5

 

The familiar jingle of the bell brought waves of nostalgia crashing over Maxi the next day as she pushed through the door to Peg’s Cut ’N Curl. The scent of green apple shampoo blended with hairspray fumes to assault her senses. It felt like coming home.

So much so, that she had to swallow a rush of emotion.

Nothing had changed in the time she’d been away. Tangerine walls still provided a backdrop to the hair styling stations. The same large hair dryers lined the far wall. Peg Hanley, her barrel shape and familiar topknot of wispy reddish hair, stood snipping Millie Simmons’s gray curls that didn’t need trimming at all.

The only real difference Maxi could see was the new girl at the reception desk. Maxi smiled, recalling the good times she’d had when Lily worked at that desk. Those simple things seemed even more memorable today for some reason.

“May I help you?” the girl asked.

“I’m here to see Peg.”

The girl eyed Maxi’s spiked hair and large hoop earrings and then moved down to her mosaic halter top and tight designer jeans. Her disapproving look made Maxi raise her chin. “No need to get up. I know the way.”

Before the girl could sputter a protest, Maxi breezed by the reception desk toward Peg, who turned and let out a whoop. Dropping the comb, she rushed forward to envelop Maxi in a crushing hug. The simple affection had tears smarting.

“If you aren’t a treat for these tired eyes,” Peg said. “Haven’t changed a bit, except your clothes are fancier and you’re still too thin.”

Maxi laughed. “Thank goodness you haven’t changed either.”

“Let me finish with Millie here while we chat.” Peg went back to her hair cut. “So how are things at that swanky establishment of yours?”

Maxi hesitated, wondering why immediate words of enthusiasm didn’t spring to her lips. She forced gaiety into her tone. “Great. I’m in the running for a junior partnership. If I can get back in time to beat out the ice queen.”

“Ah, one of those types.”

“You have no idea. And she’s out for blood.”

“Don’t wrinkle that freckled nose worrying about the likes of her. If your boss has any sense, he’ll recognize true talent when he sees it.”

Maxi grinned. “Thanks. Actually that’s one of the reasons I dropped by. Would it be OK to use the shop to practice some New York style hairdos, if I can line up a few guinea pigs? I need to update my portfolio.”

Peg raised one eyebrow above her wire-rimmed glasses. “I wouldn’t mind seeing some of those fancy dos myself. As long as I’m not booked up, the place is yours.”

Maxi kissed her cheek. “Thanks. I knew I could count on your support.”

“I’d rather you come back here to work,” she grumbled.

Maxi laughed out loud. “I miss you, too.”

Peg brushed off Millie’s neck and sent her to pay the bill. She shook out the black cape and laid it over the chair. “So have you seen that boy of mine since the funeral?”

Tension hummed through Maxi’s shoulders. “Saw him yesterday.” She forced herself not to think about the near kiss.

“He still mad at you?”

Maxi frowned. She hadn’t realized the extent of their estrangement was common knowledge. “I think we’re back to a good place again,” she replied.

Peg gave her a penetrating stare. “You still in love with him?”

An infusion of heat spread up Maxi’s neck to her cheeks. She felt as exposed as a streaker in a football stadium. “In love? No. I got over that high school crush a long time ago.” She tried to give a convincing smile. “Actually I’m dating a very nice guy now—a businessman on Wall Street.”

Peg didn’t move a muscle or even blink. “A businessman? Guess the city’s changed you after all.”

Peg’s unsettling remark stayed with Maxi the rest of the day, irritating her mood like an uncomfortable rash. All through dinner, which her mother barely touched, Maxi couldn’t help reliving Peg’s unspoken criticism. Though Maxi didn’t give a fig what most people thought of her, she valued Peg Hanley’s opinion as much, if not more, than that of her family.

The phone rang, startling Maxi out of her brooding thoughts.

“Hey, sis. It’s Aidan. Just wanted you to know I made it home safe and sound.”

Aidan had left that morning, needing to get back to his job in Arizona. The sound of his voice increased the pangs of loneliness. “Glad to hear it.” She tried not to envy him being able to leave all the problems here behind him.

“How’s Mama?” he asked.

“About the same. I’m not sure if it’s her illness or depression over Charlie, but all she wants to do is sleep. I can barely get her to eat.”

At Maxi’s feet, Shep whined. She pushed open the screen door as she talked and let him out.

Aidan sighed on the other end. “Let’s pray the house sells fast, and we can find a good place for her. I hate leaving you with the brunt of all this.” He paused. “You sure you’re OK?”

Maxi swallowed her sadness. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Well, call me anytime if you need to talk.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Maxi hung up feeling more desolate than before. She tidied the kitchen, let Shep back in, and went to check on her mother, who’d dozed off on the couch. Maxi roused her and got her into her room and settled in bed with the German shepherd lying guard on the mat.

Weariness settled into Maxi’s bones as she locked up for the night. In the darkened kitchen, the lonely glow of her cell phone beckoned to her. She picked it up, her mind turning to Jason. The longing for his soothing presence became a physical ache.

They’d agreed to be friends, hadn’t they? She could ask him to come over. They could talk about old times, play some cards, watch a movie. Her heart beat faster as she punched in the first few digits of his number. Then the memory of their encounter at the shelter made heat flare in her cheeks. She snapped the phone off and tossed it on the counter. Probably a very bad idea. In her vulnerable state tonight, who knew what could happen?

She walked into the living room, straightened the pillows on the couch and turned off the lamp. With no desire to watch mindless television, she decided to turn in early, hoping things would appear brighter in the morning after a decent night’s sleep.

With any luck at all, she wouldn’t even dream—especially not about Jason.

 

****

 

Jason checked his pager and his cell phone to make sure both were still on. He’d been on call for the Kingsville Fire Department for the past eight hours and now looked forward to a hot shower and the comfort of his bed.

He ran a hand over his gritty eyes and checked the time on the clock of his truck. Twelve thirty. He should make it back to Rainbow Falls by 1:00 AM. With any luck, his mother would be asleep.

He blew out a weary breath. Maybe the time had come to get a place of his own. He hated the thought of leaving, but once he became a fireman full time, he’d be working crazy shifts, and his mom didn’t sleep well, waiting to hear his truck in the driveway.

His thoughts turned to Maxi as he swung the vehicle onto the country road leading into town. Soon he would pass by the Norths’ farm. Would he see any lights on, or would Maxi be long asleep?

Darkness spread out before him, broken only by the long beam of his headlights. Above him the stars winked a silent greeting. He felt like the lone person alive on the planet.

A sudden flicker up ahead caught his attention. For a moment, he thought it a trick of his imagination until the flicker became a red glow. He craned his neck to see better, his instincts kicking into high alert.

Fire!

He hit the accelerator hard to get closer as fast as he could. Fear gripped his insides the minute he realized where the light was coming from.

The North farm was on fire.

Jason slammed down his foot on the accelerator and pulled out his cell phone. He punched in the speed dial number for the Kingsville Fire Department.

“It’s Hanley. Fire on rural road eight. Charlie North’s place. Looks like the primary burn is the barn. I’m going to check the house. Meet me there.”

Gravel flew as the truck roared onto the side road leading to the property. His pulse pounded in his temples.

Please God, let Maxi and her mother be all right.

Jason watched the flames shoot from the barn as he jumped from the barely parked vehicle. Thank goodness the chicken coop was far enough away not to be affected. Not so, the main house. Smoke wisped up from the roof of the house. His blood ran cold. The fire had spread, probably from embers blown over in the wind.

He bolted up the porch stairs to pommel the front door, calling out for Bernice and Maxi. He tried the handle, knowing it would be locked now that Maxi was home.

With no response to his banging, he took a run at the door and hit it hard with his shoulder. Pain radiated through his arm, but the door didn’t budge. Fear closed his throat.

You’re a firefighter, Hanley. Slow down. Think logically.

Jason turned, picked up a wooden chair from the porch, and ran to the front window. He heaved the chair with as much strength as he could muster into the pane of glass. Shards flew everywhere. He leapt through the jagged opening, mindless of the sharp pieces that tore at him. He seemed to be moving in slow motion as he ran into the hallway. Shooting a glance toward Bernice’s main floor bedroom, Jason hesitated for a split second. Then, at the sight of smoke in the stairway, he bounded up toward Maxi’s room.

Perspiration beaded on his forehead and dripped down his spine. The smoke got thicker as he ascended, burning his nostrils and throat. Black mist, like evil tendrils, swirled around him. He coughed, trying to cover his nose and mouth with the crook of his elbow. Somewhere in the house, Shep barked. He tried to call Maxi’s name but choked instead. Acrid fumes stung his eyes and blurred his vision, further hampering his ability to see. He crawled his way along the wall to her door.

Relieved the handle wasn’t hot to the touch, Jason pushed into the room. Through the haze, he could only make out vague shapes. He felt his way to the bed, groping until he hit a lump.

“Maxi.”

She didn’t move.

Running his hands over her, he found what felt like a shoulder and shook. When there was still no response, he gathered her body, blankets and all, into his arms and staggered to the door.

Dear God, don’t let me be too late.

The smoke was much thicker on the second floor than below. As he made his way down the stairs, his vision improved. He found the front door, unlatched the lock and pushed outside. Coughs racked his body while his lungs fought for fresh air. Dropping to his knees, he laid Maxi gently on the grass. He swiped at the tears blinding him, desperate to see if she were breathing. The fact that she wasn’t coughing sent off alarm bells inside him. He found a weak pulse, further adding to his anxiety.

Life and death decisions had to be made. Raising his head, he looked back at the house. Shep stood on the porch, barking in frantic staccatos. Bernice was still inside, but he had to get Maxi breathing first.

He couldn’t lose her. He wouldn’t lose her.

Determination strengthened his resolve. Hopefully, Bernice had more time, since the smoke wasn’t as bad on the main level. Right now Maxi needed oxygen. He checked her airway and began mouth to mouth. His hands shook as he held her face and blew.

Please God, let her breathe.

On his third attempt, Maxi began to cough. Then she gulped in large quantities of air.

“Thank you, Lord.” Relief made his muscles weak.

Her arms flailed as she regained consciousness. Gently, he held her by the shoulders.

“You’re going to be OK. Stay here. I have to get your mother.”

He raced into the house, dimly aware of sirens approaching.

Minutes later, he returned carrying the frail older woman. The fire truck and ambulance had just pulled up. Men spilled from the vehicles. Jason brought Bernice right to the paramedics.

“She needs oxygen. So does Maxi over on the grass.”

One of the men tried to put a mask on Jason, but he pushed it away.

“The women first.”

Suddenly the smoke took its toll. Jason bent over, hands on his knees, gasping air into his straining lungs. When the ground stopped spinning, he raised his head and went to find Maxi.

True to her stubborn nature, she was on her feet, refusing the paramedic’s offer of an oxygen mask. Her desperate eyes sought Jason. “Where’s Mama? Is she OK?”

She took a few unsteady steps toward him before her legs gave out, and he caught her.

“I think so. They’re looking at her now.” Maxi’s colorless lips matched her pale skin. “You need oxygen.”

“I have to see her first.”

There was no use arguing with her. She was as stubborn as a spreading fire. He half carried her to the ambulance, motioning for the paramedic to follow. Once Maxi spied Bernice lying on a gurney, she pushed out of his arms.

“Mama.” Her croak turned into a cough. “I’m here, Mama.”

Bernice’s lids flickered open for a moment. She gave a brief smile before they fluttered closed again.

“Is she all right?” Maxi asked the attendant.

The man, in his forties with a brush cut and a no-nonsense attitude, avoided her question. “We need to get you all to the hospital.” He nodded at Jason. “You too, sir.”

As much as he hated it, Jason knew the guy was right. Plus he wanted to make sure Maxi received treatment. She’d been unconscious for who knew how long.

Before she could protest, he grabbed her by the waist, hoisted her into the ambulance, and then climbed in after her. With the adrenaline waning, exhaustion crept into his body like water trickling through a dry creek bed. After Maxi was settled, he let the attendant place the mask over his face, then leaned back, waiting for the ambulance to take them away.