Page 33 of Consumed By Fire
"Sexy?" I ask, bursting out laughing with her.
"Good morning, love. Do you have to leave already?” she asks, looking me in the eye. I see a veil of sadness in hers and I kiss her.
"I'll be back soon, baby." I really don't want to imagine how it'll be not seeing her for two days.
"And I'll be here waiting for you, love."
I touch her lips in a sweet kiss. We drink coffee together and have breakfast while she explains to me all the things she has left to do before the party. I’m so proud of her. Everyone is talking about this party, and knowing that the B&B is fully booked makes me happy. I know how important it is to her.
I say goodbye and head to the firehouse. The boys are all in the relaxation room and are surprised to see me already on duty.
"Good morning, everyone!" I say. We’ll start training shortly, but first I need to talk to them.
"Why are you here already?" asks Jake.
"Yeah, I thought you were starting next week,” says Liam.
"Charlie kicked you out, didn't she?" teases Aide and I gave him the middle finger.
We all burst out laughing. I can't believe Aiden really said it.
"No, Charlie is fantastic and she still hasn't gotten tired of me,” I say, putting my bag on the table. "So, guys, yesterday Chief Clark called me. I was worried, to be honest, but he told me that he’ll be retiring soon and he’d like me to take his place." I give the guys time for the news to sink in before continuing.
"Have you accepted?" asks Jake.
“I said I wanted to talk to you about it before giving him an answer. We’re a team and I want to make sure this change suits all of you.”
“Surely if you say no, they’d send some outsider. We prefer to have someone we can rely on and who doesn't treat us poorly.”
"I'm an outsider, too," I tell them. Sometimes it seems that they forget this.
“Yes, I agree on not having anyone from outside, and you don't count. You’re one of us. The fact that you told us before making a decision makes us understand that our opinion matters to you.”
"Of course, we must always be a team. Your opinions can help me and the whole team be efficient."
The boys look at each other and raise their hands. "We already knew about this change, Dylan, and I voted yes," says Aide. I knew he’d agree but I didn't want to impose myself on the team. One by one, they raise their hands, nodding. I notice Mike watching us from his office door with an approving look.
“Thanks, guys, your approval means a lot to me. But that doesn't mean I'll let you win at poker,” I say, taking my bag, unleashing the laughter of the team. I look at my watch and see that it’s 6.30 am. I go to the locker room and put my bag in my locker.
I go back to the room, heading toward the chief's office, and he comes to meet me.
"I’d say these are yours!" he says, handing me the keys to the chief’s car. "I knew you’d make the right choice, and no one is as qualified as you for this position."
"I hope I won’t disappoint you."
"I don't think so. The team loves you. I'm curious to see how the volunteer firefighters will take it."
"Should I worry?"
“No, you’re a good guy. You’ll know how to keep them at bay. Some are hotheads but they’ll surely listen to you.”
"I hope so," I say, smiling with him. Although I know the barracks well, as I have been here many times for practice, the chief takes me around, showing me everything again.
19
CHARLOTTE
The day passes slowly. Despite the frenzy of preparations and the arrival of the guests keeping me busy, I still miss Dylan. He has become a staple in my life, which is crazy when I think that we have only recently gotten together.