Sawyer
“Donnelly, come on in.”
I enter the chief’s office at Dogwood Cove Fire Department and shake his hand. “Thank you, sir.” Sitting down across from him, I rub my palms along my pants surreptitiously.
I’ve worked with this man for years, watching him move up in rank from when I started and he was my battalion chief until now. He steeples his hands and looks at me, his face unreadable.
“You’ve been with the department a long time, Donnelly. What is it now, ten years?”
“Twelve, sir.”
He nods. “And you’ve done well for yourself. I know you’ve dedicated a lot of time to the wildfire service, and I always see you at community events. Your crewmates think highly of you, and you’ve proved your worth as a member of our department. You know you were short listed for a promotion to captain earlier this year. We had some delays in reaching our final decision, but I’m pleased to inform you that you are the successful candidate.”
I exhale a shaky laugh, pride pumping through my veins. “Thank you, sir. That’s fantastic news, I’m honoured to have been chosen.”
I’m treated to one of Chief’s rare smiles. “You’ve earned it. Your commitment to the department and the town doesn’t go unnoticed, nor does your focus and dedication to the job. You’ve stepped up as interim captain and proved you’re the right man for the job.”
“Again, thank you,” I say, because it feels damn good to know my hard work over the years at the department has been noticed. “I love this town, this department, and my crew. I look forward to leading them in my new role.”
Chief stands and puts out his hand again. I rise and shake it. “Good. Sorry to drag you in here just for this short meeting, but protocol is what it is, and I had to tell you in person before we make the official announcement.” He moves around his desk and I follow him to the doorway. “You’re due back on shift tomorrow, is that right?”
“Yes, sir,” I confirm. “I’ve got two night shifts, then another stretch off because of some shift swaps.”
“Okay. Well, now that O’Doul has moved, we need to get you in place as the official shift captain for your team as soon as possible. So, we’ll tell the crew, and you’ll step into the role when you come in for those night shifts. We’ll have to discuss those swaps with HR to make sure there’s coverage, of course.”
“Sounds good to me.” My mind is already racing, thinking about the new responsibilities I’ll have as captain. I’ll be in charge of my team each shift, no longer just doing the grunt work as someone else barks out the orders; now I’ll be the one in charge.
We make our way down to Sue-Ann’s office, the head of our human resources, and Chief leaves me with her after slapping my back and giving me one more “congratulations.” The next half hour is spent going through my scheduled swaps and vacations, ensuring there’s coverage for my new position.
Finally, I duck out of the station, managing to avoid my colleagues. I don’t know if I could hide the news from them right now, and the first person I want to tell is Tori.
Not my mom, not my brothers, not even Boone or Derek.
Tori.
I wait for that indisputable fact to wig me out, send me off the deep end into panic, but it never does. It settles inside of me like another piece of the puzzle fitting into place — the one I’m building without even knowing what the picture is.
As soon as I’m home, I whip out my phone.
SAWYER: Guess what angel, you’re no longer fucking a hot firefighter.
TORI: Umm, I don’t know how to respond to that…
SAWYER: You’re fucking a hot firefighter CAPTAIN. That’s right baby. The promotion is mine.
TORI: Sawyer that’s fantastic! Congratulations.
SAWYER: Thanks. You know what would be a really great way to celebrate?
TORI: What?
SAWYER: Eating my favourite dessert.
TORI: I don’t even know what your favourite is… But if I can buy it or make it I will!
SAWYER: It’s your pussy.
TORI: OMG.
