Kimberley Andersen, at just 25, is leaving behind a shadowy career with a secret organization she was involved with since the age of 16. Her decision to join the LAPD marks her attempt to live a more normal life and work alongside her mother, Captai...
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Later that evening, Kimberley found herself sitting across from Angela in a dimly lit bar. It was one of their favorite spots for unwinding after a tough week—a cozy little place with comfortable booths and a relaxed vibe. Kimberley was grateful for the distraction, hoping a few drinks and some time with her friend would ease the tension that had been building inside her all day.
Angela leaned back in her seat, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips as she sipped her cocktail. "So, Kim," she started, her tone casual but knowing, "Tim's been in an awfully good mood lately."
Kimberley raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Oh yeah?"
Angela chuckled, leaning forward. "Yeah, don't play coy with me. You have anything to do with that?"
Kim felt her face heat up. She took a sip of her drink, trying to maintain her composure. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Uh-huh," Angela said, clearly unconvinced. She leaned back, crossing her arms as she gave Kim a playful side-eye. "Come on, Kim. You think I haven't noticed? Tim's been practically walking on air these last few days, and it just so happens to line up with whenever he's been hanging around you."
Kimberley bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile, but Angela had a way of seeing through her. "We've... hung out a couple of times," she admitted, her voice cautious.
Angela grinned, leaning in closer. "Hung out? Girl, come on, you're not fooling anyone with that. You and Tim? There's something there, and I wanna hear all about it."
Kimberley hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But it was Angela—her friend, her confidante. And besides, Angela had a way of prying the truth out, even if it was hidden under layers of stubbornness.
She let out a soft sigh and put down her drink. "Okay, fine. We've been... seeing each other, kind of. We went on a date last night."
Angela's eyes lit up. "I knew it! I knew something was up!" She gave Kimberley a nudge with her elbow, beaming. "So? How was it? Spill."
Kimberley couldn't help but smile, remembering how sweet and thoughtful Tim had been, how easy it felt being around him. "It was nice," she admitted. "Really nice. Tim's... well, he's Tim. You know how he is."
Angela nodded, looking genuinely happy for her. "Yeah, I do. And trust me, if he's anything like the Tim I know, that man's crazy about you."
Kimberley's smile faltered for a moment, her mind flashing back to the text she'd received earlier—the one with the photo of her and Tim kissing. She felt a knot form in her stomach, but she quickly pushed it aside. She couldn't bring this up now, not with Angela. Not when she didn't have any answers.
Angela must have noticed the shift in her expression because her smile faded, and her brow furrowed with concern. "Hey, what's going on? You look like you just saw a ghost."
