Page 5 of Embers of Love

“The cat could’ve died.”

Becky ran her hand through her reddish blonde hair in frustration. Ember could tell there were words she wanted to say butcouldn’t, chiefly because ofthe position she held. She knew, more than anyone else at the fire station, what the duty of a firefighter was. Even if it was a cat, every life wasimportant. This was what they signed up for.

Ember’smother paced back and forth in her officefor a few secondsbefore her mind settled.

“Good work today, you can return to your duty,”Becky said stiffly.

“Thank you.”Ember rose from her seat and made for the door.

“One day you’ll understand why I’m so worried about you.”The door shut behind her. Ember did understand why her mother was worried. But what was she to do? Quit her job?

“Ember!”Leilani called out to her.“It’s lunchtime.”

Leilani Silva was thatone firefighter who always made sureeveryone wasproperly fedduring lunch.She enjoyed spending time in the station kitchen putting together a feast.

Ember had gotten lunch on her way back to the station after they were done with the first call of the day. She grabbed it from the truck and joined everybody else.

“So,”Haley nudged her, wiggling her eyebrows.“That’s two saves in two days; you’re breaking your own record, Ember Thompson.”

“Old man Farcy was fine. It was just his car on fire. I didn’t save anyone, I just put an extinguisher on a car engine.”

“Still counts,” Elle mumbled. “Car could’ve exploded.”

“You’ve been watching too many movies,”Ember responded.

“You saying race cars aren’t prone to explosions?” Haley asked.

“Well.”Ember gave it some thought.“Anything is possible. There have been instances of explosions but not like in the movies. What you should be worried about in situations like that are flying engine parts. Those can do some serious damage.”

“I can imagine that.” Haley nodded.

“Hope the chief wasn’t too upset with you?”Leilani ventured cautiously.She’dalso been chewed out for running into the burning building with Ember.

“It’s fine. We do this all the time.”

Leilani replied,“You put your life in danger all the time. Sometimes, it looks like you have a death wish.”

“I’m not suicidal. If that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Iknow.” Shedidn’tpush it any further. Leilani had no such compunctions. “The problem is that you’ve been single for too damn long, girl.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”Ember bit into her bagel. She moaned at the heavenly taste. It was worth making a pitstop.

“Ithink she has a point,” Haley said.

Ember’sshoulders sagged in defeat.“It’s that bad, huh?”

“Yup,”Haley said, looking away in embarrassment.

Leilani faced her squarely.“We all noticed you’ve been looking more and more like a lost puppy each day you show up for work.”

Ember took a sip of herCoke.“Hard to find someone when I spend most of my time here with you guys.”

“And that’s why you have dating apps.”

Ember was already shaking her head before Leilani was done talking. Dating apps were a huge no-no for her. It was too much work. Too many women who were just catfishing, and she couldn’t be bothered with that.She’dheard too many horror stories from people who used them. She wanted to meet someone organically.

“It’s not as bad as you might think,” Haley hedged on.“I’ve seen some great couples who met thanks to dating apps.”

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