Page 63 of Backdraft
I groaned, remembering our argument. It was stupid. I'd let my emotions get the best of me and had been far too sensitive, and perhaps a tad irrational. I flicked on the bedroom light, swung my legs over the edge of the bed, and shivered again. Cinder gave a little meow.
"What? Did I disturb you? Boy, it's cold." I reached over and fluttered my fingers on the duvet. The most he could muster was reaching out his paw. He made me laugh. I loved his quirky personality. He gave another little meow and a funny yip.
"What was that? Are you talking to me?"
He stared straight at me with his beautiful liquid green eyes that were so expressive. He yawned and gave a little mewl in the middle of it.
"You're funny, cat," I told him. "But you can talk to me anytime. I'm going downstairs. Would you like something to eat?"
I got up and opened the door to the hall. The house was dark, and the only sound was the wind outside. Inside, it was quiet. Light from the streetlamp shone into Taylor's room and reflected on the polished wood floor. His door was open.
I heard a thump as my cat jumped off the bed, and then he sprinted to the landing as if he was in a race.
He bounded down the stairs at breakneck speed and barreled around the sliding into the kitchen. That cat was a treasure, and I was glad we’d found each other.
I turned on lights as I went through the house yawning. I could easily go back to bed and sleep. In fact, I think I would. I’d make a grilled cheese and a cup of tea and take it upstairs to cuddle in bed and watch TV until I fell asleep.
Cinder met me in the kitchen and rubbed against my legs, nearly tripping me. The kitchen had been renovated to appear antique with a shabby chic farmhouse/French style vibe. It had all the conveniences while still being warm, welcoming, and comfortable. A chef’s dream…and mine.
I could imagine the kitchen full of family and friends and little ones at the holidays. I paused, thinking I could almost smell dinner and hear happy people in the rooms of the house. The beautiful image was almost too painful to think about. I knew deep inside that I would love to have the closeness of friends and family here. With who though? Taylor?
Our first argument was in this kitchen. I saw shadowed ghosts of Taylor and I as we argued earlier. Where was he? Did he leave? Should I be thinking of moving out? My heart tightened when my mind ran over that possibility.
I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay. With Taylor. And maybe that lovely dream of a full house could happen. But we had to fix things first. That is exactly what I was going to do when he came home.
I searched around for where I left my phone and found it over by the air fryer. The wings were covered up, and I put them in the fridge. When I turned, I saw a note on the table.
It was a short one from Taylor telling me he'd been called out. "Hmm. He didn't use many words. What did that mean? Was I overthinking? What do you think, Cinder? Am I?"
He looked up at me and wove between my legs, making little chatty noises.
I was parched. I scooped Cinder up, brought him to the sink, and put him on the counter. I know, I was spoiling him and it was unsanitary, but he was all I had right now.
I gazed out the darkened window while filling a tall glass with water. Then I remembered the fridge had a chilled water and ice dispenser. I wasn't used to that sort of thing.
I finished the water in one go and had to catch my breath. I filled it again, from the fridge this time, and checked my phone.
Two new messages. I dialed into my voicemail.
One was a callout, and the other was from Taylor. I listened to it and smiled. He felt it too. He felt that we'd had an unnecessary argument. I was sorry now, and one thing I hated was not being able to say goodbye to somebody I cared about. A hug and a kiss when they left the house was always what my mom did. I'd grown up with the same need, so I was always waving goodbye to somebody as they drove off. I hadn't been able to say goodbye to my dad. It was important to me to say goodbyes and give hugs. Because you never knew what could happen.
I couldn't do that this time though. All because of a stupid argument.
I called in to find out where I was being sent and wrote the details down in my notebook. The fire was still burning, but they knew they wanted me there. That meant it was a suspicious fire or a fatal one. I could go to the scene now and take exterior photos until I was able to get inside.
I checked the time. It was early, just coming up to three am. So much for going back to bed.
I called Taylor. It went to his voicemail, so I left one for him.
Got your message. Yes, we do need to talk. Things went a little sideways. We can figure it out when you get back. I've been called out too, and it could be a while before I get back by the sounds of it. Be safe.
I quickly made some toast with peanut butter and banana, and a cup of tea. I went upstairs to get dressed and relieved I'd had a sleep after all. This fire sounded pretty big so I packed extra clothes, a book, iPad, and threw some snacks and drinks in my bag. I was still chilled, and the tea was wonderful. I made more to take in the truck, finished my toast, tea loaded the dishwasher, and wiped down the counters.
Cinder was following me around meowing, and I realized I forgot to feed him.
"Oh, I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to forget you." I scooped him up to snuggle him, and he would have no part of it. He pushed his paws on my chest and straightened his legs. He wanted his food.
"Okay, down you go. Eat, and I will see you later. I won't be long." I filled his bowl and took a quick look around to make sure all was right. Nothing was left on, and the toaster was unplugged. I did this all the time. I was a double and triple checker, not trusting myself to have turned everything off that could cause a fire.
