Page 35 of Phoenix Rising

"Around 150 to 200 people, sir," Lucinda said, the answer memorized in that filing cabinet brain of hers.

"Golly!" she said, elongating the word and pronouncing each syllable. Rhodes clapped her hands. "The doc and chief, meant to be! I'll let the mayor know that you two are our secret weapon. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a funnel cake."

The city manager strolled off, aiming for the food trucks.

"The Doc and Chief would be a good sitcom name." Becky chuckled.

Lucinda just hummed in agreement. Becky glanced over at her. Lucinda's eyes were distant and her cheeks colored pink.

"You alright, Lucinda?" Becky whispered, her fingers grazing the back of Lucinda's hand.

Lucinda pulled away, "Yes, Chief. I must head to the first aid tent to ensure everything is in order. I'll meet up with you later." She hurried off, leaving Becky feeling strangely cold.

"What was that about?" Ember said, leaning a box of rubber duckies against her hip.

"Nothing," Becky said curtly. "What's with the ducks?"

"They're for one of the carnival games." Ember took one from the box and squeaked it. "But why did Dr. Lover just run off?"

Becky sighed. "To finish up the first aid tent."

"But she was just being so cuddly with you a second ago," Ember protested. "Did you piss her off?"

"No, I didn't do anything," Becky hissed. "Also, you saw that?"

"It's not like you were hiding it," Ember grumbled walking toward the carnival booths.

Becky followed, unsure of what to do with her time. "Did it look like I upset her?"

"Why are you so concerned?" Ember asked.

"No reason."

Ember stopped walking and turned on her mother. "Oh my god! Youlikeher."

"Please lower your voice." Becky pulled Ember's arm to keep her walking. "So what if I do like her?"

"Oh, mom, you got a little crush." Ember giggled.

"It's not—" Becky stopped herself. She was not about to admit to her daughter that she was havingcasual sex with someone, much less a colleague. Becky rubbed the back of her neck. "I don't know. Yeah, I like her."

Ember could barely contain an excited shriek before Becky clamped a hand over her mouth.

"Calm down," Becky ordered.

Ember peeled her hand away. "Mom, you haven't liked anyone since Mama. This is exciting!"

Becky looked away. A pang of hurt thrummed through her chest. "No, it's not. It's... Can you just act calm please? We haven't decided what we are yet. I don't want her to hear that I told you and scare her off."

A look of understanding crossed Ember's face. She nodded. "Of course. Josephine and I are great secret keepers."

"I didn't say you could tell Josephine.”

"Do you think I could keep a secret from that woman? She'll sniff it out as soon as I enter the house." Ember laughed.

A few hours later, Becky stood at the fire safety tent, watching a few of the firefighters demonstratethe stop, drop, and roll technique to a group of giggling children.

"Becks?" a voice said.

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