Page 8 of Rescue My Heart
“Yeah, you were pretty cool, I guess.”
“You guess?” McKenna’s tone feigned disappointment, but her eyes sparkled with humor.
“Okay, yes. Yes, you were very cool,” Mazey conceded, raising her hands in mock surrender.
“Thank you. Continue, please,” McKenna prompted, crossing her arms again, this time leaning forward with genuine interest.
“She’s intensely focused on her job, often sacrificing personal relationships in the process. Does this sound like you at all?” Mazey asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.
“Okay, maybe this character does have a few similarities to me. Does your director know me?” McKenna replied, a teasing smirk on her lips.
“That’s so interesting. I’ll have to ask him!” Mazey laughed, feeling the connection deepening between them.
“Is that all?” McKenna pressed, eager to know more.
“She’s also a bit of a complicated character. She’s tough, resourceful, and driven by her need to make up for her past. But, you know, she’s also confident, skilled at negotiations, and struggles with vulnerability.”
“Her past? What happened in her past?” McKenna asked.
“Oh, right! That’s the most interesting part about her, actually. There was an incident in the Navy where a mission went wrong, causing the death of one of her comrades. This tragedy is what haunts her, and the show explores her struggles with guilt, responsibility, and the burden of being a hero.”
“Wow, that’s quite deep, actually. Such a tragic backstory. I’m glad that I can’t say that’s the reason I’m a firefighter,” McKenna replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“I’m glad that part you can’t relate to at least,” Mazey replied, her heart racing as she felt a flicker of attraction in McKenna’s warm gaze.
The warmth of their conversation wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, and Mazey couldn’t help but wonder about the layers beneath McKenna’s tough exterior. She wanted to know more about the woman who had just saved her life and who was suddenly captivating her in ways she had never expected.
Was it just her imagination, or was there an undeniable chemistry between them? The way McKenna spoke, the intensity in her eyes, it was captivating. Mazey couldn't recall ever feeling this drawn to someone, especially not a woman. It was exhilarating yet terrifying, like standing on the edge of a cliff with a swirling abyss below.
She stole a glance at McKenna, who was leaning closer, genuinely interested in what she was saying. It was disarming. How could this woman with her strong, steady presence have such an effect on her? Mazey's mind raced, questioning everything she had thought about her own feelings. Maybe it was the adrenaline from the rescue or perhaps the intense connection forged in such an extraordinary moment.
What if she was attracted to McKenna? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a curiosity she hadn’t expected. It was confusing, yet there was something liberating about exploring this newfound attraction. Maybe she could learn from Lila, her character, about being brave enough to confront her feelings.
“Is that all?” McKenna's voice pulled her back, and Mazey realized she had been lost in her thoughts. She needed to focus, to stay present in this moment that felt so real. But could she dare to entertain the idea of something more with someone like McKenna? The possibilities seemed endless, and for the firsttime in a long time, Mazey felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect.
Before she could respond, McKenna's walkie-talkie crackled to life, the sound of firefighter code filling the air. The momentary shift in energy was palpable as McKenna’s expression shifted from warmth to focus, her professional demeanor taking over.
“I’m so sorry, but I have to leave,” McKenna said, glancing toward the door, her voice tinged with regret. “It was really great to talk to you. I hope to see you again.”
With that, she turned and walked away, her presence lingering in the air like a gentle breeze. Mazey felt a bittersweet pang in her chest as she watched McKenna leave, her heart racing with a mix of hope and longing.
“I hope so too,” she whispered to herself, her gaze fixed on the door long after McKenna had left. She really hoped that they would meet again. As she sat in her trailer, the echoes of their conversation played in her mind, stirring a whirlwind of emotions she had never expected to feel.
4
MCKENNA
McKenna wished she hadn’t had to leave, that she could linger in the moment with Mazey in her trailer just a bit longer. The fire truck sirens blared as they sped toward another emergency, but all McKenna could think about was how she longed for a chance to talk to Mazey again. She replayed their conversation in her mind, trying to pinpoint exactly what had drawn her in. The way Mazey’s lovely blue eyes lit up when she spoke, the subtle way she leaned closer, as if sharing a secret.
With every shared joke and curious glance, Mazey had revealed layers of herself that McKenna hadn’t expected. The actress was much more down-to-earth than she had imagined. Beyond the glamorous Hollywood façade, there was a warmth and authenticity to Mazey that drew McKenna in.
Mazey’s laughter still echoed in her mind, a melody that brightened the haze of her day. It was as if their conversation could stretch into infinity, filling her with an exhilarating sense of possibility. McKenna found herself captivated by the way Mazey spoke about her character, Lila, with such passion anddepth. It was as if Lila reflected parts of Mazey that the world rarely saw.
After finding out that the call was just a false alarm, McKenna wrapped up her shift, but she couldn’t shake the thoughts of Mazey Snow from her mind. Just breathe. It was just a chat, she told herself, trying to dispel the disquieting feelings swirling within her. But deep down, she knew it had been so much more.
She found herself longing to know more about Mazey. The stories behind her laughter, the motivations driving her roles, and the dreams she harbored beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. What lay beneath that confident exterior? McKenna couldn’t help but wonder.
The conversation wasn’t merely about gratitude for saving her life; it was about a connection that felt profound and genuine. It was a connection McKenna realized she desperately craved, one that stirred something deep within her that she hadn’t felt in a long time. With every passing moment, the need to explore this newfound bond grew stronger, pulling her thoughts back to Mazey and the warmth of their conversation.