Page 61 of Embers in the Dark

Kennedy nods and kisses his cheek.

“Fifty bucks that Malloy will be the biggest fan of the show. Like he’ll likely host the season finale party at his place and even do themed cupcakes and that kind of shit,” River spills.

“What the fuck?” Clay throws his hands in the air.

“I didn’t take the bet.” River puts his hands up as if he’s not guilty.

Marissa’s maniacal laugh echoes from the phone. “This is the best night ever. I almost didn’t hop on because I thought it was going to be a waste of time. You guys are sort of fucking crazy. You know that, right?” She continues laughing.

“River!” Baylee looks at him and I look at her.

“You took the bet against me?” I look at her horrified.

“Come on, Tucker. You know full well, you’ll be heavily invested in this show. I heard rumors of a show you loved called”—she starts snapping her fingers, looking up at the ceiling—“Roadsomething. Shit, what was it? It was before my time.”

“Holy shit.Road Rules?” Clay starts laughing. “You likedMTV Road Rules? That show is ancient. How old are you, Malloy?”

“That was a fucking cool show, okay?”

“Okay, sure,” River chimes in. Both brothers are laughing now.

“Yeah, well, I heard Tucker was really into that show. He’s always been into these reality shows. So, no matter how much you act like you’re not into them, I know you’ll be all in by a few episodes. You’re a sucker for this shit, Tuck.” She gives me a megawatt smile.

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. You’re all against me. We’releaving before she outs me on more stuff from my past.” I pull on her hand and make my way toward the door.

“Hey, Malloy, call me from your car phone and let me know you got home safely. Better yet, use your rotary phone instead!” Marissa yells.

“Fuck off,” I respond.

I can hear everyone cackling as they close the door.

“I hope you’re happy. I won’t hear the end of that from the firehouse. Clay and River won’t keep their trap shut.” I look down at Baylee.

“Oh, I’m completely satisfied by that entire interaction.” She looks up at me and smiles.

I bend down and capture her lips. Unfortunately, the elevator interrupts us too soon and I have to break away from her. I can’t wait to get her home and lose myself in everything that is Baylee.

It’s been two months since Baylee moved in with me, and a little over a month since we became more than roommates. We can’t get enough of one another, and I won’t lie, I’ve never been happier. She brings me a type of happiness I never imagined possible.

When I felt this connection between us last year, I honestly believed it would pass. Now that I’m with Baylee I see what I would’ve walked away from, and I feel like a complete idiot. She’s added so much to my life and had I not taken this leap, I would’ve missed out on so much.

The fall season has kicked in with a cold front that we already feel to the core. I just got back from a trip to Connecticut to grab some winter items Baylee had left behind. Her roommates let her keep some of her jackets in the closet as she wasn’t going to need them until later in theseason, but I told her I’d make the trip out there to bring it back for her.

Baylee hasn’t returned to the state, nor to the apartment, since that fateful night. There is a pre-trial set for later this month and she’ll be headed back to Connecticut for that, which the attorney just contacted her about. Baylee has been incredibly nervous to return and I can tell she’s hesitant to see Myles again.

I’m currently driving to my mom’s place to take her to an appointment. Baylee had stopped by to have lunch with her parents earlier, but she has class, so I won’t see her in our old neighborhood when I make it over.

I pull in and recognize the truck sitting in my neighbor’s driveway. I take a deep breath, hoping my old best friend won’t walk out right now. I’m not in the mood to see him. Even though we have shifts together at the station, I know he won’t be civil outside of that.

He still checks in on his sister, but that’s as far as his contact goes. The way his glances over at me at work have become glacial makes me believe he knows Baylee and I are an item. The way he has avoided me at work, I assume I’m the last person he wants to see. I know we need to clear the air, but today isn’t the day. I’m here to care for my mother and nothing else.

I get out of the car and I’m striding over to my mom’s place when I hear the neighbor’s front door open. Out of habit I glance over and see Rios shooting daggers in my direction.

“So, it’s true. You’re really with my sister even though you know how I feel about it?!” he yells in my direction.

I cast my gaze down and breathe through my nose, trying to tamper my frustration. I just wanted to come over here and care for my mother. This wasn’t about him, but of course he has to make everything about him.

“You already know the answer to that, Rios.” No point in stretching this longer than it has to be.

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