Page 67 of Embers in the Dark

I open the passenger door with this heaviness settling in.

“Hey, you okay?” Eric looks over as he starts the car.

“Yeah, just in my head a bit,” I say, waiting for the car to warm up. The Ohio cold is starting to hit hard as fall is settling in for the season.

“Is it about mom?” he asks while he turns into traffic.

“Yeah, but she seems good this weekend,” I say with a smile on my face.

“She does. I’m glad because she didn’t seem too good a few weeks back when I saw her on that video call,” he admits.

“Yeah, something about one of the medications she started wreaked havoc on her system.”

“That’s what she said. I almost flew home. You tell me if you need me. I mean it, Tucker. I’ll drop everything,” he says.

“I know you will. And I promise, man. You’d be my first call,” I assure him.

“How is work going? Things getting easier with Rios?” he asks.

“Yes and no. At work we get through our shifts. We tolerate each other at this point. But the rest of the guys are great. We have a probie that I’ve gotten to know and he’s a cool guy. The rest of the crew is awesome, they’ve been welcoming.” Since moving from Dover, things have been nonstop in Boston, so I haven’t really thought about my life at my old station. I barely connect with the old guys from my previous station aside from texting. It’s strange how quickly I acclimated to this newfound routine as if it was how I was living all along.

“That’s great. And how are things with Baylee? I know I was making fun of it being ‘little Baylee’ and all…but really, how are things going? Is it serious?” my brother pries.

“I mean, we haven’t talked about it like that, but I think it is. The thing is, she’s ten years younger than me, so I don’t want to assume she’s where I am, but yeah, it feels serious for me. She makes me feel grounded. Before her, all those dates I went on felt empty. But with her, she feels real. She feels like someone I can bare my soul to and it matters,” I explain.

“Yeah, completely get that,” he tells me.

“I thought it would be weird because I’ve known her since she came home from the hospital. Fuck, even saying that out loud is strange. But it’s like that part of her life is separate from what we are now. I don’t know how to explain it. But she’s this strong, beautiful, confident person, and I feel this immense pride that she’s choosing to be around me.”

“Man, you should see your face right now.” He laughs.

“What?” I look at him.

“You’re a fool in love!” He smacks the steering wheel.

“You got that from me complimenting my girlfriend? How’d you figure?” I ask.

“Tucker, you are absolutely, head over heels, in love with that woman.”

“Can we change the subject?” I say, looking out the window.

“See, you’re shy. You used to do the same thing as a kid. You’d hide whenever you got embarrassed. Well, you’d get embarrassed like that too when you were shitting in your diaper, but I doubt that’s what you’re doing right now.” He roars with laughter.

“I really hate your memory, Eric. Such an asshole,” I mumble.

“I love you too, Tucker.” He grabs my shoulder. “I love you so much.”

I smack his shoulder. “You know I could still edit my speech tomorrow, right?” I remind him.

“I know. I can’t wait to hear what you say.” I see the twinkle in his eye. “Don’t forget, payback’s a bitch!” The cackle he utters is evil.

Why are brothers such a pain in the ass?

We get back to the hotel and as we walk through the lobby, I spot Baylee sitting at the hotel bar. I’m about to walk over to her when I see she isn’t sitting alone. I notice my mom sitting with her. They’re deep in conversation, both smiling, and it warms my heart.

I stand back and watch as they enjoy each other’s company. My brother comes to my side after leaving his car with the valet when my soon-to-be sister-in-law comes up to us.

“I’m so glad you’re both here.” She seems out of breath.

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