“I’m sure you didn’t, ma’am,” he said kindly to her. Then he returned his anger to me. “Think about what could have happened if this was truly an emergency? Would yourworkbe worth a fireman’s life?”
Sydney shot me a warning look, which I heeded.
“You’re right.” She jumped in. “We promise we will never behave so irresponsibly again, right, Waverly?”
“Right,”I replied through clenched teeth.
He didn’t miss a beat. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his trusty ticket pad, which of course, I recognized instantly. He faced Sydney. “I appreciate your understanding and compassion, miss. Hopefully, your co-worker can learn a lesson or two from your good example. I’m sorry but I’m going to have to cite the company for this incident.”
Sydney held up her hands. “Wait. Please, this was an innocent misunderstanding. We didn’t mean any harm. Can you please reconsider?”
Officer Ennis vacillated for a second, but then stared at me with eyes of steel. I wanted to scrape the smugness off his face with my freshly manicured nails.
Not to be intimidated, Syd turned toward the older, more rational fireman and said, “I’m sure you know Charles Baxter, don’t you?”
“Of, course I do,” he responded. “He’s been a volunteer for over fifteen years. Great fella, that guy. And he always brings the best snacks to the firehouse.”
Sydney nodded. “Well, this is his company. Charles would be mortified if his company was issued a violation. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how much he values the fire department and all of its members. My colleague and I realize we were wrong today. We were ignorant and careless, and we’re extremely sorry. Please, can you not issue the citation?”
Officer Ennis turned to me, and our eyes locked. I felt a strange mix of emotions for a split second, but then he opened his mouth. “The law is the law.”
I felt my face flush. I prayed Sydney had bail money in her purse because odds were high I might get arrested today for assaulting an officer if he kept this attitude up.
Fortunately, before I could say or do something I’d regret, the older man held up his right hand. “Ennis, let it go. The ladies are sorry.” The walkie-talkie attached to his pants made a strange sound, and he closed his eyes, as if in prayer. Then he said, “Besides, we don’t have time to make an example. We’ve got another call. There’s a blaze.” Into his walkie-talkie he said, “You can send ’em back up, Hank. Buildings got the all clear.”
“Do you still need us to leave?” Sydney asked.
“Naw.”
“Thank you, sir. And good luck, guys,” Sydney said as the men rushed out. Then she collapsed in my guest chair.
Fuming, I asked, “So, do you still think that arrogant, egotistical imbecile is cute?”
She ran her fingers through her hair. “I hate to admit it, but you’re right, Waverly. There is something seriously wrong with the man. I thought you were exaggerating. But now, seeing him in action, it’s crystal clear. The guy hates your guts.”
“I know. But why?”
9
November
Nothing screamedconfidence more than a new dress and designer shoes. At least that was what Sydney promised when she took me shopping last weekend.
When I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the hotel window, I realized my friend was a genius. The little black dress she insisted I purchase hugged me in all the right places. While higher than I usually wore, the shoes made my toned legs look somewhat sexy, and my brown hair hung in perfect waves down my back.
At her urging, I spent the afternoon getting my hair and makeup done professionally. I didn’t think it was necessary, but Sydney said if I want to relive my glory days and find my fun side again, I needed to try to make a splash.
It was a shame. I loved being pampered, but I never allowed myself the luxury to completely disconnect. Trying to turn over a new leaf, I was proud of myself. The entire time I was at the salon I didn’t check my work emails once. Maybe there was hope for me after all.
I walked into the lobby and spotted the sign that announced the reunion would be held on the top floor. Once I exited the elevator, I took a moment to look around and get my bearings. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided the perfect view of the New York City skyline. Even though I lived in Manhattan for so many years, before I moved to the suburbs, the awe of the architecture and the excitement of the bright lights never ceased to amaze me.
“Waverly!”
I turned around and spotted my oldest and dearest friend, Lauren, and her husband, Gary.
She placed her empty drink on a table, sprang to her feet, and gave me a fierce hug. “Thank god you’re here. You were starting to worry me, girl. I was afraid you changed your mind about coming again. You know, the last one was a snooze fest without you.” She held up her left hand and smiled at the two-carat princess cut diamond on her finger. Then she glanced at her better half. “The only reason I didn’t ditch the event was because I wanted to show off these two beauties.”
“You’re a trip.” I broke free of her embrace and stood on my toes to give her spouse a quick hug. I looked around the room and smiled. “I’m glad I came too. I can’t wait to see what everyone looks like,in real life.” I scanned the crowded room quickly. “But first, I need a drink!”
