Page 4 of The Fire Between Us

Not that it matters. Cedar Falls sees its share of people passing through, and most don't stay long. Single moms with no family ties have it rough in small towns with limited opportunities. She'll probably be gone in a month.

I drain my coffee and stand. "Gotta head home and get some sleep before my actual shift tonight," I tell the Petersons. "You two behave yourselves."

"Always do," Frank says. "Though I wouldn't mind another garage fire if it means you introducing yourself to more pretty young ladies."

"Frank," Helen scolds, but she's fighting a smile.

I shake my head and leave, the bell jingling behind me. The morning air is crisp, autumn making itself known in the reddening leaves and the smell of woodsmoke from chimneys coming to life after summer's hibernation.

I love fall in Cedar Falls—the football games, the approaching Halloween festivities, the way the mountains look with their patchwork of colors.

As I walk the three blocks to my apartment, I spot Jennie and Amelia ahead of me on Main Street. She's stopped in front of the Help Wanted sign at the Flower Shop, Amelia balanced on her hip. Something compels me to cross the street, taking a different route home. Meeting new people is great, but getting involved in their lives is something else entirely. I learned long ago that keeping things casual is the best policy.

My phone buzzes with a text from Lewis: *Ollis having rough morning. Breakfast at Lou's?*

I sigh, knowing what that means. Ollis has been dealing with PTSD since that apartment fire last year, and his bad days seem to be coming more frequently. As much as I want my pillow right now, the brotherhood comes first.

*Give me 10 to shower,* I text back. *Don't let him order till I get there. You know how he stress-eats all the bacon.*

I pick up my pace, cutting through the alley behind the grocery shop to reach my apartment faster. As I jog up the stairs to my second-floor unit, I wonder if Jennie will get the job.

Not that it matters. In Cedar Falls, our paths will cross regardless. That's just how small towns work. You can try to keep your distance all you want, but eventually, you end up knowing everybody's business anyway.

I strip off my smoky clothes and step into the shower, letting hot water wash away the morning's excitement. As I close my eyes, I find myself remembering the genuine smile that briefly transformed Jennie's face, the way her wariness lifted for just a moment.

I catch myself and shake my head. Nope. Not going there. Max Davidson doesn't do complicated, and a single mom with careful eyes is definitely complicated.

Still, as I throw on fresh clothes and head out to meet the guys, I can't help wondering what kind of "change of scenery" brings someone to Cedar Falls in October with nothing but a baby and a duffel bag.

But that's not my business. I'm just the friendly local firefighter who picked up a stuffed cat. Nothing more.

Lou's Diner is packed with the morning crowd when I arrive—a mix of regulars, high school kids grabbing breakfast before class, and a few tourists passing through on their way to the mountains. The familiar smell of bacon, coffee, and Lou's secret-recipe pancake batter wraps around me like a well-worn blanket.

I spot Lewis and Ollis in our usual corner booth. Lewis raises his coffee mug in greeting while Ollis stares intently at the menu, though he's ordered the same thing for the past five years.

"Morning, sunshine," I say, sliding in next to Lewis. "How's it going, Ol?"

Ollis grunts without looking up from the menu. The dark circles under his eyes tell me everything I need to know about how he slept last night.

"Heard you had some excitement this morning," Lewis says, pouring me coffee from the carafe on the table. "Wilson's garage again?"

"The man's determined to burn his house down one small fire at a time," I confirm, doctoring my coffee with cream and sugar. "You think after three incidents he'd learn."

"Some people can't be saved from themselves," Ollis mutters, finally setting down the menu.

The comment hangs awkwardly between us, loaded with meaning none of us want to unpack at 8:30 in the morning. Lewis catches my eye and gives a subtle head shake—Ollis has been making these kinds of remarks more frequently lately.

"Where's Brock and Grant?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Grant's at the station doing inventory, and Brock had that meeting with the township about the new equipment budget," Lewis explains. "Speaking of which, I need you to cover my shift on Friday. Got tickets to that concert in Ridgefield."

"No problem," I agree. "Not like I have a thriving social life to rearrange."

"That's because you're allergic to dating the same woman twice," Lewis smirks.

I flip him off affectionately as Doreen, Lou's long-time waitress, approaches our table.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite public servants," she says, pen poised over her pad. "The usual for everyone?"

---