Jamie sat at a table at the Java Nut, a popular hole-in-the-wall coffeeshop. Eddie had texted him that they needed to meet up. He had kept his distance from her since he saw Barry going to her place with the box of pizza. Truthfully, he probably should have taken the hint when Barry picked her up at the hospital, but he hoped that was a fluke. He still hoped the pizza delivery was another fluke.
Eddie walked through the door, looking for him. Jamie waved his arm and said, "Hey!" She nodded and smiled, but it seemed… Different.
Something was up.
"Hi," she greeted him. She sat down and saw Jamie already ordered her coffee just how she liked it.
"Thanks for grabbing my coffee," she said appreciatively. "What do I owe you?"
Jamie waved his hand. "It's on me," he said.
"Thanks," she said nervously.
"So…" Jamie said, not sure how to start. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," she said. "Ribs are almost all healed up. Doc says I need to take it easy and he's making me ride a desk for the time being."
"It's for the best, Eddie," Jamie said. "Before you know it, we'll be out riding again. 12-David to the rescue. Still no capes, though."
Eddie smiled and shook her head. "Can't believe you remember that line," she said. "That was so hokey."
"Nice line, though."
"Eh," Eddie said, shaking her head. "that's nothing but rookie talk. Back when I didn't know any better."
Jamie paused. It hurt him to see her to not be her usual bubbly and sassy self.
"You know it's normal to feel guilty that you survived and someone else didn't, right?" Jamie asked. "It's also normal to feel guilty about being glad you survived."
"I know," Eddie said. "It's just…"
"It's a lot," Jamie said.
Eddie solemnly nodded her head.
"It's not just that, though," she continued. "I… Uh…" She folded her hands like a prayer. "I need to tell you something."
"O… Kay?" Jamie said, his curiosity piqued.
"It's about us," she said pensively.
Jamie stiffened.
"I know we talked last year and agreed to keep it 'professional'," she said using air quotes. "But I think both of us said that to make ourselves feel better. We both never really bought into that agreement."
Jamie let out a sigh. He had to admit it, she was right.
"But," Eddie continued, "I think we both played along anyway and we were fine with that. But that was until Barry came along. I wasn't expecting that."
She took a sip of her coffee, staring at the table, then back up at Jamie. "At first, I thought it was just a thing," she continued. "Maybe a date or two. Nothing serious, just two adults enjoying each other's company for a bit, then moving on, you know?"
Jamie nodded. He didn't like where this was going.
"But, um…" she said, looking down at the table, moving her coffee cup around. "It's turned into more than that," she said, looking back up at Jamie with a nervous expression. "He cares for me and... And I care for him, too."
"Oh," was all Jamie could say.
"Yeah," Eddie half-whispered. She could tell, in his own, quiet Jamie Reagan way, he was hurt.
"I need to see where this goes with him, Jamie," she continued. "I… I can't wait for the stars to align for us anymore. I just can't. It's not fair to either of us."
"Not fair to Barry, either?" Jamie asked, letting an edge seep into his question.
Now it was Eddie's turn to stiffen and have an edge in her voice. "Not fair at all," she said, glaring at him. "Look, I'm not asking for your permission. I'm telling you what it is."
Jamie sighed in defeat. Eddie sighed as well.
"Look, Jamie, I didn't come here to argue. I wanted to let you know what was happening. Because I care for you and always will, which is why I felt I owed you this. If you want to get new partners, I get it. But I hope we can work through this."
Jamie bowed his head in thought for a beat, then looked at his partner. "I need some time to think. I think you do, too." Again, there was an edge in his voice.
Eddie's eyes were aflame with anger. "You know what? You're right. I do need to think about some things!"
"Good!" Jamie said with a raised voice.
"Great!" Eddie shouted back, both forgetting they were in public.
"Have fun with your temporary boyfriend!" Jamie spat. "Maybe this one won't break things off in front of the precinct like the other guy!"
Eddie's mouth went agape. She got up from the table in a huff. "Have fun being alone for the rest of your life!"
As she hurriedly walked out of the coffeehouse, Jamie sat there. Once again, the Reagan temper had overridden any common sense and decorum. He closed his eyes in regret.
Have fun living the rest of your life alone, indeed, he chided himself.
As he sat in his Chevelle, he pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons.
"Hey… I didn't wake you did I?"
"No, not at all," Erin said on the other end of the line.
"Can I… Can I stop by your place?" Jamie asked cautiously. "I really… I really need some advice."
"Of course," she said, picking up on the distress in her little brother's voice. "Is everything okay?"
"I screwed up, Erin!" he said on the verge of tears. "I screw up so bad and I can't fix it!"