He blinks, then blinks again.
“Thank you,” he whispers, his voice barely audible. He steps forward, wraps his arms around my neck, and claps me on the back in a hug.
I pat the back of his head. “Anytime.”
An engine revs on the other end of the parking lot, and Morgan pulls away, wearing a watery smile.
“I better get going,” he says, opening the door to his car and climbing in. I shut it behind him, patting the top of his roof, but my attention is on the other side of the parking lot where Tanner’s truck pulls out.
My kid isn’t paying attention to the road, though. He’s watching me. The exit is on my side of the parking lot, and as he drives closer, I can see the angry scowl marring the lines of his face.
I lift my hand and wave, but he turns his attention away.
So much for that good day.
______________________
Annoyance #1 (HM) has added you to the Benton Falls Gossipers
Theo:No
Annoyance #1 (HM):Did someone forget to tell me about Theo and Lily kissing at my house? Because I feel like that’s something you’re supposed to tell the host.
Annoyance #2 (CR):What are you talking about? I TOLD YOU. You were too busy kissing MJ behind the shed to hear me, though.
Unknown Number (Possibly Silas):Theo, can you confirm? Did you kiss Lily? I don’t like reporting unconfirmed gossip.
Theo removed himself from the group.
Annoyance #2 (CR) added you to the group.
Theo:Am I being punished? Is that what’s happening?
Unknown Number (Possibly Silas):I’ll take that as a confirmation.
I’m staring at my phone, debating blocking everyone’s number when it starts to ring. Zane’s name pops up on the screen, and I quickly swipe my thumb across it to answer.
The rookie is on shift today, and he wouldn’t be calling unless it’s an emergency. I came home after practice, and I’ve been waiting for Tanner to get home so we can talk.
Again.
I feel like I’m on a constant roller coaster with him where I’m always one flip away from getting thrown out of his life forever.
“This is Theo,” I say, pressing the phone to my ear.
“I know who you are, Chief. You don’t have to announce it every time.”
My hands find my hair, tugging at the roots. “Do you need something important?” I growl, already heading to my room to grab my uniform.
“Actually, yeah,” he says, his voice serious for once. “There was a fire, and I think there’s something you need to see.”
“Text me the address,” I say, hanging up before he can say anythingelse. I take the stairs two at a time, stripping off my shirt as I go. I’m out the door in two minutes and at the scene in another five.
When I get there, Zane is waiting by one of the trucks. His face is covered in soot and sweat, and his signature smile is missing. He looks exhausted.
Shutting off my truck, I jump out, and he meets me on the sidewalk.
“What happened?” I ask, taking in the scene.
