Page 33 of Right in Front of You

The sound of my beating heart drowned out the room. I never thought I’d be at my best friend’s funeral, while my other best friend had her heart ripped out of her chest.

“Yes, she will be.” Molly touched my arm, smoothing her hand over my skin.

“What?”

“We’ll make sure that Jo will survive this. Are… are you okay?”

Was I? I wasn’t sure. Today was difficult, I couldn’t argue with that. My mind was spinning with… everything, especially stupid philosophical quotes. I couldn’t stop thinking that I’d been given a chance to do something more with my life, because I’d been spared. Why me? Was it to help Jo? And then I saw Mac come up to Jo and kiss her on the cheek. That was the moment I knew what I had to do: become a man.

I shook stupidity off.

There was no time for self-pity. I’d survived it once; I could do it again, and I could help that little girl and her mom to get past this.

I was my own man. I would make my own decisions.

“I think I’m ready to work at the firehouse.”

“Where’s this coming from?”

“I need to use this life better – like you, Molly. I want to help people, and putting out fires is the only thing I really know how to do.”

“It’s not the only thing. You fix cars, and you’re good with Mac and animals. Definitely don’t take up bull riding, though. That’s not your forte.”

I chuckled, and for the first time since hearing about Nick’s passing, I felt a glimmer of light escape from my lips.

“I’ll keep that in mind. What about you? Do you think a change is coming in your life?”

“I hope not. Things are good now. I think I’m the happiest I’d ever been, so I’m not sure I want too much change right now. I need to stay focused on my studies.”

“What about a small change, like going out to dinner with me? After all, I won that bet on the bull.”

“I remember. Given the mood in town, would you settle for something quiet?”

“Sure. What did you have in mind?”

“How about I cook for us? Your place,” she said.

What?She was asking to come over to my house?

“No way.”

“What?”

“Sorry, that didn’t come out right. I meant to say, how about we cook for us?”

Her cheeks flushed a sexy pink, and her freckles became more prominent. When I looked at her, life made so much more sense.

“Is tomorrow too soon?” I asked.

“That sounds perfect. I’m going to talk to Jo now, although honestly, I’m not too sure what else to say.”

“I think we’re all doing everything we can. She’ll get through this, I know she will. She has to, for Mac.”

As soon as Molly left, I felt hollow in my chest.

Just then, my father rushed out of the kitchen. His gaze flew my way, and I froze. I recognized the flaming FIRE look in his eyes and crossed the room toward him, whispering to Molly on my way, “There’s a fire. I’m going in to help.”

“Oh my God. I’ll head out to the clinic to see if Doctor Burke needs help,” she said.

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