She’s got lots of those in all the right places, and the way she stands next to him annoys me. I hate to admit it, but they are a cookie-cutter couple and what most around here would assume Cooper would end up with. Cooper must say something funny because she throws her head back and laughs. When her hand comes down on his shoulder, I turn away.
I’m the opposite of her in every way, and I don’t like how I feel seeing it. How am I supposed to live around here seeing them together all the time? Maybe staying in Pink Springs wasn't the best idea.
Chapter Three
Cooper
Paula’s laugh is like nails on a chalkboard, but I try to hold my smile. When she touches my shoulder, I can’t fake it any longer, and I step back so her hand falls away.
“Well anyway—” She begins talking again, and I’m not sure I’ve said more than three words to her since she came in the office today. “It’s been so long, but it’s good to be back in town. Why don’t you and Luca come over for dinner tonight? Mama is cooking up something special for my return.”
“That’s really nice, but I’m afraid I’ve got work to take care of.”
“Oh, come on, Coop, we both know nothing is going on in this town tonight.” She leans in like she’s going to tell me a secret. “I won’t say a word.”
“Thanks for stopping by.” I nod to Paula and I can see the edges of her eyes tightening just a bit. That’s how I know just how pissed she is at not getting her way.
Paula and I weren’t what I’d call a couple in high school, but she was quick to tell people we were together. She used to be obnoxious at games—painting my jersey number on her face and asking to wear my letterman jacket. I was a nice guy that didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so when she asked me to prom I agreed. Our graduating class had around a hundred kids, so it’s not like I had a lot of options. I wasn’t really into anything other than focusing on getting into the Navy after graduation.
She made a big deal after prom about us being meant to be together, and I tried to let her down gently, but afterwards I heard she told people we’d gone all the way. It wasn’t true, and I sure didn’t start the rumor and even went out of my way to squash it when someone brought it up to me. After I left town, Luca told me that she was telling everyone we were engaged, and she was waiting for me to come back home. I wrote her a letter while I was in basic and told her in no uncertain terms that we were not together, and she shouldn’t wait on me. Soon after, she moved away from Pink Springs.
I’ve been back a while now and haven't given her a second thought since basic training. Last week I heard her mom took a spill and broke her leg. I went by and checked on her and made sure she had plenty of help. Next thing I know, Paula is showing up at the station saying I’ve been asking about her and how she’s back in town for good.
This is exactly what I don’t need right now, along with the headache that’s forming behind my eyes.
“See you tomorrow, Cooper.” She waves as she walks towards her car. I don’t miss the exaggerated swing of her hips as she does it, and I have to force myself to not roll my eyes as I go to my patrol car.
She tried that more than once back in high school, and it did just as much for me then as it does for me now. Which is exactly zero. For a long time after I graduated I wondered if that part of me just wasn’t working. I knew guys in my class that couldn’t wait to get their hands on a girl and were constantly pushing for details about Paula. I didn’t have this pressing urge to have sex or be with anyone, and I wondered if I was broken. I picture Juno with pink hair sitting on my kitchen counter, and it answers that question.
No, I wasn’t broken. My body was in hibernation until the right woman came along. Little Juno with her skinny legs, stubborn chin, and an attitude the size of Georgia. She was the one to wake me up, and now she’s under my goddamn skin.
Once Paula turns at the edge of downtown, I get out of my cruiser and make my way across the street. I see the light on at the old real estate place, and I plan on checking it out. It’s my job, after all.