Sunshine Valley

Pick that bone

     Evie called as Dillon opened the door, “kitchen.”

     He kissed her, “delicious.”

     “How was your day?” 

     He laid a manilla envelope on the table. “Paperwork for your lawyer.” 

     “Thank you. Your attorney should get an e-mail from mine.” She turned, pointing a fork at Dillon, “did you want a hard copy? Instead of electronic?”

     “I prefer a hard copy for myself.”

     “I’m sorry. I’ll make that happen.”

     He started settin’ the table. “One of my little quirks.”

     “Speakin’ of quirks, I have a bone to pick with you, sir.” He looked stunned for a moment. “I found out today that you; sir, have received awards and recommendations for being a rock star sheriff.” He just shrugged. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

    “It’s what I get paid to do.”

     “But you’re good at it. Sounds like, you go above and beyond the parameters of your job.”  

     “I don’t know what you want me to say here.” He spoke gettin’ the salad out of the fridge.

     “What I want you to say?” She asked softly. 

     He hung his head, “that came out wrong. I’m sorry. I feel like bein’ honored for doin’ your job is lip service. The people of Sunshine Valley pay me to do a job.”

    “People see that you care about what you do. You care about Sunshine Valley. Can’t they express that?” He just stared at her for a moment. The timer sounded. He reached over, turnin’ it off. Then got the bread out of the oven. “What you’re sayin’ is that it isn’t lip service, it’s an expression of gratitude?”

     “Other than the pay you receive and the benefits agreed upon at the time of hire, your boss (the people of Sunshine Valley) owe you jack shit nothing. Giving you a shout out for going above and beyond anyone’s expectations isn’t lip service. In my book.” They plated up their food, “so why, sir, did you give me a hard time when I used a word that you didn’t know what it meant. College words I believe you called them.” 

     They sat down at the table. “I hurt your feelin’s, didn’t I?”

     “A little.”

    He reached for her hand. She extended it toward him and he kissed the top of it, “sorry.”

     “Thank you. All is forgiven. Dillon, you’re gonna think and feel what you want too. But for what it’s worth, I see a strong, caring, gentle man. With a big heart.”

     “That’s all yours,” he blushed. “I show you a different side of me.”

     “And I understand that. You show others the unshakable resolve you have. Dedication for upholding the law. I saw how your deputies interacted with you at breakfast. They respect the hell out of you.”

     Dillon just sat there. Could he tell her the truth? Should he tell her the truth? He finally squeezed out. “thanks.”