Chapter 2
Chapter Two
GAbrIEL
The apple muffin sits on my desk at the firehouse. I pick it up, sniffing the perfectly golden streusel top, still warm, the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the small office. One bite, and I'm in heaven.
“You gonna marry that muffin or eat it?” Chief Brock leans against my doorframe, arms crossed.
“Eat it.” I take another bite, trying not to groan. How did she learn to cook like this? Little Noelle Jolly, with her thick glasses and stack of library books, who used to drop her lunch tray at least once a week because she was reading recipe books while walking?
“That from Jolly's? Since when do they make anything that doesn't come frozen from a distributor?”
“Noelle's back. She made it.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Jim's daughter? The one who went to culinary school?”
“She did? Figures…this is delicious.”
The chief nods. “I heard Jim’s wife broke her ankle. Noelle must be back in town to help out.”
“Almost burned the place down today. I was walking past when I noticed the smoke.”
Brock whistles low. “That broiler's been a hazard for years. Jim’s too broke to replace it.”
“The whole kitchen needs an overhaul. I'm thinking of going back tomorrow for a full inspection.” I try to sound professional, like I'm not already counting down the hours until I see her again.
Brock's grin says he's not buying it. “Didn’t you once mention you had a thing for her in high school?”
“I didn't—”
“Please. You look like one of those cartoon characters with love hearts circling above their heads.”
I lean back in my chair. “She was shy. I was stupid. And then I left town with the band.”
Felix's band, technically, but I'd been part of the crew, setting up equipment, managing logistics. Four years on the road, watching my brother live the rock star life while I made sure everyone got to the venue on time and stacked the amplifiers.
“That was before you went to the city?” Brock adds.
“Yep.” Two years with the City Fire Department, good years learning the ropes, but empty ones. Coming home to an apartment that never felt like home. Then Grandma got sick, and coming back to Snowflake Falls wasn't a choice anymore.
Not that I regret it. Even after she passed, this town is home.
“Well, is she seeing anyone?” Brock asks.
“How would I know?”
“Ask.”
“If she’s back to help while her mom recovers, she won’t be here for long.” The words taste bitter in my mouth. She's probably got a whole life up in the city.
“So she's here now. That's what matters.” Brock shakes his head.
My phone buzzes with a text from Felix.
I need your help with one of the apartments on Sunday. Don't make me come drag you out of that cabin.
I text back.
Maybe.
If that means no, I’m coming to get you.
Great. Another night of my brother complaining about the tenants in his rental properties. Felix means well, but ever since Grandma died, he's been grumpy as hell.
“I should get back to work,” I tell Brock.
“Sure,” He heads for the door, then pauses. “You know, that diner could use some help with repairs. Might take more than one visit to get it all up to code.”
“Roger that. I’ll take care of it.”
“Right.”
I open a new inspection form. But all I can think about is how Noelle looked in that moment after the fire was out, her cheeks flushed, her honey-brown eyes wide behind those thick frames.
My phone rings. It’s my friend Clarence from the repair shop.
“Hey, Gabe. Heard you put out a fire at the diner. Everyone okay?”
I sigh. Nothing gets past Clarence. “All good, just a broiler fire. I handled it.”
“Good man. Jim's lucky you were nearby. That man needs to take better care of that place before it falls apart.”
“His daughter's back. She's helping out.”
“Noelle? Well now. Pretty girl. Smart too. Makes a man think about the future.”
Clarence was a friend of Grandma’s and he taught me everything I know about fixing things. His side hobby is trying to matchmake the single folks in Snowflake, with varying degrees of success.
I sigh. “It's just an inspection, Clarence.”
“Okay, son. Come over later, I have that wrench you wanted back in stock.”
I close my phone and try to focus on my work, but my mind keeps drifting. How Noelle said my name, breathy and surprised, like she couldn't quite believe I was real.
But she’ll be gone after Christmas. That is, unless I can find a way to convince her to stick around?