911: Eclipse of the Heart

Chapter 8 - Firsts

"So now that you know... Does that change anything?" Bobby asked as he grabbed Kymber's hand.

"It doesn't." Kymber smiled, "I mean, you definitely had me a little scared at first, you know, with the whole killing your wife and kids part... But once you explained it, it made sense. It is definitely not your fault, I mean, shouldn't the breaker have tripped? The sprinklers get set off? Smoke detectors actually detect smoke?"

"But it was still my mistake that caused the fire, whether all of those safety features worked or not." Bobby sighed.

"Everyone makes mistakes, Bobby. From the sound of it, you were at a pretty low point in your life, and there's nothing wrong with that as long as you've gotten help." Kymber said.

"And I have gotten help. I've been sober for almost the past ten years. Although... There was that one time I unintentionally got high because someone brought pot brownies as a gift to the firehouse, but like I said, that was not intentional." Bobby chuckled.

"Good. I'm glad." Kymber looked at him, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, anything." Bobby looked back at her.

"Have you been with anyone since your wife?" Kymber asked, shyly.

"Not really, no. I tried a few dating apps a while back, but never met anyone that I wanted to get to know." Bobby shrugged, "What about you? I mean, obviously you didn't have a wife... Or I guess, maybe you did. I don't know."

"No, I haven't had a wife." Kymber laughed, "And as for dating, I've really only ever dated one person. His name was James, we dated through college and then he got a job and moved to the other side of the country. I haven't dated anyone since, just haven't found anyone who sparks my interest."

"Why didn't you go with James?" Bobby asked.

"Well, that's a loaded question... Yeah, we dated for four years, but the most we ever did was kiss. We went on dates, but it always seemed kind of off. I just went with it, though, because I didn't know what to expect, it was my first relationship... When he asked me to move with him, I didn't feel right. He moved to Boston, and I didn't know anyone there, so I didn't feel comfortable going." Kymber explained.

"Wait... So you've never..." Bobby started.

"Had sex? No. I am a thirty-six year old virgin. So, if you want to run, then run. I know it's pretty weird." Kymber looked down at her hands.

"I never said that I want to run, and I don't. That doesn't scare me off. It does, however, help me to understand you a little bit better." Bobby smiled.

"I'm surprised. It scares most people off." Kymber laughed awkwardly.

"I guess I'm not most people." Bobby looked into her eyes.

"No, Bobby Nash. You are definitely not most people." Kymber giggled as he leaned in to kiss her.

"You intrigue me, Kymberly." Bobby said as he stood up, "I'm hungry. How about we go find someplace to eat?"

"Sounds good to me." Kymber smiled as she stood up. Bobby grabbed her hand and wrapped his fingers around hers as they walked down the pier.

"Do you like ferris wheels?" Bobby asked.

"I love them." Kymber said, excitedly.

"Well, after we eat, why don't we go." Bobby said, "Have you ever been on one at the ocean?"

"Never." Kymber said.

"Lots of first for you today then, huh?" Bobby smirked as he let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Definitely." Kymber laughed as she leaned her head onto Bobby's arm.

"Any preference on what to eat?" Bobby asked.

"I am up for whatever you think is best." Kymber smiled.

"Fair food it is then." Bobby smirked as he directed her towards a small food truck.

"Fair food is my favorite." Kymber looked up at him.

"Mine too." Bobby said. They walked up to the food truck and ordered their dinner. Once they got their food, the found a little table next to the railing and ate, all while talking and laughing. Before they even realized, the sun started to set.

"My goodness. We've been sitting here for two hours!" Kymber laughed.

"Have we really?" Bobby looked down at his watch, "Well would you look at that. I guess we have."

"Ready for the ferris wheel?" Kymber smiled at him.

"Yeah, let's go." Bobby stood up.