“Yep.”
“Do I need to confirm that with the town council? The building inspector? OSHA?”
“I’d rather you not.”
I squint, trying to blur the line between my job and erasing this part of the conversation from the public record. “I like that you’re honoring the history of the building while creating something new.”
“That’s the goal.”
Despite our banter before about lunch motives, now that we’ve broken bread together multiple times, I feel at ease with Patton. I could tell him anything. Well, almost.
I add something to the “dangerous” column on Mindy, Thomas, and Pauline’s whiteboard. Being comfortable with him, enjoying his company without the constant bickering, and liking the curve of his lips should not happen.
“Can I ask you something?” I venture.
“Depends on the question.”
I consider asking him if he knows anything about flirty eye tag. Instead, I say, “Tell me about Captain Kendrick.”
His expression shifts toward guarded, but not entirely closed off. “He was a true hero.” He tells me about some of the sketchier calls he answered, the fires he attacked, andthe respect he had for fire and the men who protected people and property from them.
“That’s remarkable. Don’t hear about too many of those.”
Patton gazes into the distance. “He was also a father figure. After my dad died, he looked out for me. Made sure I didn’t completely self-destruct. Though I put in a solid effort.”
While I register the sarcasm, I cannot imagine this squared-away man doing anything of the sort.
“You were close?” Without clarifying, I realize this could sound like I’m asking if he was close to imploding or close to Captain Kendrick.
“Yeah. He believed in this crew, in our community, in leaving things better than how he found them. Me included.” Patton bites the inside of his lip. “He always said the best way to honor the fallen is to keep living fully. Building things. Taking calculated risks.”
The vulnerability in his voice makes my chest wrench.
“What about you?” he asks, turning the tables. “Why Parks & Rec?”
“I like building things too. Just with events and programs for people instead of buildings.” I thumb over my shoulder at the bakery.
My cheeks are pink, probably from the sun, as I pause and consider how much to share. “Before I came here, I was stuck in a job where no one took me seriously.”
“Same coin, different side. Someone has to provide the container. Others fill it. Glad you’re here to fill it.”
“I thought maybe a leadership role in a small town would be different.”
“Has it been?”
“Mostly. Except for this one grouchy and smug firefighter who treats me like a nuisance.”
He gasps. “I don’t treat you like a nuisance.”
“You literally pretended I didn’t exist for two months.”
His jaw ticks. “The fall is dry brush season?—”
I almost don’t want to hear the rest, so I’m relieved when Reese pokes his head out and says, “Mav, the counter installers arrived. We need your opinion on the placement.”
Patton stands, offering me his hand. “Thanks for lunch.”
I take it, let him pull me up, sending little heart bubbles through my veins and directly to my brain, making me feel dazed. My voice sounds floaty when I say, “Anytime.”
