Home » The Archives » Chapter 12 » Playing with Fire
| Re: Playing with Fire [message #560 is a reply to message #559] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 21:42   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, the jungle, mid-afternoon...
Luke whistled as he made his way through the thick foliage. He glanced up at the cloudless blue sky and grinned. "What a gorgeous day!"
"You're in a good mood."
He turned to Cassie, who walked behind him. "Why wouldn't I be? I've got the day off, Mom sent me cookies, and I'm outside enjoying the flora and fauna. Though, it's a lot warmer than I'm used to at this time of year."
She nodded. "Me too. Granted, New York isn't as cold as the Rockies, but I'd usually have the heat on instead of running around in shorts!"
He laughed. "Tell me about it! We'd have snow!"
"That I won't miss." They fell into step along the path again, Rommel trotting along in front. "Luke?"
"Yeah?"
"The fire scenario? It went well?"
He stopped and looked at her. "You know it did. Why?" She shrugged and looked down at her feet. "Cass, talk to me. What's bothering you?
"I've been talking to Alex," she said quietly.
"What?" Luke exclaimed in surprise. "As in your ex, Alex?"
She nodded. "He sent me an email about a week ago. He got a promotion at the company he works for. He's working more regular hours now and has been doing some thinking."
"Thinking about what?" Luke asked when the silence had gone on too long.
She toyed with a leaf. "About me. Us. He's finally going to therapy."
"Well, that's a good thing, right?" Luke sat down next to her, hearing her unspoken question. "Cassie, what do you want to do?"
"I'm not sure. I mean, I thought this, but now..." She got up and walked a few paces. "I just don't feel like I fit in here, Luke."
"Why not? Look, Cass, how long did it take you to feel at ease with your gang at the fire department?"
"I don't know, a few weeks maybe."
"Then give it time. You've been so busy trying to prove yourself as one of the team, that you really haven't tried becoming one."
Cassie looked up, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"How often have you just hung out with someone? Other than me, I mean? And heck, you haven't even done that! We had dinner what? A week ago? Have you tried, really tried to get friendly with the others?" She didn't reply and he went on. "You bake, incredibly I might add. Why not invite a bunch of people over for cookies and chat? And the Halloween party, do you have a costume? What are you bringing? Do you know what anyone else is dressing as?"
She drew herself up. "I've hung out with the others. Tin-Tin and I had tea one day. And I've met with Callie a few times too! As to the party, I'm cooking and I already have my costume."
"Great, that's what I mean! Don't hide behind training exercises all the time."
She frowned thoughtfully. "I...I never thought about it that way, I guess."
"Maybe you should." Luke sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I know, I'm one to talk. You need to drag me out of my place sometimes. But, thanks to Elise and the others, I'm getting better."
Cassie frowned slightly. "If you're so concerned, why didn't you invite me to dinner the other night? You had a bunch of other people there."
"It was a thank-you for all the help I got with my apartment. Nikki and Elise chose the color scheme and the linens, John's been there for moral support, and both he and Scott have helped with the painting and the furniture moving. Scott was invited, but couldn't make it," he told her. "I never excluded anyone; it was just a friendly get together. And what's stopping you from inviting people over yourself?" Luke was beginning to get irritated. "Cassie, the only reason you're not fitting in is because you're not trying."
Her eyes flashed angrily. "I have been trying! I set up the fire training so we could all work together as a team!"
"Is that the real reason, or are you trying to make yourself look good in the eyes of everyone else?" Silence filled the clearing as they glared at each other. Then Luke sighed. "Cassie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way." He pulled her into a hug. "I just hate seeing you like this. I want the fun Cassie back; the one I knew in California."
She pressed against him, blinking back tears. "I don't know what happened to her," she whispered.
He tightened his embrace. "Cass, no one here is out to get you. You were chosen out of how many people? Doesn't that tell you anything?"
She wiped her tears and tried to smile. "I guess you're right."
"I'm always right." He smiled. "Honey, I'm not trying to be mean. You're a good person who got thrown some bad curves. But you've picked yourself up and moved on, which is more than most people could have done." He pulled her close again. "I'm sorry about what I said. I wasn't trying to hurt you. And you know whatever you decide, I'll be here."
"I know. You and Mark are the only ones who'll really tell me without pulling punches." She grinned up at him. "You know, now that you're single..."
Luke held his hands up. "No! No fix ups! I'm quite happy the way I am, thank-you very much!"
She laughed and started down the path. "Ah well, can't blame me for trying."
  
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