Page 118 of Someone to Remember
“Are there photos?”
“Of course. I post them to Facebook, which is how I get more work. I’ll show you when we get to the restaurant.”
“Which do you like better? The renovation or the fire department?”
“I like them both for different reasons. With the fire department, I like the camaraderie with the people I work with and how you never know what’s waiting for you on any call. There’s a level of excitement to it you don’t get with any other job. I also dig the health insurance and retirement plan. With the reno, I like setting my own schedule and picking projects that appeal to me.”
“Is there a way you could go part time with the fire department and focus more time on the reno?”
“I’ve been thinking about that. I’d be crazy to give up the retirement and health benefits at this point, but maybe working two shifts a week instead of four would make more sense with everything else.”
“Would they go for it?”
“They already offered me a reduced schedule if needed.”
“That’s good of them.”
“Well, it’s easier to do that than lose me and have to start all over training someone new.”
“Still, it’s nice to have options.”
“It is, but my biggest challenge will be managing my kids when I go back to work full time. Daphne is in school during the day, and Drake is in daycare, but if I have to work overnight shifts on occasion, that becomes more complicated. The grandparents will help, but it’ll be a juggling act.”
“I can help, too. They’re welcome to stay with us any time you need help.”
“That’s nice of you to offer, but you have your hands full enough without adding them.”
“The kids entertain each other. It works out great. I’d love to watch them any time you have to work overnight.”
“Well, thanks. That’d solve a rather pressing concern as I contemplate going back to work. The grandparents are enjoying their occasional travels, and I’d never want to clip their wings by saddling them with regular kid duties.”
“I’ve got you covered.”
We cross the 14thStreet Bridge from the District into Northern Virginia. “Where’re you taking me, anyway?”
“A place I know in Arlington, hopefully far enough off the grid that no one will bother you there.”
“Thank you for thinking of that. I still can’t believe people recognize me because of my sister. The fundraiser was such a blessing, but that and Spencer’s death also raised my profile, which I so didn’t want.”
“They must feel bad about that part of it.”
“They do, but it’s not their fault. I’m so proud of them both.”
“They seem like an incredible couple.”
“Oh, they are. Super devoted to their family, each other and their work.”
“Mary Alice had a girl crush on your sister. She said she was a badass.”
“She is, but don’t tell her I said that. It’ll go straight to her fat head.”
He gives my hand a squeeze that sets off a riot of sensation throughout my body. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been touched by a man that I’m totally overreacting to innocent handholding.
“Your secrets are safe with me.”
“That’s good to know, and likewise.”
He takes a right into a parking lot. “This is the place. It’s nothing fancy, but the food is good, and people tend to mind their own business. I’ve seen congresspeople and other DC types in here, and no one makes a thing of it.”
