PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 68: No Promotion

As Maya dozed off on the couch, Carina watched her with a soft smile, her heart full of love and concern. She quietly moved closer, gently brushing a strand of hair off Maya's face.
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She whispered, "Sleep well, Bambina. I'm right here." She pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and draped it over her, then settled into a nearby chair, keeping a quiet, protective vigil.

Carina sat, watching over Maya, her mind full of tenderness and worry. When Maya stirred, blinking awake, Carina greeted her with a gentle smile.

"Baciami," Maya murmured, still groggy.

Carina leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Buongiorno, bella. Did you sleep well?"

Maya yawned and nodded. "Yeah... but now I'm starving. Think you could work your kitchen magic?"

Carina laughed, brushing her fingers through Maya's hair. "Of course. What are you in the mood for?"

Maya thought for a moment. "Omelet with veggies and some fresh orange juice."

"Coming right up," Carina said with a smile, heading to the kitchen.

Just then, Maya's phone buzzed on the table. She groaned, grabbed it, and saw the name "Natasha Ross." Her stomach clenched.

She answered, her voice cautious. "Chief Ross, everything okay?"

Ross's voice was direct. "Bishop, I need you and the team at the station ASAP. I have an important announcement."

Maya sighed. "Is this about the temporary Chief position?"

"Yes," Ross replied. "I'm stepping back for a while. This is just temporary. I've made my recommendation, and I need you all present."

Maya nodded. "Understood. We'll be there."

Andy, sitting nearby with Megan, looked up. "We're going to the station?"

"Yeah," Maya said, pocketing her phone. "Chief Ross wants us all there for something big."

Andy raised an eyebrow. "Temporary promotion?"

Maya squinted at her. "How do you know?"

Andy grinned. "It's a firehouse, Maya. Rumors fly faster than alarms. We all know you've been working for it."

Maya chuckled dryly. "Well, let's wait and hear what she says."

As they got ready to leave, Carina walked over, concern in her eyes. "You okay?"

Maya gave a half-smile. "A little anxious. This could change everything."

Carina placed a hand on her arm. "Whatever happens, I'm proud of you. You've worked so hard. I'll be here when you get back."

Maya kissed her softly. "Thanks, babe. I'll text you after."

At the station, tension buzzed in the air. Firefighters clustered around, waiting. When Ross arrived, she stood in the center of the room, all eyes on her.

"Thanks for coming," she began. "I'm stepping away for a short while — personal reasons. During this time, we need someone to act as interim Chief."

Whispers rippled through the room.

"I've made my recommendation," she said, locking eyes with Maya. "Captain Bishop."

The room broke into cheers and applause. Maya stood frozen for a beat, absorbing the words.

Then she stepped forward and said, clearly, "I'm honored, Chief... but I have to say no."

A hush fell.

Ross didn't look surprised. "I understand. You're already doing great work here, and that's exactly why I asked. But I respect your decision."

Andy looked over, impressed. "You sure?"

Maya nodded. "This team still needs me here. And honestly, I'm not ready to step away from what we're building at 19. Not yet."

Ross gave her a respectful nod. "That's fair. I'll continue looking. But in the meantime, you've got my full support."

There was a beat of silence, and then Theo clapped. Others joined in, supportive, even if surprised.

As things settled down, Maya exhaled, feeling lighter — like she had just made the right call.