Always Yesterday Read Free Page B

Delanie glanced at Eli, but he gave no response.
    “I figured you for a cop,” Miguel said. “How many girls can take guys down unless they’re cops?”
    The whole herd started laughing. Eli shook his head and rolled his eyes. Nope, he wouldn’t live down this humiliation for a long while. Junior high boys had memories a million miles long.
    “Have you ever killed anybody?” Oscar wondered.
    “Killing people isn’t what the job is about. It’s about protecting people, and I’ve protected a lot of people.”
    Eli thought her answer seemed trite. Of course the princess had never killed anybody. He hoped his life never depended on her doing that for him. He’d die for sure. Eli paused at the edge of the road next to his building, his resentment of her returning full force. “You guys head home for lunch and some family time. I want you each to volunteer to do a chore for your moms—an unrequested chore. I’ll meet you at three in the clubhouse for a game of pool, but only if your homework and chores are finished.”
    ❧
    Eli headed down the driveway toward the back of the complex. She stood on the curb, and he completely ignored her presence. Turning, he took a sidewalk toward the apartments.
    “Eli, wait. Can we talk?” Today she’d caught a glimpse of the man he was, but she still hoped to break down some barriers between them.
    He paused at his front door. “I have nothing to say.” Opening the door, he faced her with one foot inside the apartment and the other on the outside mat. “Look, Delanie. Get this straight—I don’t want to be your friend, your buddy, or even your partner. And I certainly don’t ever want you showing up here again.” His tone was even and matter-of-fact. “You got it?”
    Delanie’s spirits sank, but she wouldn’t let him see the discouragement. Raising her chin a fraction, she said with determination, “With all my other partners—”
    “I’m not all your other partners.” He’d raised his volume a tad. “We’re not having coffee. We’re not having lunch. We’re not having a conversation—not now, not ever!” He paused and shook his head. “What about this don’t you get? I’ve been completely clear, haven’t I?”
    Delanie nodded. “Will you be at work tomorrow?” His words made her doubt he’d keep the job if it meant an assignment with her.
    “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” Eli slammed the door behind him.
    Shoulders drooping, Delanie ambled to her car, kicking a pebble along the way. Climbing in, she buckled her seat belt and leaned her head against the bucket seat. “Lord, I feel so hurt. I’ve never had anyone so blatantly dislike me.” The worst part was, she really wanted to be his friend. Closing her eyes, she sighed. No, the worst part was, she found him so attractive, so appealing—so manly.
    “And he hates me.” She’d hoped that someday he’d see God could rescue him from his lonely life, teach him about joy, lead him to peace. Not just because Joe wanted her to impact him for Christ, but also because he mattered to her.
    She started her car and shifted into first. “Wonder what he’d do if I showed up for pool?” She laughed at the thought. He’d probably have her arrested for stalking him. “I’m going to make this guy like me if it’s the last thing I do. People always like me.” She let out the clutch, and the car rolled forward. He wouldn’t be the first person to reject her friendship. Her pride wouldn’t stand for that.
    ❧
    The next morning Eli headed out the door early for his meeting with Sarge, where he’d get his next assignment. Hopping on his hog, he caught Virginia Street to downtown and took a left on Second. Parking his bike in the police lot, he caught sight of Delanie walking toward the two-story building. He didn’t call out to her but avoided her presence as long as possible. She’d been on his mind all night—her smile, her warmth, her openness, even when he bordered on rude. Letting