Page 35 of Consumed By Fire
"A former Marine, and he's a firefighter."
“Oh, that's good. Do you already live together?"
"Paul!" Annais scolds him.
"What?" I ask, surprised. "No, Dad, what made you think so?"
"You said he'll be home for a couple of days. I thought … Well, yeah, you two lived together."
"Not yet. Maybe someday."
“So, it's as I guessed,” Annais adds. “You’re getting serious. I knew it from the way he looks at you, and the way he always tries to be next to you. That boy loves you so much, and you love him.”
"Yes, Annais. Dylan is a very special person, and I love him."
"It seems like yesterday that you needed me," says Dad, wiping a tear, "and today, instead, you’re ready to form your own family."
"Oh, Dad, I'll always need you!" I tell him as we pass the fire station.
Dylan is going out in the chief's vehicle. He honks to greet us, but he’s in a hurry. Shortly after that, two other engines come out of the firehouse with their sirens on.
I continue driving, showing off the city. After a while, we arrived at Paradise. Annais falls in love with it.
“It looks great, Charlie, and very big, too. How many rooms does it have?"
“It's not that big. I have only thirty rooms. But that's more than enough since it's just me and Blaire working on it,” I say as I follow them inside.
"I like it," says Dad, looking around. “The decor is great. Your grandfather would be proud of you, Charlie, as are we.” If he continues like this, he’ll make me cry.
"I'll show you your room. It's on the first floor but I know you'll love it." Dad always loved France. We went there when I was ten and he always dreamed of going back.
I open the door and let them in. Dad paused, surprised, looking at the wall.
“It's not exactly like being in Paris, though in my defense, I couldn't get the full-size Eiffel Tower into it,” I say.
Dad bursts out laughing. “You still remember it ... it's been a lifetime."
"The best memories are never forgotten, Dad,” I say, hugging him. “Make yourself comfortable. Tonight, I'll cook for you. Come downstairs whenever you want."
"Thanks, Charlie, you were very kind," Annais says and I smile at her as I leave their room.
At the front desk, I see Blaire lost in thought. I sneak up behind her. “A penny for your thoughts.”
"With all the thoughts that go through my head, you’d become poor."
"Hmmm, is there anything I can do to help?"
"Unfortunately not, Charlie. Will Dylan's parents arrive tonight?” she asks, checking the time, changing the subject.
"No, tomorrow night at six pm," I answer, looking at her.
"Great. Then I'd say I can go if you don't need me anymore."
"Actually, I wanted to give you something," I say, going to the office. I can finally handle the expense of hiring another employee and she’s my best one. "Here you go,” I say, handing her a file with the employment contract and her pay.
"What is this?"
"Something I hope will make you smile a little," I reply as she opens the folder.