“Yes, ma’am.” He barely cracks a smile, perhaps realizing he still called me ma’am, apparently used to formalities. “No sign of fire. We’ll have an inspectorcome out to make it official, but it appears you have some old sprinkler heads that triggered the alarm. You’ll likely need to replace the entire system. We were able to shut off the water to the sprinklers only so your main water is still on. The report for your insurance company will be online shortly, but I would try to get someone in here to begin cleanup ASAP.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant?—”
“McAllister.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant McAllister.”
“My contact info will be in the report if you have any questions or need anything else.”
I nod. “Can I go in now?”
“Yes. Just be careful of the water. It’s slippery in spots.”
Stone follows me in and we head straight for the back, our shoes squishing on the saturated carpet through most of the boutique area. Everything in front can be replaced, but my concern is for the works in progress and my vintage collection in the back. I reach the rear of the store and breathe a sigh of relief. It’s dry back here!
Stone says what I’m thinking. “This is a good sign. Do you think everything’s okay?”
“I hope so. But just to be on the safe side, I’m not going to open anything that’s in preservation. Even though it’s dry, the air could have toxins.”
Stone nods in agreement. “Good call. It might be best if we get it out of here and into controlled storage tonight. Along with anything else that’s not wet. Can I get someone in here to take care of that for you?”
I can feel the tension in my body dissipating as I accept his help. I don’t want to do this alone. I’ll analyze the reasons later; but for now, I want him here with me. I need him here with me. “Yes. Thank you.”
A short time later, the boutique is bustling with activity. Stone is barking out orders as movers carry out all of my vintage garments to a van parked out front for transport. I don’t have to say a word as Stone is calling out, “Careful. That’s all fragile.”
The restoration staff is busy ripping out carpet, drying out the floors, and identifying anything wet or damp for assessment.
My stomach is rumbling, reminding me that it’s early morning now and everyone could probably use some coffee. May as well make myself useful.
“Stone, I’m going to run over to the bakery and get everyone some pastries and coffee. I’ll be back shortly.”
He barely looks up from his phone, no doubt rearranging his schedule since he made it clear to me he wasn’t leaving. “Okay, babe.”
Babe. I wonder if he realizes what he just said. Regardless, I’ll take it.
It’s not even six a.m. yet, but I know Julie is already hard at work preparing for the morning rush at Seaside Sweets. I try the handle of the front door and find it locked, so I tap lightly on the glass. Julie comes hustling over to let me in, the aroma of fresh baked goods hitting me as soon as I walk through the door, causing my stomach to growl in hunger.
“Desirae, what brings you by so early?” She doesn’t mention that I look like I just rolled out of bed with myhair a mess, dirty sweats, and no makeup. Technically, I did roll out of bed, even though it’s been hours since the fire alarm woke me.
“I’ve been up all night, actually. The sprinklers went off accidentally in the boutique and I’ve got a mess on my hands. Thankfully, there was no fire, but I’ve got water damage.”
“Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that! What can I do to help?”
“I’m here to get some coffee and pastries for all the workers.”
“No problem. How much do you need?”
“Let’s see. Coffee for about a dozen, along with me and Stone, and?—”
“Stone? As in the man who wants to tear down your building, and now he’s helping you fix it?”
“Yes, that Stone. I’m not really sure about his intentions, but for now, I’m accepting the help. Can you give me enough pastries to feed fourteen people?”
“Of course, I’m getting ready to take some things out of the ovens now.”
Julie disappears into the back, emerging moments later with two large pastry boxes.
“Now, let me get some fresh coffee going. I can send you with two large carafes and you can just bring them back to me whenever.” She waves a hand in the air to signifywhenever.
