It was going to be hard leaving the gear behind, right along with her fire department family, but she couldn’t wait to be fitted for her new uniform and gear. Of course, she’d have to graduate from the Fire Academy first, but there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that she’d pass with flying colors.
Fighting fires and saving lives was in her blood. Her dad had made a career of it, and she couldn’t wait to follow in his footsteps.
Blayze dabbed at the tears that had collected in the corners of her eyes. She wasn’t one for wearing much make-up, but she’d taken her time getting ready for tonight. She’d be pissed if she had to redo everything again. She glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand next to her bed. It was time to head over to the school. The sooner she could get tonight over with, the better.
Instead of taking her own car, she decided to ride with her parents. Her dad dropped her off at the stadium entrance while he and her mom found a place to park.
Her circle of friends had been small throughout high school, so it didn’t take long to spot her two besties. Shasta was leaving for the Air Force next month and Glen didn’t have the first clue what he was going to do yet. Though the three of them were different in every way imaginable, they had each other’s backs and didn’t take shit from anyone. She was going to miss them dearly, but there wasn’t a doubt in her mind they’d all be successful in their own ways. Somewhere down the road, they’d all cross paths again.
Blayze found her assigned seat and let out a deep sigh. She hated sitting on the front row, but she was being recognized for a couple of awards. She was also in the top ten of her graduating glass, right along with Colton Burns.
Seems that everywhere she turned she was always having to deal with him. Aside from the fact they were both competitive as hell, they were a far cry from being friends. Enemies was a better way to describe it. A thorn in her side since way back to the days of kindergarten. It was such a shame that he’d turned out to be as good looking as he was. She laughed to herself as she thought back to the day her hand had connected with his face.He was such a smart-ass back then and still was if she were being honest. And so much like his arrogant father. For sure, Colton had gotten his crude behavior honestly.
Finally, the principal and vice-principal got things underway. Their speeches seemed to go on forever, and if it was any indication what tomorrow’s graduation ceremony was going to be like, they were going to be there awhile.
As the night wore on, everyone became restless in their seats. Several teachers took to the stage, recognizing student after student for multiple awards and achievements.
Finally, the Senior class officers took their places on stage for the moment she’d dreaded all night. Meant to be humorous and fun, each student was given a “gift” of some sort, something they’d all be able to look back on to remind them of their time spent at Keebler Hills High School.
As Senior Class President and recently appointed class Giftorian, there was no telling what kind of foolishness Colton Burns had up his sleeve. Especially where she was concerned. Just one more opportunity for him to publicly poke fun at her.
The audience cheered loudly and clapped as the first group of students were presented with their gifts. From the oversized can of hairspray for the girl who spent so much time in the bathroom fixing her hair to the alarm clock for the guy who was always running late for class, Blayze had to admit Colton and his committee had put quite a bit of thought into their gifts.
When her name was announced, she hesitated before standing.She could do this. She had to.
As she made her way towards the center of the make-shift stage, she noticed Colton bend down to retrieve something out of a box directly behind him on the floor. Of all people to present her “gift,” why did it have to be him? Hadn’t she dealt with him enough over the years?
Blayze’s gaze landed on the red, plastic fire hat in his hand. It was almost exactly like the ones they passed out to kids who visited the station on school field trips. But that wasn’t all. He also had a fake badge with her name taped to the front and a bright red Hot Wheels firetruck.
She felt the heat rush to her face.
“To Blayze ‘I-want-to-be-a-firefighter-when-I-grow-up’ Jenson,” he announced very loudly into the microphone. “I present to you this fire truck, badge and helmet. May you wear the badge and helmet eloquently while riding all over town in your fire truck looking for fires to put out.” Then, from somewhere behind the stadium, three small blasts like a fire engine’s horn, filled the air.
The audience broke out into howling fits of laughter and for a split second, she considered running off the stage. But she didn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to her parents, to her other classmates, to herself. She’d stood up to Colton numerous times before, and she could do it again.
She wasn’t sure why she let it bother her so much. The gifts were somewhat appropriate—considering what she planned to do with her life—but the fact that Colton could use them to publicly tease her one last time somehow made her feel like he had the final say in the matter.
She accepted the gifts from him graciously, then turned and walked back to her seat. Colton seemed shocked that she didn’t have anything to say. What was the point, really?
She’d show everyone, including Colton, that she was tougher than any of them ever thought she could be.
Chapter One
Blayze peeled her fire coat off and let it fall to the floor. A whiff of smoke wafted through her nostrils and she brought her forearm up to her nose to shield pungent odor.Ugh.She didn’t think she’d ever get used to the smell.
She’d been with the Gorman Valley FD going on ten years now. She wasn’t sure she’d like living there at first—moving away from home right out of high school was a little scary—but she couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin her career. Since day one, everyone had welcomed her with open arms and had accepted her as one of their own during some of the most challenging times of her life. Just last year, she was promoted to Captain, a position she wasn’t sure she was ready for. The support and encouragement from everyone had never swayed.
Blayze pushed her hair out of her face, securing a few of the lose strands behind her left ear. Her French braid was near perfect prior to going out on the call. Now that she was back, it looked as though she hadn’t tended to it in days.
The same could be said for her feet. The blisters she got from wearing her boots were no fun. She’d tried different socks, but nothing seemed to help. She treated herself to pedicures on a regular basis, but sadly, her poor feet would never grace a pair of high heels again.
She chugged a bottle of water then headed back outside. Lieutenant Gavin MacDonald was standing alongside the truck with the hoses stretched out on the pavement. Just because they were back at the station didn’t mean their work was finished. They still needed to clean and prepare the truck for the next call.
She passed a water to him. “Here ya go, Lt.”
“Thanks, BJ.” MacDonald quickly removed the cap and took a couple of gulps.
Around the station, it was how everyone referred to her. Not Jenson. Not Blayze. Just BJ. Yeah, everyone was well aware that BJ stood for something else, but the guys kept it respectful. Especially with her being the only female at their station.
