BURNING DESIRE

Chapter 22

After showing Jimmy the bustling film set across from the fire station I was showing Jimmy around and as we crossed the street, he couldn't help but grin at the lively atmosphere surrounding us. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with laughter and chatter from crew members. "Do you miss being on set," I teased We walked into the fire station after showing Jimmy around the film set over the road where we had been filming
"Looks like it's just another day in Hollywood," he quipped, nudging me playfully.
"And we also film in here".  As we stepped inside the fire station, its walls echoed tales of bravery and camaraderie. The scent of polished wood mingled with that unmistakable hint of smoke—a reminder of countless fires extinguished by those who worked within these walls. Suddenly, Susan came barreling toward us, her face lighting up at the sight of Jimmy. "Hey stranger! How are you?" she greeted him warmly.  "I'm okay, thanks! How's Joe?" he replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face.  "He's good! I heard you were here; I was wondering how long it would take for you to pop in and see me," she teased playfully.  Jimmy chuckled softly. "I wouldn't have left without coming to see you; you should know that."  Jimmy leaned closer as if sharing a secret. "How's filming coming along? Better than mine, I hope?"

"Winter is fantastic," she replied fondly. "And Taylor isn't too bad either—filming has been going great! But I heard you're working with Rose. I feel for you!" her laughter rang through the space like music.  "Oh yes," Jimmy sighed dramatically but couldn't hide his grin. "Ant then I heard Desmond got food poisoning and got hospitalized? That must be tough!"  "Yep, that sums it up," Jimmy said nonchalantly but there was an underlying tension beneath his calm demeanour. "At least now I get to spend time with Oliver and Winter."

Just then Lewis strode into view clad in his firefighter uniform—the epitome of strength and dedication—with tousled hair still damp from an early morning shift that had begun before dawn broke.  "Good morning!" he called out casually while waving at us.  "Have you just gotten off a night shift?" I asked curiously.  "Ooo morning handsome! I do love a man in uniform," Susan chimed cheekily as her eyes sparkled mischievously at Lewis.  He grinned back sheepishly but continued on seriously: "I haven't officially clocked out yet; got called in at 4:30 AM because there was a factory up in flames." He paused for effect before adding gravely, "They needed more hands—I had to step up."
" but I will have a shower and maybe a Kip down in the bunks and if it's still ok to join you and Oliver to the park"
"Yes—that's fine actually; Oliver asked Jimmy to join him too!" I interjected

"Naturally being Oliver's other dad means saying yes whenever possible," Jimmy laughed lightly before turning serious again.
"Hey Lewis before you go could we maybe have a quick chat in private please!"Jimmy asked with a sad expression "Sure" Lewis nodded understandingly before walking away with Jimmy toward his office area behind closed doors.

Once they were out of earshot, Susan turned to me inquisitively—her brows furrowed slightly—"What was that all about? There seemed... awkward tension."  "Lewis knows about Oliver," I explained slowly while searching for words amidst swirling emotions around my chest where anxiety began building again regarding our fragile situation." You could guess Jimmy is upset... scared."

"I understand," she murmured thoughtfully after pausing momentarily while observing me intently through expressive eyes filled compassionately
"but I never lied. I always told Jimmy and you know yourself that if I ever found Oliver's dad, I would tell Oliver I wouldn't keep it from him."
" you're totally right and if I'm being honest Lewis seems to be a lovely guy. The problem is you and Oliver are the only family Jimmy has got. That's what you two bonded over in the first place losing your parents at such a young age yet still finding your feet moving on and making a life for yourselves Jimmy is just scared that he's going to lose his family." Susan said " I know all that, Susan"
"But I need to do what's best—for Oliver," my voice dropped gently breaking.

LEWIS

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.  "I think you know what I want to talk about! My FAMILY!" Jimmy snapped back, fists clenched at his sides as if bracing for an impending storm.  "Your family? I think you've forgotten this, Jimmy," I shot back defiantly. "Oliver is my son!"  A tense silence hung between us like thick fog before bursting into flames again as Jimmy stepped closer, anger crackling like electricity around us. "I was there for him the minute he was born! I changed his nappies; I gave him bottles while Winter took her naps! I wiped away tears and took him to feed ducks! I'm the one he calls 'Dad!' I love that boy like he's my own."

I felt each word pierce through me-a mix of admiration and jealousy swirling within until they became an unbearable ache. I could picture all those moments: intimate whispers shared between parent and child while we explored life together under a painted sunset sky.  "And I love Winter too," Jimmy continued passionately, desperation creeping into his voice now. "I would marry that woman tomorrow if she'd accept my proposal... but no—there's something—or should I say someone?—holding her back."
"That person is you!" I interjected fiercely but quietly enough not to alarm anyone that may be nearby.  Jimmy shook his head vehemently; frustration rolled off him in waves. "Name your price! How much do you want to walk away from Oliver and Winter? Tell me a price—I'll write you a check or transfer money right here right now!"  "Are you fucking crazy?" The words escaped In disbelief that flared inside me like wildfire igniting dry brushlands. "Do you really think money can erase what I've just found? Walk away from my son? There is no way I'd ever leave him—not now that I've finally found him!"
"I will never give up on him—is that clear?" I declared resolutely, emotions surging forth like an unstoppable tide threatening to engulf everything else within reach.