Page 13 of Spring Break with a Fire Chief

Again.

Chapter 9

Madeline

“Paging Madeline Torre. Madeline Torre. Please report to Love Beach Brews after your shift. I repeat, Love Beach Brews. And don’t say no, Maddie!”

I giggle at hearing Candee call my name through the hospital PA system. You won’t get away with that at any other hospital, but here? Love Beach has its own rules.

“Looks like I’m going to the bar tonight.”

Sarah, my head nurse, chuckles next to me while we finish logging the last of the reports. “Looks like. There is no saying no to Candee Baylor.”

“You’re telling me.”

My phone buzzes with a text and I pull it from my pocket.

Ryan: Is this still your number?

Me: New phone, who dis?

Ryan: Corny comeback. Yup, still you

Me: Glad I’m so memorable

Ryan: Are they dragging you out tonight?

Me: Are you calling for gossip?

Me: Or afraid I’m going to spill the beans on other details?

I’m ecstatic that he’s reaching out right now. We fell into a quick teasing banter over text messages years ago and maybe that’s how I should have started things again this time around. After leaving his house, I had no idea what to do all week or how to approach him. And after a run in at Cakeology I now know there is going to be no avoidingus. I know he needs so much more from me this time around and I owe him a hell of a lot more. Leaving the way I did, during the Spring-Break-A-Thon and so abruptly after saying I was staying, was absolutely wrong in every way. I went back on every word I gave and now I have a lot to make up for. I know what needs to be done but it’s not quite finished yet. I want everything in line and then I’ll bring it to him. In the meantime, I’m going to show up. Reach out. Be there and be present. I want him tofeelI’m all in, not just hear it. Because since I’ve been back here in Love Beach? I know this is where I want to be.

“Let me guess,” my head nurse says and it draws my attention from my phone. “You're smiling like a schoolgirl at your phone right now so you either just saved a ton on your car insurance.” I snort laugh. “Or that’sRyan Donnelly.”

My breath leaves me and I close my eyes, spinning in my chair to face her completely. “That obvious, huh?”

“It was obvious to me what was going to happen before you even arrived here. I’ve heard the stories of you two. Your love was on display for everyone. You were the hero couple of the town and everyone adored it.”

“Oh god, I’m sure they hated me when I left.”

She shakes her head. “That's just it. They didn’t. They understood why you left but I think they always knew you’d come back. And when it was announced you were the travel nurse filling the spot here, well, you might as well know they’ve already booked the church for you two.”

I laugh and shake my head. “This town has such a way about them, huh?” I sigh. “When Candee called me, it gave me the push I needed. I was afraid to come back. Afraid to see him, or worse be told to leave. But now that I’m here? It feels right.”

She smiles. “I’m glad to hear that. You’re a wonderful addition to our team every time you're here. Also, I may have someone to fill the travel nurse position and I won’t hesitate to add you to payroll and the website as our head nurse practitioner. So just say the word.”

My phone goes off again and my eyes widen at his words.

Ryan: Just remember the rules. You give out details? I discipline.

I look at Sarah. “Word.”

“Know what the best part about today was?”

I sip from my wine glass and look at Candee. “What?”

“Being able to call you and say, ‘meet me out’ instead of having to plan a weekend trip or schedule a flight to find out where you are.”

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