Page 7 of Wildfire
"So he's not going to have a place for me to stay, too?" Renée says with a sly grin, and I am happy she is coming to accept what is happening.
"Not in a million years." Caleb shakes his head and stuffs the shop rag in his pocket. "So what will it be, Renée? Do you want me to work on the car?"
"Don't think I have a choice, greaseman."
I bark out a laugh as Caleb stands dumbstruck. She knows how to handle guys.
I wonder what her family is like.
"Does that mean you'll be staying in my guest apartment?"
"I guess so. Can we grab all my stuff out of my car?"
I shoot him a look of triumph. "Of course. Let me help."
We haul everything out of her sizable trunk, including a worn-looking blanket and a bunch of tools, and toss it in the back of my rig. "I'll take you to my place to settle in, and then we can see about that carpenter job."
"Oh, you were serious? There's a job? That would be amazing!"
"I don't know for sure yet, but let's find out, shall we?"
I look over at her and notice her face relax a bit more. I don't know what she's been through, but it seems I helped improve things, at least for now.
Chapter Five: Renée
Cole drives me through town and points out everything he can while waving at half the people we pass. We pull off the main road and start down a tree-lined street. The sun filters through the leaves, and a gentle breeze makes them dance. It is like a fairyland here. Houses are getting further apart, and we take a right down a long driveway lined with lush greenery. Even though I just left a small town, this one is prettier. There aren't loads of people hardened by poverty, left behind by progress in the cities.
The driveway curves, and then, in front of me, it opens to paradise. Deciduous trees and flowering shrubs surround a small clapboard house. Across the driveway is a garage with a room above. Leading from both buildings is a path that meanders toward the water. And that's the best part. There's a lake with a dock and a small row boat attached.
"This is your place?"
"Yup. Four acres with waterfront access."
"It's beautiful."
"Well, it's your home now," he flushes a little. “I mean, for the next couple of weeks."
"Cole. Thank you." I turn to face him and grab his hand. I know this is something people like for you to do when you're trying to make something meaningful. I missed a lot of that social conditioning that a mom helps you with. I had to pickmost of it up from television and my best friend, Zoe. "It means a lot to me that you're willing to help me."
He nods and pulls his hand away, and I notice that my skin feels bare where his hand has just been.
"Let's get you settled in. I've got to head to the firehouse this afternoon."
"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry, of course you do. You have a life."
God, I'm such an idiot. Someone was helping me for once, and I lost my bearings.
"It's fine. It's… never mind. I'll help you get your things upstairs. Want to put your tools in the garage?"
"Is that alright? I don't want to be in the way."
"Renée, you're not in the way. I honestly don't use the garage that much."
He opens it up, and I see a pristine space—everything in its place. I've never seen a man keep his things so tidy.
"Wow. I could eat off the floors here."
"I don't recommend that, but who am I to judge the customs of your people?"
