Teasing You, page 2
Reid Baylor carefully folded the rag he was using to wax the rear section of the firetruck. As he walked away, he gave a nod to his buddy, Mike. “Thanks, man,” he said as he walked through the firehouse and to the captain’s office.
Getting called in to see his captain didn’t fill him with any sense of dread. If anything, it was just the opposite. Reid had a five-year plan and everybody knew it. So if he was getting called in to talk, he had to believe it was for a good reason.
“Captain,” he said as he knocked on the open door.
“Hey, Reid,” Captain Walters said, motioning for Reid to come in and sit down.
“Thanks.”
“This is your weekend off, right?”
“Yes, Sir. A buddy of mine just got engaged and his fiancé’s family is throwing a party for the two of them. I’ll be heading out of town after my shift on Thursday and I’ll be back to work Monday morning.”
“Mm-hmm,” he replied as he picked up a packet of papers from his desk, glanced at it, and then tossed it back down. “Reid, how long have you been here in Roanoke?”
“Two years now.”
“And how do you like it here? Is Roanoke a place you want to call home, or would you be open to moving?”
He took a moment to think about it. “Well, I guess I’m open to moving.”
“You guess?” The captain shook his head. “Reid, you need to be a little more decisive than that.”
“We moved around a lot when I was growing up, so it’s not a big deal for me.” He paused. “But I supposed I’d be more decisive if I knew where I was potentially being asked to move to.”
Captain Walters smiled. “Fair enough. I believe I saw on your transcript that you used to live in a town called Sweetbriar Ridge, is that correct?”
Smiling, he nodded. “That’s actually where I’m heading this weekend. We lived there the longest and obviously I kept in touch with some of my old friends.”
“So then you might not be opposed to moving there.” It wasn’t a question.
“Is there seriously a position open there? When I was growing up in Sweetbriar, there was only one fire station and it was about the size of a postage stamp. I figured they would never have to look outside of the town limits for firefighters. Or fire inspectors.”
“Well, they’re growing. It seems like there was an old ski resort that’s getting renovated and will re-open by the end of the year, along with an influx of vacation homes and businesses.” He shook his head. “I’ve never been to a town that small, but from everything I’ve read in this proposal, it’s not going to stay small for long.”
This was almost too good to be true. A job back in Sweetbriar? A town where he still had friends? Moving there would not be a hardship in the least.
“And the position is for a firefighter at my rank? It wouldn’t be a step back into the probationary rank, would it? You know, because they’re growing.”
His captain studied him for a moment. “Reid, you’ve been very open about wanting to work your way up through the ranks to eventually become a chief or fire marshal or inspector. You’ve taken all the courses and are certified for all of it, but there haven’t been any positions open.”
“Well, there have been, but most stations seem to promote from within.”
“True. I’ve worked with you for the last two years and I know you’re more than qualified for those positions, but…you’re still one of the newer guys. Your work ethic is fantastic, but it’s a matter of seniority. That’s why I think moving to a small town could work in your favor.”
He nodded.
“It’s entry level right now, but from what I understand, they’re going to grow fast, so the sooner you get in and establish yourself, the better.” Pausing, he smiled. “So here’s what I’m suggesting: go and visit the fire station while you’re there this weekend. Introduce yourself and tell them you’re applying. And be prepared that they might want you to start ASAP.”
Another nod. “I can do that.”
“Excellent.” He handed Reid a large envelope. “This is all the information you’ll need and the links to where to apply online.” He smiled again. “I hate to lose you because you’re a damn fine firefighter, but I want to see you achieve your dreams, so…good luck.”
They stood and shook hands, and Reid had to hold in the urge to whoop with excitement. He knew something would come up eventually, but to have it come up in a place he was not only familiar with, but that was the closest thing to a hometown that he’d ever had? It almost seemed too good to be true!
All he wanted was to tear open the packet and read through it, but he was still on the clock and there were a ton of chores to be done. Just because there wasn’t a fire anywhere didn’t mean the squad could just sit down and relax. So for the rest of his shift, he forced himself to focus on his task and to forget about the envelope in his locker.
But when his shift ended, Reid was the first one out the door.
He only lived fifteen minutes away, but it seemed to take forever before he was finally home and tearing the packet open.
The more he read, the bigger his smile grew. This position felt like it was custom-made just for him. There was constant talk of advancement and he knew if, given the chance, he could climb the ranks and be on his way to a senior position before he was thirty.
Just the thought of all of this falling into place practically made him giddy, and if he didn’t tell someone soon, he would burst. The most logical choice would be to call his parents, but he opted to call his friend Leo—the friend whose engagement party he was going to this weekend. Reid figured maybe his friend could help him navigate the best way to simply show up at the station.
“Reid! Hey! What’s up? You’re not canceling on me, are you?”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Why is that the first thing you thought of?”
“Because we’ve had a couple of people cancel today because they’re sick, so…”
“Ah, yeah I’m fine. Perfectly healthy. No worries there,” he confirmed.
“Whew! Avery will be relieved. The closer we get to the party, the more she’s freaking out.”
“Really? Over a party? Does she know it’s going to be like ten times more stressful when it’s the actual wedding?”
Leo groaned. “Dude, please. I don’t even want to think about it.”
“Sorry.”
“So what’s up? Are you still planning on getting in Thursday night?”
“That’s the plan,” he agreed. “Listen, my captain gave me a heads-up on a position opening up in Sweetbriar with the fire department, and…”
“Are you kidding? That’s freaking awesome!”
“I’m actually really excited about it. He gave me the link to fill out the application and suggested I stop in at the station and introduce myself.”
“Sounds logical.”
“Do you happen to personally know any of the firefighters?”
“Me? No. No, um…yeah, no.”
“That was a weird reaction, Leo. What was that about?”
He huffed with annoyance. “Avery used to date a guy on the squad. He moved away, but…it always bothered me when we saw him around town because he was big and buff and I’m…you know…not.”
Unable to help himself, he laughed.
And immediately apologized.
“Sorry, that was rude of me. But you obviously know that even with him being all…that, she’s marrying you. So, who’s really the better man?”
“Ugh…stop being all sunshine and unicorns. It’s annoying.”
“Can’t help it. Life is good and I’m hoping it’s about to get even better.” Leaning back on his sofa, he let out a contented sigh. “Sweetbriar’s the only place that ever really felt like home to me. I hated when we had to move, so this would be a truly amazing thing if I had the chance to move back.”
“Reid, you’re an adult. You could have moved back at any time,” his friend reminded him.
“And if there had been any openings in the fire department before now, I would have done it.”
“So do you think this is a shoo-in for you?”
“I honestly don’t know. I’m hoping it is because how many people are looking to move to a tiny town, right?”
“Well, if things keep going the way they’re looking, we’re not going to be tiny for long. There’s talk of all kinds of new businesses and restaurants coming. It feels like it’s going to turn into a resort town.”
“A resort town? All because they’re going to renovate the old ski lodge?”
“It’s supposed to be a huge deal. They’re not just renovating it. They’re expanding it and building a bunch of condos and maybe one of those boutique hotels. The whole town is really psyched about it.”
“I can’t believe someone’s actually going to rehab that place and re-open it. I can’t believe it’s still standing!”
“I am freaking psyched about it. It’s going to be nice to have somewhere to ski right in our backyard.”
“Isn’t the place you normally go only thirty minutes away?”
“Yeah, but…now I can spend those thirty minutes on the slopes rather than in my car. Keep up, Reid.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever gone skiing. In my head, I imagine I wouldn’t be very good at it.”
“Finally! We found something that the great Reid Baylor isn’t good at!” Laughing, Leo added, “I was beginning to think we’d never find something.”
“Okay, but to be fair, we don’t know that for sure. I’m just guessing…”
“When the resort opens, you and I will be there opening day,” he challenged. “For once, I’ll be better than you at something.”
“Knock it off. You’re better than me at a lot of things. You always got better grades than I did.”
“Right. I can’t tell you how many girls threw themselves at me when they heard I aced geometry.” He snorted. “Don’t try to throw some pity skill at me. You were the jock and I wasn’t and everyone knew it.”
He let out a long, irritated breath. “And since we’re not in high school anymore, no one cares. Can we please focus? I really wish I knew someone who knew someone who was currently on the fire and rescue squad. Do you think Avery could introduce me to someone?”
“I’ll ask her when I see her tonight, and I’ll text you and let you know.”
“Thanks, Leo, I appreciate it.”
“No problem. What are friends for?”
“You’re the best. And you’re sure you’re okay with me crashing on your couch this weekend? I could stay at a hotel…”
“No way. We don’t get to hang out that much anymore, so it’s no problem.”
“If things go my way, we’ll be hanging out a lot more real soon.”
“Things are going to work out; I’m sure of it. In the meantime, I’ll see you Thursday night.”
“Thanks again, Leo. We’ll talk soon.”
When he hung up, Reid felt like he was on top of the world. Good friends, a great job opportunity, and the chance to return to Sweetbriar Ridge. It was all going to be awesome.
Chapter Two
The entire week had been crappy, but as Ashlynn looked at herself in the full-length mirror, she finally felt something to smile about.
“This dress was definitely the right choice,” she said proudly. “Don’t you think, Chlo?”
Her twin sister looked up from her perch on the bed and nodded. “Absolutely. I wish I could wear something like that and have it look that good on me. It’s not fair that we’re fraternal twins and you got all the curves.”
“Oh, stop. I got the curves, but you got the brains and those big blue eyes with naturally long lashes. I should hate you just for that alone.”
“But you don’t.”
“I could never.” Twisting this way and that, she checked herself out from every angle. “Now to figure out which shoes to wear…”
“Does Avery know about this dress?”
“What?”
“You don’t want to outshine the bride-to-be, Ash. And that dress could potentially do that.”
“Hmm…” She looked in the mirror again and marveled at the hot pink wrap dress with its flirty little rhinestones. The V-neck was low enough to show some impressive cleavage, and the skirt was fun and twirly and hit right above the knee. She’d hate to have to change into something else. “Do you really think she’ll care?”
No sooner was the question out than Chloe was handing her the phone. “Take a selfie and send it to her for her approval. But do it now because you need to get over there to help her with her hair and makeup soon, right?”
“Dammit, you’re right.” Striking a pose in front of the mirror, she took a picture and sent it to her best friend.
Ash: Look at my new party dress!
Ash: Is this okay for tonight?
“Please be okay…please be okay…”
Avery: OMG, I love it! And it’s totally you!
Avery: I want to hate you because it’s so pretty and sparkly
Avery: I let my mother convince me to wear something more subdued
“Uh-oh…that doesn’t sound good.”
And sure enough, Avery sent her a picture of her plain black cocktail dress.
“Ugh…”
“What? What’s ugh?” Chloe asked.
“Avery’s dress. Now I do feel bad.” She showed her sister the picture.
“You’re right. Ugh. Even I wouldn’t wear that.”
“Which reminds me, what are you wearing tonight?”
“Oh, just the navy blue sweater dress that I wore for Christmas. I figured it was fine. I’m not even sure why I’m going.”
“Because Avery is your friend too. And that blue looks fantastic on you. Good choice!”
Avery: You’re not responding. It’s horrible, right?
Avery: Can you please bring me your red, off the shoulder dress? You know…for backup?
“She wants me to bring the red dress. What do I do?”
Chloe shrugged. “I guess bring it, but you know her mother will never let her wear it in front of anyone.
“That’s true.”
Ash: I’ll bring it, but you’re answering to your mother about it
Avery: Deal. Now hurry over!
Ash: OK!!
Looking around, she walked over to her closet and grabbed a pair of silver strappy sandals and slid them on.
“You know it’s like…fourteen degrees out, right?”
“Yes, Chloe, I’m aware of how cold it is outside. But I only have to get to and from the car and then will be inside all night. Plus, I’m wearing my long coat so…”
“I’m just saying, maybe wear your boots over and then put on the sandals later.”
“Dammit, why are you always so practical,” she muttered. “Why doesn’t my brain work that way?”
“Because you got the curves, remember?”
“Oh, right.” They laughed, and Ashlynn hugged her before collecting the rest of her things.
“I’m guessing you’re going to finish your hair over at Avery’s too?”
Right now her hair was up in some big rollers, and even though she looked slightly ridiculous, she knew in an hour, her hair would be fabulous. “Yup. Once I get Avery squared away, I’ll take these out and work my magic.” She paused. “Do you want me to do your hair too?”
Chloe smiled, but waved her off. “The last time you did my hair, I felt like I belonged in one of those music videos from the eighties, so…no thank you.”
“You’re no fun.” Picking up her hair and makeup bags, she slid her sandals into her giant purse and pulled on her boots. “I love you and I’ll see you at the party!”
“I’ll lock up, just go,” Chloe told her. “I’m sure Avery’s watching the clock and waiting.”
“You’re the best, Chlo!”
The wind hit her like a slap in the face and she raced from her apartment building out to the parking lot and threw everything haphazardly into her car. It was borderline brutal out and she wondered just how many people weren’t going to show for the party because of the weather. Avery mentioned several people canceled because they were sick, so she hoped the guest list didn’t continue to dwindle.
Fifteen minutes later, she was awkwardly racing to the front door of Avery’s parents’ house. Her friend opened the door, took half the stuff from her arms, and helped her inside. “I’m so glad you’re finally here. I think my hair hates me.”
Here we go…
Avery had a love/hate relationship with her hair and clearly tonight was a hate night. So rather than acknowledge that, Ashlynn set up all her tools and bags in the massive en suite bathroom off of her friend’s bedroom and began chattering about everything except hair.
“So…any cute single guys going to be here tonight?” she asked.
“A few, I think. Leo’s got some friends coming from out of town, but…” She walked into the bathroom and frowned at her reflection. “I should have let you give me highlights last week. They would have looked awesome now.”
“I keep telling you that you don’t need them. Your hair is gorgeous as it is. Now sit and let’s get your hair pulled back so I can start your makeup.”
For the next hour, they talked about all the preparations for the party, how she was still on the fence about her dress, and all the food she wanted on the menu that her mother had changed.
Essentially, it was all about Avery.
Which…was kind of fair since this was her engagement party.
When all was said and done, her friend wore the black dress and looked positively elegant. Ashlynn took a few minutes to touch up her own makeup and then pulled the rollers out of her hair and brushed it out. It was long and wavy and she hit a few spots with the large barrel curling iron just to fluff them up. She stepped back and sprayed on a good layer of hair spray and then began cleaning up.
