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Once inside, we make contact with what’s causing all the smoke. On the grill, grease has gotten out of control and is burning unchecked.
“What do we do?” Gauge asks loud enough so I can hear.
Water is a no-no and it’s too large to smother with a lid or anything of that nature. The next step is to see if there’s anything near us I can use. Glancing around, I spot a big bag of unopened flour. Quickly I lean over and grab it, then slowly walk it to where the fire burns. Once I’m close enough, I rip open the container. Picking up an unused pot sitting to the side, I start pouring flour on the heat in even rows. Systematically, I take out the burn points of what’s keeping this blaze going.
Within moments, it’s taken care of and the only thing left is a smoldering mess of flour.
“Good job.”
The praise means a lot. Doesn’t matter who it comes from, just knowing that I’m doing the right thing is enough for me.
“Let’s go back out,” Gauge points to the door, “and let them know what’s happening.”
With pride, I listen as Gauge tells Cameron what we found and how I took care of it. When the Lieutenant turns to me, he’s got a smile on his face. “Perfect, Rookie. Station One do one more sweep and then let’s clean up and head back.”
With a spring in my step I didn’t have before, I gladly do my share.
* * *
My stomach growlsas I stand over the stove in the firehouse after we’ve gotten settled back in, making lunch for everyone. Since we didn’t get to have breakfast, I’m planning a carb and protein dense meal.
A baked potato bar with chicken and steak. If I’ve timed it right, it’ll all be done at once and then we’ll be able to chow down. I’m praying the alarms don’t go off.
My phone vibrates against my leg.
Walking over to the sink, I wash my hands before reaching in, palming it, and pulling it out.
The name displayed gives a tiny jolt.
Since I’m not facing the guys, I allow a smile to spread across my face.
H: How’s your day going? Have a few minutes left on my lunch and thought I’d check in.
D: Not bad, haven’t eaten yet. Pretty sure I’m wasting away.
H: LOL! I think you’ve got enough meat on your bones.
D: Fuckin’ ow. Did you just call me fat?
H: OMG no! I meant it in a you’re lean but built sort of way. I’m so sorry!
D: Now you’ve gotta make it up to me.
H: Oh really? How do you propose I do that?
I crave the interaction we had at dinner the other night. The warmth in the pit of my stomach. The excitement when her lips were on mine. It’s been too long since those feelings caught me off guard and invaded every single one of my senses.
D: Go out with me tomorrow night. I’ll be off-shift and have had some sleep.
H: Where?
D: I don’t want to share you.
These words are coming from a place within me I haven’t explored. One that’s been there in the background, apparently waiting for a woman to bring it out of me.
H: Maybe I don’t want to share you either.
D: Meet me at the park and we’ll hop in my Jeep?
