T h i r s t

s i x t e e n

Minor time jump

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"Hey, this is Ryan. Leave a message after the beep."

I sighed and slid my phone across the island counter. I knew he said he had to work late but I really wanted to see him before midnight. Atleast on Christmas. I looked over at the clock, my leg trembling.

10:25 pm.

"Why not." I shrugged and grabbed the car keys off the rack.

"Ah, right that's why." I groaned, resting my head against the cold steering wheel and staring down the long line of cars. I thought everyone was supposed to be home by then. Unless of course, they were doing last minute shopping or rushing home or like me, driving in the freezing weather to see their boyfriend on Christmas.

Speaking of freezing, I could no longer feel my boobs. I just had to wear the halter strap.

Actually no regrets. I loved when he stared.

"Come on." I urged, tapping my finger against the wheel, turning up the heater. Stupid climate change.

I sighed and leaned back in my seat, staring off outside the window. I saw dark woods on either side, toppled with snow. It reminded me of when Ryan was trying to scare me with urban legends and how he had seen 'something' on his patrol. I had rolled my eyes, but then he got elaborate and spoke of a hidden trail, which we then drove through.

I sat up suddenly.

It was just off exit 6 and I just passed it. But would I remember the trail? Was it safe at night?

"Screw it." I sighed and pulled out of the long line and edged into the woods.

It wasn't actually that bad. Even minutes in, I could still see the roads and with headlights on, I was doing fantastic. I couldn't wait to tell Ryan. His eyes would pop out and he'd go speechless. It never failed to make me laugh.

A few more turns and I hit the road again, precisely the one leading to the precinct.

"Not bad, Meyers." I told myself, and smiled. He'd say that. I was surprised to see the parking garage full of cars, but I managed to squeeze in. Didn't they want to go home? Were they allowed to?

Even from the elevator, I could hear loud conversations from every floor. Were they being forced to work? That couldn't be legal, could it? Not on Christmas. I think.

When the doors parted on the third floor, it wasn't what I expected to see at all. Instead of the usual grinding work, cheer and carols were all around. There were decorations and game fliers put up, and the distinct smell of eggnog in the air. Food and drinks were being served at the end of the room and everyone dabbled in hearty conversation and drunken giggles. They were having a party?

Why wouldn't he tell me?

I froze in place, glancing around and trying to find him, when I met eyes with Kent instead.

"Lorina, hey!" He grinned and staggered over to embrace me. "Merry Christmas! I thought you couldn't make it!"

"Uh . . ." He had lied. And not just to me. "Well, it's Christmas, so." I shrugged with a forced grin.