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As soon as I saw her fire truck turn into the shed, I grinned from ear to ear. When the truck parked and the door opened, several of those in the shed clapped.
Stacey slid down from the driver’s seat, stumbling on her feet, her helmet on. Someone called out, ‘Welcome back, Firebird!’
I jogged over, wrapping an arm around her as Stacey straightened.
“You're exhausted. Sit.” I spoke in a gruff voice, guiding her to a plastic chair.
“I’m okay.” Stacey yawned so wide her jaw cracked. Her cheeks were red.
Benji emerged from the passenger’s side. “Tough fire. Too much fuel on the ground but it’s contained now.”
“Heard it on the radio.” I gave him a curt nod. “Good work.”
Was Benji interested in Stacey? I couldn’t help frowning. I was acting like a jerk. Too much instant coffee had me paranoid.
“I’ll do the final checks on the truck, Stace. You go with the doc.” Benji patted Stacey on the shoulder before walking off.
Stacey sank into the chair, taking off her helmet.
“Stace, you’re limping. What’s wrong?”
“Water, please,” she croaked, and yawned again.
I nodded. “Don’t move. Doctor’s orders.”
Stacey managed a faint smile and my chest swelled before I headed to the food truck. She was a mess; black smudges of ash and soot on her cheek and forehead, dark circles under her eyes, her ponytail coming apart. She looked lovelier than I’d ever seen.
Guess that made me a sucker for a woman in high vis.
“Here’s your water. And you should eat something again. This egg and lettuce sandwich is my finest creation, endorsed by the Ladies Auxiliary.”
She gulped the water down, pouring some on the back of her neck. I crouched in front of her, minding the sandwiches, and took in her condition.
“Stacey, you’re shattered. You need sleep.”
Her uncle set her backpack down beside her chair. “Good job, Stacey. Ryan’s doing patrol for the night. Tom had a kip and is now back out there to check the containment line.”
“I can just have a nap or something—”
“You’re done for the night,” her uncle said firmly. “Fire is contained, expecting cool air to come from the west in the next hour.”
“Your uncle has cleared you to go.” I helped her up to her feet. “And I’m your ride home.”
Stacey opened her mouth but all she could manage was another yawn.
“I feel hot. I think I’m overheated.” She peeled off her fire jacket. Sweat soaked her woollen long-sleeved thermal shirt.
“Sweating’s a good sign. Keep drinking, don’t worry about the sandwiches. Water is most important. And a cool shower will help.”
She nodded, sipped more water, and limped again.
“Let me help you, Stacey.”
I held her elbow and slipped my arm around her waist and she melted into my side.
I guided her to Lorraine and lowered her into the passenger seat.
“How are you …” she yawned, “so awake?” Her voice breathy and soft, as I slipped into the driver’s seat.
