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Every hand went up accompanied by a clamor of voices. The entire fire department would go if we had the choice, but we couldn’t abandon the station in case of an emergency so someone had to stay behind.
Chief Wright surveyed the group then selected five out of the thirteen men.
“Hackman, Keith, Walbrook, Ebdin, and Lawson, spread some holiday cheer on behalf of the firehouse, will you?”
A collective groan of disappointment went up from those who hadn’t been chosen.
“Better luck next year, gentlemen,” Chief Wright said. “Back to work.”
Rosie turned away, heading down the corridor to her office. I pushed out of my chair and hurried to catch up.
“Hey, Rosie, are you planning on going to the holiday bazaar? It’s a lot of fun - food, games, raffles, you name it.”
She cast a sideways glance at me but didn’t slow her pace.
“Maybe.”
“You could ride in the front of the truck with me,” I offered, donning a smile that I hoped would win her over.
But she shook her head.
“You are relentless, you know that?”
“I’ve heard it said once or twice, yeah.”
Rosie tipped her chin up to meet my gaze. She was a full head shorter than me, even with the heels on her boots that granted her two or three more inches of height.
“Well, then, just so we’re clear, listen to me very carefully.”
She paused and I swear my breath caught somewhere between my ribs and my throat. I knew she wouldn’t say yes. I knew there was no way on this planet that Rosie would agree to go with me to the holiday bazaar. And yet, a small spark of hope glowed in my chest that her answer might surprise me.
“I will be dead and buried before I go anywhere with you.”
Then Rosie turned on her heel and marched to her office. I watched her go, mesmerized by the snug fit of her jeans against her ass.
***
The holiday bazaar was the highlight of Holly Hollow’s Christmas season. Main Street was closed down and decked out with wreaths and garlands, lights and thick bands of velvety red ribbon. Dozens of vendors set up booths on either side of the road, selling everything from gifts to hot buttered popcorn, spiced apple cider, and gooey chocolate fudge.
After the parade was over, I was free to enjoy the bazaar. A few of the guys stayed behind with the truck, giving a swarm of curious kids the chance to climb inside and try on firefighter gear.
I couldn’t help scanning the crowded street, searching for some sign of Rosie. Her desk was covered with Christmas decorations. I knew she wouldn’t miss the holiday bazaar.
The smell of something delicious and sugary-sweet drew my attention to a nearby booth selling pies, Christmas cookies, and slices of cake. Maybe I could get something for Rosie - a little treat or a gift that would soften her up.
Then someone tapped me on the shoulder.
I turned and found myself face to face with a smiling Haley Talbot.
“Hey, kiddo,” I said, scooping her into a crushing hug.
She squeaked from the pressure and hugged me back.
“I saw you on the fire truck in the parade,” Haley said. “So I thought I’d hunt you down and say hi.”
It took me a split second to gather my thoughts. I was always a little shell-shocked to see Haley. Our paths had first crossed when she was six years old, taking a field trip to the firehouse. She’d been such a quiet, shy little thing back then that she barely spoke at all.
But she’d clutched a big book to her chest like a teddy bear and she’d watched the world with her wide brown eyes, and that’s when I knew she just needed a nudge to join in and make her feel welcome.
