Up In Flames by Rosanna Leo Page B

“Alana was home alone that night and left a candle burning by mistake. She went to bed and was asleep when the fire took hold.” He frowned, remembering how angry he'd been at her for doing something so stupid. He'd warned her umpteen times. “Anyway, I was away on business that night. I wasn't far away, but the drive home had to be the longest of my life."
    "As a firefighter, it must have been very hard to confront, especially because you would have seen similar tragedies."
    "Actually, I wasn't a firefighter at the time."
    "No?” Jules cocked her head, wondering what it was he was doing.
    "I have a construction-slash-contracting company. My dad started it up years ago, but when he hurt his back, he passed it to me. J&S Contracting. My parents, John and Sheila, are the J and S. Maybe you've heard of it?"
    She could only nod. She'd clearly heard of it all right. Most people he knew had. It was a huge, well-respected company. And he could tell she was wondering why on earth he wasn't still doing that work.
    "Anyway,” he continued. “Running the company kept me busy. Since I was a teenager, my dad made sure I was exposed to every aspect of construction possible. Eventually, I learned the business side as well. I liked the work, and as you've seen, I'm good with my hands."
    She looked away for a second, as if silently concurring. She removed her hand from his, and tucked it into her lap.
    "Anyway, I was away at a trade show that day and ended up staying at a hotel, rather than driving home late at night. If I'd only gone home sooner..."
    "You mustn't think that. It does no good to torture yourself."
    "Well, I went home as quickly as I could. The firefighters were amazing. Some of them were still on the scene when I arrived, and they really helped me through those horrendous, first moments. I'll never forget the strength they showed, the compassion. Within a couple of months, I had made the decision to become a firefighter myself."
    "That's a big change."
    "I wanted to be able to help others, as they helped me. Contracting was fine, but I wanted to make a different contribution. The company's still mine, but now I have a good team of people running it for me. Alana's death showed me I was meant to be a firefighter.” When he saw the expression on her face change, he questioned her. “What are you thinking?"
    She stared at him. “Just that you're ... so strong. If that had happened in my family, I'd be broken forever, but you've turned a tragedy into something admirable. It's amazing.” She looked on him in wonderment. “I've finally met someone who deserves to wear the uniform."
    "I can only hope so, but thanks. I feel I've found my calling.” He smiled for the first time since the topic had come up. “Listen, you're missing your movie.” He grabbed the remote and turned it back on.
    Jules resumed eating her popcorn, albeit reluctantly. He watched her from his periphery. She didn't look remotely interested in George Bailey or his angel anymore.
    Once the movie was over, the awkward silence began. He didn't want to be the first to leave, and got the sense she felt the same. They stuck to their spots on the couch.
    The rain was still pounding the roof and sides of the house. They sat in the darkened living room, watching as the credits rolled. It was late, late enough for Shane to feel he should politely exit. However, the more time he spent with Jules, the harder it became to leave her.
    It was becoming clearer by the moment that he was intrigued by so many little things about her, from the adorable way she munched her popcorn to the way she played with the big, amber ring on her right hand.
    More importantly though, he appreciated how she listened to him. When he spoke, her whole body inclined toward him as if in a state of concentration. She seemed truly interested in what he had to say and how he said it. She made him feel important and, he had to admit, he liked that feeling.
    It was a reflection of her caring