Page 38 of Where There's Smoke…
My Sweets.
14
Where There’s Understandings...
AngelSavoie-September12th, 2025
Since the fire a few weeks ago, I’ve been on edge, panicking about the thought that something like that would happen again. And because of this, I haven’t been able to visit the bakery out of fear of seeing the aftermath. I mean, yeah, it was close to being completely renovated, but I was still a bit traumatized.
However, Phoenix had been there to console me, even after I was told that I’d have to stay in the hospital for an additional week. Of course, she’s come back a day early from the mini vacation I made her take, but I should’ve known that there was only so long she could go without seeing me face to face, mainly because I was feeling the same way.
Seeing her walk through those doors when I was expecting my doctor had stopped me in my tracks as I headed to the bathroom. All thoughts evaded me as I pulled her into my arms, careful not to put too much pressure on her hurt wrist. She smelled like her favorite soap, so I knew she’d stopped at her place to take a shower before coming here, although I wouldn’t have cared if she still smelled like the forest.
From that point on, she was by my bedside every day, but this time, she actually took some time away when things got too hard. Even if she didn’t go further than the waiting room, I was glad that she was giving herself the breaks she needed. That’s all I wanted. After she explained how hospitals made her feel, the last thing I wanted was to add to her anxiety. Just like she wanted me to feel safe, I wanted her to feel safe and secure as well.
Speaking of comfort, she cared for me as much as her fractured wrist allowed. Even though she’d gone back to work a while ago, she still made time to check on me before she went to work, during her breaks, and she spent hours with me after she got off. Hell, the only reason why she hadn’t taken me to her house was because of how far it was from town, meaning that she wouldn’t have been able to check on me as much. But she assured me that as soon as I was better, I was coming to stay with her.
Not gonna lie, I was excited as hell.
“Do you need anything before I head out, Angel?” I heard, snapping me out of my daze. I look up to see Orion at the door of the room I’d been staying in since I was released from the hospital.
I noticedthat he was dressed in the clothes he usually wore for work when it was time to do deliveries. I knew that he had to head back out on the road with Chris after pushing back the deliveries because of the fire. I had shaken back and could watch Kennedy until they returned, but he insisted on having her stay with Avery and Tyler so I could rest more. I hated how fragile everyone thought I was.
“No, I’m good,” I sigh, sitting up in bed. I catch a glimpse of myself in the large vanity mirror across from me and groan at my disheveled appearance. “I look terrible.”
“Eh, what’s new?” he jokes, but I just roll my eyes. He comes over and kisses me lightly on the forehead before ruffling my hair a bit. “If you need me, call. Also, please rest, Angel. No baking, cooking, or wandering the streets. You need to build your strength back up. These last few weeks have been hard on you.”
“I’m not a damn child,” I grumble but if he heard me, he ignored me.
“I’ll see you in a week. I would say to Avery if you need anything, however, I know that Phee gotchu,” he smirks.
I wave him off, and he chuckles before finally exiting the room. Once I hear the front door close, I feel a sense of relief. I love my brothers to death, but they were overbearing as hell. I was tired of sitting in this house and knew I needed to go do something.
So, I rose from the bed and managed to get in the shower to wash off all the funk and depression I’d been wallowing in these last few days. About an hour later, I felt refreshed and ready to take on the world. Igrab my keys, phone, and purse before heading out the door.
After driving around aimlessly for half an hour, I finally made my way to Kiwi’s Coffee Cafe. It’d been a while since I stopped by to get my favorite drink, and as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the comforting smells of fresh coffee and tea.
“Well, look who finally decided to come back down to the real world.” I smile and shake my head as I walk into Maddox’s outstretched arms. He kisses me lightly against my temple before pulling back. He softly rubs his thumbs over my cheeks and checks me for any scratches or bruises. “How are you, Angel? You know, you scared the shit out of me and everyone else.”
“I’m good and I’m sorry,” I sigh before pulling away from him and taking a seat at the counter. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I was just…”
“Scared for Phoenix?” He adds, and I nod. He offers me a sweet, understanding smile before proceeding to make my favorite drink. “I know your brothers told you that that decision was dumb as hell, but I get it. If I knew Zeelan was in danger, I’d jump in to try to save him, too. No hesitations. However…”
“I know. I know,” I sigh, holding up my hands. “I shouldn’t have gone back in there without some kind of protection. Trust me, I learned that the hard way.” I sigh.
“I'm just glad you AND Phoenix are safe,” he nods, placing the drink in front of me. I thank him as my mind drifts over to her.
“Did she stop by today?” I ask as I play with the straw in the cup. “She’s been extra busy these last few days, and I’ve only gotten to see her a few times a day since I’ve been stuck inside.”
“Yeah, she came in earlier. She’s seemed really tired since there’s been an increased number of fires nearby,” He informs me. “Lots of crops have been hit hard on the farms deeper in the country.”
“Wait, she didn’t mention that,” I admit. My pulse starts racing as I think about her potentially being in danger again. I shivered at the thought.
“It’s been pretty hectic for all of the first responders, thanks to how hot the summer has been,” he states. “However, I think seeing you would bring a smile to her face.”
He winks, and I smile shyly as I watch him pull out a bag, filling it with some of his delicious sandwiches. Since I wasn’t around to make pastries lately, his savory menu has become a hit, from what Avery tells me. He hands the bag to me and motions for me to stand.
Before I could ask what he was doing, we were outside, and he was pushing me in the direction of the firehouse. It was across the street and a few buildings down, so there was no need for me to drive. I could feel the anxiety building. I wouldn’t stay long in case there were more emergencies to attend to, but I needed to see her smile and feel her arms wrap around me for a bit. I needed to make sure she was okay. Only then would I be able to go back home to the boredom of my brother’s house.
