by Kacey Shea
I grin. “That’s a sweet story. Maybe one day you can tell it to your children.”
“No! No children!” Now Jill fans her face. Alicia and I break into a fit of giggles.
“Better keep the peel on the banana,” I tease.
“Better yet, put the sausage in the bun.” Alicia laughs.
“For the love of God, use a condom!” Ash shouts over the noise of the bar and draws attention from nearby tables. It only causes us to laugh harder. I glance down at my phone and realize we’ve already been here three hours. I have an early client meeting downtown with Jim and the team tomorrow.
“You ready to go?” I ask Ash.
“Wait? You two came together?” Alicia grins and mouths “Nice” from behind her hand so only I can see. I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, but I drove because I couldn’t be seen in his bitch ass car again. Not near my old stomping grounds.”
“You’re not gonna let it go.” Ash’s lips pull up at the corners.
“Oh, I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Jill says. “She’s a car girl, and a total snob about any vehicle. Don’t let her make you feel bad.” She pats Ash’s arm with a grin and asks, “So, what do you drive?”
“A Prius.” He states this with no embarrassment or shame. Though I don’t know how he can say the words with a straight face. Jill chokes to hide her laughter and Alicia spews water across the table, almost hitting us all. I smile my best I-told-you-so smile.
“Why?” Jill frowns and then groans. “Wait. Are you gay?”
“No.” Ash glances between the three of us with his brows scrunched all adorable beneath the brim of his hat. Like he’s confused or doesn’t understand her conclusion.
“But you want to get laid? Like some day?” Jill wonders aloud.
“A fucking Prius. I didn’t see that coming,” Alicia adds with a shake of her head. “Now I see why you had to drive.” She nods to me.
“It’s just a car, ladies. I’m secure enough in my manhood to drive a Prius.”
We just stare at him.
“It gets great gas mileage. It’s good for the environment.” Now he’s grasping at straws.
“Come on,” I hop off the high top barstool. I give my girls a quick hug before I reach for Ash’s arm to pull him away. “Everything you say here on out is discredited.” I wave to Alicia and Jill. “’Night ladies!”
“Nice meeting you both,” Ash calls as I drag him away from the table.
“’Night bitches!” Jill shouts after us.
We step outside into the crisp night air. I shrug my jacket on and retrieve my keys as we walk the two blocks to where I’m parked.
“Keys,” he says and puts his hand out when we reach the Jeep.
“I can drive.”
“You had a few drinks.”
“I had two. I’m fine, really.”
“I’m sure you are. But it’s sort of my thing. Let me drive?” He tilts his head and moves his open hand closer to mine. I try to discern the meaning of his words as I surrender the keys. He helps me up and into the passenger seat and I study his form as he comes around the vehicle.
“What thing?”
“Huh?”
“You said it’s your thing. What did you mean by that?”
He slides the key in the ignition and turns it so the engine roars to life. I concentrate on Ash and attempt not to be distracted by the beautiful rumble my vehicle makes. He taps the steering wheel once and twists to meet my gaze.
“My mom died when I was ten. She was killed by a drunk driver. Her car caught fire after impact. It’s the reason I became infatuated with firefighting. It’s also the reason I won’t let anyone I know get behind the wheel, even after only a few drinks. So, yeah. That’s why it’s my thing.” His words are direct, to the point, and said with little emotion, though his Adam’s apple bobs pointedly beneath the skin of his throat.
I place my hand over his where it rests on the gear shift. “I’m sorry about your mom, Ash.”
“It was a long time ago,” he says and I squeeze his hand. He checks the mirrors and shifts the Jeep into gear. When we pull away from the curb I drop my hand back to my lap.
It’s quiet inside the Jeep except for the soft rumble of the engine as he pulls onto the highway.
“Well, of course it was. That’s because you’re an old man,” I sass in an attempt to lighten the mood. Shit. I immediately regret my words. Maybe he won’t find that funny. We’ve only known each other a short time. He might think I’m insensitive.
Ash turns his chin and pins me with one of his dazzling smirks. We don’t speak. Just stare, and my lips pull into a grin. His gaze goes back to the road and when he lays on the accelerator it throws my shoulders back into the seat.
“Whoa! Slow down, Ashley. Keep this up and you might want to buy a real car.”
Ash’s laugh is deep, throaty, and the sound goes straight to my gut. My lips pull into a smile that hurts my face. Yeah, Ash is wearing on me, but in a good way. He’s been the friend I didn’t know I needed, and even better is how well he got along tonight with Alicia and Jill. My heart is full and my mind at peace. The jostles of the Jeep soothe all my worries, if only for the brief ride.
I hate surprises.
“Wait, what?” I speak into the phone, frustrated when I only catch a few key words—fire, house, report—over the bustle of the crowded restaurant. I stand from the table, point to my phone, and hold up one finger to excuse myself from where Jim, Ellie, Rose, and I celebrate another signed client over a late lunch.
I press my cell against my ear and step outside to better hear what the fire investigator says.
“—which is why we are ruling the fire as arson. You’ll need to come down to request an official copy of the report.”
“Wha— How— Arson?” I stutter.
“Arson. Yes. We believe someone intentionally set fire to your home. Though none of your neighbors reported anything unusual that morning. It’s rare, in your type of close knit neighborhood, that someone doesn’t see or notice something or someone out of place. An unfamiliar car. A stranger. But due to the nature of the fire we are ruling arson with mysterious cause.”
“But who would set my house on fire?” I wonder aloud. I’m confused and a little shocked. I presumed the reason I hadn’t heard back from the investigation had more to do with the fire occurring right before the weekend, or that my house wasn’t a priority. Maybe it was those little pyros who made my trip to Target a living hell. Though I don’t know how they’d know where I live or who I am in the first place.
“I wish you or one of your neighbors had more insight into that question.” His frustration is evident as he exhales a loud breath through the line. “Usually we dig deeper into any recent relationship changes, exes or jilted lovers, that sort of thing, but I spoke with Matthews. He said you both split on amicable terms last month. Besides, he’s with the department. This was started by someone who didn’t know how to cover his or her tracks.”
I roll my eyes, thankful the investigator can’t see me. So that’s what Chase is telling everyone about our breakup. Nice story. Asshole. “Yep. So, am I allowed back into my home? I need to get repairs started before winter.”
“Yes, you’ll need to request a copy of the official report for your insurance company. Standard protocol. They shouldn’t hold up coverage due to the ruling because we have no suspects.”
“Okay, I guess I’ll stop by after work. Thank you.”
“Miss Gordon, there’s one other thing.”
“What’s that?”
“If you notice anything suspicious going forward, please don’t hesitate to call. While we expect this was random, and you weren’t targeted personally, we can’t know for sure. Speaking off the record—keep your eyes open, be safe. That’s my two cents.”
“Oh, okay.” I don’t know anyone who would want to hurt me, let alone burn me alive, but it’s a comfort that even the county fire investigator is looking out for my safety.
“’Bye, and thank you.”
I pocket my cell and realize I’ve wandered to the back parking lot during the call. I turn to go back inside but Jim stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets. He tilts his head to the side. “Everything okay, Callie?”
“Oh, yeah, fine. Well, not really, but I’ll live.” I walk toward him and he reverses to fall into step at my side on our walk back to the restaurant.
“I couldn’t help but overhear. Will you be able to fix your home soon?”
“I hope so. I have everything to move forward with the insurance claim. Next I’ll need to start interviewing contractors. This entire thing is such a mess.”
Jim holds open the door. “I know a great contractor. Did our kitchen remodel last year. I can give you his number if you’d like?”
“That’d be great. Thank you.” We reach the table and Rose and Ellie stare with concern as I drop into my seat.
“You okay, Callie?” Ellie questions.
“I’m fine. I swear. Everyone keeps asking me that!” I laugh, pick up my fork and stab at my salad. “I’m gonna need to get a sign. Do I really look that bad?” I jest, but the notion actually has me curious. Maybe I should check my face in the bathroom? Sure, I keep getting bad news, but honestly I don’t know what to think about the arson thing. It’s not as if I’m worried—and fuck, I’ve had some bad luck as of late—but life is beginning to feel good again. I’m healing, happy, and I want to keep moving in that direction.
“Everything working out with your temporary housing?” Rose asks, concern written on her face.
“If you need a place to stay, our basement is always available,” Jim adds. It’s nice of him to offer but that’d be sort of strange, staying with my boss and his family. Besides, I like it at Kiki’s.
“No. I’m staying with a neighbor. It’s working out perfect.”
“Super duper.” Rose smiles.
My phone buzzes from where it’s still clenched in my hand and I glance down at the screen.
Ash: Arson! I just heard. You ok?
Me: Yeah, I love arson, it’s great.
Ash: Callie + Arson = best day ever
Ash: I’m rolling my eyes in case you don’t know.
Me: I can picture it now.
Me: Hey is Chase working?
Ash: Why?
Me: Just tell me.
Ash: No. There. Answered. Now why?
Me: Good. I have to come by and request a report. Didn’t want to see his face.
Ash: Gotcha. You get my face instead.
Me: Yippee
Ash: Ouch
Me: Lol, see you soon.
Ash: K. I’ll also come over tomorrow after my shift.
Me: I’m fine Ash. I promise.
Ash: I know. I’m coming by anyway. Stay away from matches until then!
Me: Not funny. Bye Ashley.
Ash: Later Callie.
“Did you want me to box this up?” The server pulls my attention from my phone. Between the phone call and the texting I’m the only one not finished with my meal.
“Yeah, thank you.” I slip my phone inside my bag. I keep my focus on my co-workers and when there’s a break in conversation I apologize. “I’m sorry for being so distracted. That was rude of me.”
“No problem, Callie. As long as you continue to produce the quality of work you’ve been doing. It’s one of the perks to owning our company. Take time when you need it.” Jim grins and stands from the table. Our server hands me my food and we all shuffle our way out of the restaurant.
Rose steps close and bumps my shoulder with hers. “New guy, huh?” She waggles her brows.
“What?” I frown. Jim holds the door and we all step outside.
“The way you were smiling at your phone before. I know that look. I’m excited for you. A new man. You deserve it, girl.” She giggles.
“Oh. No. Just a friend,” I explain and walk toward the parking lot. I catch an unusual expression pass over Jim’s face as he studies his cell but when he notices me looking he smiles.
“Okay, have a good day everyone.” Jim waves and clicks the remote of his keys. “I’ve got a soccer game to watch but I’ll be on my cell if you need me. Let’s have a productive week and we’ll conference on Thursday.”
I hop in my Jeep and steer it toward the station. I thank the universe I don’t have to deal with stupid ex boyfriends while requesting arson reports. I’m learning to appreciate the little things.
I love my new roomie.
It’s not normal that a seventy-two-year-old woman is the best roommate I’ve ever had. Maybe there’s something wrong with me. We are soul sisters from another era, but it’s more than that. I’ve only been with her two weeks, but it feels as if I’ve always lived here. This place is so much more like home than anywhere else, which is plain weird.
I don’t know why but I work better here, and I sleep better, too. During the days I work at the library or a local café but my evenings are filled with laughter and coffee—so much fucking coffee—and hours in the yard.
Ash stops by on the days he has off, even if I’m working. It’s funny because every day he shows up makes me realize how much free time a firefighter has. Ya know, when they aren’t a cheating manwhore liar.
Today I’m missing Kiki, though. The house is too quiet without her. She went away this weekend with her friends from the senior center to visit some art exhibit in Washington, DC and instead of doing something productive I’ve been lying on the living room floor listing all the ways I’m extremely lame.
For one, I’m bummed it’s only Friday. What will I do without Kiki when she won’t be back until Sunday afternoon?
Two, I should call Alicia but for some reason I don’t and that makes me wonder if I’m still holding back on the forgiveness thing. Or maybe it’s easier when it’s the three of us hanging out and I’m nervous to test out one-on-one time with her.
Which brings me to three. Jill is fucking Cam, no doubt, and that makes me wish I was getting some. Not that it would be any good. Because once you’ve had the high priced deli meat, the processed packaged bologna never tastes the same.
Fucking great. Now I want a sandwich.
The scrape and slide of a key at the front door should jolt me from my place on the floor but I don’t move. Just let my cheek fall to the right so I can observe the intruder. The door creeks open and Ash steps into the living room. He reaches to flip on the light even though it’s only dusk but I don’t want to be blinded.
“No! Don’t!” I shout before his fingers touch the switch.
“Jesus, Callie!” he swears under his breath and locks the door behind him.
“So, she gave you a key, did she?” I ask from the floor.
Ash comes to stand over me. “She did. Also strict orders to check on you, and thank God she did, what with you turning to carpet and shit.”
“I prefer the term accent rug.”
“What are you doing on the floor?”
“Wallowing in my own pity party. Care to join me?”
“I guess. But this is weird.” He tosses his keys and hat on the couch then lays beside me. Our heads are a foot apart and he partakes in my fan blade watching. The silence is comfortable. Safe.
“He’s ruined everything good in my life. You know?” I admit out loud.
“I assume the him is Chase, and I’d actually beg to differ. But I’ll bite. What has he ruined for you?”
“Pancakes, for one. I used to love those motherfuckers until Chase came along.”
Ash’s laugh comes from deep in his throat. “I think you’ll survive a life without pancakes. You could become a waffle girl instead.”
“God! What do you take me for? I could never do that!”
We both chuckle and then the sadness washes over me anew.
“And chocolate,” I whisper.
“Now, that’s not funny,” Ash concedes in a solemn tone.
“I know.” I gulp.
“And he ruined something else. Something infinitely better than chocolate. It’s going to sound really selfish and stupid, I’m sure, but since you can’t judge me, I’ll tell you—I mean you have a girl’s name, for Christ’s sake. Who are you to judge?”
“Just tell me, Callie,” he prompts with a smile in his voice.
I don’t look at him, though. I merely continue to study the ceiling. “I think he ruined sex for me.” The fan whips around ten more times.
“Why? Because he was horrible at fucking?” I detect a shred of hope in his voice. God, if only.
“No. He was phenomenal,” I admit with a pout.
“Oh.” Ash considers the ceiling along with me. The fan blades circle around and around and if I focus on one I can almost follow it three times before it gets lost in the others. “At least tell me he had a tiny dick?”
An unattractive laugh, more accurately a cackle, leaves my mouth and causes Ash to grin. “No. Not that either.”
“Damn it.” He shakes his head in mock anger.
We lay like that, side by side, watching the fan go around. The room grows darker as the sunset fades between the cracks of the window shades. It’s funny how I hated Ash when I met him, but he’s quickly become one of my closest friends. He’s here for me, all the time, and yet I don’t know much about his life before he moved to Richmond. I open my mouth to ask a question but he speaks first.
“Well, I have a simple solution to your problem.” His teasing tone is back and he turns his chin to meet my gaze. His eyes catch the remaining daylight and appear almost emerald, tinged with what could almost be categorized as mischief.
“What’s your big idea?”
“Never mind. It’s stupid.” He glances away.
“Ha! Now you have to tell me.”
“No way, you’ll never let me live it down.”
“Come on, just tell me.”
“I could prove to you Chase didn’t ruin everything good,” he says with all the confidence in the world. I want to believe in him but life isn’t that easy.
“You gonna stuff me full of chocolate and pancakes? No, thank you.”