Chapter 8

8

Sofia

I follow the building manager into the apartment I'm looking at. Well, it's more like a studio.

"As you can see, it's an open floor plan. The kitchen space is quite large for all your cooking needs. As you noticed when we entered there is an emergency exit right outside your door. I understand that your last apartment building had a fire, but I promise you there is also a fire escape that is safe and right outside your kitchen window," she assures as we move to the window so she can show me.

Safety is definitely a factor after the fire. She guides me down the small hall that leads to the bathroom that has a stand-up shower, but no bathtub, which isn't really a deal breaker, but I really like taking baths sometimes.

Once we're finished, I follow her to the office and fill out the application. "It was nice meeting you, Sofia."

"You too, Gwen." I grab my purse, and she walks me out.

"We'll let you know, but I can tell you with confidence you're probably going to get the apartment. I'll be in touch." She shakes my hand and then I head out to my car.

My phone rings and I see it's Rhett. My heart races and a giddy feeling spreads through me. "Hey, you," I answer.

"How was the apartment?" he asks.

We've been out on three dates, and they've gone amazingly well. The only thing that worries me is he's only ever kissed me. Sure, they've gotten very heated, and I could tell he was aroused, but he never let things get too out of hand.

I'm not sure if he can tell I'm not very experienced and is just taking his time with me, but all I know is that when I'm with him I don't ever stop smiling. This sounds so wrong, but usually guys that are as good-looking as he is, are usually stuck-up jerks. Not him though, he's sweet, funny, and attentive.

When I'm with him I feel seen, special, and it scares the piss out of me. The little voice inside my head tells me I'm not pretty enough for him. I try to ignore it, but sometimes it's just too loud.

"Fia?" Rhett has also started to call me Fia sometimes, and I love it.

I shake my head. "Sorry. It was good. My front door would be by the fire exit and the window in the kitchen leads to the fire escape. I filled out the application, but she said I can expect to get the apartment."

"That's great, babe. I can help you move."

See, so sweet. "That'd be awesome, but honestly there won't be much since I have to purchase everything new. Once I get the word that I get the apartment, I need to order furniture for the living room area, my sleeping, area and the kitchen. Since it's a studio I'm going to get one of those big room divider screens."

"What do you think about me helping you do that? I could ask the guys at the station if they have any dishes, silverware, glasses, stuff like that. At least to get you started." I hear him moving around. "I've got to get going, but we'll talk in the morning."

"Okay, have a good rest of your shift. Be safe." It's become automatic to tell him that before we let each other go. His job is dangerous, and I always want him to know I want him to be safe.

"Thanks, babe, I talk to you later." He disconnects.

I stick my phone back in my purse and then get in my car, heading back to Mom's.

Pulling up to the valet at the Cherry Hills Country Club, I always feel out of place. My father and brothers are all members here. It's so pretentious and I'm always uncomfortable when I'm here, but Kirk wanted me to have lunch with him. I love my brother and enjoy spending time with him, but we really don't have a lot in common.

The valet helps me out and hands me a ticket. I make my way inside the clubhouse.

"Can I help you?" a man in an expensive suit asks as I head toward the restaurant I'm meeting my brother at.

"Yes, I'm meeting Kirk Stevens at The Terrace Grill."

He nods. "Yes, he arrived a few minutes ago. It's up the stairs and to the left. Enjoy."

The man leaves me, and I head upstairs and to the left like he said. Of course, I already knew where it was. The grill is where we usually meet when he wants me to come here. Kirk is easy to spot when I reach the restaurant.

He's tall, and his hair is so dark, it's almost black. We look nothing alike, but that's because Kirk is built like our dad but looks like his mom. Drew looks just like our dad, with brown hair that he keeps short, and hazel eyes. Kirk's eyes are brown, like dark chocolate.

"Hey, big brother," I say as I approach.

Turning my way, my brother smiles and picks me up in a bear hug. "Hey, baby sis. You look beautiful, as always." He grabs his drink and leads me to a table by the window, facing the golf course.

"Is Drew coming?"

Kirk shakes his head. "No, he had a meeting he couldn't get out of. How's the apartment hunt going? If you haven't found something, you can always move in with me."

Right after the fire he wanted me to move in with him, but I wasn't sure how long it would take me to find and furnish a new place. "Actually, I found a cute studio not far from downtown. I move in a week."

"That's great. Is it safe?" he asks and before I can answer our waitress comes and takes my drink order.

When she walks away, I turn back to my brother. "There is a fire escape and the door to my apartment is right next to the fire exit. There are two smoke detectors, and there is also a sprinkler system. I promise, I am safe."

Kirk reaches into his suit jacket and pulls out an envelope. Saying nothing, he slides it across the table. "That's from Drew and me. I want to make sure you get what you need."

I open it and inside is a check for five thousand dollars. "Kirk, I can't take this."

"You can, and you will, or I will not be happy. Sweetheart, I don't want you to worry about anything. The thought of something happening to you cut us both deep. We need to do this for you." He reaches out and grabs my hand. "Let us."

All I do is nod, because if I try to speak, I'm going to cry. I grab the envelope and stick it in my purse. "Yasmine says if you want her to go shopping, she'll get your clothes."

Yasmine is my brother's fiancée. They're getting married next spring. I absolutely love her and she's so good with my brother. They've been together for three years and it was love at first sight. At least that's what they both say.

"That'd be great. I'll call her later." I lean forward. "I-uh… I have news." Our waitress comes and takes our order and as soon as she walks away, I share quietly. "I'm… I'm seeing someone."

"You are? Tell me about him." He takes a sip of his drink.

I do the same and then begin to talk. "His name is Rhett. He's a fireman and EMT. He is at Station 47, he's funny, sweet, and makes me feel pretty."

"A fireman? Was he there the night of the fire?"

Is he going to think badly of Rhett? Or of me? I'm not sure there is a rule about us dating or whatever were doing. "He-He is the one who carried me out of the building. Rhett saved my life."

"Is that why you're seeing him, because you're grateful to him?"

I'm not going to be mad at his question because I could see how someone's thoughts could go there. That's what I tell Kirk. "There is something there between us. He is way out of my league, but I like him."

"I doubt that, Sis, but just be careful. If the time comes, I'd love to meet him."

They bring our food out and we spend the rest of our lunch making small talk.