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Yes, in the fireplace. It’s one of the reasons

we got this house.

It’s wood burning and everything.

I had one of those

in my Muskegon house,

Ms. Viv says.

Do you remember, Lyric, baby?

You used to be mesmerized by it.

I do.

Lyric nods.

And then says to me:

Can I help?

Lyric is already rolling up her sleeves

and I can tell

by her body language

she’d feel more comfortable

with something to do.

It dawns on me that she’s nervous.

I reach over

and grab one of her hands

give it a squeeze.

She looks me in the eye

for the first time today

and I whisper:

I’m really glad you’re here.

The corners of her mouth

pull up into a shy smile.

OK, good. Me too.

Will y’all stop flirting

and get to that fire?