Stories Of Paper: Unwritten Love

Chapter-Three-Pete

“Sorry buddy, they ran out of cake.” I say to Jaxson in the back seat. Leaving out the little detail that I smashed it all over this beautiful woman. Waving bye to Danny. He is my savior, he brought Jax to the coffee shop, buckled him into his booster seat and sat with him while I ran in to get the goods.

His little eyes tilted down staring at his dinosaur in his hands. “It’s ok daddy. My belly feels funny now anyways.” Damn, can I catch a break? Is he really getting sick again? If so, that would make it the third time this month. Schools are just little cesspools, I have considered homeschooling Jax for a while now.

Unfortunately, with my work schedule I can't seem to find someone willing to stay with him that amount of time. This boy is my world, my everything. I have raised Jax by myself since he was born. It's always been just the two of us. Well with the exception of my best friend Danny. Thank fu8ck for Danny, we both work for the Whitefish Police Department. We joined the academy together, got extremely lucky to be accepted to the force in our small little town, nobody ever gets that chance. Because no one, I mean no one ever leaves this place. All the other trainees have been spread out to the towns close by.

We used to be partners, when Jax was born Danny opted to take the opposite shift so we can "co-parent". Jax has his own bedroom and everything at Dannys. When things get strained for us we have Danny's sister watch Jax for us so we can have our bro time, it's very rare we get that chance but well worth it when we do.

Pulling up to Jax’s school now. “Ok buddy, we are here. If you need me, have the school call me. And don't forget uncle Danny is picking you up today.” I lift him out of the booster seat, grab his little hand in mine, once we reach the entrance of the school I kneel down. Jax kisses my cheek “I love you daddy.”

“I love you too Jax. Have a good day at school.” I stand and watch him walk through the door. Once he is inside I retreat back to my SUV and head to the department.

~

Glad to be out on patrol today. Driving the streets of Whitefish. Such a calm and peaceful town. Not to say we don't get our fair share of crime or incidents but compared to, I would choose here over anywhere else. I love patrol days, I’m by myself or with one other officer. It takes me away from the gossip that goes on in the department. I can't enunciate enough about the one major pitfall of living in a small town. Especially when you grow up here. Knowing anybody and everybody's business.

Cruising the streets allows me to escape and think. To work out all the problems in my head. Danny’s words are filtering through my head. Pete don't you think it's time to be happy for yourself for once? Jax will be fine, you don't need to protect him forever. I know in my heart he just wants what's best for me. But how could I do that to Jax? I haven't been in a relationship since Jax's mother. Not wanting any of my dates to turn into anything serious, because what would that do to Jax if he fell in love with them? It would crush me if it didn't work out. It would crush him.

He is getting to that age where he has started to ask questions about his mom. All the other kids in school have a mom. When he never has. He has hinted to some of my girl friends, and I don't mean “girlfriends”, just girls that I'm friends with, if they can be his mom. It breaks my heart for him that, that is the one thing I can’t give to him. He is only six and doesn't understand everything that goes into that. But Danny and Jax suggesting there should be a woman in my life has had me thinking. Still not ready to jump in feet first right away. I still found myself yearning for someone in my life.

I think that's why I was so bold back at the coffee shop. I felt this pull toward Katie, it's weird I know. I haven't felt that comfortable around a woman since Beth, my wife. What the hell was I thinking? Well when I told her about Jax she didn't run. She accepted my invitation. What if she loses her sh8it when she finds out about Beth? What if she thinks that I don't have the support system I need to care for a young child? Since my parents moved to Florida, right before Jax was born it has been just two guys that know nothing about parenting, just trying to figure it out as we go.

No.

No.

I can't chicken out now. She has already accepted. Where to take her? I know nothing about this woman. Does she like all the outdoorsy things Whitefish has to offer? Surely she wouldn't be here if she didn't have the desire to indulge in a little outdoor sporting, would she? She has to, that's all there is here. I pull up to a corner store to get a drink. Not able to get it out of my mind, I just need a hint. Geeze, I hope I don't make a fool of myself. I pull out my phone, open the text app:

Me: Hey Katie, it’s Pete.

Katie: Hey Pete, how's your shift going?

Me: Miserable, out on patrol, can't seem to figure out how to impress this woman I ran into today? Any suggestions?

Katie: Ahh… Hmm… let me think. Is she cute?

Me: Very.

Katie: You should smash a cake in her face.

Me: You are going to hold that over my head forever aren't you?

Katie: What fun would it be if I just let it go? Of course I am.

Me: Touche! Really though, any suggestions?

Katie: Fishing for an answer to a perfect date?

Me: Yes, Katie. What would be the perfect date?

Katie: Oh, I think I'm losing phone connection. Looks like you are all on your own.

Me: No you don't, you can't just leave me hanging.

With no response back I head into the corner store. She is witty, funny, and apparently wants to see if I can please her on my own. Not one little hint. s**t. I grab a soda out of the cooler, turning towards the counter to cash out, an idea pops into my head. It's so perfect. I just hope she will be impressed.