ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟝𝟡
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The first person who noticed me at the station was Ryan. He stopped so abruptly that the firefighter walking behind him nearly ran straight into his back.
He looked at me like I had just walked into the station carrying a live grenade.
I gave him a very clear look.
Please don't.
Not a word. Not one.
Ryan's eyes widened slightly and he nodded. For one beautiful second, I thought he understood, but then he turned around and disappeared down the hallway.
I closed my eyes.
I already knew exactly where he was going. Or rather, who he was going to tell.
Brody, or Hunter. Definitely both. The three rascals couldn't stay off each other.
I was here because Cameron knew a guy that would give me starters on setting up my own firm. He didn't specifically tell me to come over, but I was here anyway.
I had barely taken three more steps into the station when I heard voices behind me.
"Well, well, well."
Oh great.
I didn't stop walking. Maybe if I ignored them, they'd go away. Last time I came by, things turned out horrible.
"Look who decided to visit us a second time!"
I slowly turned. Brody and Hunter were standing a few feet away.
Ryan was behind them, then he ran away to do whatever Ryan did at the station.
That scum!
All three of them were staring at me with expressions that immediately made me regret coming here.
I looked at all of them. "Hi."
"Hi," Brody said cheerfully.
Hunter nodded. "Hey, Dixie."
Brody's smile widened. "So."
I already knew where this was going, and I was going to put a stop to it.
I sighed. "Listen Brody, I don't have time for chit-chat, I need to find Cameron."
Hunter's eyebrows lifted. "Oh, Cameron."
"Yes."
"Your husband." Brody added.
I stared at him. "Yes, Brody. My husband."
"She called him her husband." Hunter looked at Brody.
"I heard." They both nodded thoughtfully.
"Why do you two always have to act so strange?" I narrowed my eyes.
"We're not acting strange," Brody said. "We're just happy to see you."
"I don't believe you." I murmur.
Hunter grinned. "So, did you two have fun at the mayor's event?"
For a second, I forgot that Cameron and I were basically broadcasted to the entire world.
I looked at them. "Cameron told me you two were watching the program."
"Oh, we watched, alright." Brody nodded enthusiastically. "Very informative."
Hunter smiled. "Especially the ending."
I stared at him. "Hunter, stop whatever you're thinking."
Brody laughed. "I think the whole station was thinking about it."
Brody stepped closer. "I mean, we watched it, expecting a nice little community event about Molly."
Hunter nodded. "It started off very wholesome, serious..very emotional."
"Then suddenly-" Brody made an exaggerated kissing noise with his mouth.
I closed my eyes. "Please stop this nonsense."
The embarrassment was crazy.
Hunter burst out laughing. "I'm just saying, Dixie, I've never seen a missing-person program turn into a kissing booth before."
"It wasn't a kissing booth."
Brody nodded. "That's what makes it special."
I stared at all of them in disappointment.
I had known coming here was going to be a mistake, I just hadn't expected it to be this immediate.
I don't care, I wanted to see my husband. "I came here to see Cameron. Not for all of this questioning."
They were just like those stupid little reporters, but 10 times more annoying.
Hunter leaned against the wall. "Not because you missed him?"
"I need his help with something." I stared at him.
"His help. That's what we're calling it? Last time I checked, you guys were divorced."
I gave Hunter a glare.
I hated that term. Cameron and I were never divorced, we just took a break from each other. We were both hurt, angry and upset.
And lately, we have been doing better. Any regular-functioning human being would understand that.
I crossed my arms. "We were never divorced."
"Oh, really?" Brody lifted his eyebrows.
"No."
Hunter looked at Brody. "She corrected you very quickly."
"Because you were wrong!" My voice rose slightly.
Hunter nodded slowly, putting his hands up like he was surrendering. "Okay. Never divorced."
"Correct." I sigh. At least someone got it.
"Just separated."
I stared at him. Why did he have to make it sound like that? "That is not helping."
Brody laughed. "So you're still together?"
How many times would I have to say it?
"Yes."
I answered so quickly that both of them looked at me. I quickly regretted giving them confirmation.
I crossed my arms. "I don't have time for this."
"So you're just going to walk in here after publicly kissing Cameron in front of half the city and pretend nothing happened?"
My face immediately warmed. Simply mentioning it could still make my face react.
I pointed at both of them. "You two are incredibly annoying."
"Thank you."
"Wasn't even a compliment.." I exhaled slowly. "Anyway. Where is Cameron?"
"Where is the Chief who has a tight and busy schedule for today?" Brody asked mockingly.
Did they not want me to see him or something?
"Yes, I'm sure he could make some space on his super tight and busy schedule for his wife, Dixie West." I said sarcastically.
Brody nodded toward the hallway. "He was down that way a few minutes ago."
"Doing what?" I asked.
"Firefighter things," Brody smiled. "Maybe he's in the kitchen."
Hunter shook his head. "No, I think he went toward the training rooms. Maybe the garage." He continued.
"Could be the garage." Brody finished.
I looked between them. They were enjoying this far too much.
"Do you actually know where he is?"
They exchanged a look.
"No," Hunter finally admitted.
I nodded slowly. "Fine. If you don't mind, I'll find him myself."
I turned around and started walking. Behind me, I heard footsteps. I stopped, turned my head. To no surprise, Brody and Hunter were following me.
I crossed my arms. "Why are you following me?"
"We're walking the same direction, Dixie." Brody said sarcastically.
"Don't get smart with me, you don't need to take this direction."
"Well quit it, okay?" I spoke softly.
I turned around again and continued walking.
They still followed. I could hear them whispering behind me.
I didn't bother turning around. Whatever they were saying, I was almost certain I didn't want to know.
We passed the kitchen, which was empty. The garage, which was also empty. A few firefighters were gathered near the equipment room, but Cameron wasn't among them.
I kept walking and Brody and Hunter followed.
At this point, they had become background noise.
Like a badly programmed soundtrack. Actually, that was a perfect way to describe the brats.
"Dixie."
I ignored Brody.
"Dixieeee." He purposefully dragged my name out.
"What?"
"You're walking pretty fast, y'know."
"I'm trying to find my husband."
Hunter laughed. "Your husband."
"Yes." I turned around while still walking.
Brody smiled. "You must really like saying that."
"Because apparently, you two need constant reminding."
Hunter put a hand over his heart. "We're only happy for you."
I stopped. They almost walked into me-that's how close they were.
I stared at them. "You're happy for me?"
"Absolutely." Brody nodded. "You and Cameron looked pretty happy on that stage."
My expression softened for half a second, then I remembered who I was talking to.
"You're always starting something." I muttered.
I shook my head and continued down the hall.
Then I heard a familiar voice. "Alright, everyone, again."
I stopped.
Cameron! That was so obviously him.
I glanced toward the end of the hallway, and there he was. Standing in the training area with several younger firefighters.
Rookies, probably.
He was wearing his station uniform, sleeves pushed slightly higher on his forearms, with his radio clipped to his side.
His hair was a little messier than it had been earlier.
The polished tuxedo from the mayor's event was gone. This was Cameron in his element.
He was explaining something to the rookies, occasionally demonstrating with his hands.
I stood there for a second, just watching him. He looked great in whatever he was explaining.
Cameron was never the one to yell when someone got something wrong. He'd explain it over and over again until that person got it.
My Cameron.
A couple of the rookies noticed me first, then Cameron looked over, following their gaze.
His eyes landed on me, and his entire expression changed. The serious look disappeared, and a smile replaced it.
"Dixie."
The rookies immediately looked between us.
"Hey, you." I smiled.
Cameron looked past me. His smile faded slightly when he saw Brody and Hunter standing behind me, then he looked back at me.
"What are you doing here?"
"You told me to come by."
"I know I did." He glanced at his watch. "I didn't expect you this soon."
"It's been a few hours."
"That's soon to you?"
"For me, yeah."
He grinned at me, then turned toward the rookies. "Alright. Take ten."
The group immediately dispersed, and Cameron walked toward me. I barely had time to say anything before I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him.
He froze for half a second, then his arms came around me.
He smelled faintly of smoke, but his touch was warm, so I'll give him that.
I closed my eyes. There was something about hugging Cameron at the station that felt completely different.
Maybe because this was his world, the place where everyone knew him, where he was confident, and I was still standing here in the middle of it.
His hand moved slowly across my back, up and down.
"Hey." His voice was quieter now. "How are you?"
"I'm good." Now that I'm here with you.
I keep that part to myself.
He pulled back just enough to look at me. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." I nodded.
"That's nice.." He smiled. "Good."
His eyes moved over my face. "You look beautiful."
My face warmed again, and I looked away.
"Gee..thanks."
One of the younger firefighters walked past us, then stopped. "Hey, Chief."