Page 7 of Burning Obsession

I reach over and give him a solid pat on his shoulders. Just enough of a sign to let him know he's not alone.

"You'll never stop caring." I look toward the open bay doors. "And that's a good thing."

He nods slowly.

“And as time passes, you’ll learn how to separate the tragedy of our job from our lives.”

"And if I can’t?” He looks up at me.

I shrug. There’s only one answer to that question. "Then this probably isn't the career for you."

He doesn't argue and I know it’s because deep down he knows I’m right. Hell, I hope he can, because he’s a good kid, and he’ll be a great firefighter someday. A great paramedic, too. He just needs to learn to compartmentalize.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I hear a lot of noise. Boots are moving fast over the concrete bay floor with excited shouting erupting. There’s only one thing that can cause that, and because there’s laughter and the fire alarms aren’t going off, it can only mean one thing.

My head snaps toward the bay door and a shit-eating grin spreads across my face before she even steps into view. A quick check of my watch confirms it. Right on time as always.

Fifi comes through the bay doors with both arms completely full. Brown bakery bags in hand. Pink boxes that I know contain the most delicious treats.

The wolves descend immediately. Each of them eager to help her and to be the first to get a sweet treat. Voices erupt. All speaking at the same time, so I don't know who says what. All I can pick up are a few shouts here and there.

"She's here!"

"My hero!"

"I love you!"

"Marry me!"

"I asked first!"

"You can have my pension!"

"You don't have a pension!" That one I quickly yelled out a response to, even though for all I know he could.

"I'll get one!" Samuels shouts back and I laugh. Yep, he definitely doesn’t have one.

Laughter echoes through the station as the guys and the couple of women on shift practically trip over each other reaching for boxes while trying not to actually tackle the woman carrying all the sugar.

She laughs through the chaos. I secretly think she loves it. She even refuses to take any money from us. It doesn’t keep us from sneaking into her bakery and slipping money into her tip jar, or recommending her shop to anyone who will listen.

“You’re all animals,” she says through her cheerful laughter while she hands over the bags all but one brown one. "No shoving. There’s plenty. You'll all get something.”

"Come on." I nudge Potts with my elbow. "Let's go get some before it's gone."

For the first time since our conversation started, since we left that call, he smiles. Small, but it’s there, and that’s progress.

“Yeah, I could use a pick me up.” He stands up and we both make our way across the bay.

"Save some for me!" I call over the crowd.

Fifi glances over at me immediately, a wicked grin on her face like she’s up to no good. One that tells me she's about to enjoy every second of what she's about to say. "Don’t worry, Lawson, I have something special for you!" I can feel bile rise in my throat and my pulse races. My body shivers knowing what she has. Months of this and my reaction never changes. But maybe today is different.

She walks straight toward me with the last bag held carefully in her hand and doesn’t stop until we’re standing right in front of each other. Potts continues on with the others, leaving me and Fifi alone.

"Something special, you say? Am I getting special treatment now? It’s not my birthday.” I tilt my head, genuinely confused. "When did I become a VIP?"

"Oh, stop acting like you don't know." She shakes her head as she gives me an eye roll.