one more while Shaw spots me. Once I finish, I wipe my hands and say, “You ready to grab a beer?”

“I’m always ready for a beer.”

We head to the Barking Pug, trading stories about some of the crazy calls we’ve had in the past few weeks. Shaw’s become a good friend in that time.

“You know what’s cool?” I ask as we stop outside the bar.

“What’s that?”

“That you never pulled one of those don’t date my sister routines,” I tell him as I push open the door.

“You never gave me a chance to, but I’m happy to do it now.” He shakes a finger and adopts an old man tone. “Keep your paws off my little sister.”

I laugh as we grab stools at the bar, but his laughter fades quickly as he clears his throat, turning more serious than I’ve ever heard him. “Speaking of, I need to ask your advice about something.”

“Hit me.”

“So listen, it’s about Vanessa.”

“Yeah?” I ask, remembering the chemistry between them at the bowling alley. “What about her?”

The bartender swings by, and we order. When he takes off, Shaw continues. “I don’t know if you’re aware of this . . .”

I’m pretty sure I’m aware of exactly what he’s about to say.

“But I’ve kind of had it bad for her for a long time.”

“I figured that out.”

He looks at me. “Did you?”

“It’s patently obvious. The two of you flirt with each other as if it’s literally all you want to do.”

“That seems a reasonable assessment.” He heaves a sigh. “Trouble is, Perri’s made it pretty clear she doesn’t want anything to happen.”

“She definitely has.”

Shaw drums his fingers on the bar. “Do you think you could talk to her? Maybe try to smooth the path for me?”

I wince. “Ouch. I do value my life, you know that?”

“You’re saying I have my work cut out for me if I’m ever going to go after Vanessa?”

I nod vigorously. “I’m happy to help you any way I can, but Perri is going to be one tough nut to crack.”

Shaw rubs his hands together. “Then here’s what I’m thinking.”

While the bartender brings our beers, I listen as he tells me what he wants to do.

I raise a glass when he’s done. “Good luck with that. I can’t wait to hear how it goes.”