Free Judging Joey by Elizabeth John Page B

even before she saw its shadow.
    “Hello, ladies.”
    Madeline recognized the male voice immediately and flinched. She stole a glance at him and was irked by his casual, charming manner. She wiped at her face and blinked back her tears. No way did she want him to see her crying.
    Despite the shade, Sabrina squinted up at him. “Why, Officer O’Neill, what brings you to the dog park?”
    He moved around to face them. “Just finished up my game at the basketball courts. I usually stop by here to watch the dogs for a while. I’d love to get one someday. Not sure what breed. Although I always liked German Shepherds.” He laughed and pointed to the mid-sized group of dogs. “Or one like these. There’s so many.”
    Madeline folded her arms across her chest and clamped her lips down. Bulldog came instantly to mind, she thought.
    “Madeline and I volunteer at the dog shelter. We could help you find a shelter dog, couldn’t we?” Sabrina waited a few seconds for a response then nudged Madeline.
    Madeline lifted her chin. “Dogs need a lot of care. Are you sure you’re up to that responsibility? Especially with your important position?”
    Joey cracked a smile as he focused in on her. The intensity in his dark eyes took her aback. It was almost as if everything around them faded into the background and only she had his attention. “Wouldn’t do it if I couldn’t give it one hundred percent. Besides, I’m in the research stage right now. I won’t be able to get a dog until I buy my own place. I’ve been saving up to buy a house. One with a nice yard for my dog to run.”
    Before Madeline could reply, Steve and Chet strolled over. All three dogs trotted behind, their tongues hanging, their tails wagging.
    “Joey, how’ve you been? Haven’t seen you for a couple of weeks,” Steve said, extending his hand.
    “Can’t complain.” Joey shook Steve’s hand and gave a nod to Chet. “Some of the guys and me are getting together later for a bite. Why don’t all of you come?” Again he watched Madeline, waiting for her to respond.
    Madeline rolled her eyes. She had to give him credit. He had gall. He’d had a hand in ruining high school for her and now she was supposed to forget it? She was about to tell him over her dead body. Being a cop she thought he’d appreciate that.
    Steve and Chet shook their heads.
    “Sorry,” Chet said. “We’re having a family dinner party at our house tonight. Maybe next time?” Chet put his dog on a leash and he and Steve said their goodbyes.
    “How about my two favorite teachers?” Joey asked both of them, but his gaze never left Madeline’s face.
    “We’d love to come!” Sabrina said. “You two can reminisce about high school. I’m sure you both have some great stories to tell.”
    Too startled to offer an objection, Madeline stiffened and her mind froze.
    “Perfect.” Joey’s smile broadened. “I’m dying to talk to you about high school. See you around eight at The Grill.” He turned and sauntered off before Madeline could utter the protest she was desperately trying to piece together.

Chapter 7
    “Have you lost your marbles?” Madeline glared at Sabrina. “I told you that stuff in confidence. I don’t want to discuss what happened to everyone at a burger joint.”
    “I didn’t say anything specific.” Sabrina hooked Pepper up to her leash and handed Rusty’s leash to Madeline. “Tonight’s the night to get all this pent-up anger out. Tell him how he hurt you, made your life miserable, ruined your friendship with Allison. And don’t tell me you have too much schoolwork to do. You have the rest of the afternoon to finish. A girl has to eat, doesn’t she?”
    “Maybe you’re right. I should get it off my chest.” She couldn’t deny her friend’s statement about the anger she was holding on to. For her own peace of mind, she had to learn to let it go.
    “Of course I’m right. I always am. Besides he’s so cute. How can you stay mad at him?”