Chapter 15 #3
“Zullies,” I repeated. That’s what the locals called them.
A sign reflecting as much had been emblazoned in neon, hanging in a prominent place inside the bar.
A reminder of how many men and women had placed their lives on the line to keep not only our community but those throughout the country safe.
I’d never felt a closeness to them or their activities before. They’d been there if we needed them. Now my heart was thudding rapidly and I was lightheaded from worry.
“This just in. A name of one injured smokejumper has just been released.”
There was even less commotion in the bar, at least thirty people crowding in. I turned my head, noticing there were two similar groups in other parts of Ziggy’s. All watching. All concerned.
“Stephen Beckett has reportedly suffered serious injuries…”
As soon as the reporter mentioned Axe I turned around, unable to look at the screen any longer.
Char was right there, moving by my side. “Take a deep breath. Why don’t you sit down.”
“I can’t. What is happening? Why in God’s name was he on that fucking mountain? Why? He didn’t need to be there. He wasn’t doing well. Then I came into his life. He had to rescue me. He risked his life to save me and look what happened.”
“Whoa. I’m certain it’s not as bad as it seems.”
“Did you see the pictures? The fire? I need to get out of here. I can’t breathe.” I broke free of her hold, immediately reaching into my back pocket for the phone Axe had given me. I needed to see his face. I needed to feel him around me.
“What. Kenzie. Hold on.”
Char’s voice faded into the crowd as I weaved my way through two dozen people, most clamoring to get to the television. This wasn’t happening. He was injured.
Before I reached the main door, a crush of people coming in pushed me back. I struggled to get through but there were too many of them.
The sign for the restrooms caught my eye. With tears forming and no way of getting home, I headed for the peace and quiet of the ladies’ room.
With a hard shove, I was inside, gasping for air as soon as I could breathe a little easier. There were three girls inside, all gossiping about something.
Meanwhile, I was about to lose my freaking mind.
The music was pumping, blasting into the bathroom.
There was nowhere to go with peace and quiet.
I took several deep breaths, unable to catch my breath.
I gingerly placed the phone on the counter, hanging my head.
Finally, I turned on the water, splashing some on my face.
With beads dripping off, I lifted my head, staring at my reflection.
My eyes were already red and so far, a tear hadn’t fallen.
But they were about to.
It was crazy. I didn’t know Axe at all, just as he’d said, yet what we’d shared, the blip in time after the weather had brought us together was a memory that would withstand the test of time.
The girls continued to chatter away, without noticing that I was about to break down. I did my best to ignore them while I stared at the phone. His phone. After typing in my name, the screen lit up. All I could do was stare at the picture. That’s when I pulled out the new phone I’d purchased.
In a moment I’d feared I would regret, I programmed his number into mine. I’d told myself I’d done so for a call later just so I could return his things. As crazy as it sounded, I wanted to hear his voicemail.
So I dialed his number.
Expecting it to go to voicemail.
“Hello!”
The voice answering was deep and gruff, barely audible over the music in the background.
Confused, I narrowed my eyes. “Who is this?” I grabbed the other phone, staring at the screen. Had it been answered by someone at the hospital? With it in one hand, mine in the other, I moved closer to the door.
“Who is this?”
The music continued and I pulled the phone away, confused as to what I was hearing. Then I realized it was the same music. With my pulse increasing, I yanked open the bathroom door, fighting my way through another crowd.
“Axe?” My voice was strained, perhaps unrecognizable. My stomach continued to churn.
“Kenzie? Where are you?”
His voice was louder. So was the music.
I continued clawing my way through the people, struggling to see over them. Finally, I noticed Char. Who was she talking with?
A crackle of electricity hit me hard, so much so breathing was impossible. As soon as I moved through another group, I noticed a group of men hanging around the bar. There were dozens of people surrounding them, many cheering and lifting bottles and drinks.
“Axe.”
One of the men turned in my direction.
The concept of time stopping on a dime had always amused me before, but that’s exactly what happened. I stopped moving, swaying back and forth as his face finally came into focus.
Axe took a deep breath as he lowered his phone. Finally, a smile crossed his face as I slowly made my way in his direction.
When we were only inches apart, a single tear slipped past my lashes.
There were no words that could be said, just relief at seeing he was unhurt and very much alive.
Without a second thought, I jumped into his arms.