The Fire Station

Chapter 2

A few days had gone by since I spent an evening with Sidney at the fire station. We hadn't seen each other since that night, finding it hard to match up our schedules. As much as I wanted my photography business to be my main source of income, it wasn't quite as successful as I'd hoped it would. I still worked at a small bookstore four days a week and whatever free time I had not working was either booked with a client or editing photos. Sidney had asked if I would be willing to come see him at the station again, but after what happened last time with the alarm going off while I was still naked on top of a firetruck, I didn't know if I could handle another incident like that.

Thankfully, we had finally figured out how to make some time work so we could see each other again. I was overly excited to see him, which sort of surprised me. I hadn't been in a serious relationship in quite some time, being far too career driven to put any thought in a guy. Clara was just as confused by my behavior. But I had a feeling once she met Sidney, she would understand. I was hopeful we would have the opportunity to discuss where we were taking this relationship, if there was one.

There was a knock at the door, and I asked Clara if she would let him in. I was so nervous to see him, that butterflies filled my stomach. Seeing him face to face just seemed more personal and I was curious how our night might end. I wouldn't be disappointed if it ended similar to how it ended the first time. But would he see me as too easy if I let every encounter we had, end in sex?

I was just putting my shoes on when I heard Clara grilling him for more information about what his intentions were with me. She was quite embarrassing and acted more like a parent than a friend.

I stepped out into the living room and gave Clara a pointed look to leave. "I'm ready," I said. He stood up and turned around, smiling when he saw me. I wore a simple white blouse and a pair of jeans, since he told me to dress casually. He too was dressed in a pair of jeans and a nice grey button up shirt.

"You look nice," he said with a grin.

"Thank you. So do you," I said in return.

"Should we go?" he asked, motioning towards the door.

"Yes."

"You might want to bring your camera," he said. I was curious as to why, but I went and grabbed the bag and threw it over my shoulder. I followed him out and to his car where he helped me in.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going and why I need my camera?" I asked.

He smirked. "It's a surprise."

We drove until we came to a park. I looked around and saw kids playing on a distant playground while some other people were feeding ducks or playing catch with their dogs. Sidney lead me along a path down to the water where I saw plenty of people fishing. The sun was shining brightly on the water causing it to glisten. I stopped and took a few pictures. Sidney patiently waited for me to finish taking photos.

"Sorry," I said, hoping he wasn't upset I had stopped.

"It's alright. I did tell you to bring your camera," he reminded. "But I know of a better place for you to take pictures."

He reached for my hand and I gladly took it, linking our fingers together. I smiled at the small connection we had made. We walked a little further along the shoreline of the river until we came upon a booth with lots of different boats and canoes. Sidney released my hand and paid the man at the booth then started picking out a lifejacket. He wrapped the lifejacket around me and started snapping the buckles. I grinned at how attentive he was being. "I do know how to swim," I said.

"It's sort of my job to keep people safe, especially those I care about," he said with a chuckle. "Besides, they won't let you take a boat out without a lifejacket. Liability reasons." He searched the row of lifejackets and found one for himself to put on. We followed the man to the dock and were helped into a paddle boat and briefly shown how to navigate the river.