Page 44 of Sloane

“So, tell me about how you’re thinking of breaking up with her before you leave.”

My neck swiveled to properly glare at my friend.

“It’s not like I want to. I’m just not sure if it’s fair to ask her to wait.”

Ryan furrowed his brows. “Um, no offense, but isn’t that what she’s already been doing?”

“Yeah, but…” My voice trailed off. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to explain the reason behind my hesitation. My friends knew what I did was dangerous, but I didn’t like worrying them any more than needed.

“But what?”

I knew he wouldn’t understand unless I came clean.

“This upcoming mission is going to get dicey. Like, I’m only taking guys without families.”

Ryan blinked at me a few times as the meaning sunk in.

Finally, he blew out a long breath and uttered, “Damn.”

I didn’t say anything else because his sentiment pretty much summed it up.

The corner of his mouth hitched. “Maybe you should marry her this weekend, after all. At least she’d get survivor benefits. Something for her trouble.”

“You’re such a dick.”

Although, when I stopped to think about it—it wasn’t a bad idea. Still, I knew better than to suggest it to her, lest she think I’d lost my mind. Or worse—was a creep.

“Just trying to lighten the mood. I don’t do well with this heavy shit.”

“I know. Neither do I.”

“Let’s just agree I prefer you didn’t die.”

“And I’d like the same for you.”

Being a firefighter wasn’t without risks.

He held out his fist and said, “Deal,” as I bumped it with mine.

“What are you two conspiring about?” Grace asked as she pulled out the chair on the other side of Ryan and sat.

Ryan couldn’t contain his grin at the sight of his crush. Although, no doubt “crush” was a gross understatement.

“We’re just agreeing to both stay alive while we’re apart.”

“I like that deal. Although perhaps don’t add the caveat of being apart, and just agree to stay alive—period.”

“That’s probably a better idea,” I agreed.

Maddie came up behind Grace and wrapped her arms around her friend’s shoulders. “Hey, babe, when did you get here?”

“I just sat down a minute ago.”

“How was work?”

Grace blew out a breath that made her bangs move.

“I’ll be glad when this phase of clinicals is over.”

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