Small doses

I walked over to the kit room. Bradford picked up both bags. I didn't put up a fight. We arrived to find my mother waiting for us by the shop. She had a smile on her face. "Hi, Lucy," She said.

"Hi." I said, opening the door for her. She's happy. I know her tricks well enough by now. She was about to pop.

Vanessa was the first one to speak. Tim and I stayed quiet. "Lucy, have you found a new boyfriend? Chris was perfect. I don't know why you'd leave him."

I took a deep breath. "No. Chris and I wouldn't have worked out. Stop asking."

"Lucy, you are almost 30, you should be married, caring for your home and raising kids. Not doing this crap you call police work. I'm surprised you sit in this car all day. It would explain why you've gained so much weight."

"No! This is the 1,000th time I'm telling you this, I love my job. Even if I was seeing anyone it'd be none of your business." I snapped, but held back tears at her comment about my weight gain.

Tim shot me a look. "Your father and I have been patient. We want to see you get married and have kids. Become a doctor, you could save more lives or become a Lawyer, make more money. First, you need to work out more. You aren't going to get a man looking like a pig."

Before I could speak up for myself, "You do not get to body shame your daughter! She loves the people she works with. Her dating life should have nothing to do with you, let alone who she decides to settle down with. Understand?" Tim said, practically yelling.

He turned the shop around, heading back to the station. It was a quiet ride back.
Thank god I've got Tim.

Towards the end of shift, Bradford pulled me into an interrogation room.

"What?" I ask.

"Look, I know you're not happy with me," He started. "How often does your mother say stuff like that to you?"

"Going back 10 years," I said. "Thanks."

"For what?"

"Sticking up for me."

"Any time." he said, "Uh- do you, nevermind."

"No, no, what is it?" I ask.

"I-do you want to get something to eat and vent about your mother?" Tim stood by the door. "N-Not like a date."

I smiled. "Sure."