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"What about love, marriage, family?" |
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"They definitely don't last forever. You should know that." |
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"I can still love. I'll love the husband I left behind and my" She broke off with a little gasp. Biting her lip, Josie glanced at D.J, then smiled a brilliant smilethough the expression did not reach her eyes. "I'll love him forever. My love will never change or die. When he joins me we'll be together for all eternity." |
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"Oh, please. Don't start that sappy stuff with me. I've had a tough day." |
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Josie, who had been staring into space with a soft smile on her lips, blinked and focused her gaze on D.J.'s face. "You want to know why you've been given a guardian? I'll tell you. I'm supposed to teach you how to love." |
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The soup D.J. had just spooned into her mouth went down the wrong pipe. She sputtered, choked, and started to cough. Her eyes filled with tears as she gasped for breath. Josie jumped up and delivered a resounding slap to D.J.'s back. |
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"Hey," D.J. wheezed. "That hurt." |
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"Life hurts. Did you want to breathe or not?" |
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"I guess. Thanks." D.J. pushed away her half-eaten bowl of soup and Josie carried it to the sink. "You're wasting your time, you know," D.J. said softly. "I don't believe in love either." |
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"I know. That's why I'm here." |
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"This is ridiculous." D.J. shoved back her chair and got to her feet. "What does God care if I don't believe in love? I'm doing fine. I like my job; I'm a good cop." |
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