Page 40 of Recipe for Rivals

I understood Nova’s determination not to accept charity, so I needed to get creative. One way or another, she was getting my kitchen table.

I finished grillingthe last of the sliders out behind the station firehouse and slid them onto the buns. Cooking at work was always something of a gamble, because it was impossible to know when a call would come in and put a kibosh on the meal. Today was working in my favor and lunch was ready.

“Be brutal,” I said, putting the tray on the table in our station kitchen. “These have to go up against the cops and win.”

Randy walked toward me, munching on a glazed donut.

“Seriously?” I asked, gesturing to the tray of sliders I just carried inside. They all knew I was making lunch.

He shrugged, shoving the last of it in his mouth. “The elementary school brought them by.”

“They wanted to thank us for helping,” Dan added.

“So you both ate them?” Dan hadn’t even been on that call.

Jill pulled a chair out and sat, reaching for a slider. She took a bite and nodded. “These will win.”

Her confidence was inspiring, but it wasn’t until Randy and Dan agreed with her that I felt a modicum of relief. They liked my cooking, generally speaking, but none of them were afraid to tell me what they really thought. Dan was the youngest by a few years, but even he wouldn’t hesitate to share his opinions. He did it all the time, whether or not we asked.

I sat next to Randy and pulled a slider over, sinking my teeth into it. I didn’t tell the guys I’d made the buns myself. I’d done it last night when I’d gotten home from Nova’s because I couldn’t sleep. It was a new recipe but they were dang good, all soft and pillowy, and probably half the reason these sliders were a success.

Which was good and bad. Now I had to make hundreds of buns for the Battle of the Badges, too.

It would be worth it if it meant seeing a win. There was nothing more insufferable than police officers during the entireyear after they won the Battle of the Badges. We beat them last year, and I wanted that relief to continue.

I picked up another slider and took a bite before sending a text to Nova.

Dusty

How is Ben’s ankle doing?

The little bubble ellipses popped up, and I paused with the slider before it reached my mouth. I set it down on my plate and waited, holding my phone with both hands.

Nova

Much better. He could walk this morning, so I’m sure he just rolled it. I don’t think it’s a good idea for him to run, though

Dusty

He can sit the game out this weekend if you’re both more comfortable with that

It’s early in the week. You don’t need to decide today

Nova

We’ll see how he feels Friday

Dusty

Good plan. So, about that table

Nova

You know tables aren’t necessary, right? There are so many more important things out there

Dusty

Totally. Like waffle makers. Did you bring one of those with you or should I lend you my extra?