“Ready when you are.”
With a crisp nod, I head back to the station.
Austin immediately appears like he’s been watching through the glass. “You almost smiled.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You did. I saw it. Your face did a thing.” With his finger, he draws a crescent shape in front of his mouth.
“My face doesn’t do things.”
“It tried to smile. It’s like watching paint dry or a glacier melt. Slow, but undeniable.”
I ignore him and get to work before the meeting with Vincenza. Shortly before nine, I head across the hall. The entire Parks & Rec staff stands in the hallway like they’re seeing us off on an Arctic expedition.
“Is Winnie waiting for a group hug send-off before the meeting?” I grouse.
“A historic meeting,” Thomas says solemnly.
“It’s the first official collaboration between departments,” Mindy adds.
“Finally.” Pauline pumps the air.
Vincenza clutches her color-coded folders. “Ignore them. They’re being dramatic.”
“We’re marking this monumental moment,” Mindy says.
Vincenza wears an apologetic smile. “The main conference rooms are occupied by assessors and some Lake Conservation Committee members. I wasn’t able to book one on short notice. I’d offer my office or ask to use yours, but we need a bit more room.” She jiggles her folder.
“We can use the Fire Department meeting room.”
We walk back to my side of the building, where the entire crew drops whatever they’re doing and gathers around us.
My forehead furrows. “Back to work, guys.”
“I beg to differ. Looks to me like a truce has been called, an alliance formed,” Austin says.
“There is nothing to see here.” I extend my arm to let Vincenza pass them like I’m a bouncer at a club.
“Morning, Winnie!” Hayes waves.
“Good morning!” She waves back, which makes the probie beam like he just won the lottery.
I glare at him. He’s twenty-four. She’s thirty-two. Also, she’s—off-limits?
What am I thinking? I have no claim on her. This meeting is strictly professional. So are the thoughts I have about her when I’m off the clock … except they’re not. Tipping my head from side to side, I crack my neck so I can focus. Vincenza watches me with curiosity or disdain. It’s hard to tell.
Before I close the door to the conference room, Oreo follows us in and immediately plants himself at Vincenza’s feet.
“Turncoat,” I mutter.
She gently scratches behind his ears,
“Let’s get this over with.”
Vincenza straightens. “Don’t sound so enthusiastic.”
I grunt.
