Page 34 of Phoenix Rising

"You were late to our meeting," Becky said sheepishly. "I got worried."

Lucinda's eyebrows raised. "No, our meeting isn't until 1:30. It's only"—he checked her phone—"it's 3?!" She scrambled to get her papers in order. "I'm so sorry! I decided to work from home today because I'm a little under the weather. I must have fallen asleep. Do you have time today or should we reschedule? We don't have time to reschedule. The event is next week."

"It's fine." Becky walked over to the bed and touched Lucinda's forehead. "Jesus, you're burning up."

"I'm alright. Let's talk about the booths." Lucinda flipped through one of the files.

Becky pulled it from her hand. "How about I order us some lunch? I'll wake you up when it gets here."

Lucinda sneezed into a wadded-up tissue, "But the event?—"

Becky started picking up all the papers from Lucinda's bed. "We'll still be ready to plan tomorrow.You need a day off to recover, baby. I'll work from the living room. Just call me if you need anything." She kissed the top of Lucinda's hair before taking her laptop so she couldn't secretly work.

Lucinda sat in her bed stunned until Becky lightly pushed against her shoulder to get her to lay back down. "Sleep, Lucinda. I'll get you something to eat." Her voice was demanding.

Lucinda sighed and grumbled, "I'm the doctor here."

Becky scoffed and walked toward the living room. "Not today you're not."

"Wait," Lucinda squeaked. "Can you stay in here with me?"

Becky grinned, her heart fluttering against her ribs as she looked at Lucinda’s shy face r. "Of course, sweet girl. Let me just call Captain Carter and grab my bag."

They spent the day huddled in Lucinda's bed. Becky borrowed some sweats and a t-shirt so she wouldn't have to wear her stuffy uniform. Lucinda slept against Becky's side as she finished up some of the plans for the community event they were putting together. Some romantic comedy played on the TV in the background.

Becky glanced down at the woman curled against her side. Lucinda's fever finally broke after Becky forced her to down a sports drink. Becky's hand smoothed Lucinda's dark hair out of her face. Her fingers gently grazed her cheeks, and Lucinda sighed.

The feeling in Becky's chest filled her body and consumed her mind. A thought flashed in her mind, but she squashed it down. She and Lucinda were casual. That's all.

The three little words threatened to break through the walls she had built up in her mind. She needed to get a handle on herself. Lucinda had just been through a breakup. She was using Becky for some fun, that was all.

Lucinda snuggled closer to Becky's side. Becky shut her laptop and pulled her even closer to her. Lucinda buried her face against Becky's neck, like she wanted to be as close to her as possible.

Becky was in a fucking mess.

A week later, Becky and Lucinda stood under one of the many tents set up for National Fire SafetyDay. Food trucks, booths, and fire trucks filled the parking lot.

Becky flipped through the papers on her clipboard, "Fire safety demonstrations?"

Lucinda perched her chin on Becky's shoulder to look at her list. "Check."

Becky scratched it off with her pen. "Fire truck tours?"

"Check. I just saw Montgomery pull up." Her breath fluttered Becky's hair, making goosebumps scatter across her skin.

Becky cleared her throat. "How's the first aid tent?"

"Perfection."

Becky could tell Lucinda was smiling without having to look at her.

"Ah!" a voice said from behind them. "Isn't it the dream team!"

Lucinda yanked her head away, jabbing her chin on Becky's shoulder. Becky held back her laugh as Lucinda rubbed her chin.

"Ms. Rhodes." Becky shook the city manager's hand. "How are you?"

"Never better, Chief!" Rhodes nodded to Lucinda with a smile. "I am absolutely delighted athow this event looks. What's the turnout supposed to be?"

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