Page 9 of Chasing Mr. December

“I wouldn’t waste any more time on him if I were you. Unless something’s changed, he’s still not speaking to anyone in your family. And you have much bigger fish to fry than Jason. You have to keep your eye on the prize, Quinn. Focus on how you can build tourism here and fix that ragtag fire department.”

She’s right. “Wait! I think I’ve got it!” I exclaim.

Her eyes go wide in eager anticipation. “What?”

Covering my mouth, I swallow down a snicker before I can even get the words out. I know it’s not the alcohol talking. I’ve barely had two drinks. “You know those hot Australian firefighters who are always posting reels on social media posing for their latest calendar?”

“Noooooo. Oh, Quinn.” Callie scowls. “I don’t know who’s working at the station now. I know Layton Michaels is still there.” Her expression morphs from disillusionment to desire in the blink of an eye. “Now that’s one smoldering hunk of bearded hero.” Callie fans herself before taking a long sip of her drink.“So long as you can entice a few additional recruits that’ll look good shirtless, I think you could be on to something.”

Hmmm. She’s right. I have no idea what I could be in for. Beards and beer bellies?Dad bods are in right now, aren’t they?The Australian firemen often use animals as props in their photos. Maybe we could make this a combined effort. Bring some adoptable cuteness from the local shelter along. Even a firefighter who’s past his prime could look good holding a furry friend.

So long as I have a little something to work with, I think this could be just the ticket.

Chapter 6

Jason

Walking the distance from the tree farm to the house, I reflect on the Magnolia Point property I’ve underappreciated for far too long. It’s quite large for two people. Since Lacey only made the rare visit growing up, I practically had an entire wing to myself. The grounds are equally large. A sizable grassy area surrounds the home, with Mom’s garden and a greenhouse separating the yard from the enclosed pool deck. Large evergreens surround the Mediterranean style swimming pool but are spaced wide enough on the backside to allow visibility of the ocean below.

To the right of the property is a pathway leading to the Christmas tree farm. There, a second greenhouse dedicated to poinsettias and other festive winter plants, as well as a stereotypical red barn, take up residence. Dad alternates between driving his truck and operating a golf cart to go to and fro. I guess I’ll have to do the same over the next six weeks.

Bzzz, bzzz. Bzzz, bzzz.

Reaching for my phone, the screen shows a number from an unknown caller. “Hello.”

“Hi. Could I speak with Jason Bristow please?”

“This is he.”

“Hi, Jason. My name is Layton Michaels. I’m a lieutenant with Fire Station 803 here in Magnolia Point.”

“How can I help you?” I respond after the line goes quiet for a moment. Why would anyone from the Magnolia Point fire department be reaching out to me?

“I’m sorry for the intrusion, but we were visiting your dad in the hospital, and he mentioned you’d be in town for the next six weeks or so, helping with his recovery, as well as the Christmas tree farm.”

“That’s right.”Where is he going with this?

He appears to clear his throat as if tongue tied. “After speaking with your father, it sounds as if our shifts here are very similar to what you experience in North Carolina. Twenty-four-hour shifts on a fixed rotation. Our full-time firefighters work about nine to ten shifts per month.”

“Yes. It’s similar in Sycamore Mountain.” My tone is dry, but I’m starting to get annoyed. This feels almost like a sales call. But whatever he’s selling, I’m not buying.

“Look, I’ll just come out with it. Due to some unfortunate events, we find ourselves terribly short staffed here. We understand your main reason for being here is to help your dad. But I can’t tell you how much it’d mean to the brothers of station 803, aswell as the town, if you’d consider working with us temporarily while you’re here.”

What?

“We’ve spoken with the Fire Chief of Magnolia Point, and he’s offered to let you respond from home if you prefer, given your dad’s proximity to the station. In addition, although you’d only be helping with responding to calls, he’s willing to pay you at your current rank of lieutenant, even though you won’t need to assume a leadership role.”

“Look, Layton—”

“Wait, before you turn us down completely, keep in mind the salary for a lieutenant here in Magnolia Point is significantly higher than in Sycamore Mountain. Even if you only worked twelve shifts while you were here, you’d make a sizeable income. What’s more…” he stammers, “the Fire Chief advised he’d personally provide a glowing recommendation to your chief regarding your willingness to support our department during a crucial need.”

Well, shit.That could be the ticket to ensuring the promotion to captain goes through, despite having to leave town right after it was mentioned to me.

“Layton, was it? I need to give this considerable thought.”

Layton quickly responds, sounding much more optimistic than he has so far. “Yes. Yes, of course. Why don’t you stop by whenever it’s convenient so I can address any questions or concerns you may have?”

“When do you work again?”

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