Her Protector

Remembering Our Love

New York City. April 7th, 2030. 6:30 P.M.

A couple of hours have passed, Lucas and Riley left the movies and took a nice walk around Central Park, talking about some of the good times that they've shared together while they were dating. After their walk, Lucas and Riley drove to a little bar & grill at University Place where him, Zay, Farkle, Josh and Billy hang out at after work. Lucas steps out of the car and walked over to the passenger side of his vehicle to open the door for Riley.

"Thank you, Lucas." Riley said as she steps out of the car. "What is this place? Why are we at a bar and grill? I thought that you stopped drinking."

"I did. I want to introduce you to the place where I always go to unwind after work. Don't worry, I didn't go back to drinking when I went back to this place. It's owned by a very good friend of mine. You'll like him." Lucas said as he entered the bar and grill with Riley. The restaurant was filled with police officers who were looking to unwind and other people who left from work. A man with black and grey hair and blue eyes was standing in front of the bar, noticing Lucas and Riley standing in the restaurant.

"Lucas? Lucas, is that you?" The man asked with an Irish accent.

"Dory!" Lucas waved as Dory got out from behind the bar.

"Lucas Friar. How are you?" Dory asked as he shook Lucas' hand.

"I'm doing pretty good. And how are you?" Lucas asked.

"I'm pretty good myself. It's been awhile since you came here. How's Yvonne?" Dory asked as he showed Lucas and Riley to a little booth in the corner and hands them their menus.

"Yvonne is doing good. I've been working a lot lately on a case while she's busy with the Hastings campaign. In fact, I want you to meet someone who's very important to me. Dory McKenna, this is Riley Matthews-Gardner. Riley, this is Dory McKenna. He's a retired police sergeant and he owns this place." Lucas said as he introduced Riley to Dory.

"Nice to meet you, Dory." Riley said as she sits down.

"Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Gardner. Wait, You're the same Riley Matthews-Gardner who wrote The Last Rodeo? My wife loves that book." Dory said.

"Why thank you." Riley smiled.

"So, when's your next book coming out? My wife is dying to read another one of your stories." Dory said.

"I'm currently working on a new story right now. I just started working on it today." Riley said while Lucas smiled at her and looked through the menu.

"That's great to here. Oh, there's no need to look through the menu, Lucas. How about I whip up something nice for you and Riley. I'll surprise you." Dory said.

"Ooh, I love surprises." Riley said, smiling at Dory and Lucas.

"Before I get started with your meal, would you like something to drink?" Dory asked.

"Yes, I would like a Shirley Temple." Riley said.

"Alright, one Shirley Temple. And Lucas, the usual right?" Dory asked.

"Yep. Cranberry juice with lime." Lucas said.

"Alright, I'll back with your drinks in the moment and get started with your meal. Hey, Lucas. Riley's a very lovely woman. You treat her right." Dory said.