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My phone rings. I pick up straight away, thinking it’s Molly calling back. But it’s Ricardo. He’s calling from somewhere with loud Latin music.
“Buddy. Get down here. This place is pumping.”
The next day I report for duty early at the fire station. I’m pleased I didn’t go downtown to meet Ricardo and the others. The thought of being in a loud bar with high-energy people was exhausting. I made some lame excuse and went to bed early, feeling sleepy and crashing out almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.
So, I feel refreshed and ready for a full day. It’s going to be busy with paperwork and reports due in about the flour mill fire, as well as updates on the regional recruitment and training scheme I’d been working on in Oak River. It’ll be good to have heaps of things to occupy my mind, so I don’t feel sad about Molly.
I say hi to members of the crew who welcome me back with smiles and hugs. It feels like years since I was last here. At my desk, I open my laptop, check my emails, and pull up a report form. It’s straightforward. I just need to tick some boxes and write a couple of paragraphs. It’s mostly for insurance purposes.
My phone rings interrupting my flow. It’s Dex.
“I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
“Well, I have a ton to do but, go ahead.”
“I’ve handed in my notice.”
“What? Gosh, Dex. Are you sure? When?”
“Today. And yes. I am absolutely sure.”
“Well then. Congratulations... So, tell me, is this early retirement, old man?”
“You’re so funny.”
“Alright then, so what’s your plan?”
“You know we put in an offer on that property outside Oak River. It’s been accepted! And because the house is vacant, we can move in ASAP.”
“That’s great news. Fantastic.” I push away my laptop.
“Yeah. Meryl and I are really excited. I have two months left at the station, then we’re going to be goat farmers.”
“Wow. Goat farmers. Interesting.”
“I know what you’re thinking. What do we know about goats? Well, there’s loads of info online and I’ve read some books from the library. And I’ve been in touch with other goat farmers who are super helpful and supportive. We’ve done the research, Cam. There’s a big demand for artisanal goat cheese. And providing we can keep up production, we have potential regular customers who are willing to stock our product. And we can get on the farmers’ market circuit. It’ll be fun. But it’s more than just farming.” Dex changes down his enthusiasm to something more wistful. “It’s what we always dreamed of, you know. Family life in the country. Living off the land.” A pause. “And let’s face it. I’m not getting any younger.”
Dex’s words resonate. I admire Dex and Meryl for having the courage to chase down their dream.
“Being a firefighter is… Well, you know, it’s risky. It’s dangerous. I don’t want to be that hero anymore. Although, I will still volunteer. That’s a no-brainer.” Dex is quiet for a minute then, as if he’s just had an idea, he says, “Oh, Cam. The reason why I called you is… take my job.”
“What?”
“The job of fire chief in Oak River is up for grabs and it’s yours, buddy. Who else are they going to get?”
I let Dex’s idea sink in and my world flips over, tossing everything up in the air for the briefest of moments before I see a clear road straight ahead: a picture of a new direction, of what my life is supposed to be.
“You’re joking, right?” I say, deflecting my inner excitement.
“No. No, I’m not. Do it. Apply today. The boss will jump at it, no question. The job is yours, Cam. If you want it. And I’m sure you do.”
“And what makes you so sure?”
“Ha! You’re my best mate. And it’s clear as day how you feel about Molly Ryan at the library. And it’s obvious she feels the same way about you. So, stop dragging your chain. This is your golden ticket. You can’t tell me she’s not perfect for you. She’s smart and funny and so pretty, she’s…”
“Dex. Yes. Molly is incredible. And, yes, you are correct. She is perfect for me in every way possible. I adore her.”
“Alright then. What are you waiting for?”
