OK, here is chapter 4. please continue to review and let me know how you like the progress so far!

Holly and I have been almost inseparable since that day at the bistro about a month ago. Her face has cleared up; there has been no sign of her ex coming back, so that's definitely a good sign. I know I can't expect much from Holly right now given everything she's been through the past week, but I can't help but think what it would be like between us. She's such an amazing woman with so many goals that it kind of intimidates me. I never really had a goal, I just did what my I thought my parents expected of me. I've always felt like I had two options, either become a cop or become a lawyer. Of course I went with being a cop, mainly because of the badge. But now that I've met and gotten to know Holly, I realize there is more to life than just following the quota. I even started a list of things I want to accomplish as I finish school and start training for the academy; she brings out the best in me. She just started working as an assistant at some law firm thanks to my mother. I'm very grateful to my mother for getting Holly the job but I'm little upset about it as well because now I don't get to spend as much time with Holly. Bummer. I'm in the gym working out when my phone starts ringing. "Hello," I say as I answer the phone.

"Hey, I go on a 30 minute break in 20 minutes, do you want to meet up for lunch at the waterfall by the mall?" she asks with a smile in her tone. How could I say no to that?

"Sure, I'll be there soon," I say, hanging up the phone. I make my way to my car debating going home to take a quick shower but decide against it since I'm closer to the mall. I've been sitting here near the waterfall for about 10 minutes before I see Holly making her way towards me with a little pep in her step.

"Hey," she says sitting down next to me, "I'm sorry if I kept you waiting but I had to make some last minute copies for my boss," she says while looking at me.

"No worries, so how are you liking your new job?" I ask, trying to make conversation.

"I like it, it's not exactly what I want to do but it's definitely a step in the door. I really appreciate your mom for putting in a good word for me," she says with a huge smile. I could never get tired of that smile, or her in general. I think I have officially turned into a sap for a girl who is too damaged to even realize. I must not have been paying attention because next thing I know Holly is waving her hand in my face.

"Earth to Gail," She says while trying to contain her laughter.

"I'm sorry, what?" I say shaking my head slightly. She's freaking adorable as she gives in to her laugher at my face.

"I asked if you wanted to go out to this club with my friend and I tomorrow night, it's supposed to be new," she manages to say after laughing at my expense.

"Oh, yeah sure, I'm down," I reply.

We spent the rest of her lunch break talking about different people passing by and just basking in each other's company. I can't remember a time where I have felt this comfortable, so relaxed and honestly I think she feels the same. She seems so calm and free when we're together, like she can actually be herself. I decided to walk her back to work since it wasn't far from the waterfall. Ever so often our fingers would brush against one another; I almost had the courage to grab her hand but I wanted to let her make the move, which never came. As we made it to her building she looks towards me like she wanted to say something but instead she pulled me into a tight hug. I instantly felt at home in her arms. I don't know where this hug came from but I'm definitely not complaining. We hugged for about 2 minutes until she lets go and walks into her building. Just like that. No goodbye, no I'll see you later, just walked away. As I walk back to my car all I can think about is how warm her body felt to mine, how tight she squeezed me, and how it felt as though she didn't want to let go.


I'm back at my parents' house sitting on the couch with my dad while my mom is running around on the phone. Growing up my dad spent a lot of time at work being a police officer while my mom would take care of the house but now it seems that the tables have turned. My mom spends most of her time at work or brings work home but she never puts it before her family and that's one thing I admire about both my parents. They always put their family before work, definitely something I will take to my future family.

"So uh, how are things between you and holly?" my dad ask while reading the paper. I look at him like he grew two heads because my dad and I can talk about any and everything but never about my relationships, so this is very surprising.

"Things are good," I say, "but you know we're not together right?" I ask him.

"Yeah, but you guys like each other right?" he ask while putting his newspaper down giving me his full attention. Where the hell is any of this coming from, I ask myself.

"Yeah, I guess, but she just got out of a bad relationship so we're keeping it as friends," I say with a sad look which my dad notices. Uh oh, he's giving me that look like he's ready to tell a long story.

"I don't know if your mother ever told you but before we dated we were friends for a long time, in the beginning I was the one who wasn't ready until I saw her start a relationship with someone else. I was ready to commit then but it was too late. They had a rocky relationship and eventually broke up and I thought I had my moment but she still rejected me. I told myself, I could either just let it go or I could be her close friend. I decided to be friends with her because at the end of the day it's better to be someone's friend before rushing into a relationship. Don't be sad, just embrace this situation. Look at your mother and me now, we have two wonderful children and a beautiful home; we couldn't ask for much else," My dad finally finishes. I don't say anything; I simply hug my dad and thank him for sharing that story with me. I love moments like this, where he passes on a piece of his wisdom.


I've been thinking a lot about what my dad said and he's right it's better to always be friends first rather than jumping into our emotions. Holly hasn't called since earlier and I damn sure haven't called either. I'm leaving everything on her side of the court. I'm giving her complete control. The minute my phone rings I'm expecting to see Holly's name but instead it's Chloe. I have no idea why she's calling so I decide to ignore it; she'll only frustrate me more with her too chipper tone. The second time my phone rings, I answer without looking at the id thinking it was Chloe again.

"WHAT!" I asked in an irritated tone. At first there was silence and I almost felt bad.

"If I knew hugging you would get this reaction from you later then I wouldn't have bothered," Holly answers through the phone. Now I felt extremely bad, my pale cheeks turning a bright red, thankfully she couldn't see.

"OMG, I am so sorry," I say rubbing my hand across my face, "I thought you were somebody else," I say in complete embarrassment. All I hear is laughter on the other side of the phone which is like music to my ears. Get it together Peck, remember y'all are just friends.

"It's all good, Gail, I have those moments all the time with bill collectors," she says. "I was actually calling to apologize about just walking away earlier, I'm not the best at speaking my feelings," she says into the phone. Of course I accept her apology but I think I'll make her sweat a little.

"It's cool Holly, but I think you should make it up to me some kind of way," I say hoping not to sound flirtatious.

"Okaaay, how about when you move into your next apartment I will definitely be there to help," she says. Eh, sounds good but not good enough, I think to myself.

"Ok, BUT you must also take me to play laser tag, tonight!" I say with conviction. She laughs super hard.

"Wow, how old are you again?" she asks in-between laughter. I'm insulted.

"I'll have you know that laser tag is a fine sport ma'am. Have you ever played?" I asked.

"Yeah, when I was like 10," she said while still laughing. She can laugh all she wants; I bet she won't be laughing when she can't even beat those kids.

"Well, let's see if you still got it Holly! Invite a few of your friend's cause I have a few that I'm going to invite," I say into the phone as I fix me something to eat in the kitchen.

"Okay that sounds cool, I can meet you at your house in like 2 hours if you want to ride together," she says, actually sounding excited. I'm pretty excited myself but this is all business. Steve, Sam, Chris, even Denise and I play laser tag all the time. The loser always has to pay for everyone's dinner. Now that's the best part.

"Sounds good, see you then," I say as we hang up the phone. I can't help but have this huge smile on my face right now. Apparently Steve can't help but notice said smile.

"Whoa, who has you smiling from Cali to New York?" Steve asks. I can't help but laugh at that stupid phrase, my brother is such a corndog.

"Really, Steven?" I ask with laughter still in my eyes. "We're going to play laser tag tonight so get out of that suit," I say to him, "oh, and call Sam, see if he can make it."

"Uh ok," is all Steve can say as I grab my plate and vanish to living room.