“What are you doing up at this ungodly hour?” Kristy emerged from her room to find Alex standing in her kitchen in sweatpants and a t-shirt making coffee for both of them.

“What are you talking about? You’re up too.” He handed her a warm mug.

“I have to work. What’s your excuse?” She took her cup gratefully and sipped slowly.

“Boot camp.” He peered over his mug.

“Eh, okay.” Kristy’s head bobbed up and down. She was dressed for work and ready to face the day. “What are you doing today?”

“Cam is going to come pick me up later.”

“Cam from high school? That Cam?” Kristy couldn’t hide the disgust in her voice. “You guys better stay out of trouble.”

“The Cam you had a crush on?” Alex was amused. “Yes, that Cam. And don’t worry. We’ll just have lunch, maybe steal some cars, knock up a gas station; male bonding.” He said sarcastically.

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Kristy carried her coffee cup into the next room.

“Oh, come on.” Alex followed her. “He’s not a criminal.”

“Maybe not. But he is an asshole.”

“He’s not that bad. You know, he was a cop. He even got to work S.W.A.T. for a while.”

“Didn’t he get fired because he couldn’t follow the rules?”

“Yeah… he got drunk and hit on his captain’s wife too.” Alex shrugged. “Everyone fucks up.”

“Some more than others…” Kristy mumbled under her breath. “I can’t believe you still talk to him after,”

“Shit, Kris. Cut it out already. Why do you still hold on to that? It was such a long time ago.” Defensive of his friend, he raised his voice and flung his hand toward his sister. “I’ve let it go. Why can’t you?”

“Because you’re my brother and by the time I started high school I’d lost more than enough people. I didn’t need to add you to the list.” She was angry now. He could hear the same fear in her voice she felt all those years before.

“I know. I’m sorry. Cam and I were super stupid back then. We’re guys. What do you expect? I promise he’s not such an ass anymore. Meet us for drinks tonight. You can see for yourself.” Alex stuck his lip out and tried his puppy dog look on her. “Please?”

The corners of her mouth curved upward at his please. “Fine,” She finally said, “Let me know where. See ya later.” She hugged him before she headed out the door.

* * *

In keeping with her usual morning routine, Kristy kicked her shoes off under her desk and opened her email. A smile came to her face when she saw her friend’s name on one of the emails. Kristy opened it immediately.

Ariana and Kristy had been friends since high school. They lost touch with the other girls that were in their circle, but through all the life changes that always seem to happen, the two of them had remained close. Ariana had been unable to attend Henry’s funeral and she wanted to know how Kristy was holding up. Kristy was just finishing reading her friend’s email when an unfamiliar face appeared in her office doorway.

“Excuse me,” The man spoke quietly. “I was wondering if you could help me.”

“Oh, hi.” Kristy felt around for her shoes as she rose from her chair. Still trying to work her feet into them, she stumbled toward him. He tried to stifle a smile. A pair of silver-framed glasses sat over defined cheekbones. Sandy hair was swooped to one side, the ends slightly touching his forehead. One hand shoved into the pocket of khaki pants, and wearing an ocean blue shirt that matched his eyes, Kristy couldn’t help but notice how attractive he was. “What can I help you with?”

He extended his hand and smiled. “My name is Jordan, and I seem to be lost.”

“Hi, Jordan. I’m Kristy. It’s nice to meet you. Are you new?”

“Yes. Today is my first day. I’m supposed to deliver this to the editor, but I think I took a wrong turn somewhere.” His light skin darkened a shade and he bit the corner of his lip, clearly embarrassed. He held up a yellow envelope.

“You almost made it. You’re not far. Come on.” Kristy walked out of her office and waited for Jordan to follow. She walked down the hallway a little slower than usual. “So, where did you get hired?”

“HR. I’m Lisa’s assistant.”

“Oh, Lisa’s great. You’ll enjoy working with her.”

“Yes, I think I will. What do you do here?”

“I do research. I look into stories that come in. You know, check the facts, find witnesses, verify statements. I also do continued research on stories that have already been reported to see if there are new developments, updates; things like that.”

“Working your way up? You gonna be in front of the camera someday?”

“God, I hope not.” Kristy smiled and covered her face briefly.

“No? Not a fan of the spotlight?”

“Never have been. Besides, I’m not the kind of woman they’d put on T.V.”

“Well, I’d watch you.” Jordan straightened his shoulders. Kristy furrowed her brow and stared at him. He widened his eyes at her expression and pressed a few fingers over his lips. “Wow, um. You should know that’s the creepiest thing I’ve accidently said to a girl today.”

She laughed as his face turned redder than it had the first time in her office. She put her hand on the handle of the door. “This is it. Do you want me to introduce you?”

“No, thank you. I don’t want to keep you from your work.” He extended his hand once more. “Kristy, it’s a pleasure meeting you. Hopefully I’ll be seeing more of you.”

Kristy tucked her hair behind her ear and took his hand. His skin was smooth and warm against hers and she wondered what those hands would feel like moving over her bare body.

“You know where my office is.” She let go of his hand and turned back down the hallway. When she returned to her desk and saw her reflection in the monitor she became aware of the goofy grin that was plastered on her face. She rolled her eyes at herself and picked up her phone. She smiled at the picture of Ariana that had appeared along with a new text message.

Olive skin, dark curls in an untamed bun atop her head, bright hazel eyes with just a hint of color; Kristy had always been slightly jealous of Ariana’s exotic look.

Hey! U get my email?

Kristy typed a reply.

Just got it. Keep your pants on!

Sorry i couldnt make it to the funeral :( How u doing?

Working. The usual

All work and no play. Sheesh.

:P Glad i came in today! New guys hot…