Page 64 of What We Keep
“I’m fine. Thank you for carrying me out, though I think that was unnecessary.” Her tone was pointed.
“And Chunky,” she offered. She gestured toward her cat, happily purring in her arms now.
“Chunky is safe.” I chuckled. “That’s all that matters. Do you need a ride anywhere?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Haven, I can drive. I’m a little smoky, but I’m fine.”
I lightly squeezed her shoulder. “Good.”
I jogged over to the town’s fire truck. Susanna, who headed up the crew for the town, met my gaze.
“We’ve got it under control.” She looked emotional, but we all were. Firehouse Café was the nerve center of town, a place of nothing but goodness. It was also the old fire station from years back.
“Damage doesn’t look too bad,” I offered.
“No, but—” Susanna let out a breath. “Something feels off about this.”
“What do you mean?”
“No fire in the kitchen, which is what we’d expect. It started upstairs.”
“Electrical, maybe?”
She shrugged. “Best guess. Anyway, thanks for running upstairs to get Janet and her cat.”
I shrugged. “I was here. Literally.”
Within the hour, the fire was declared out. Many residents from town had gathered in the parking area at Firehouse Café.
“Haven!” At the sound of Elsa’s voice, I glanced around.
“What happened?” She stopped beside me.
I wasn’t even thinking when I curled an arm around her shoulders and leaned down to press a kiss on her forehead. Her cheeks were pink when I lifted my head.
“What?” I asked.
She shrugged, wrinkling her nose. “It’s not a secret anymore because of Jude, but I think that’s our first PDA.”
“About time,” Janet chimed in. She stopped beside us, her smile warm.
“About time for what?” I asked lightly.
“You two. Just be open about it. I’m happy for you both.”
“Are you okay, Janet?” Elsa’s gaze was concerned.
“I’m fine. There’s some damage upstairs, but we’ll get it fixed. The downstairs is completely fine. I’ve already checked with the town. We have to do a few things to pass the safety inspection, but I should be able to reopen in another day or so.” Janet’s tone was determined.
“Where’s Chunky?” I asked.
Janet chuckled. “I drove him home. He’s not thrilled.”
“Who’s Chunky, and are you sure you’re okay?” Elsa asked.
Janet reached over and squeezed Elsa’s shoulder. “My cat, who hangs out upstairs when I’m working. Stop worrying about me.”
“Janet! You’re everyone’s favorite. We’re going to worry about you,” Elsa protested.
