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KIM BALDWIN. like a total basket case since the F rsttime I laid eyes on you?
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like a total basket case since the F rsttime I laid eyes on you?
“I thought maybe you were avoiding me.”
“No, I…” Gable cleared her throat, buying time to try to think up an excuse that wasn’t really a lie. “I’ve had a lot going on, that’s all. A lot on my mind.”
“Anything I can do? Would it help to talk about it?”
“Not really. But thanks for asking.”
“I’m not just saying that, you know,” Erin pressed. She put down her fork and reached across the table to place one hand loosely on Gable’s forearm. “You’ve done so much for me. Been such a good friend. Not only the night of the tornado, although that was certainly a hell of a how-do-you-do.” She looked into Gable’s eyes and smiled. “I want to be there for you every bit as much as you’ve been there for me.
You can tell me anything, you know. Anything. I’m a good listener.”
“Thanks, Erin,” Gable managed, too acutely aware of the small, soft hand on her arm. “I know you mean that, and I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Good. I hope you do.” Erin withdrew her hand and resumed eating with a more relaxed demeanor, apparently satisF ed with the exchange.
“So how has your training been going?” Gable didn’t want to come right out and ask about Tim. A part of her didn’t want to hear explicit details about how their relationship was going. But another part couldn’t stand not to know, either.
“Real good. I think I’m catching on okay. I was supposed to get my gear this week, but everything they had was too big. The chief had to special order it.”
“I’m not surprised. You’re such a tiny thing.”
“I hope I can do my part when the time comes.”
“You will. Don’t worry.” Gable reached for another slice of baguette. “So what did you learn this week?”
“Well, let’s see. I did forcible entries with Chief Thornton and Jerry. That was fun. Yesterday Cliff showed me where everything was on the trucks. Today was portable extinguishers and F re inspection practices with Tim. Pretty boring, actually. I’m looking forward to the physical stuff—the ladder drills, seeing what it’s like to work with the hoses.”
• 110 •
FORCE OF NATURE
Gable nodded. Don’t do it. Don’t. It’ll just eat you up. She shoved aside her better judgment. “Have you been out with Tim again?” She said it as off the cuff as she could, but she held her breath waiting for the answer.
“Yeah, we went to dinner Wednesday. Just to that pizza place in Pine River. It was nice.” Erin shrugged noncommittally. “He’s going to come over next week and help me put a fence up so I can have a garden next year.”
Gable poured herself a second glass of wine. She held the bottle over Erin’s nearly empty goblet. “Care for some more?”
“Please.”
When the glasses were full again, Erin raised hers for a toast.
Gable clued in and hoisted hers as well.
“To you and to us. To a very special friendship. Thank you for being there for me.”
“To our friendship,” Gable agreed.
As they clinked glasses, Gable reafF rmed her decision to remain close to Erin regardless of how painful it was for her at times. Erin was absolutely right. They were developing a rare friendship, a special blessing in their lives, and she would do whatever she had to, to preserve it.
They chatted about mundane things as they washed and dried the dishes, regaining the easy familiarity that had seen them through the long night of the twister. Erin didn’t mention Tim again, and neither did Gable.
As Erin dried her hands on the dishtowel, she glanced at the clock on the stove. “You know, Gone with the Wind is on TV tonight. I haven’t seen it in ages.” She looked at Gable with hopeful expectation.
“I haven’t either.”
“Starts in ten minutes.”
“Better go warm up the TV while I make us some popcorn, then.”
Erin shot Gable a big grin and threw the towel at her before heading off toward the living room. She pivoted on her heels at the doorway. “Hey, it doesn’t end until midnight. Mind if I stay over? We can have a slumber party!”
Oh God. “Sure,” Gable muttered, turning away toward the pantry so that Erin wouldn’t see the blush coloring her cheeks. And what kind
• 111 •
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