Page 47 of Wild Fires

“How's everything going there?”

“Boring,” I admitted. “Wish I was home with you instead.”

“Me too.”

A silence fell between us, but it wasn't awkward at all. Somehow we'd gotten through that stage quickly.

I yawned. “I know if I crash early, we'll inevitably get a call.”

He laughed. “And I know how much you hate being woken up when you're sleeping.”

“You do know me well. How'd that happen?”

“I have no idea.”

“What are you up to tonight?”

“Dad asked me to swing by, but it's so late now that I’ll probably just call and beg off tomorrow.”

“They got back then?”

“Yeah, this morning. Mom came by the office for lunch, but I already had plans. It was nice to see her though.”

I didn't know his parents, but Helena and Edward Davenport were well-known throughout Ravenden. They were almost like royalty around here. And I really hoped that he wouldn't ask me to meet them anytime soon. I was not ready for that.

“That's nice.”

He already knew I didn't have any family. I had no siblings, and my parents had died when I was still in my teens. Those at the firehouse were the only family I had.

“What time do you get off tomorrow?”

I smirked. “I guess that depends on you.”

He barked out a laugh. “Well in that case, I say why wait for tomorrow? Just sneak out right now. I'll be quick.”

“Ryan Davenport, did you really just ask me to break the rules?”

“Is it technically a rule not to leave the firehouse except for a call while on call?”

“Not exactly.”

“Then we wouldn’t exactly be breaking any rules.”

“I feel like Mr. Black and White is playing in the gray area right now.”

“Guess you're rubbing off on me.”

“I don't think that's such a bad thing.”

“Most people would probably agree. So how about it?”

The alarm went off in the station before I could respond.

“Is that what I think it is?”

“Sounds like it. Probably another stupid meaningless call. That's all we've had today, but regardless, I have to go.”

“Fire at 26 Millwood Drive,” Dan yelled as he ran into the bay.

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