I huff out a small laugh. “Just kick me while I’m down, eh?”
“Where is Sera?”
“She left. Went to stay with her colleague.”
“I brought her nan’s throw and pillow that you asked me to wash. I had to replace the stuffing in the pillow as I couldn’t get rid of the smoke smell, but the throw seems as good as new.”
“She’ll love them. Thank you.”
“Anytime. If you need me to salvage anything else, let me know.”
“Thanks. I have her locket. Needs a new chain. And there are a few pictures from her nan’s bedroom that just need cleaning up, but I can sort those.”
“It was lucky that her nan kept all her paperwork in that metal filing case.”
“Yeah. Hopefully, the insurance will come through soon, and Sera can use the money for college or whatever she wants to do.” I run a hand over my face with a sigh, hoping she’ll want to stay here with me, but I know I’m deluded. This was never going to work. She’s a firecracker that needs to soar. She just needed a little help to get on her feet.
Ember pats my arm. “Everything’ll work out. You’ll see.”
“Then why do I feel like I’ve lost them both?”
Ember exhales softly. “You haven’t lost them, Flint. They’re just out in the cold. It’s up to you to bring them home.”
I stare out the window at the falling snow, a dusting where her car was parked. “I have no idea how to do that, Em.” The truth is, I can run into burning buildings without a second thought, but I don’t know how to walk through the wreckage I’ve made of my own life.
She gives me a small, hopeful smile. “Give them time.”
I nod, though my chest aches. Waiting’s never been my strong suit. Not when the house feels this empty without her.
She touches my arm. “You’ll figure it out. You’ve spent your life putting out fires.”
I hope she’s right.
Chapter Seventeen
SERA
Iwipe my palms over the new uniform I had to buy as I step into the Dockside Grill. My body trembles as I walk through the restaurant and into the back with my head down.
“Honey, you’re back.” Jo walks towards me with her arms open wide.
I let out a sigh at her friendly face.
“I didn’t know you were back today.” She pulls away to look at me. “Have you been crying?”
I swipe at my cheeks. It’s all I seem to do lately. It’s annoying. “Can I stay with you tonight?”
“Of course. What happened with the chief?” Her eyes widen. “I thought you two were… Has he kicked you out?”
“Mason came home this morning. He almost caught us…” I dip my head in shame, cheeks burning as if I’m working the grill.
“So Flint hadn’t told his son?”
Logan, the manager walks in. “Sera, your shift doesn’t start until noon.”
“I know. I just had nowhere else to go.”
“I thought you were staying with the fire chief. Has he been inappropriate with you?”
