Page 15 of All Too Well
However, we’re not living in a fantasy world.
“Can we justnottalk about it? Please? After we finish with this article, we can hash it all out.” Or I’ll just get in my car and disappear again.
It’s for the best.
He leans against the doorjamb and sighs. “Caspian mentioned you were a journalist, but I never thought you’d be standing here because of work.”
You and me both.
However, the Fates are not on my side.
“I am. I love it there and I have a great job.”
Lachlan grins. “Good, I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
“So, you’re writing an article on me?”
Ugh. I guess this is as good of a time as any. “I am, and I’d like to talk to you regarding the piece.”
“What exactly is this article about? Because the fire was weeks ago, and I promise, there’s nothing new there.”
I smile. “I saw that. You were amazing to run in there and get her.”
“It’s my job. I could never live with myself, knowing I didn’t do everything I could to save that child. I just ... I saw Rose in that window, and ...”
I step closer on instinct and then force myself to stop. Touching him is an absolute no go. I will not be that stupid again. No way.
“You saved her, though.”
His brown eyes meet mine. “I did, but there were twentyother firefighters there who would’ve done the same. I didn’t do anything special.”
“I disagree, as do most of the public. Which is what brings me here. I don’t want to write about the fire. I want to write about you. Your life. What made you come here, to Ember Falls. The man behind the heroic savior.”
He rolls his eyes. “You know who I am.”
I bristle. “Not really. We’ve changed a lot. Like, I didn’t know you were still playing sports.”
When I asked my temporary landlord about Lachlan, he sort of laughed and mentioned that he and his friends are in a league of some sort. If he’s still playing sports, this will be great. I can talk about the rise of the great quarterback and how he’s still involved in the game.
I can show the human side of sports.
Not that I know a damn thing about that side, but this is what good journalists do—they lie.
His eyes narrow and he pushes off the door. “I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”
I fight back a laugh and keep my face passive. “Really? Because my new friend, Harold Brickman, said you play.”
And you’re apparently the team captain.
“Nope. I’m not on any sports teams.”
I nod. “Okay, I’m sure someone around here knows something.”
Lachlan steps back, his lips in a tight line. “Whatever. I need access into the cabin so I can check on things.”
I lean against the door. “No, thank you. I’m completely fine here. The owner walked me through things. I saw a fire extinguisher and all is well.”
