Chapter 3: Thoughts in Your Head

"No, but seriously, Quinn I am delighted that it makes you laugh but it does not help me at all. What am I supposed to wear for this kind of occasion?" The young Hawaiian asked the next morning. As usual since the brunette's arrival, the two police officers were having breakfast in a cafe near the headquarters. After trying to make her talk about her feelings for Junior, the newcomer realized that her colleague had more on her heart than she let it appear. For his part, Tani was starting to panic at the idea of going to this meeting. She was not used to this kind of gathering and she knew how much it meant to her friend. The ex-rescuer wanted everything to be perfect for him.
"I'm sorry. I know it's important for you to help Junior as best you can. Only I have no idea. Besides, I don't think you're going to worry about that. You know him. If he asked you to come, it's because you appease him, and he knows that you will always be there for him. Stay yourself and everything will be fine. If you still want to know where you are going, you should ask him for more details. It will allow you to prepare without looking as hysterical as now," the military advised half playful half-serious. She was aware that the problem was much deeper than a question of clothes only she remained convinced that everything would be fine for her two new friends.
"Do I look that crazy?" She asked sheepishly.
"You care about him and I find it adorable, but you have to relax."
"To be honest it's not just about Junior. I don't talk about it often but the only family I have left is a brother to whom I don't speak much. This kind of meeting brings back a lot of memories. I'm especially flattered that he asked me to accompany him knowing what it meant."
"I understand. Look, unfortunately, I can't help you to avoid taking half of your closet in your suitcase, but one thing is for sure. He wants you and no one else by his side."
"I appreciate the boys, but I have to say that it's so much nicer to have another woman on the team. Thank you for everything, including having managed my light lead. To reassure you, I'm not always so crazy. It's just that it's been a long time since I've had that kind of feeling for someone. We are colleagues and friends. I don't want to spoil everything."
"I am at your service. After all, if we don't help each other with this crazy job, what do we have left? Honestly, I'm really happy to have joined the team. I finally feel like I have real friends."
"It is, and I can guarantee that even if you tried you wouldn't get rid of us again," Tani joked again in a good mood. The two women happily continued their meal and then went to work. They hadn't known each other for a very long time, but it was the beginning of a great friendship.

During the day Junior and his teammate were alone in the car. The young man was driving.
"I was wondering if, by any chance, you had an idea of what your uncle had planned this weekend. Do you have special traditions?"
"Generally there is nothing special. We all have dinner and lunch together. In the afternoon there is always a game of football. After that, it depends on the years and everyone's wishes. The house is on the beach, so it is not uncommon to go swimming. Some of my cousins have children. Sometimes you have to adapt to them. Finally, they are all adorable. Once I was deployed and it was Christmas. They sent me a long video to make me feel a little less alone," the ex-soldier said, smiling. Tani looked at him tenderly. They arrived at their destination, but they continued their exchange rather than getting out of the car.
"It's good that you decided to go. You miss them a lot."
"We had such a good time, all together, before Maya's death. It was these meetings and the military that made me realize how important family is. Thank you so much for helping me make peace with the past."
"It makes you stop that. We are partners. You insure my back. I assure yours, whatever happens," the young woman murmured lovingly. He intertwined their fingers and began to stroke his knuckles with his thumb.
"I'm glad you come. Besides, I'm sure everyone will love you."
"I know, I am a person that we love easily," she joked to lighten the atmosphere. Immediately after she untied her belt, she opened the door and got out.
"It's the least we can say," the policeman whispered, watching her do it. Realizing that she was watching him he smiled and joined her putting his feelings aside, ready to resolve the new investigation.

A few hours later the day was over, the paperwork finished, and everyone went home. For Officer Reigns the packaging was simple. He was used to being content with the basics. A few t-shirts, trellises, a swimsuit, and toiletries were enough. After that, he absently watched television impatient to join his teammate. For her part, Tani decided to follow the advice of her friend and to relax. She decided to bring some casual blouses, jeans, and shorts but also a simple and elegant dress and jumpsuit. She added sneakers and sneakers as well as a toiletry bag and makeup. Seeing that she still had a little time left, the young woman took a shower, put on black jeans, wedge shoes and a red blouse. She combed her hair, made up, then sent a message to Quinn thanking her for her support. The soldier replied that she wanted all the details of the weekend as she went along and added several suggestive emojis. Tani blushed when she understood the implication when she heard the doorbell ring. The brunette went to open a smile.

"Hey, you're on time as always."
"As if it surprised you. There shouldn't be a traffic jam, but there is a good hour's drive. Are you ready to go?" He asked cheerfully. Despite his apprehensions, he was more than delighted with this getaway for two.
"I take my bag and we can leave," the policewoman exclaimed in the same tone. She went inside, motioning for him to follow her, then went into the bedroom to gather her things. A few seconds later they left the house. Junior grabbed the luggage from his friend, put it in the back of his car and opened the door for her.
"What gallantry," the pretty brunette thanked, still amazed by her little attentions. She had never met such a sweet and deeply kind man. It was more than pleasant. The two young men smiled tenderly and set off, the music playing in the direction of Junior's uncle's property. They both knew that this weekend would probably be a turning point in the sailor's relationship with his family but also in their partnership. In any case, they could spend at least two days of family rest, which was unusual and rather pleasant for each of them.