Page 84 of Nailed

“Oh my god,” Rafe whispered, dropping his head back in frustration.

Lauren snorted softly, biting her lip.

Fortunately for everyone in the room, the Alderman's aide quickly whispered something in his ear that she had to repeat twice. He finally nodded in understanding and waved her away.

“Yes, yes, alright. I suppose the most important history can be visited in the museum itself. Speaking of which, I am honored to call Miss Lauren Wolfhaardt to the stage. Please join me in welcoming her to tell us all about her new venture!”

It was about damn time.

Rafe, Cal and I immediately started cheering, louder than the rest of the audience but we didn't care. Lauren gave each of us a look of gratitude before standing up and making her way to the front.

She looked beautiful, calm and more confident than I remember seeing her in the year I've had the privilege of knowing her.

She nodded politely at the Alderman, then waited for the crowd to calm down before she began to speak.

“Thank you, Alderman and everyone here for the warm welcome. Or, at least the warmer welcome. It took a while to thaw,” she said, and laughs rippled through the crowd. “I'll keep things brief. When I bought the firehouse, I originally only intended for it to be a home for me. I had no idea about the history tied to the place and just how important it was to this city. But now that I do, I feel that it's less a generosity than it is an obligation for me to honor that history.”

“She’s doing so good,” Cal whispered to me.

I nodded but put my finger to my lips.

“Turning the front section of the property into a museum that pays homage to the iconic status of Station 14 is something I feel honored to be able to do. And it wouldn't have been possible without the help of Clara Reyes.” Her eyes found Clara's in the crowd.

I craned my head to try and see the real estate agent. She was sitting two rows ahead of us and gave a quick, low wave to Lauren, who smiled. Then Lauren's gaze traveled back until they settled on our row.

“And the construction crew of Cornerstone. Brock Lawson, Callum Doyle and Rafe Merrick. Without any of them, the museum wouldn't have been possible, and I wouldn't have had a home. I'm eternally grateful,” she said.

My heart clenched. I didn't bother looking at the other two.

There was another layer to Lauren's words, one that only we could read. Then just like that, she snapped back to business mode. This wasn't just her giving back, of course. It was also a way for her to control the imposition on her home.

“The museum will be open to the public two days a week,” she said, slow and measured, probably to ensure the boundary was as idiot-proof as possible.

“I want to reemphasize my gratitude to the city and people who gave me a chance to integrate into this community. The beauty of this city is something that I know will continue to inspire me in my career and stewardship of the firehouse,” she finished.

The crowd erupted again. Rafe stood to his feet and cheered while Cal and I whistled. Lauren looked so happy, almost on the verge of tears at the reception of her speech and choice to open the museum. I wished that there was someone who could’ve caught that moment on camera.

*

“Home sweet home,” Rafe said, throwing his jacket onto the couch as the four of us entered the living room. Lauren raised an eyebrow and folded her arms.

“There’s a coat rack right at the door, Rafe. Feel free to make use of it,” she said, sticking her chin out.

This was an argument they had often and I was beginning to think Merrick did this on purpose just because he liked her angry. And yeah, I could see the appeal. He smirked, sauntering up to her.

“And what are you gonna do about it if I say no, now that you’re a credit to the community? You gonna report me to the board? Put me on trial?” he taunted.

I thought they might go through their usual bantering routine again, but Lauren seemed to be feeling a little sentimental today. She put her arms around him and pulled him in for a kiss that actually got him to shut up.

It was still a little weird, at least in the beginning, seeing Lauren being with Merrick and Cal. But I was not only growing used to it by now, it had become customary. I didn’t think I was ever going to be able to explain this to anyone, but the sparks of jealousy and competitiveness I felt with them was only acceptable because I knew I could trust them with her.

A hand on hers, a reassuring squeeze of her thigh. It didn’t bother that they came from them, as long as they got Lauren to relax. They were the only other two people I thought would go the distance for her, with the exception of Clara and I was grateful Lauren wasn’t planning on making her a fourth.

“Thanks for coming to the meeting,” she said, breaking the kiss with him and walking over to the couch.

Merrick didn’t look like he had enough but he could wait. Cal came back in from locking the front doors.

“You’re a local celebrity now. How do you plan to celebrate?” I asked.