Before Us Ch. 2

Isa found herself sitting in the booth, her eyes darting to the door every 5 seconds, anxious about every single man that entered the building. However, based on Chris's description of Sgt. Kay, she was looking for a silver fox type gentleman, and none these men matched that description. Checking her watch, she was the one that showed up early, but that was what her pop always told her, showing up on time meant you were late, but getting there 15-20 minutes early, that was just on time.

"Would you like a refill, sweetie?" Millie asked her. Observing her, Millie could see that she was almost too sweet. It occurred to her that even as her regular, she really didn't know too much about the girl.

Looking up at her server, giving her a smile, "Yes, please." Exhaling a bit when she poured her a coffee, "Would it be too much for you to leave the pot?" Figuring that until Sgt. Kay arrived, it would save her from having to keep coming back.

Millie chuckled at her, "Of course," giving her a once over, she could see that she was a bit nervous. "Hot date honey?" she asked her, placing down the coffee pot.

Blushing a bit, "No ma'am, more like an impromptu job interview." Smiling at her face, "What?"

Placing her hand on her hip, "You're not from around here, are you?" It was exceedingly rare for someone so young to have manners. After almost 2 years, Millie figured that it was time to at least ask some questions.

Shaking her head, "Is it that obvious?" Chucking a bit at her face, "No, I'm from Idaho, but I've been here closer to 4 years now."

Lightly touching her shoulders, "Well, you are a delight," turning her eyes to the door as she heard the chime, "Oh, now that is a beautiful man."

Her eyes followed Millie's line of sight, gasping at the sight. "Oh wow." The man was tall, fit, and walked with confidence, but the moment he locked eyes with hers, she saw recognition. "I think that's my potential boss." She murmured to Millie. Isa instantly felt her cheeks blush, taking a moment to collect herself, she took a steady breath, and smiled at him.

"Girl, if you don't want the job, I do." Chuckling. Making her way over to him, "How many?" asking him.

David gave the older woman a smile, "I believe that young lady over there is waiting for me."

Millie nodded, "I left the coffee pot on the table, do you need any cream?"

Shaking his head, "No thank you ma'am." Walking around her, "Excuse me." David made his way towards the young woman; she looked exactly like her picture. Taking in her appearance, he could see that she was a little anxious. He could understand that feeling, he was too, this was the first time he was going to interview anyone to watch his kids, and possibly have a stranger live in his home.

"Isabella?" he asked her.

Moving to stand, Isa extended her hand, "Yes, but please, call me Isa." Indicating him to take a seat.

Taking her hand, David couldn't help but smile, she was dressed nicely, a simple pink cotton sundress with flip-flops, her strawberry blonde hair tucked neatly in a bun, but it was her smile, it was warm and inviting. "Please, call me David." Taking a seat across from her, "Have you been waiting long?" Worried that he kept her waiting.

"No, not at all." Sipping her coffee, she could see he was just as anxious about this meeting as she was. "It's unnerving, right, trying to figure out what to ask, what you find important to know."

David couldn't help but chuckle a bit, "Yeah, a little bit. Tell me about yourself, please." Hoping that he wasn't being too forward.

"Simple, I moved here about 4 years ago, I'm from an extremely small town in Idaho. Bonners Ferry. Population under 3000. My mom was a homemaker, my dad was a cop, and entered the academy as soon as he turned 21. Both passed away, mom first, car accident, dad, well, he drank himself to death after mom passed."

Sitting up a bit, "I was completely unsure of what I wanted to do after high school, so I pushed off college for a couple years, eventually I got tired of working in the hardware store, applied for a few grants, and UCLA offered me a great opportunity. So, I sold most of our property, found a room for rent, invested everything else, and came to school."

Taking a moment to absorb everything she said, and it was a lot. "I'm sorry about your family." It was sad, they had something so heartbreaking in common.

"Thank you, I'm sorry about your wife." Isa had to resist the urge to touch his hand, while human contact was healing, they weren't friends, and they may never be. "What else do you think would be important to know about me? I know you or Chris probably pulled my records, but there are things that you can't get from a report."

David chuckled a bit, at least she didn't seem offended about them running a background check. "I am a religious man, and I try to take my family to church on Sundays, but in those days that I can't, would that be a problem?"

Waving her hand, "No absolutely not, I grew up catholic, my mom was Italian my dad was Irish." Looking around Isa could see that Millie was giving her a thumbs up. Shaking her head, "Seems like Millie approves of you." She said, using her eyes to point.

Glancing over his shoulder, he could see the Spanish woman smirking, "Is she a friend?" he asked her.

"Not in the traditional sense, I come here every Thursday, it's their ½ price on appetizers and I am a huge fan of their cobbler." Looking back at him, "Chris is probably my only real friend, everyone else, well let's just say it's not like living in a small town, no one really knows their neighbors here, it's still something I'm getting used to."

David could only imagine, "Other than college, why'd you leave home?" There must have been a reason other than education. By the look on her face, he knew there was, normally he wouldn't pry, but this was someone that was going to be around his kids; possibly.

Taking a second to keep her emotions in check, she could see that he was uncomfortable asking such questions, perhaps that's why it made it a bit easier for to answer the man. "Downside to living in the small town, everyone knows everything about you."

Inhaling deeply, Isa could see his concern, "my then boyfriend, became abusive, and while I was very lucky that he got swayed off by my 12 gauge, but the damage was done, I was the one tried to have the former quarterback tossed in jail. Boys will be boys in my hometown, so to them I was no longer one of them."

Reaching across, David lightly touched her hand, "I'm so sorry." Filling his cup with coffee, David leaned back, "So, a 12 gauge, that's one way to do it." Chuckling a bit, she was small, possibly 5'3, maybe 5'4, so it was a funny thing to imagine.

Shrugging, "Hey, I'm tiny, but I'm a country girl, plus daddy wanted to make sure I knew how to handle weapons, since he had several in the house." Reaching into her purse, she pulled out her CCW, smirking at his face, "I only take my weapon with me outside the house when I'm in Angeles National Forest, cause mountain lions scare the hell out of me."

Looking down at her card, at least she had the proper permits, "If you and I agree to this arrangement, how do you store your weapons?"

Putting everything back, "I have a pistol safe that needs a thumbprint, so no small humans can open it." Isa was a lot of things, ignorant about gun safety was not one of them. "Are your children allergic to animals?" As much as she wanted to help, she wasn't willing to give up Goliath, he was her love and companion.

David was surprised by her question, "No, not that I'm aware of." Seeing a little relief on her face, "A dog?" he asked her. He didn't have an issue with the idea of a dog in the house, but he did have concerns about its behavior.

"Yea," pulling out her phone and pulled up the picture she took last week of them at Rosie's Dog Beach. "I got him last year, he's just a bit over 1. Well trained, even Chris was impressed."

Looking at the picture, her arm wrapped around the biggest dog he'd ever seen, but it was her smile, looking pleased with herself. "Two things, 1. Where are you and 2. What kind of giant dog is that?"

"That was Rosie's Dog Beach, he loves playing in the waves, and he's an African boerboel, he's about 120 now, but when he's full grown, he could get to about 200." Chuckling a bit at his face, "Perhaps if you're up for it, we could meet with the kids in a park, let us all see how we get along."

David blinked at her, he could appreciate that she was so willing to meet his kids, but there were a few more things he just needed to know. No matter how hard he tried, the best he could manage was bland chicken. "Does cooking or light cleaning of the house, is that something that seems a little inappropriate?" While he wanted help, he wouldn't expect that.

"No, it's fine, however, I will expect them to do their own chores." While she would have no issues with helping in any way she could, she wasn't a maid, nor would she be treated like one.

That brought a smile to his face, he needed someone to help keep the kids on task, not only with their homework, but their chores, and everything else that would help shape them into good people. "No, that's fine. Actually, I would prefer that." Looking at his watch, knowing that he needed to get the kids from Luca.

"Would you like to meet up at Blue Goose in about an hour?" He'd be lying if he wasn't a little excited and nervous about the whole thing.

Smiling at his face, "I would love to." Putting a $10 on the table, Isa slowly stood, finding his brown eyes watching her, "What?"

"Why are you so willing to do this?" he asked her, following closely behind her. His eyes watching the street, perhaps all his SWAT training that kept him on alert.

Isa watched how his eyes took in everything in, like he was searching for the danger. While her pop was a good cop and he could read people well, Bonners Ferry was nothing like L.A. "Your job seems far more dangerous than what my pop had to deal with." She couldn't help but wonder, how someone dealt with that kind of stress.

Looking down, David couldn't help but see how small she was compared to him, the top of her head barely reached his chin. Looking into her eyes, they were a deep green, almost the color of jade. Taking a beat, he could see her concern for his safety, there was a comfort in that. "All cops put their lives on the line, no matter what, but LAPD SWAT, there isn't many tours I go without getting shot at."

Frowning at that statement, Isa couldn't even imagine that as a career, but while it was obvious a concern for him, she could see that he loved what he did. "Well, that's intense." Stepping closer to her truck, she could feel him watching her, "as for why I am willing to do this, my parents always taught me one thing, helping out first responders who put their lives on the line for everyone, a person should do what they can for them."

Blinking away a tear, David could see that she was being sincere, clearing his throat, "Thank you." Rolling his neck, "Will this interfere with your school?"

Leaning against her SUV, "No, everything is online, only time I have to go to school will be when I have to argue my dissertation, but that's easily more than a year away."

"That's impressive, you're impressive," looking over at her SUV, it was a GMC Acadia, it was such a large truck for someone so small. "Is there a reason for such a big vehicle?"

Isa smirked at him, "See this is where I would normally make a dead body joke, but as a cop, I don't think you'd find that amusing." That was one thing she hoped he had: a sense of humor. But perhaps once they become more comfortable around each other, they could show more of each other.

David couldn't help but laugh, "No, probably not."

Nodding, opening the door, "It's helped me move all my things to California, has plenty of room for Goliath, and all my gear for when I head up into the forest." Giving him a once over, "See you in about an hour, Sgt."

Stepping up to her door, making sure that her legs were in the vehicle, shutting the door, "David, please. And yes, one hour." Stepping back, David watched as she carefully pulled off the curb, his eyes following her until she turned the corner. Exhaling slowly, he knew that he was going to take her up on her kindness, if the kids seemed to like her, and her dog was well behaved.

Jumping into his car, David sent a quick text to Chris, and with a final deep breath, he made his way to his house. He was hopeful that this would all work out, and somehow and someway he was going to repay both Isabella and Chris.

Chris felt her phone vibrate, looking down she couldn't help but smile.

Deac: Chris, I've met with her, she's fantastic, all that's left is to meet the kids, and her dog. Thank you, for everything.

Isa couldn't help but laugh as Goliath sat there patiently as Lila started to put flowers all over his head, taking a picture, she sent it to Chris. Hearing a squeal, her eyes found Matthew yelling at his sister to stop making him a girl dog, he's a boy dog. "It's nice that your son is trying to give my very big dog some dignity."

Leaning back against the bench, David watched how his kids fawned over him, smiling at the sight of it; this was the first time in almost a year that Matthew was just laughing and having a good time. What was shocking though was how calm and relaxed such a massive dog was. "He's always wanted a dog, but Annie, just didn't like them, and since I wasn't home to be as helpful with it, I didn't want to argue over something so trivial."

Sipping her water, Isa could understand, as a homemaker, she had a lot to do during her day, adding to the fact her husband didn't have a typical 9-5, who would want an extra responsibility. "I can understand that." Turning her head, she could see him watching her, it was a little unnerving how intently he stared, best guess though, he was still torn about the whole thing.

Isa could see that he was a proud man, for him this was probably felt like a handout. Taking off her sunglasses, she could see that his brown ones were filled with a lot of emotion. Placing her hand on his shoulder, "A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal." Turning her heads towards the kids, smiling as they were playing tug of war with Goliath, it was good to see them all getting along.

"Steve Maraboli, he's a motivational speaker and a behavior scientist, I've read a couple of his books, good stuff in there." She said, her eyes turning back to find him blinking away a tear. "You've been given a raw deal, no one good or bad ever asks for it, the thing that you need to remember is that finding a solution and a good one that helps you raise those kids, isn't a sign that you've failed in some way, it's a sign that you'll make sure they are provided for, and that's something that should make you feel good."

David could see the sincerity in her eyes, it was enough to almost make him break down and cry, but he managed to hold back. Taking a moment to collect himself, he knew that she was right, it was his pride that was getting in the way, "I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you for this, that's if you still are wanting to do this."

Smiling at him, "I do, and I will." Taking a second to think he was a man that wanted to feel that he wasn't taking advantage of someone, and she could really appreciate that. "You can repay me with a ride every now and then with that tank, what does Chris call it," biting her lip, "Black something."

"Black Betty." David watched her eyes light up, "That, I can do." Extending his hand, "Do you think you can get moved in by the weekend? I really need to get back to work."

Taking his hand, "I can, just got my clothes, and the rest of my stuff is in storage, so, the only thing that needs to be done is on Monday. We spend the day going to their schools, doctors, and anywhere else you need to sign saying I'm allowed to pick them up, go to meetings for them, and things like that."

"Deal." Hearing his kids laughing, his eyes found them still playing with Goliath, for such a monster of a dog, he was gentle with them. For the first time in a year, he felt pressure lifting off his shoulders, he didn't know what he was going to do, but he knew he would repay her kindness.

Isa found herself going through her things, it really didn't take long to get all her clothes packed. Grabbing a couple boxes, she quickly packed her make-up, and some of her trinkets that's she's collected over the years, but nothing that would take up a lot of space.

Hearing a light knock on the door, chuckling as Goliath chuffed, "Come in." hearing the door, smiling when his big ass rolled over, excited that his friend was here.

Chris couldn't help but rub his belly, "I'm going to miss this big mush." Looking over her shoulder, "You too."

Rolling her eyes, "That's a lie, you just tolerate me so you can play with him." Laughing a bit when Chris just smiled at her. "I'm going to miss you too, but it's not like I won't see you. You're always with your SWAT family."

Plopping down next to her, Chris wrapped her arms around her, "I don't know how I could ever repay you. Deac, he really needed this." Handing her a beer, "Don't worry, the team is eager to meet you." They all were chomping at the bit to meet the woman moving in with Deac.

Taking a sip of her beer, Isa could see that Chris really cared for the man. "Deac? I thought is his name was David."

"Deacon is his nickname, shortened to Deac, on the count of his faith." Plucking her jeans, Chris sighed, "My only advice, be careful with Cathy, right now she's at bay, but when she gets word that someone is living with him, and the grandkids, she'll probably lose her shit."

Finishing her beer, Isa looked over at her friend, "After we handle all the paperwork, we are going to a notary to sign a contract on our arrangement, I'll be sure to have him write clear and concise instructions on that woman."

Chris was a little surprised, "You're making a contract?" That was a little surprising.

Nodding, "I felt it was best, not that I don't think that David is untrustworthy, but we do live in a world of uncertainty. Keeps us both honest." Reaching over, Isa handed her a slice of pizza, she could see that Chris was in deep thought. "You OK?"

Munching on her slice, Chris was going to miss the late-night talks, just walking down the hall and knocking on the door. "You better bring food to me."

Shoving her a bit, Goliath chuffing because it momentarily stopped his belly rubs, spoiled brat. "Well, given the circumstances, I feel that the occasional trip to HQ with food in tow would be acceptable. Plus, I'd be lying if I wasn't a bit curious about your job."

That was one thing that Chris never really discussed with her, for the longest time Isa thought it was just a way to separate her work life from her personal, but over the last couple of years, she figured there could be more to it. Though she would never really push, she could only imagine some of the things that they see on a daily basis, probably not that easy for a civilian to understand.

"Why haven't you ever asked before?" Most people would have by now. Always with the same questions, why SWAT, do you shoot people? Or they just looked down on you because you were a cop.

Isa shrugged, "I figured you didn't want to talk about what you do or see out there." Sipping her beer, "My dad in his almost 35 years on the force, I don't even think he drew his weapon. SWAT, that's a whole different animal, isn't the point of SWAT to go where the 'regular' cops can't."

Chris couldn't help but fidget a bit, "Yeah, something like that." Giving her a look, "Deac, he's probably not going to talk much about it either, he didn't with Annie." She wasn't even sure why she felt compelled to say that.

"Well, I will offer him the same sounding board I offered you, if you need to talk, I'll just shut up and listen, if I ask something that you don't want to discuss, just let me know and I'll move on." Placing her hand on her shoulder, "Look, I don't know what it is you all see or do, but I do know this, you are a good person Chris, and the way you speak about your team, I know that they are good cops too. So, whatever you have to do out there, I have faith that it was justified."

Blinking at her, "Damn it, I really am going to miss you. Deac's going to have to get used to me dropping by sometimes." Not that she would think he would care.

"Christina Alonso, don't you dare go soft on me." Sparing a look around the room, "Want to help be bring my 3 bags down to the truck?" Figuring it was a good way to change the subject.

Standing up, Isa looked down at Goliath, "su", extending her hand to Chris, "Come on, Goliath needs his auntie to give him a walk while I do this." Placing his leash in her hand.

"Yeah, sounds fun, plus I love watching people avoid him." Opening the door, Chris grabbed a bag, her eyes finding her carrying the other two. Regardless of where she lived, Isa was her friend, and she would make sure to keep in contact.

Luca watched Deac plop down on the couch, "How'd the meeting go with Chris's friend, Stella?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, both the kids were finally down, it took a little longer than normal, but it was an exciting day. "Her name is Isabella, but she prefers Isa." Taking a drink of his beer, "Kids absolutely adored her, her dog Goliath was so well behaved."

"Goliath?" Shaking his head, "It's a little yappy dog, right?" he teased. Luca couldn't help but laugh at image of Deac's house having a chihuahua or something like it.

Snorting a bit, "No, not even a little." Pulling up the picture he took of the kids playing with him. "He's an African boerboel, and he's massive." Chuckling a bit as his face.

Luca could feel his eyes bugging out, "Jesus, that thing is massive." A little worried for the kid's safety, "Are you sure he's safe to be around?"

David smiled, "Yeah, he's well trained. I called Chris after I left the park, figured that she was in the K-9 Unit, and she lives in the same building as Isa, she vouched for the dog's behavior and temperament." Smiling at the picture, it was so nice to see their faces light up, "Fun fact, they were bred in African to protect herds of goats from lions."

"I could imagine, well, as long as he's good with the kids, that's all that really matters." Taking in the back yard, it needed a lot of love. Glancing over at his friend, he could see that all the stress that he was living under seemed to slowly lift off his shoulders. Regardless of why, he was grateful for this Isa.

"Mom wants you to bring her by the hospital tomorrow, if she's up to it."

Looking over at him, David was shocked, "Really, why?"

Shrugging his shoulders, "I think mom is taking the role of a good nana and wants to make sure her babies are being well taken care of." Smirking at his face, "What, I don't have any kids, neither does my brother, so she's living vicariously through you."

Laughing, "Well, at least I have one grandma that cares about me and the kids." Sighing, that was what hurt the most, Cathy didn't speak or acknowledge the kids since Annie's death. Shame filled him, "I'm torn, I keep reaching out to the woman, inviting her over for dinner, Sunday mass, anything, but when is it enough?"

Luca could see that the whole situation really hurt him, and he was trying for Annie's memory. "Deac, I'm not sure you have to keep doing it." Running his hand through his hair, "Look, Annie was always the bridge between you two, she blamed you for her dropping out of law school, being a cop, and everything else." Sighing, "Bro, I think that you've extended yourself to her, it's time to let her come to you."

David couldn't help but frown, but replaying his words in his head, he wasn't saying shut her out, just let her make the next move. "What if she never does?"

"Then, that's on her, not you." Looking at his watch, he knew that he needed to get home, "I would keep sending pictures, cards on important holidays, but no more calls, no more texts, she's made her position clear, if she chooses not to have a relationship with the kids, that's not on you."

David stood, walking out his friend, "Luca, thanks, for everything, and I will see if Isa is ready to walk the gauntlet that his Carol Luca." A part of him was hoping that she would, if anything to see how she handles being under pressure.

Luca laughed, "Yeah, good, well, let me know how it goes." Waving goodbye, he jumped in his truck and headed home.

Keeping his head on the tile as the hot water poured down, David found himself feeling some of the tension leaving his body. It felt nice to finally have a game plan of attack, for the last year, he was bouncing on just dumb luck to keep everything afloat. Carol was the only reason that he was able to, but even before the accident, he could see that it was taking a toll on her.

Shutting off the water, he wrapped a towel around his waist, and started the process of brushing his teeth. Finishing up, he slipped on his sweats, crawled into bed, his arms folded behind his head, his eyes following the motion of the ceiling fan. As his eyes followed the motion of the blades, his mind couldn't help but think about his wife, he missed her every day, and while the days got a bit easier to get through, it was the nights that he had the hardest time.

Turning his head towards her spot, while he got rid of all their sheets, bought new pillows, it still wasn't enough. Sighing, not wanting to deal with all those thoughts, rolling over to face the wall, he wondered what Annie would think about Isa, would she be disappointed that he wouldn't give up being a cop.

Probably, she hated the fact that he joined SWAT, when they got together, she had his whole career planned out. Her dreams were to have him become a Unit Chief, sitting behind a desk, barking out orders. While on paper that sounded good, it wasn't his dream, which usually turned into a fight, but eventually as long as he brought that OT money home, she stopped complaining about it.

Cathy, however, always took the opportunity to remind him that he was an absentee dad, that he was only ever going to be a cop, and it was his fault that her daughter dropped out of law school. If she only knew the truth, Annie was smart, but she lacked motivation for school, and when he got the pay bump to SWAT Sgt., she immediately dropped out.

Hearing his phone, David reached over his head, seeing the message he couldn't help but laugh a bit.

Isabella: Is meeting Mrs. Luca my final interview? That's not intimidating at all. What time should I be there?

Shaking his head, David appreciated her sense of humor, it was evident that she was willing to do almost anything to make this transition easy on him, the kids, or anyone else that was involved. Typing out his response, smiling as he put the phone on his nightstand. Settling into bed, he let his body shut down, for the next few days were going to be busy, but he finally had something to look forward to.

Isa wrapped her arm around her pillow, reaching for her phone as she felt it buzz. Lifting her arm up, chucking as Goliath licked her toes, "That's gross." She murmured to him. Looking at the message, smirking at the response.

David: I promise, she's only going to interrogate you, ask extremely personal questions, you know, the usual. Would 10 am be too early?

Isabella: I've never experienced an interrogation before, looking forward to it. 10 am would be fine. Goodnight, see you in the morning.

David: You'll be fine, if anything I'll cover you. Goodnight Isa, see you in the morning.

Setting her alarm, Isa put her phone on the charger, and rolled over to get some rest, tomorrow was going be a long day. Snuggling deeper, "Night Goliath."

*Italian from Google – in order*
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