tried not to smile at the relieved look on Kim’s face. While Kim dealt with more than her fair share of strange characters as a psychiatrist working in L.A. Metro’s ER, she looked uneasy and out of place in the police station.
“Sam,” Kim said. She smiled as she rose from her chair.
“Everything okay?” Sam gave Kim’s hand a quick squeeze.
Kim hesitated, then nodded. “Um…sorry to just show up like this without talking to you first. I tried to call you last night, but your phone went straight to voice mail. I tried again this morning but just got your voice mail again.”
“Sorry about that. My phone got broken last night at volleyball practice. I haven’t had a chance to replace it.”
“Oh. Okay.” Kim shifted in place and stuck her hands in her jean pockets. “I planned on coming down regardless.” Her gaze dropped to the floor. “I hope you don’t mind.”
Sam peered at her. What’s going on? Something was off. It wasn’t like Kim to sound so unsure of herself. She knows how much I care about her. I’m always happy to see her whether my sister can come with her or not.
A commotion broke out near the front desk before Sam could question her further.
Sam stepped in front of Kim, shielding her from the fracas. She made sure her fellow officers had the troublemaker under control before turning back to Kim. “Come on. You can wait for me in the back while I change and secure my gear. Then we can go grab a cup of coffee and you can tell me what’s going on.”
“I need to do some shopping,” Kim said.
“Shopping? But…” That didn’t make any sense to Sam. She couldn’t think of anything that would be available in San Diego that wouldn’t be in Los Angeles, where Kim and Jess lived. Before Sam could ask any questions, Kim headed toward the back of the coffee shop. Sam trailed in her wake.
Kim settled into an overstuffed chair in a quiet corner of the shop.
Sam pulled the chair next to hers closer and angled it so they could talk somewhat privately. Thankfully, at this time of the afternoon, the coffee shop wasn’t crowded. “So Jess couldn’t get the day off to come with you, huh?”
Kim shook her head. She looked everywhere except at Sam. Kim popped out of her chair, making Sam jump. “I’ll go get our coffee.” She practically bolted from Sam.
What the heck? Between Kim coming to San Diego alone for a shopping trip and her unusual behavior, things just didn’t add up for Sam and that stirred her cop instincts. I hope she’s not upset with Jess.
Jess had been keeping a secret from Kim for weeks now. Please don’t let anything mess up Jess’s plans. She was drawn out of her thoughts by Kim’s return.
“Here you go,” Kim said. She handed Sam a cup of coffee and a small brown bag.
Opening the bag eagerly, Sam smiled. Oh, yeah. She knows me well. Unlike Jess, Sam shared Kim’s chocolate addiction. She pulled out the chocolate croissant and took a big bite. Sam groaned, and her eyes closed as the rich chocolate and pastry melted in her mouth. She opened her eyes and grinned at Kim. “Are you trying to bribe me into going shopping with you?”
Kim flushed. “Maybe.” Her expression turned serious. “I really do need your help.”
“Anything,” Sam said. “You know that.”
“I know.” Kim touched Sam’s knee. “And I appreciate it.”
“Tell me what I can do to help.” It bothered her to see Kim, who was usually so outgoing and vibrant, acting so subdued.
“Well, Valentine’s Day is next Friday.”
Since that’s all Jess has talked about for the last month. Oh yeah. I know. She couldn’t wait to see Kim’s reaction to Jess’s surprise. Sam fought to tame a smirk. “Really? That’s next week?”
“Sam!” Kim’s tone left no doubt she wasn’t in the mood to be teased.
“Okay, sorry. Go ahead.”
Kim scrubbed her hands up and down her thighs, then sighed. “The Valentine’s Day present I planned for Jess,” her voice hitched, “well, it didn’t work out.” She looked up at Sam with tears glimmering in the corners of her eyes.
What the hell is going on? This has got to be about more than a present. Sam leaned close. “Hey. It’s okay. I’m sure Jess will understand. She’ll love anything you get her.”
As Kim brushed her hair back from her face, she blew out a breath. “I know. It’s just…complicated. Anyway, I want this Valentine’s Day to be