It didn’t seem that Molly believed my mother, but she sighed, saying, “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“My leg is getting stiff. I think we should head back home,” I lied. Truthfully, I wanted to get Molly out of the restaurant as fast as I could.

“Only if you promise to visit home more often. How long will you be staying in town?” my mother asked.

“I’m not sure yet. I guess once I’m healed I could go back. I mean, hopefully they’ll still hire this burnt-up guy at the fire department.”

“Of course they will. The guys have all been asking about you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Clark. For everything.”

“You’re welcome Molly.”

When we walked out of the restaurant that evening, Molly’s father threw me a weird look, like he had the upper hand in a war I didn’t know we were fighting. I had no doubt, however, that I’d soon be sucked into his battle.