5. Carla
CHAPTER 5
Carla
M y heart hammered in my chest, a staccato rhythm that matched the urgency of the situation. I’d never packed up and left the gym so quickly. I was still in my tank top and leggings. But the boys needed me, and I’d do anything for them. I loved them like they were my own family. I could be willing and still a little apprehensive, right? I’d babysat the boys before, but never in an emergency. I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as I stared at the familiar brick facade of the fire station.
But the fact that Eli had called me for help? That made my heart a little shaky, too.
I muttered to myself as I stepped out of my car. “It’s just Eli and the boys. No big deal.”
Right. No big deal. Just the man who made my heart swoop in my stomach, like the drop of a roller coaster, every time I saw him, and three rambunctious kids I’d be responsible for. Piece of cake.
As I pushed open the heavy glass door, I was immediately welcomed into a homey scene. A handful of firefighters dotted the space. I recognized Kyle Parker and TJ Wolff, along with Jake and Matteo. The air was thick with the scent of diesel fuel and garlic, a combination that should have been unpleasant but instead felt oddly comforting.
My eyes scanned the room. I’d never been in the fire station before, but I was surprised to see it was set up sort of like a living room. I spotted a kitchen off to the left in the back, and several couches surrounded a large television.
My gaze immediately landed on Eli and the boys on the couch, Eli’s dark hair and muscular frame unmistakable. He was in his uniform, the navy fabric stretched taut across his broad shoulders. My traitorous heart skipped a beat.
Another firefighter I didn’t recognize was sitting down next to the boys, who were giggling as they focused on the video game on the big screen. The sight made me smile despite my nerves.
As if sensing my presence, Eli looked up. Our eyes met across the room, and I felt that familiar jolt of electricity. His expression was a mix of relief and conflict, mirroring the turmoil I felt inside.
He started walking toward me, and I prepared myself for our interaction. How was I supposed to act around him? Professional? Friendly? Distant?
I watched Eli’s broad shoulders tense as he approached, his firefighter uniform accentuating every muscle. My heart did that infuriating flip it always did around him, but I pushed the feeling aside. This wasn’t about us.
“Hey,” Eli said as he reached me, his voice low and gravelly. “Thanks for coming, Carla.”
I nodded, trying to ignore the way my name sounded on his lips and the warmth that spread through my chest. “What’s going on? Is your dad okay?”
He ran a hand through his dark hair, his eyes clouded with worry. “It’s not good. He collapsed this morning. They think it is his heart. I need to get to the hospital, but...”
His gaze drifted to where his nephews were playing with a few of the other firefighters. I could see the conflict written all over his face.
“How are the boys doing?”
Eli ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I knew meant he was stressed. “They’re okay for now, but I’m worried about how they’ll handle everything once it really sinks in.”
I wanted to reach out and comfort him, but I held back. Instead, I said, “They’re tough kids, Eli. We’ll get through this together.”
He raised an eyebrow at that, a hint of his usual cockiness seeping through. “We, huh?”
I felt my cheeks flush. “I just meant… All of us. Don’t turn this into anything. This is about the boys and your father.”
He nodded, his expression softening. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I appreciate you being here, Carla. More than you know. I just…”
As I looked into his dark eyes, I could see the vulnerability he was trying so hard to hide. It made my heart ache, and I had to remind myself why I had kept my distance all these years. But standing here now, with Eli looking at me like that, all those reasons seemed to fade away.
“But you’re worried about the boys,” I finished for him.
“Yeah,” he sighed. “I mean, I know they’re in good hands with you, but...” I watched as Eli’s jaw clenched, his eyes darting between me and the boys. His fingers drummed an anxious rhythm against his thigh, a tell I remembered all too well from our high school days.
“Look, I know this is a lot to ask,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And with our... history... I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to back out.”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Classic Eli, always assuming the worst. “I’m here, aren’t I?” I replied, trying to keep my tone light. “The boys will be fine. You need to focus on your dad.”
Eli nodded, but I could see the hesitation in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, running a hand over his face.
“Spit it out, Wells,” I prodded, crossing my arms. “What’s really bothering you?”
He let out a shaky breath. “It’s just... my dad. You know how he can be. If he found out you were watching the boys...”
I felt a twinge of hurt at his words, but I pushed it aside. This wasn’t about me or our families’ ridiculous feud. It was about those three little boys who needed someone to look after them.
“Your dad doesn’t need to know,” I said firmly. “Right now, all that matters is that you’re there for him and your mom. Besides, I’m with the boys all the time. I’ve got this, Eli. Trust me.”
Watching Eli’s shoulders relax slightly, I knew I’d said the right thing.
“You’re right,” he admitted, his trademark grin finally making an appearance, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You always were the smart one, Puddles.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Someone has to be,” I quipped. “Now, let’s get these boys settled, shall we?”
We turned our attention to loading the kids into my sedan. As I helped buckle in the youngest one, I felt Eli’s eyes on me. I pushed away the sudden awareness of my gym clothing. It was tight and hardly appropriate for the weather.
“Alright, munchkins,” I said cheerfully, “who’s ready for an adventure with Miss Carla?”
The boys cheered, their earlier hesitation seemingly forgotten. I couldn’t help but grin at their enthusiasm. Teaching had its perks, and connecting with kids was definitely one of them.
Eli approached me as I closed the door, a folded piece of paper in his hand. “Here’s my number and the garage code, in case you didn’t have it. I’ll be at the hospital, but I’ll be back as soon as possible,” he said, his voice low.
As he handed me the paper, our fingers brushed ever so slightly. A jolt of electricity shot through me, and I saw Eli’s eyes widen almost imperceptibly. For a moment, we were frozen, that brief touch speaking volumes about our unresolved history.
I cleared my throat, breaking the moment. “Got it. Don’t worry, Eli. We’ll be fine.” I already have his number in my phone—I’d never been strong enough to delete it, and he called me no less than an hour ago—but his mind is clearly elsewhere.
As Eli drove off, I turned to the boys with a grin. “So, who’s up for some fun?”
The older boy, Alex, eyed me skeptically. “What kind of fun?”
I tapped my chin, pretending to think hard. “Well, how about we start with building the world’s biggest pillow fort?”
Their eyes lit up, and just like that, the ice was broken. I took them home, using the garage code to get into their house. We spent the morning constructing an elaborate fortress in the living room, complete with secret tunnels and a pillow drawbridge. As we worked, I kept my phone close, expecting updates from Eli.
Sure enough, it buzzed around noon.
Eli: Dad’s stable. Tests ongoing. Thanks again for this.
I typed a quick reply, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at seeing his name on my screen.
Me: No problem. Boys are having a blast. Keep us posted.
Lincoln tugged at my sleeve. “Miss Carla, can we have dinosaur-shaped sandwiches for lunch?”
I grinned, pushing thoughts of Eli aside. “Absolutely! Let’s see if we can make a whole Jurassic Park on our plates.”
As we crafted our prehistoric lunch, my phone buzzed again.
Eli: You’re a lifesaver. How are you managing?
I stared at the message, biting my lip. The genuine concern in his words made my heart do that annoying somersault again.
I snapped a photo of the dinosaur sandwiches and broccoli trees.
Me: We’re good. I’m currently ruling over a kingdom of pillows and dinosaur sandwiches.
His reply came quickly.
Eli: All hail Queen Carla! May she always bless the kingdom with her beauty and grace.
I felt a warmth spread through me at the compliment, my cheeks blazing as I fought back the grin spreading across them.
Eli: Sounds like Dad’s going to be okay. He’s in surgery now, and then it’ll be medication and rest. He’s probably here for 3-4 days at least, though.
Me: Wow. I’m glad he’s okay.
I started typing a question, but deleted it. I didn’t want to bother him while he was still dealing with everything. As long as someone was able to take the boys before I had to go back to school I would be fine. And since it was officially Thanksgiving break, we had a full week before that happened.
Before I could set down the phone, it began to ring in my hand. I glanced at the screen, seeing Eli’s name flashing in bold letters. Swallowing my sudden nerves, I answered the call.
“Hey, Eli. Everything okay?” I tried to keep my tone light, masking the worry that threatened to seep in.
There was a brief pause on the other end before Eli’s voice came through, gravelly with exhaustion. “We’re all good here. Are you sure you’re okay?”
My heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in his tone. “Of course. We’re fine here.” I hesitated. “Do you… do you know when you’ll be back? Have you talked to Nathan or Becca?”
“I talked to Nathan and insisted they stay at the beach. Dad’s going to be okay, and they deserve the break. Plus, their flights would be really expensive to change. Look, I hate to ask, but I won’t be able to make it back tonight,” he began, and I could hear the strain in his voice. “Mom needs me here, and I can’t leave her alone.”
My chest tightened with empathy for Eli and his family situation. “Don’t worry about it,” I replied without hesitation. “I’ll take care of the boys for as long as you need. Can I give the boys an update, though? They’re worried.”
“Definitely. Tell them Grandpa’s going to be okay. Actually… why don’t you bring them to visit tomorrow? It’ll be good for Dad to see them.”
“Are you sure it won’t be too much?” He assured me it wouldn’t, and that he’d let me know if that changed.
After lunch the next day, I gathered the boys in the living room, my teacher voice kicking in. “Alright, team, we’ve got an important mission. We’re going to visit Papa at the hospital.”
Joey’s little eyes widened. “Is Papa still sick?”
I nodded, keeping my tone gentle but firm. “He is, buddy. That’s why we need to be on our best behavior. The hospital is a place where people go to get better, so we need to be quiet and respectful. Can you guys do that for me?”
Lincoln puffed out his chest. “I can be super quiet, Miss Carla. Like a ninja!”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Excellent ninja skills will definitely come in handy. Now, let’s get ready. Do you have those cards you made for your Papa?”
As the boys scampered off to fetch their handmade creations, I took a deep breath. This visit was going to be tricky. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about potentially running into Harold Wells. The old feud between our families still cast a long shadow, and I wasn’t sure how he’d react to seeing me there.
We piled into the minivan, the boys chattering excitedly in the backseat. After the twenty-minute drive to Greencastle, we pulled into the parking lot. “Okay, ninjas,” I said, turning to face the boys, “remember our mission. Quiet and respectful, right?”
They nodded solemnly, and I felt a surge of affection for my best friend’s kids.
As we made our way to the correct area, I spotted a familiar figure in the waiting room. Mrs. Wells sat in a chair, her face lined with worry. The moment she saw her grandsons, though, her expression brightened.
“There are my brave boys,” she said, opening her arms.
Alex and Lincoln hesitated, glancing around at the unfamiliar environment. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, they rushed forward into their grandmother’s embrace. Joey followed their lead, quickly scampering toward her.
“Mimi!” Lincoln exclaimed, then quickly lowered his voice to a stage whisper. “We’re being quiet ninjas for Papa.”
Mrs. Wells laughed softly, her eyes meeting mine over the boys’ heads. I saw a flicker of surprise, then gratitude.
Alex pulled back, his face serious as only an eight-year-old can be. “We made cards for Papa,” he announced, proudly holding up his colorful creation. “To help him feel better.”
I watched as Mrs. Wells’ eyes filled with tears. “Oh, sweethearts,” she murmured, pulling them close again. “Papa will love these. They’ll make him feel so much better.”
As I stood there, watching this tender family moment, I felt like an intruder. But I also felt a warmth spreading through my chest. Despite everything – the family feud, the complicated history with Eli – I was glad I could be here for these boys.
Maybe some bridges were worth rebuilding, no matter how long they’d been broken. Could the bridge between our families ever be restored?
Just then, I caught a flicker of movement from the corner of my eye. My heart skipped a beat as Eli appeared, his firefighter’s uniform replaced with a wrinkled T-shirt and jeans. His dark eyes met mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths.
“Uncle Eli!” the boys chorused, their faces lighting up.
Eli ruffled their hair, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “Hey, kiddos. You being good for Carla?”
I nodded, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. “They’ve been perfect gentlemen.”
Eli’s gaze locked with mine, a silent conversation passing between us. Gratitude, uncertainty, and something else I couldn’t quite name flickered across his face. My breath caught in my throat.
“Boys,” he said, breaking our eye contact, “want to go see Papa now?”
As they nodded eagerly, Eli turned to me with an apologetic smile. “Carla, I... uh, I think it might be best if...”
“If I wait here,” I finished for him, forcing a smile. “No problem. I’ve got some emails to catch up on anyway.”
Eli’s shoulders sagged with relief, but I could see the conflict in his eyes. “Thanks,” he murmured. “For everything.”
As they walked away, I sank into a nearby chair, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Part of me understood why I couldn’t go in – Harold Wells’ prejudice against my family was no secret. But another part of me felt a sharp sting of exclusion.
This wasn’t about me. The man was in the hospital, for heaven’s sake. I could sit in the corner and wait so he didn’t get upset.
But as I sat there, surrounded by the hushed sounds of the waiting room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would always be on the outside looking in.