Treacherous Temptations [Chaennie]

Rescue

"So what exactly is the plan for Sunday's fundraiser?" Jennie asked as she tossed the freshly shelled prawns into the oil, garlic and chilli filled pan.

"It's our annual family day," Roseanne explained. "We have games, a few sporting events, and Jungkook always does an amazing barbecue. Everyone comes along. Husbands, wives, kids, and then neighbours and the local community."

"Sounds like fun," Jennie smiled, shaking the pan to coat the prawns with the juices.

"Yeah it's great. I like spending time with everyone outside of work actually. Especially as it will be after our shift. It's nice to see everyone relax and unwind with their families."

"Are you bringing Oliver?" Jennie asked, unable to help herself. Her curiosity about Roseanne's son had been piqued and she wanted, no needed, more information. She just wasn't sure why.

"Of course," Roseanne said. "He's our baseball team mascot."

Jennie laughed. "We have a Firehouse 7 baseball team mascot?"

"Yep," Roseanne grinned, pulling out her cell and scrolling through her photos. "See."

She handed the phone to Jennie. The picture was of Ladder 7's crew plus Jisoo, Vince, Baekhyun, and Daniel. Sat on Jungkook's shoulders was a small boy, grinning broadly and sporting an oversized firefighter's hat. In his fist was clutched a trophy, the weight of which Roseanne was supporting from below. The blonde in the photo was smiling more widely than Jennie had ever seen. It sent a twinge through her entire body.

"He's adorable," Jennie said, handing the phone back to Roseanne and turning her attention to the prawns which were sizzling away.

"Yeah he's pretty awesome," Roseanne said, looking fondly at the picture before sliding her cell back into her pocket and resuming her salad prep.

"I look forward to meeting him," Jennie said. She was surprised to realise how true the statement was. She had never particularly enjoyed the company of children, finding them too honest, impulsive and unpredictable for her liking. She attributed her discomfort to being an only child and her mother's refusal to allow her to socialise much outside of school. Now however, Jennie realised she was eager to meet the son of her new colleague.

"I look forward to introducing you to him," Roseanne said, leaning against the counter and watching as Jennie tossed the prawns and added some spices.

"Oh?" Jennie asked.

Roseanne flushed a little. "Yeah. I want Oliver to know who I work with, who I spend time with. His approval matters to me."

Jennie's heart beat a little faster. She suddenly, desperately, wished she was good with children. Oliver's approval of her was important to Roseanne, which meant Jennie needed to get it.

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"What do four year old boys like?" Jennie asked.

"Pardon?" replied Irene Bae, Jennie's best and only childhood friend.

"Four year old boys," Jennie repeated into her cell. "What do they like?"

"How the hell should I know?" Irene asked, sipping her lunch time coffee and settling herself more comfortably on her office couch.

"Because Jim is a P.E. teacher at a primary school," Jennie reminded her, making her way through her apartment on Friday afternoon after having prepared her salad.

"Yes but I'm a lawyer. It's not like I have many four year old clients."

"You're useless," Jennie sighed, placing the plate on her coffee table and sitting down.