Page 19 of Fanning the Flames

Sadie made a face. “You sound like my mom.”

“If I put you in harm’s way again, I’d never forgive myself.”

“What are you going to do? It’s not like you can go full Whooshing Fire Lady in your civilian attire.”

“No, but I know how to fight,” Joan said. Even though she hadn’t sparred with Mark or Greta for months.

“You’re not putting me in harm’s way. It’s just how…” Sadie tilted her head. “I just realized you haven’t been on this side of Villain activity. You’ve never seen it the way the norms do. It’s part of our daily lives. I guess we’ve gotten used to it and don’t put our lives on hold.”

That made sense. “Huh. You’re right. This is new for me.”

“Welcome to being an average person,” she teased.

It felt weird, being in the dark as much as everyone else. Not knowing if and when the next bad guy would strike. It kind of sucked.

“I thought you were nervous about what happened this morning,” Joan said.

“I’m more nervous about what it means for your deal with the Supers. But I think as long as you cooperate, it’ll be okay.”

A trio of young people walked by. Sadie greeted them with: “How would you like to try the best sandwiches in Vector City?”

To which they replied, “We just ate.”

“Aw, that’s your loss. Stop by next Saturday night and your minds will be blown.”

Joan had craved normalcy her entire life. Now that she had it, well… There was something to be said for being an active participant. Even if that thing was villainy.

Yeah, that was something she needed to unpack later.

Hugging the tablet, Sadie said, “Are you okay?”

“Always.” Joan smiled.

“You look like you’re thinking hard about something.”

“Growing pains shifting from my old life to this one.”

“It’s weird, huh?”

“Very.”

“The Supers came toyoufor information,” Sadie said. “That has to be trippy.”

Glancing at Mark gleefully teasing Zee and Kade, Joan said, “I never pictured those two inside it when dreaming about a food truck.”

Sadie reached out and touched Joan’s apron. “Lots of changes. I’m here for you, honey. You can be sure of that.”

“You’re the only thing Iamsure of.”

“Same here.”

A bark of laughter came from Hot and Cold. Mark clapped his hands while Kade looked perplexed and Zee slightly amused.

“And yeah,” Sadie said. “Zee was totally mad at Mark for flirting with Kade. And can we talk about the most interesting item of the day? Darlene and Kade hook up? What?”

Joan breathed out a little laugh. “I know, right?”

“And Otis has a thing with a Super from Destine? Also, I’m pretty sure Zee hasn’t been keeping things strictly professional with your brother.”

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