Page 10 of Kissing the Beach Town Fire Chief
“You have no idea what you're talking about. I care. I care a lot, which is why I’m here, trying to get some damn sleep so I can function tomorrow.”
“Well, maybe if you’d actually talk to me like a normal person instead of barging in here like you own the place, we could work something out.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll talk. Ethan, could you please tone down your music so I can get some sleep?” I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Alright, fine. I’ll keep it down. But next time, maybe just knock politely instead of banging like you’re trying to break the door down.” Ami takes a deep breath. "Thank you.Now, let's talk about something else while I have your attention. Like, oh, I don't know, why are you contesting the election against Aunt Maggie?"
I blink, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Everything!” she exclaims, throwing her hands up. “You know she’s been planning to run for months. Why would you even consider running against her?” So I tell her exactly how I feel; that I care about this town just as much as Aunt Maggie does. “I have ideas, Ami. Good ideas that could really help Seabrook.”
"Oh, please. You’re just doing this to get back at me, right? Trying to make my life difficult because we never got along."
“Don't you think you give yourself too much credit? This isn’t about you. It’s about what’s best for Seabrook.”
“Best for Seabrook? Like what?”
"Look, I am not saying your aunt doesn't have good ideas. But I think I do, too. And the town should have the chance to hear them."
“Great. So now we’re just going to have a big political showdown. Just what this town needs. More drama.”
“Maybe it’s what the town needs to move forward. We can’t just keep doing things the same way because that’s how they have always been done.”
Ami just cannot help dragging this out. Her voice rises again as she throws back at me: “Or maybe it’s just you wanting to prove something. Prove that you can win. Prove that you’re better. Well, I hope you're ready for a fight, Ethan. Because Aunt Maggie isn’t going to back down. And neither am I.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
And then she turns on her heel, heading for the door. “Just keep your music down.”
I watch her go, feeling a mixture of frustration and something else I can’t quite name.
Ami has always had a way of getting under my skin, and it looks like this time is no different. It’s going to be a long few months leading to the election. And if Ami is any indication, it’s going to be a hell of a ride. This is going to get messy, no doubt about it. Ami’s fiercely loyal to her aunt, and I can already see the daggers she’ll be throwing my way once the campaign really kicks off.
***
I roll out of bed at the crack of dawn, the alarm blaring like a siren in my ear. Today is our semi-annual fire drill, and as the town's fire chief, I need to be sharp and vigilant.
I splash some cold water on my face and look in the mirror. My hair is a mess, but there is no time to worry about it. Not when there are drills to run and small-town politics to navigate.
And, of course, there is Ami. Ami, who has been a thorn in my side since we were kids.
I throw on my uniform, and as I strap on my boots, my mind wanders to her. Ami. Back in town, and already she has managed to bump into me and reignite old tensions.
Great. Just what I need.
As I head to the kitchen for a quick breakfast, I think about our history. We have never gotten along. Not in elementary school when she ‘accidentally’ spilled juice on my new sneakers, and definitely not in high school when she beat me in an essay competition and rubbed it in my face for months.
She has always been chaotic and messy, while I have prided myself on being composed and collected. We are polar opposites.
And now, to make matters worse, I’m running against her Aunt Maggie for the town council.
Maggie's well-loved in Seabrook, and I know this campaign is going to be a challenge. She has charm, warmth, and years of community service. I have got… Well, I've got my fair share of supporters, but nothing comes easy around here.
I pour myself a cup of coffee, trying to shake off the irritation that has settled in my bones. Why did Ami have to come back now? And why is it that every time I see her, she looks at me like I’ve ruined her day? Not that I care what she thinks, of course, but it’s exhausting. I down the coffee in one gulp, wincing as it scalds my throat. Grabbing my keys, I head out the door, the crisp morning air hitting me like a wake-up call.
The fire station is a short drive, and as I navigate the quiet streets, I catch glimpses of familiar faces. Seabrook has always been a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. This election's going to bring out all the skeletons, I am sure of it.
Pulling up to the station, I’m greeted by the sight of my team prepping for the drill. They’re a good bunch and are reliable and hardworking. I step out of the truck, putting on my game face. “Morning, everyone. Ready for the drill?” I call out, earning a chorus of nods and murmured greetings. We get to work, and for a while, I manage to push thoughts of Ami to the back of my mind. The drill runs smoothly; the team is in sync, and everything's on point. Moments like these remind me why I love this job.
