“It is survival.”
She sighs theatrically. “I was only going to suggest that since you currently have nowhere to sleep and Chief Carson has offered you shelter, perhaps you should stop fighting the universe.”
I press my fingers to my forehead. “The universe did not put me here. A fire did.”
“And a very large firefighter.”
“You are shameless.”
“I am observant.”
“You offered me your guest room less than a minute ago.”
“And then I received new information.”
Despite everything, a laugh threatens.
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Currently evaluating.”
Her voice softens. “Are you really okay?”
The question hits differently.
I look toward the front window, where red emergency lights still wash across the glass.
My fingers tighten around the phone.
“I don’t know.”
Joyce exhales. “I can come.”
“I know.”
“I mean it.”
“I know.”
Another pause follows before she says gently, “You do not have to be cheerful tonight.”
My throat closes.
That is the problem with best friends. They know exactly where the cracks are.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You better.”
“I will.”
“And Kaia?”
“Yes?”
“If Chief Carson takes his shirt off, I expect a complete report.”
