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“Well, not exactly a vacation. One of the guys is getting ready to go on a cruise and someone else needed to tend to a personal matter. By shuffling our schedules, I’m covering for them and they’re working for me now. Now next week,” I let out a laugh and shake my head. “I might regret volunteering for the additional shifts. Let’s just hope it’s an uneventful week.”
“Oh, David,” she says, her tone so soft-spoken and kind. “You’re always so generous looking out for everyone else. I’m sure they’re grateful to have you cover for them.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not like I have anything else planned.” I shrug my shoulders then quickly look away when I realize I’m staring at her again.
I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve been asked why I’m still single. Why I haven’t settled down and started a family yet. And my response has always been the same. “Is that such a terrible thing?”
I know it’s not the answer they’re looking for, but is there something wrong with a guy that prefers the single life?
I know deep down, that’s not really true. I’d much rather be doing the wife, kids, SUV thing, but that’s not in the cards for me. Not right now, anyways. Being a firefighter is an exception to the rules and there’s no room for negotiations. Kyle got lucky when he met someone like Tori, someone that graciously understood his commitment to his career.
“Can I get you a water or something?” Tori asks, pulling me from the staring-out-into-space trap I am caught in.
“Uh, sure.”
I watch as she walks back into the house, one bare foot carefully in front of the other across the wooden planks on the porch.
I remember the day she and Kyle signed the papers on this place. They couldn’t wait to begin remodeling and adding their own unique touches. Hell, I’d helped them that same night move the first piece of furniture into the living room.
Tori’s had it rough ever since David died. Hell, it’s been hard on me too, losing a best friend and work partner all at the same time. I’m hopeful, though, that one day we’ll be able to talk about the great guy David was without tearing up.
I watch as the clouds begin to move overhead, making the sky an ominous gray blob. The rain is going to arrive sooner rather than what was first predicted the way the wind has suddenly picked up. If it means things will cool off, I’m all for it. Except I’d like to get Tori’s lawn finished first.
After a few moments, I begin to wonder if she forgot the bottle of water she offered me. It’s no big deal if she did—I’ve got my own cooler in the truck—I just worry that something may have happened. Using my foot, I kick at several clumps of dried grass stuck to the side of my mower. The wind swirls it in all directions.
I look back at the front door one more time before cranking the mower again because it’s not like Tori to forget. I’m probably overthinking things, but my gut tells me I should check on her. Well…just because.
Brushing the grass clippings from my jeans, I step down from the mower and walk up onto the porch. I hadn’t realized it until now, but my clothes are wringing wet. As soon as I’m done here, I’m headed straight home for a shower.
“Tori?” I call out and lightly knock on the door.
