“What do you have in mind, soldier?” she asked me.
My hand instinctively ran across the stubble that gave me away—a buzz cut that made my head a neon sign flashing my choices and my future to strangers like her.
“I don’t have anything in mind. Just … whatever.”
“I love whatever,” she said. “It’s my motto for this summer.”
“And what’s your name?”
“Hallie.”
“Hallie,” I repeated, like I could bottle up the sweetness and take a piece of that smile with me.
“Feel like walking?” I asked.
“If you promise to help me find my hostel before the night is out.”
“I promise,” I said.
“Scout’s honor?” she asked.
“Scout’s honor.”
“Knew it,” she muttered, blowing another one of my covers.
We borrowed that night in Munich. I’d say we stole it, butsomething in me still feels like we gave whatever we took back to the city before leaving.
Chapter 3
Hallie
If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
~ Seth Godin
Gravel crunches under my tires as I pull into the lot next to the station and ease into a space alongside the pickup trucks and cars of the other firefighters. Such a mom-mobile. Here I am trying to keep Mia separate from my work while arriving at work in a vehicle that screamssuburban soccer mom. Only, I’m a baseball mom through and through.
I don’t want the guys on the crew to know about my personal life—not yet. I don’t want their sympathy. I want their respect. In time, I’ll share about Mia and the life I live as a single mom. I’m fooling myself if I think I can keep all the details of my past hidden in a town the size of Waterford.
As impossible as that may be, I need to give myself the opportunity to start with a blank slate—as blank as it can be when you’re the first woman firefighter in the entire history of the department.
No pressure.
Somehow, I made it through the first day at the station two days ago. We didn’t have any calls that day with the exception of a minor medical that Greyson and Patrick covered while Dustin and I remained behind. After that shift, I had a full twenty-four hours off to do more unpacking and help Mia adjust to our new rhythm.
The crew has been extra nice—and extra careful. I went into this knowing I’m joining an all-male crew. Of course they’re going to tiptoe around me a bit until we get our bearings. Still, I’m not made of glass, and the sooner they realize that, the more comfortable we’ll all be.
I take a deep breath, blow it out and start to open the van door to head into my second shift. My cell pings.
Avery: Go get ’em Little Miss Firefighter.
I laugh softly to myself.
Hallie: Exactly who am I going to get?
Avery: For one, possibly a hot firefighter. But actually, I just meant for you to have a great day and show those men what you’re made of.
Hallie: There will be no getting of any hot firefighters. I’m just hoping to make it through day two on shift. Nothing more.
