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I approach the open cab door and a hand reaches down to me. Cam Wickham climbs into the driver’s seat and starts up the engine. I’m hoisted off the sidewalk and up into the passenger seat and the dark interior of the cab. I’m at once thrilled, although apprehensive about being in a small, cramped space with three handsome strangers.
Chapter 2
Cam
My first day on the job in Oak River and we get a callout. Action stations. All systems go. An actual emergency and an actual fire. Then, hilarious, we arrive at the address of ‘the fire’ and there isn’t one. So, I phone the woman who made the emergency call, and she is so indignant. She thinks that I’m accusing her of being a nutcase. She agrees to come back to the scene to show me exactly the location of ‘the fire’. The crew and I watch her stomp back to the car yard. She is not happy at all. Annoyance is written all over her face. I have to suppress my laughter and turn it into a cough. Man, but she’s cute. Not that I’m supposed to notice such things when I’m on a callout. Professional etiquette dictates otherwise. But sometimes a woman is so pretty she takes a man’s breath away.
The other guys in the truck notice too, but they’re a respectful bunch. No harm in looking though. Anyway, I offer Molly Ryan, that’s her name, a ride home in the firetruck and her face lights up like a kid’s at Christmas. She sits up front with me, pleased as Punch. The other guys are behind in the cab. It’s a bit of a squeeze with an extra person, but no one seems to mind.
“So, where to, ma’am?” I put the truck into gear, check the rearview, and indicate I’m pulling out.
“Bristol Lane. Number six please, driver.”
“Alright. But you may need to direct me because I’m new around here.”
“That’s right,” Dex chimes in from the back. “It’s Cam’s first day today.”
“Oh well. Welcome to Oak River. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here.”
“It’s been a blast so far.”
“What was that address, Miss Ryan?” Charlie asks.
“Please. Call me Molly. It’s Bristol Lane. Number six. First left then second right, past the gas station.”
“Hey, Cam. Isn’t that the street you’re looking at for a rental?” Charlie says.
“Well, I’ve been looking at a few rentals in town. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
“Wow! Then don’t you think, that today is a sign,” says Dex, beaming. I don’t need to see him. I can hear it in his voice. “You should just take the house in Miss Ryan’s street. At least you’ll know you have one nice neighbor.”
I sneak a side-ways peek at Molly who is looking straight ahead. Then I do too. Silence descends in the cab as I desperately try to think of something to say. The idea of living close to Molly sends a charge of excitement from my toes to my fingertips. I concentrate hard on the road and correct the firetruck which has swerved out by itself. I don’t think anyone noticed.
A few minutes later, I steer the big red engine, incongruous on the sleepy dead-end street, into park in front of Molly’s house. It’s a tiny wooden construction set back behind a small lawn with steps leading up to a front porch. Plant pots are arranged at the sides around a swing seat, although there’s nothing growing in them yet. It’s homey and comfortable. A soft yellow glow spills out from the window above the door. I feel myself smiling as I imagine what it must be like inside. Maybe I’ll get to see. Be invited in at some point. Maybe.
Molly sits for the briefest of moments then thanks me and the guys for the ride home. I glance over at the house next door at number four. A real estate sign out front advertises its vacancy. The house is more modern in design than Molly’s. The whole front section is concreted over so no need for a lawn mower, which appeals to me. I visualize a basketball hoop fixed above the garage door. That would be good.
Molly opens the door and is about to slide down to street level when I say, “I may as well have a look around the place now, while I’m here. If that’s alright with you guys? Give me two minutes?”
“Sure. Take your time,” is the response from the guys in the back of the cab.
I quickly get out and scoot around to the passenger side to offer Molly a hand getting out. Instinctively, I steady her progress by gently holding her upper arm.
“Woo, it’s higher than I thought,” Molly says as her toe makes contact with the sidewalk. She smiles up at me then nods shyly when she’s safely on two feet.
I ask Molly about the property next door: how long it has been vacant. Molly tells me it’s been around six months since the previous occupants moved out. As we talk, we wander over, side by side, to the house at number four. A nice couple, Molly says. She was friendly with them. You know? Neighborly. She misses them, but they are still in touch. We peer in through the darkened windows. The couple who lived here bought a house on the other side of town. Closer to where he works. More convenient. And they wanted a home of their own. Not a rental. Somewhere to put down roots. Molly and I walk around the side of the building.
“I can’t say I know what that is.” The thought comes out of my mouth unannounced and surprises me.
“Wanting a home? Somewhere to place a chair; to feel you belong?” Molly laughs.
“Yes. I mean, No. I’ve only ever rented or lived in a house-share with buddies. Having a home of my own is not something I ever thought was important. To me, home is just a place to rest my head at the end of the day.”
“Oh, okay. Well, if you change your mind about that, the real estate company that’s renting this house has some very nice properties for sale too. So, if you did want to be a homeowner here in Oak River, there are some attractive options available.”
“I’m sure you’re right, but I’m only here for a short time. Dex there,” I turn and wave at the firetruck. “He’s about to be a dad, so I’m covering his paternity leave.”
“Oh! How wonderful. And exciting. I bet he is over the moon.”
