Rory: Hope City, Book 7

by Maryann Jordan

  Not wanting to mar the day, he said, “Come on, Tiger. Let’s get something to eat.” He hoped his mention of food would encourage her to drop the litany of Sandy’s virtues. They stepped inside the tent, and his gaze landed on Sean and Harper moving through the buffet line, followed by family.

  Sandy stood to the side, her gaze on the servers. It didn’t escape his notice that she was beautiful, didn’t seem to be searching for the limelight, and was making sure everything ran smoothly. As Caitlyn stepped away, he pushed down the charitable thoughts, mumbling to himself. “With a rich daddy and used to a fancy life, an event like this is probably an everyday occurrence for her.” Not willing to decipher why those words rang hollow, he headed toward the buffet.

  Sandy was exhausted. The reception was coming to an end, and from all accounts, Harper’s wedding to Sean had been flawless. The band was nearing their final song before everyone would gather to say goodbye to the couple as they left for their honeymoon. She had joined in the dancing, a few of the fast songs where she and the others could dance without anyone being partnered. During the slow songs, she generally stepped to the side, except for a dance with Bill and another one with Sean’s detective partner, Jonas.

  As hard as she tried to keep her attention focused on Harper’s happiness, her gaze would often drift in search of Rory. He hadn’t brought anyone to the wedding, and she wished that did not please her so much. Telling herself it didn’t matter, she knew having to watch him and another woman cozy up all day long would have made the happy event less joyous.

  “Here you are!”

  She turned to see Caitlyn sliding up next to her. Smiling, the two women hugged. They stood for a moment, both quietly enjoying the view of the wedding reception slowly winding down.

  “I loved watching Sean get married today,” Caitlyn admitted.

  Sandy met her smile. “It was lovely. I really like Sean for Harper.”

  “He’s the oldest sibling, and I’m the youngest. I think I’ve always been a little bit in awe of Sean. He was always so capable. He certainly kept the rest of us in line. Kind of like Tara was the quintessential oldest girl in the family. Kyle was the brother that I had no doubt would jump in and punch someone out for me if I needed it. Not necessarily a hothead, but just more intense. Erin was my bestie as a sister.” Laughing, she added, “And then Rory was always just fun. Easygoing, fun-loving, and just plain sweet!”

  Keeping a smile on her face, Sandy replied, “Sometimes people are different when they’re around different people. You see your family members through the eyes of a sister. To other people, they probably see them in a different light.”

  Caitlyn turned toward her and cocked her head to the side. “It’s funny you say that. I’ve always thought that you and Rory would be a perfect couple. I know I’ve seen you look at him sometimes when you think no one else is watching.”

  Opening her mouth to refute Caitlyn’s true statement, the DJ interrupted. “Okay, ladies and gentlemen. This is the last dance of the evening before we wish Mr. and Mrs. Sean McBride away on their honeymoon.”

  Secretly hoping for a fun, fast song, she was disappointed when another slow love song began. Her gaze landed on Sean and Harper, witnessing their love as they only had eyes for each other, and she smiled.

  “Perfect!” Caitlyn called out, snagging Rory as he walked past. “Everyone has to dance the last dance.” Caitlyn grabbed Sandy’s arm and tugged at her, pushing her straight toward Rory. “You two can enjoy the last dance together.”

  Caitlyn darted off, grabbing her date’s hand before moving onto the dance floor.

  Stunned, she looked up to see Rory’s face equally as surprised. He placed one of his hands on her waist and clasped her other hand in his. They began to sway to the music, almost a foot of space between them. The difference between this dance and the one they’d shared at the bar was stark. Hardly romantic, but then she was surprised he hadn’t turned and walked away. “A lady always smiles, Sandra. Don’t ever let them see you doubt.” As her grandmother’s words ran through her mind, she plastered a smile on her face.

  “I thought the wedding went beautifully,” she said, searching for a noncommittal, non-confrontational comment.

  “Yes, it did.”

  They continued to sway. His hand felt warm and secure as it held hers, and with her other fingers resting lightly on his shoulder, she felt the muscles underneath his shirt. Somewhere along the way, he’d ditched his suit jacket. His tie was loosened slightly, and the top button of his shirt was undone. He could pull off elegant and casual at the same time. “How have you been?” she asked, still searching for a topic they could chat about the length of the song.

  “Fine.”

  With her cheerleader smile still plastered on her face, she felt as though her cheeks would crack. “A lady will always be able to make conversation in social settings regardless of whom they are speaking to.”

  “I believe Harper mentioned you were a paramedic?”

  He grunted his response, his gaze focused over the top of her head, once more making her wish that she were five inches taller. Being petite had its advantages at times, but this was not one of them. She considered stomping her stiletto heel onto the top of his shoe but wasn’t sure he’d feel it through the thick leather. Trying once again, she asked, “And are you happy in your new position?”

  He finally dropped his blue-eyed gaze to her, but his thoughts were hidden. He sucked in a deep breath, then began, “Yes, I thought the wedding was wonderful. Harper is beautiful, and I’m glad that my brother has such a wonderful woman as a wife. Caitlyn mentioned how much you’ve done to make the wedding a success, and I’d like to thank you on behalf of my family. And yes, I passed all the certifications to become a paramedic, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.” His fingers on her waist jerked slightly, but he wasn’t finished. “Sandy, you don’t have to try to make conversation with me. I know Caitlyn pushed us together and that’s fine. The dance will soon be over.”

  Her hands remained on him, but her feet stuttered to a halt. “Wow,” she breathed, blinking rapidly, feeling his words like a punch to the stomach. Stepping backward, her hand fell from his shoulder, and she pulled her other hand from his. “I thought perhaps enough time had passed that you would have improved in my estimation of you. But you have resolutely proved that the last thing I ever said to you four months ago was very true. You have once again shown me your true, rather rude colors, and I’m very thankful I didn’t become more involved with someone I initially thought was worth it.”

  She could have sworn she saw regret slash across his face, but she was too desperate to get away to see if it was true. “A lady never cries ugly tears in front of a man, Sandra.”

  “If you’ll excuse me,” she said, clearing her throat to force her words out stronger. “I need to make sure Harper has everything she needs before leaving for their honeymoon.” With that, she turned and hustled away, determined not to break down until she was back in her apartment that night, very much alone.

  8

  “Twenty-nine-D-one. Twenty-nine-D-three. Twenty-nine-D-four. Twenty-nine-B-one.”

  As soon as the codes came in, Rory, Shania, and their EMT, Bobby, raced to the ambulance as the firefighters pounded the concrete floor toward the fire trucks and engine. He didn’t need to look to see that the duty captain was racing to his vehicle as well. Waiting until the trucks pulled out first, he followed.

  I fuckin’ hate multi-car accidents. Rory’s stomach always dropped when the codes came in indicating a major incident, HAZMAT, trapped victims, and injuries. Heading into a situation where gasoline was leaking and at least one victim was trapped inside, he knew the firefighters would have to get the hydraulic rescue tools to cut, spread, or ram the metal so that the victim could even be seen by his team.

  Another code came across the radio. “Thank God, Barker Street and Monument Avenue Stations are responding, too,” Shania said, relief in her voice. “Sounds lik
e we’ll need all the help we can get.”

  The fire trucks parted the traffic, and he followed as closely as he dared. As they rounded the next corner, he spied the accident. “Oh, shit,” he breathed, seeing black smoke curling into the air from one of the vehicles.

  “Damn, it looks like there are at least four vehicles involved,” Shania said. “And that’s just all I can see right now.”

  He pulled the ambulance as close as he could, still allowing the firefighters the room to ensure that the fire was out in the burning vehicle and the gasoline on the road was neutralized. Parking to the side, he scanned the area, observing several people with what appeared to be minor injuries being moved away from the vehicles by the firefighters. One of the other ambulances stopped nearby, beginning triage.

  Alighting from the ambulance, he, Shania, and Bobby raced to where the firefighters were in the process of cutting open one of the doors. Giving the mangled vehicle a wide berth so the hydraulic rescue tools could open the metal enough to extract the occupant, his heart stuttered at the sight of a woman with long, blonde hair slumped forward against the seatbelt. With blood on one side of her face, he could not discern if it was Sandy or not. She had driven a small SUV when they’d shared the kiss outside the bar, but he had no idea what make or color it was. His mind had been fully on the way her body felt as it rested against his and the feel of her lips on his mouth. It had been a month since Sean’s wedding, and he’d only seen her from a distance a couple of times since then.

  He started forward, but Shania grabbed hold of his arm. “Hold on there, cowboy,” she admonished. “Give them a chance to get the door off.”

  It only took a few more minutes, but the seconds ticked by. Finally, the screech of metal sounded out as the firefighters pulled the contorted door away from the SUV, and he rushed to the woman’s aid. Air fled from his lungs when he ascertained she was a stranger. Telling himself he had been concerned because of how upset Harper would be, professionalism kicked in so that he could immediately assess the victim’s needs. Checking for a pulse, he called out her heart rate to Bobby.

  Even though she appeared unconscious, he still explained what was happening. “Ma’am, my name is Rory, and I’m with the Hope City EMS. My partner, Shania, is in the back seat.” He supported her head until Shania got behind the woman. As Shania placed her hands on either side of the woman’s head, he reached behind him to take the cervical collar from one of the other EMTs. By now, Bobby had managed to crawl in from the passenger side and supported her as well.

  The woman’s eyes fluttered open before closing again. “Ma’am, I’m going to fasten this around your neck to support your head.” With Bobby’s assistance, they clicked the collar in place.

  Bobby sliced the seatbelt and helped to shift the woman forward slightly. Rory placed the Kendrick Extrication Device behind the woman, and while Shania continued to support her head, he and Bobby fastened the straps around her torso. Once the straps were tightened, they maneuvered the leg straps around her thighs and secured them in place. Lastly, they bound her head into the K.E.D. with tape.

  He backed out of the vehicle, allowing two firemen to roll the backboard close to the driver’s seat. Bobby lifted her and Rory slid the board underneath her hips. With all hands helping, they twisted her around and slid her onto the board. Bobby climbed out, rushed around, and he and Rory rolled her directly to the ambulance.

  Climbing into the driver’s seat while Bobby and Shania worked on the woman in the back, he flipped on the siren and pulled out onto the road, avoiding the debris from the wreckage, headed to the hospital. Radioing their ETA, he maneuvered past the traffic, cautiously entering the intersections, glad when they pulled up outside the Emergency Room.

  After they transferred the woman to the hospital’s care and had the paperwork signed off, they drove back to the station. Cleaning the equipment and reloading their supplies, he realized they’d missed lunch. “Anyone want to check out that new sandwich shop down the street?”

  “If you’ll go get it, I’ll give you some money,” Bobby said, looking up from repacking supplies.

  “I’m in, too,” Shania agreed.

  Finding out what they wanted to eat, he hustled down the street to the far corner, entering the shop. Placing their orders, he stepped to the side to wait while they were being prepared. A tall, dapper man was in line behind him and moved up to order.

  “Hey, loves,” the man greeted the women behind the counter with enthusiasm. “Three of your chicken salads on croissants, please. Boss lady loved these last week, and thank God, she doesn’t count calories!”

  “Beauty, brains, and great metabolism,” the cashier said, shaking her head. “She’s got it all.”

  “Don’t I know it,” he said, bobbing his head in a nod. “I’ve got the job I love and work for the best boss in the city. Plus, she springs for great lunches. Life can’t get any better!”

  Rory smiled at the patron’s exuberance, glad to know the food was good enough for return customers. The man looked over his shoulder, his gaze dropping up and down Rory, then offered a smile. He leaned forward and whispered to the cashier. Ignoring him, Rory scrolled through his phone messages. One from Erin. I gotta call her back. Since I moved out, I don’t see her as much as I should. One from his mom. Sunday dinner… yep, got it.

  “Order up! Fire Station!”

  Rory moved to the cashier, but when he pulled out his wallet, the cashier waved him off. “Another customer has already paid for your order.” His chin jerked back slightly, but the cashier simply inclined her head toward the man who had come in after him. He dropped some money into the tip jar, then walked to the man. “Thank you for lunch.”

  The man smiled widely and said, “It’s the least we can do for Hope City’s finest.” Shrugging, he added, “Anyway, my super-sweet boss is paying for my lunch, so paying for yours just makes it all come out even.”

  Chuckling, he offered a chin lift and walked toward the door. Just as he was pushing it open, he heard the cashier call out, “Carmichael Designs!” Looking over his shoulder, he saw the man taking the bags and waving at the women in the back. Not wanting to be caught gawking, he moved to the doorway and hustled down the sidewalk. Just before he turned into the station, he could not help but glance over his shoulder once again. This time he observed the man disappear into the building at the opposite end of the street.

  Carmichael Designs. Could I possibly have landed just down the street from where Sandy works? He imagined her working in a posh office off the Inner Harbor. Nah, there have to be a lot of Carmichaels. Once inside the station, he distributed the sandwiches to Bobby and Shania before sitting down at the table in the break room. Pulling out his phone, he quickly searched Carmichael Designs. Scrolling through the website, his thumb stopped as Sandy’s picture filled the screen. Owner and Lead Office Interior Designer. The photograph was stunning, but he knew it didn’t do her justice.

  Well, it won’t matter. I’m never on that end of the street, and I’ll just avoid the sandwich shop. Even as the thought moved through his mind, it hit him that not seeing her didn’t make him feel any better.

  “Boss lady, you should’ve seen the fine piece of man in uniform that I just laid eyes on in the sandwich shop.”

  Sandy glanced up at Todd as he handed her the sandwich. Barbara walked into the room and laughed.

  “Why do you think I go to the coffee shop nearby?” Barbara asked. “The firemen and EMTs at that station ought to make a calendar. And if they ever do, I’ll buy them all and wallpaper my room!”

  Rolling her eyes, Sandy said, “Keep your eyes focused on the work we need to do. That’s what pays our bills, not ogling the men at the fire station.”

  Carmichael Designs was busier than ever. Barbara had made contact with businesses that would soon be filling the office space in Partridge Tower as soon as it was opened. She and Todd had visited with the heads of those businesses individually to determine their exact office space desig
n needs, making sure to emphasize the list of requirements the Partridges had set.

  With that information, she and Todd worked diligently to create the designs. With numerous plans already approved, she handed them to Barbara to work with the clients for their decorator needs. For the office spaces that had not yet been contracted for rent, Anthony Partridge had required her to design attractive yet generic office space.

  That afternoon, walking into Partridge Tower again, she claimed her hard hat from Heather and headed to the elevator. She was carrying the approved final designs to the lead contractor for the first eight floors. He would take her plans and oversee the building of the office spaces, including interior walls, windows, doors, flooring, plumbing, and wiring.

  She loved each stage of design but found it particularly interesting when her ideas began the transformation from pen and paper drawings to livable and usable functionality. Stepping out of the elevator onto the fourth floor, she waved toward Dave Anderson. She had only met him when she began working on Partridge Tower but respected his professionalism. Dave was attractive, probably in his late thirties, with creases that emanated from the sides of his eyes from what she guessed was a combination of hard work, some stress, and a lot of laughter. The wide wedding band on his finger gave evidence of a marriage. “A lady should be choosy but never wait until all the good ones are gone.”

  “Ms. Carmichael, nice to see you again,” he called out. Glancing down at the rolled sheaf of papers in her hand, he grinned. “Got something for me today?”

  She met his smile and nodded, shoving her grandmother’s words to the background. “I know you’ve worked on the generic plans for the spaces that haven’t been rented yet, but I’ve got ten of the approved plans. Todd is also working with clients for two more areas that have been rented.”

  He glanced around, then nodded toward a piece of plywood lying flat on two sawhorses. “Let’s use that as our desk and see what you’ve got.”