I sighed and pushed my hand through my hair. “Lucy.”
He frowned. “No. The stalker?”
“Yes. She showed up at story time and I pulled her off to the side. In her fit of crazy, she kissed me, and Emma saw it and she assumed I was making out with Lucy. Like I would ever do that in a library. In the children’s section. With my daughter a few feet away.”
He chuckled. “Did you explain the situation?”
“Tried to,” I said with a shrug. “Once she found out the truth, though, it was too late. She already formed an opinion of me. Not to mention, the next time I brought Noel to the library, they told me I was banned. Noel burst into tears. They called Emma and she quickly came down to the entrance and righted her wrong. Noel, of course, forgave her, but every time she reads to the kids, I put headphones in. It pisses her off and I love it.”
Preston laughed and shook his head. “That’s cold, Harrison.”
“She deserves it for jumping to the wrong conclusion.”
Captain Ryan walked in and glanced between the two of us.
“Just the two guys I was looking for.”
Preston pushed off the counter. “I think I hear my name being called.”
Cap raised a single brow.
Making a dash toward the exit, Preston called back, “Don’t burn the garlic bread this time!”
We both watched as Preston moved faster than I had ever seen him move. When he looked back at me one last time, the little bastard laughed. I turned my attention on my boss.
“I don’t like that look on your face, Cap.”
Making his way over to the stove, he leaned down, drew in a deep smell, and moaned. “Damn. Nothing is better than your Grandma Maggio’s homemade pasta sauce.”
“Sweet talking won’t get you anywhere with me, sir.”
He grinned and leaned against the counter the same way Preston had only moments ago.
“Since Preston was smart enough to make a run for it, you’ve been chosen to help with this year’s Christmas fundraiser dinner. The Boston Fire Department partners with the Boston Public Library each year. Last year, Nick from station 33 helped plan it. Rumor has it he spent more time hiding from the librarian planning it than he did helping. He said she was mean, yelled at him, and said she was tired of planning the event. It wasn’t a bad turnout, but the library brought in nearly fifty percent less in donations than the year before. I think Pricilla, the library manager, will oversee the planning. Our station is up this year for one lucky volunteer to help her out.”
It was my turn to fold my arms over my chest. I leaned against the island. “Let me guess, I’m the lucky one who gets to help her.”
Cap grinned. “You are, indeed. It’s not that bad, Harrison. I’m sure Pricilla will take the lead; you do what she tells you to do. It’s that simple.”
“What if I have an idea? Am I allowed to voice it.”
His brow rose. “Have you planned fundraisers before? Black tie dinners? Where the cost to get in is five-hundred dollars a plate?”
“Just because I was a Navy SEAL doesn’t mean I’m not schooled in other things.”
He laughed. “Other things such as killing people and fighting fires?”
I pointed to him. “Exactly. Have you forgotten who my father was?”
Cap nodded. “Point taken.”
“My mother has years of experience throwing fundraising dinners, parties, lunches. She did whatever it took to help my father with his political career. I sat back and watched all of it.”
Looking back at the sauce, then at me, he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry about your dad, Harrison. I know I said it before, but I know how it feels.”
I drew in a deep breath. “Thank you, Cap. I’m just glad I was here for my mother. Noel has really helped both of us heal from my dad’s death.”
He pushed off the counter and slapped my arm. “I’m glad you found your way here. The station wouldn’t be the same without you and Noel.”
