PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 31: Good News

As Megan turned back to the front desk, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of restlessness. Being left behind, regardless of the circumstances, was not something she accepted easily. She glanced at the clock on the wall, watching the seconds go by, and silently wished for her team's safe return.
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Megan, exhausted and in pain, was struggling to stay awake. She tried to focus on the tasks at the front desk, but her body was craving rest. Eventually, the fatigue overtook her, and she slumped forward, dosing off.

A few hours later the team entered the lobby, their uniforms soot-stained and exhausted after the long shift. They noticed Megan sleeping on her chair and chuckled among themselves.

Travis gently shook her shoulder. "Hey, sleepyhead. Wake up."

Megan slowly opened her eyes, blinking the sleep away. "Huh? What? What time is it?"

Jack looked at his watch, grinning. "Just past midnight. You've been out cold for a while."

Megan groaned, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Ugh, I didn't realize I'd fall asleep like that. How did the call go? Everyone alright?"

Sullivan gave her a reassuring smile. "We're all good. No major injuries, just your typical structure fire. But we handled it like the pros we are."

Megan turned to Andy, concern etching her features. "Hey, are you alright? You seem a bit quiet."

Andy forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired, that's all."

Megan didn't believe her for a second. "You sure? You know you can talk to me, right?"

Andy glanced around, noticing the team gathering nearby. "Not here. Can we talk upstairs?"

Megan nodded, understanding the need for privacy. "Yeah, of course. Let's go."

As they made their way upstairs to the bunks, Megan leaned on her crutches, trying to ease the weight off her broken leg. She could tell Andy was troubled and waited for her friend to speak her mind.

Once they were settled in a secluded area, out of earshot from the others, Megan turned to Andy, her voice gentle. "All right, spill. What's going on?"

Megan's concern deepened. She knew that when something was bothering Andy on a personal level it was usually serious. "Hey, you can tell me anything, you know that. What's on your mind?"

With a sigh, Andy looked down at her hands, fidgeting slightly. "It's just...there's someone here at the station, you know? Someone I've grown really close to...and I'm starting to feel things. Deeper things. But I can't tell them, I don't know how."

Megan's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, seriously? You've got a thing for someone here? Have I met them?"

Andy shrugged, her expression a mix of fear and attraction. "Yeah, you know them. And it's not just a passing crush, I think I...I think I'm falling for them."

Megan leaned forward, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Who is it? Come on, spill. You can't leave me hanging like this."

Andy exhaled slowly, not really ready to reveal the object of her affections. "Can I...can I keep it a secret, just for now? I'm not ready for everyone to know yet."

Megan, as much as she wanted to pry, respected Andy's decision. "Yeah, of course. I get it, you need to do things on your terms. But...can you at least give me a hint? Just a tiny one? Just to satisfy my curiosity."

Andy chuckled, knowing that Megan would never let this go completely. "All right, all right, a hint. Let's just say they're...someone I trust with my life. And someone I'd willingly climb a burning building for."