Page 20 of Rescued Love
I’m totally fucked.
CHAPTER 7
KIMBALL
I might have put up a fight when Hailey insisted that I come out to The Goose, but I’m glad I did it. It’s been nice to get in some girl time. Between the school year starting back up, which always means more work and stress for her since she’s a teacher, and the time she spends with Wesley, we haven’t had a lot of nights like this one.
I’m so damn happy for her. I swear she’s glowing right now.
It’s a good look on her and she deserves every single bit of happiness she has in her life right now. I know there is more happiness on the horizon for her. I’m just waiting for Wesley to propose, and I bet it won’t be long now. I’m kind of surprised he hasn’t done it already considering they’ve been head over heels for each other for about a year now.
“You two are disgusting,” I tease them.
They share a look with each other that is so lovey-dovey and over the top that I’m tempted to gag. I don’t only because I respect their relationship and want the kind of love they have. I’m not sure I’ll find the same love for myself, but a girl can dream.
“You love us,” Hailey sasses me.
“Whatever,” I lob back at her and stick my tongue out.
When we share a look, one we’ve shared so many times before, it feels like we’re girls again and all we need to worry about is homework and if there’s anything fun going on. We certainly weren’t worrying about bills and jobs and juggling high-level problems and needs.
It was simple.
It was easy.
Even though it didn’t feel the way at the time.
Part of me wishes I could go back to that time, but then I remember how I had to live under someone else’s rules. My parents were cool, but they still put their own expectations on me. It wasn’t as oppressive as it could have been, but the freedom I experience now means I don’t really want to go back.
Hailey leans forward a little bit, her eyes curious, “How’s the rescue?”
“Great,” I chirp. “It’s been steady and on the quiet side.”
I almost grimace, superstition riding me hard. Now that I’ve said it’s been quiet, watch us get inundated with animals who need homes or strays who are underfed and full of fleas and ticks. With a shiver, I send up a little wish to avoid all the fleas and ticks. No fucking thank you. I can do without either of those.
Not to mention, those animals are always so sad and pathetic. It’s not their fault at all and I hate their circumstances the most.
“Should you have said that?” There’s a look of horror on Wesley’s face with his question. “The q-word is the last thing you ever say at the firehouse.”
I giggle softly. “You can’t even say it now?”
He holds his hands up with a grimace. “Look, I’m not tempting fate. I might not be on shift, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to rain hell down on the guys who are. I hope they would do the same for me.”
“So superstitious,” I tease.
He just smirks and shrugs one shoulder, not even arguing the point. It’s not like he can. This isn’t the first little quirk I’ve heard about the firehouse. Beyond that, wasn’t I having the same thought that I shouldn’t have said the word about the rescue?
“I don’t blame you,” I admit. “I was just thinking I shouldn’t have said it about the shelter and now I’ll have some huge influx of animals.”
“As long as they aren’t covered in fleas and ticks,” Hailey muses with a shiver. “Those are the worst.”
I laugh heartily and nod, “My thought exactly. They’re the worst and I’m always worried about a flea escaping when they’re treated and then it’ll bring the whole rescue down.” I huff out, “A flea infestation is the last fucking thing I need in my life.”
Hailey shivers and Wesley’s face is a mask of horror as he mutters, “Yeah, I’ll a take a burning building over that any day.”
“Oh well if those are my only two choices, I’ll take the fleas,” I counter.
“I think you’d buckle under the weight of the equipment anyway,” there’s amusement dancing in his eyes.