Page 22 of Blind Date with a #FIREFIGHTER
CHAPTER 12
Thea
Aaron and Nicci are in the middle of learning hopscotch with one of the other teachers when I get a text from security to stop by.
The look on Dan’s face sends my stomach plummeting. “What’s wrong?”
“Because…well, you were with Spark and seemed like you’re close.” He grimaces. “There’s a four-alarm fire. It came across the scanner. I knew you’d want to know. And we got that other little one who’s mom is a firefighter.”
I grip the edge of his desk, fighting the panic and fear.Oh my god. I can’t. I can’t. We haven’t even kissed. I…
Swallowing, I take a couple deep breaths. Then nod, meeting Dan’s gaze. “Yes, yes, we’re friends. Close friends and I appreciate you telling me. He knows what he’s doing. He’ll be as careful as he can.
“Nicci’s mom is also on duty, today. We have a couple kids here whose parents are police officers and one ER doctor. Keep me posted but don’t tell anyone else yet. I’ll brief the staff because everyone has friends and we need to be prepared.”
I start to turn and impulsively reach for Dan’s hand. “Thank you. I need… Thank you.”
“Missy, I’ve known that man for years. He’s damn good at what he does. He’ll pass out when it’s over to catch up on sleep, then he’ll be hungry as hell. Might want to plan a big meal to keep your hands busy.”
I should have, could have corrected him. But realizing how short life can be, I’m going after what I want. To hell with everything else.
“Between us?”
He winks. “Yes, Ma’am.”
An hour later he calls again. “There’s a Brad Fisher to see you.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Walking through the lobby, Dan nods toward the door. “He’s waiting outside. I know Brad, but I got you on the camera and I’ll be standing by.”
“Thank you.”
I walk up to the man in the suit pacing the sidewalk and hold out my hand. “I know about the fire. I have not mentioned it to Aaron or Nicci, nor will anyone on my staff talk about it. Is he okay?”
Brad stiffens for a moment, then takes my hand. “I like you already. I only know what the news is reporting. Spark told me a few days ago that he was bringing Aaron here and gave us the schedule. My wife and I are his emergency backup. I wasn’t really sure what I was supposed to do.”
“I have two children whose parents are firefighters. Both children are here for the twenty-four hour coverage that we offer. They expect to be here all day and all night. They will be with me personally.
“I have someone monitoring the police scanner. There have been a couple minor injuries being treated, but nothing life threatening at this point.”
He lifts an eyebrow. I shrug. “I have children of cops, firefighters, even ER doctors. I have to be aware of what’s going on. It’s part of the service we provide. I talked to the other child’s grandmother who is over an hour away.
“My preference, for the stability of the children, would be to just let the day play out. Sending him with you now might frighten him more. We have no updates on the status of the actual fire. If he isn’t here by morning I can take Aaron home with me. Or to his home to wait, which would be best. I-ah- Alex gave me the security code. I-we are friends. I have the next twenty-four hours off as well so I could stay with Aaron.
“Keeping as calm as we can is most important for the children. But you are the legal guardian on record. The decision is yours.”
He smiles. “I like the way you think. While I was driving over here, I realized I can’t even remember the last time we took care of Aaron overnight. I think he was still a toddler. We’ll fix that, if just to give Spark a break now and again.
“I’d like to put you, Marie, Spark and I on a text chain. So when he does check in, he’ll see we have this all under control. You good with that?”
“Perfect. Honestly, we text with a lot of parents because of the convenience.”
We exchange numbers and Brad, Marie and I respond. “When he’s free, Alex can catchup,” Brad says.
“Thea, I’m on call for you and Aaron. Don’t hesitate to reach out. That includes if Cersei makes an appearance.” Brad turns to walk away and glances back. “I’m glad he found you. You’ll be good for him.”
I get Aaron down for his first sleep over at the day care with surprising ease. First nights are always rough, but he brought a stuffie with him. Technically I’m not on for the night shift, but I’d promised Aaron I’d be there when he woke up.
