Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

32

I tore through Outer Banks, dodging people and cars as I went. I had one goal in mind and I wasn't about to let anything get in my way.

"Well, look who it is? Xena what brings you here?" I looked at the officer behind the glass counter.

"I need to speak with Sheriff Peterkin. Is she in?" I asked unzipping my jacket as I held my helmet in my left hand.

"As a matter of fact, I am. Come 'round back." I turned and headed down the hallway, following Peterkin from where she had poked her head into the entry hall to get my attention.

She took me into her office, the other desk empty as I assumed Deputy Shoupe was out.

"What's going on?" I sighed, grabbing a spare chair and setting it by her desk.

"JJ Maybank. What's going to happen?" Peterkin sighed, setting her hands on her desk.

"You know as a matter of law-"

"That you can't disclose the information unless I'm a legal guardian. I'm aware. I- I just need to know if he's going to the slammer and if there's anything I can do."

She thought about it, humming for a moment.

"Xena, when I first met you, I knew you were a well rounded individual. Bright, selfless, caring. Your friend JJ can tell you more. But the boat your friend sunk, is very expensive. I'd say his restitution could be around 30k. He's gonna have to do a lot more than party the rest of the summer." I hid my smile as I stood.

"Thank you for your time, Sheriff." I extended my hand and she took it.

"Xena, I told Gray the last time he dropped barbecue off for us here, if you ever want an internship- all you have to do is ask."

"That means a lot, Sheriff. Depending on how the rest of this summer goes, I may just bring it up."

"Go on and enjoy the rest of your day." I nodded, leaving her office and heading back out the doors. Once I left the station I hightailed it to the bank.

Upon seeing me, one of the free tellers behind the counter ushered me to follow her into a private room.

"Ms. Tallen, what can I do for you?"

"I need to write a check."

"Alright, which account would you like to use."

"The emergency fund."

"Which one?"

"The one with Nikolas Tallen as a co-signer."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

_______•*•*•*•_______

"Oh, you're back. Is everything alright?" I smiled as I walked up to the officer.

"Just fine." I pulled out an envelope addressed to JJ Maybank. "Please put this in his file. He'll need it in about two weeks or whenever he has his trial. I've let Sheriff Peterkin know about it as well." The officer nodded eye wide as she stared at the paper in her hand.

"I will make sure that it's put in his file. You are very kind."

"He's one of my best friends. I'm gonna help him however I can. Have a nice day."

"You as well."

_______•*•*•*•_____

"Ma, Gray? Are y'all home?" I shout closing the garage door.

"In the kitchen!" I smiled, breathing in the scent of whatever was cooking.

"It smells good, Gray, what are you making?"

"I've got potatoes in the oven, sirloins on the grill and a mix of zucchini and squash in the pan. I hope you're hungry." I stepped into the kitchen and saw the two sharing a smile. Their eyes flicking to me and almost immediately their smiles dropped.

"Honey, what happened to your face?" I sighed, setting my bag against the counter as I leaned onto the marble.

"Well, I had a spontaneous spar the other day. My opponent just managed to land a few good hits."

"Were you not wearing headgear?" I scratched my neck not able to look at Gray.

"No. We uh, we took it off."

"Honey." My mom sighed making me raise my hands in surrender.

"Hey, it's okay. The bruising is pretty much gone. I threw a little make up on, and boom. Good as new. It's not like we're going out anywhere."

The kitchen grew silent, the two sharing a look.

"Um, what was that about?" It was my turn to ask the questions.

"Honey, you remember the event I told you about. It's at the Country Club and Gray was invited to go." I racked brain trying to remember the conversation.

"Not really, what about it?" Gray cleared his throat.

"It's called Midsummers, and it's tonight."

"What? Why didn't I have more notice about this?" I felt my stomach knot.

"Honey you haven't been home long enough for us to say anything. There are three dress options upstairs, the two you don't pick will get returned so don't rip the tags off." I nodded grabbing my backpack.

"Gray, how big is this for you?" I asked my eyes darting across the kitchen as I realized he had made one of my favorites on purpose, and it was normally a dinner meal.

"Well, we were personally invited by Ward. And all of my colleagues are going to be there, and-"

"Gray, it's gonna be fine. You won't have to worry about me. But don't be surprised if I dip early. I'm certain I can con someone into picking me up." He sigh, smiling as he came over and wrapped me in a hug.

"Thank you, Xena." I gave him a squeeze before we separated. My eyes flashing to my mom as she stared endearingly at us.

"Tonight?" I asked low and under my breath tapping my left ring finger away from my Ma's view.

"No, but you'll be one of the first to know." He murmured back, he held up his pinkie making me grin and hook my pinkie around his.

"I'll be upstairs slowly getting ready."

"Food will be done in ten minutes so you might as well throw something comfy on. We will leave for midsommers around six tonight."

"Aye, aye!" I joked grabbing my bag and heading upstairs. The kitchen once again resuming in an easy silence.