“You know my dad.” Rie rolls her blue eyes. It’s Sunday and she’s never allowed to miss dinner with her dad. It’s just the two of them and I’ve even gone a few times. They don’t really talk to each other and it’s always somewhere super fancy. I call Rie the black sheep of her family, but can you be the black sheep if there’s only two of you?
“Yeah, I know.” I let out a long sigh.
I get it and I can't say much. Her father owns the apartment building we live in. We only have to pay for the utilities. I guess you’d say we’re under his thumb somewhat, and although we could find a new place, this one is nice. I’m saving my money in the meantime but I’m not sure what for. I think it’s supposed to be college, but nothing is piquing my interest. I’m drifting and it’s unsettling. It’s probably why I’m trying to fit in so much at my new job.
I’m lucky to have Rie as a best friend. I practically ran from my parents’ house when I turned eighteen and Rie did the same. The only stipulation for her was she had to go to college. Her father is footing the bill but isn’t too happy that she’s leaning toward art as her major. She has time to pick what she wants since right now most of her coursework is basic classes she will need no matter what she chooses.
I, on the other hand, don’t have someone to pay for school, and my drive to do it is super sucking right now. Rie thinks I need time to breathe and be free from my parents. My home life was chaotic. Eighteen years living with my parents and I still don’t understand them. At times they’re loving and other times they are just crazy.
I turn to look at myself in the mirror and realize I look like a cute hot mess.
“You don’t think it’s too sexy?” I ask, because I’ve never worn a bodysuit before. Unlike the ladies at work, I eat the snickerdoodles and fill out all my womanly curves. I think the bodysuit shows them off in all the right places. Rie helped me pick it out and she always has a good eye for what will look good on me.
“No. Besides, people dress like big old sluts at costume parties.” She winks at me in the mirror.
I turn to the side to look at my tail. “This is pretty cool.” I give a little wiggle to make it shake back and forth.
“You look awesome, Rosa. You’re going to kill it. Is there a costume competition?” Rie smooths out her dress and double checks she doesn’t have any wrinkles.
“I don’t think so.” I try and think back to what Tiffany told me and I don’t recall anything about a competition. Only to dress up and bring a dish.
“Well, if there is one you’re so winning.” She smacks my ass, making me scream.
“That bodysuit is thinner than I thought,” she laughs, looking at her hand that just assaulted my butt. “Do you have underwear on?”
I shake my head. “It showed! It’s not like anyone will know I don’t.” No one is going to be trying to get their hands in my bodysuit. I straighten out my soft blue tutu.
“If you say so. Come on, I’ll drop you off on my way to see good old Dad.” I follow her out of my room and she stops to put on her fancy heels. The way Rie dresses up to see her father is so night and day to who she really is. She’s always in yoga pants and giant sweaters or shirts that are covered in paint. Unless it’s the summer, then she tends to just wear a sports bra.
“I’ll come by the picnic afterward,” she tries to reassure me when she sees my forlorn expression. “I’ll put some bitches in their place.” I laugh.
My sad look isn’t about going to the picnic alone or them not liking me. It’s for Rie pretending to be someone she isn’t every week.
“If I hold out that long. I might melt.” I open the door to our apartment and the heat hits me instantly. I hope this place has shade or something.
“You forgot this.” Rie grabs the fruit plate I prepared for the picnic. Lesson learned, no cookies. But you can bet your booty I’m bringing some cream cheese dip to go with this fruit.
Chapter Two
Blaze
“You’re buying this time,” Chief laughs as he slaps me on the shoulder and we walk into McCarthy’s bar.
“I think your old age is getting to you, Chief. I believe it’s your turn.”
The fire chief rolls his eyes and I smile. He’s only five years older than me but we’ve been friends a long time and he’s the chief of our department.
“I can’t remember. Do they let rookies at the bar here?”
“Rookie?” I call out as we lean against the bar and I raise my fingers for two beers.
The bartender raises his chin and slides the beers down the long wooden plank. Chief and I grab them.
Just as I bring the bottle to my lips, the walkie-talkie at my side sounds. I reach down and bring it up to my ear as Chief shakes his head.
“We’re not on call, Blaze.”
Regardless, I listen in for the address to see how far away it is. After a second I look at him and his face falls as he sets down his beer.
“It’s over in the park, on Smith and Second. That’s us,” I say, pulling some cash out and leaving it on the bar. “Let’s go.”
“You just don’t know when to quit,” Chief grumbles as I tell the dispatcher over the radio that we’re taking it.
I’m a part-time firefighter in a small suburb of Chicago, but I usually work full-time hours. It’s not that they
