Page 6 of Stuck With the Smokejumper

Nolan blinks. “There's a difference?”

“The first time you're too busy following your training to be scared. It catches up with you later."

Reid snorts. “Tell him about jump six.”

“Nobody needs to hear about jump six.”

“Jump six is a great story.”

“Jump six is a cautionary tale, and not the kind you're making it out to be.”

Nolan sets down his spoon, fully invested. “I need to hear about jump six.”

“Reid tells it better. Mostly because none of what he says is true.”

Reid grins. “Every word is true. I've just improved the pacing.”

Eventually, the conversation moves on to what everybody plans to do with a Saturday that doesn't involve swinging a Pulaski or several miles of trail.

“Alder Lake,” Dani says.

Trevor perks up. “I'm in.”

“You're always in,” Tessa says.

Ivy grabs a notepad from the end of the counter. “I'm going into Timber Creek this morning for the weekly supply run. If we need anything, tell me now.”

Three people start talking at once.

She holds up a hand. “One at a time.”

“Ice,” Dani says. “We're almost out.”

“Bug spray and sunscreen,” Tessa adds.

“Chips,” Nolan says.

“Actual food,” Ivy says, writing.

“Chips are actual food.”

“Not when I'm shopping.”

Nolan sighs.

Reid contributes, “Protein powder. The chocolate kind.”

Ivy glances at Reid. “That's not crew-house stuff.”

“It could be, if you're generous.”

That reminds me. I packed for a reassignment, but I packed fast. If we're here for two weeks, what I brought will get me through. If we're here for two months, it won't. I need blades for my razor. More socks wouldn't hurt. And bar soap.

“What time are you leaving?” I ask.

Ivy looks at me. “Ten minutes.”

I push away from the counter. “Mind if I come with you?”