The Hunt

The kiss

As the truck rumbled through the city streets, I thought about the storm that was coming when we got home.

I looked at Amelia with a wry smile and said, "Well, I am probably in for a treat when we get back."

She chuckled, recognizing the truth in my words. "You might need earplugs."

Amelia, Bryce, and I continued our journey into the city's heart, our shared music taste fostering a camaraderie within the confined space of the truck. Our first stop was Chief Raymond's house, where Amelia introduced Bryce to his grandparents.

When Raymond and Barbara, his wife, hugged their grandson, they were clearly moved, and tears came to their eyes. The short family moment lingered in the air before Amelia politely told us it was time to go run some errands.

"We'll be right back," she reassured them, hugging Bryce tightly.

Bryce was surprisingly at ease with his grandparents, and they returned the favor. There was a spark of connection in the family ties.

As we returned to the truck, I couldn't resist teasing Amelia about her newfound family bonds. "Miss them already?"

Amelia playfully rolled her eyes. "Please, I'm not that sentimental. Just keep it together for the sake of appearances."

I, sensing the guarded sincerity in her response, congratulated her on taking the step to reconnect with her family. However, Amelia, maintaining her cautious stance, expressed the need to keep her guard up until trust was built.

"You can't let your guard down so easily," Amelia explained. "People tend to hide behind a fake wall instead of being real with me."

I, steering the conversation away from heavy topics, decided to lighten the mood. I began to sing along to the music playing in the truck, injecting a dose of fun into the atmosphere. Amelia, caught off guard, eventually burst into laughter, the genuine sound echoing through the confines of the truck.

Rolling through the city, Amelia pointed to a bar with a decisive gesture. "Stop there."

I, raising an eyebrow, couldn't hide my surprise. "A bar? Out of all the places?"

Amelia smirked, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "I need a drink."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're not fooling me. I ain't carrying you if you get drunk."

Amelia rolled her eyes, dismissing my concern, as we parked near the bar. Just as we were about to enter, my phone buzzed with a text from my wife, Raven, inquiring about our plans.

"Why didn't you invite me?" Raven's message read.

I quickly typed a response, explaining that I thought some time apart might be good for Amelia and Raven, considering the new arrangements at home. Before I could finish, another message arrived, expressing Raven's discontent.

"You should have taken us out and left Amelia and her son at the house, not vice versa."

I defended my decision, stating that Raven could leave the house whenever she wanted, unlike Amelia. My explanation was cut short when Amelia, with a softening demeanor, interrupted me.

"Bring your ass in the bar," she said, a subtle sign that she might be softening up.

The dimly lit bar enveloped Amelia and me as we settled onto the stools, the chatter and clinking glasses creating a lively backdrop. I, in a teasing tone, leaned in and asked, "Fruity Cosmo or Margarita?"

Amelia laughed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'm not your wife. Just get me a rum and coke."

I playfully raised an eyebrow. "Hope you can handle your liquor."