Rescued Hearts (Hero Series) (10 page)

Nick notices Susan admiring the bike. “Want to go for a ride?”

Desiring to ride with Nick, she’s about to say yes however her iPhone rings. She checks her caller ID but she doesn’t answer. “

“That’s Tom, my fiancé.” Wishing she could stay longer and take Nick up on his ride, she says, “I should get back to the station anyway. It was really good talking with you today. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“It was good talking with you too. Have a good one.” Nick watches Susan walk away to get into her shiny red Chevy Cruze. Wishing she’ll turn around to take another glance at him, she unlocks the car with her remote, grabs the door handle to her car and turns to wave at Nick as she enters.

Happy that his wish came true, he thought, “I really wished she would’ve gotten on the bike for a ride.” He looks at his wedding band and realizes that his heart has opened up to the reality that he must let go of his old life with Amy in order to have a fresh start. He takes off his ring, puts his helmet on and rides off to see Amy.

While at a traffic light heading back to the office, Susan returns Tom’s call. Tom answers with a serious tone, “Where are you? I called your office and cellphone and got your voicemail.”

Susan answered calmly, “I’m in my car heading back to the office and you don’t sound like your usual self. What’s wrong?”

“This Maxwell account is taking forever to close and tomorrow I have to fly to Boston to smooth out some concerns that the corporate office is having. I basically have to do some hand holding to get this deal done and my boss doesn’t want me to handle this via a conference call but in person.”

“I’m sorry to hear things aren’t going smoothly on this deal Tom. How about we discuss it over dinner tonight?

“I really need this deal to happen and soon so my commission can pay for the whole wedding and the honeymoon?”

“Really I didn’t know that. Honey, I don’t want you to be stressed out. If we have to scale down or postpone the wedding to a later date, I’m fine with that.”

“But I’m not fine with that.”

“Ok, then let’s discuss it tonight over dinner and I’m sure we’ll be able to work things out.”

“I’m sorry Susan but I won’t be able to make it. I’ll be working late tonight.”

“You’ve got to eat at some point?”

“Listen, I’m being called into a meeting right now. If things open up, I’ll call you, otherwise I’ll call you from Boston.”

“Ok fine.” Feeling very uncomfortable about Tom’s job demands, she begins to wonder if this is a glance of how her life will be with him. “We definitely have to talk when he gets back from Boston.” Susan thought.

***

From the soup kitchen, Nick rode to the cemetery to visit Amy’s grave. Crossing his legs, he sat down in front of her tombstone. “Sorry it’s been a while since I came and visited. Truth is I didn’t want to because I wasn’t brave enough. I’ve missed you so much. Took me a while to figure it out and I thank God for putting people in my life who reminded me that it was my personal decision to live an unhappy life since you died. I’m tired of living that life and I’m ready to trade it in for a happy one. Amy, I know you want me to be happy. The love we shared can never be erased from my heart and I’m grateful for that. I will always love you. I know one day I’ll see you in Heaven. Goodbye Amy.”

***

The next day Susan had a meeting with Captain Miller to go over her proposal. So what do you think Captain?”  Susan asked.

“I think it would be an excellent idea and good for the public to see us in a different perspective when we’re not putting out fires.” “I don’t see it being a problem as long as you follow my instructions on the scene and never interfere with the operation.

“You have my word. Thank you captain.”

Wanting to put in a good word for her hero, Susan said “I hear Nicholas Gates has been with you for 10 years. Any idea when he’ll be back from leave?”

Captain Miller looking a little uncomfortable says, “He’s an outstanding fireman, no doubt about that. He just needs time to get his priorities in order before he can come back to this firehouse and help this community again”

“Oh, but he never stopped helping the community. He’s been volunteering at the 5th street soup kitchen.”

“Really?” The captain’s eyes showed a sense of pride to hear that. That’s great news because I know he hasn’t done that for some time now.”

“Exactly, and if it weren’t for him, I never would’ve have the inspiration for filming you all in action and let alone be sitting here in front of you today. He saved my life, Captain.”

***

While working at her desk in the news station, Susan received a call from Tom.

“Hi.” Susan said.

“Hey, I just got out of my meeting and wanted to share the good news with you. Maxwell corporate approved the deal. It’s done!”

Susan was filled with excitement. “Congratulations honey. I knew you could do it!”

“Thanks, I’m grabbing a late afternoon flight. Should be back home by 6:30. See you tonight?”

“Absolutely.”

Liz stopped by Susan’s desk but waited till she got off the phone. “Have any plans for lunch?” Liz asked.

“Actually taking a couple of hours to volunteer at the 5
^th
street soup kitchen.”

Liz teased Susan. “Susan Taylor ditching work to volunteer at a soup kitchen.”

“Oh quiet you. It’s just a little time, no big deal.”

“This is your best friend remember. What’s going on?”

Remembering the faces of the homeless people that day filled her heart with compassion, Susan said, “It’s not about serving a warm meal. Those poor people need a warm smile and someone to remind them that regardless of their circumstances other people do see them and care.”

Liz smiled at Susan. “Well I see you and I like what I see.” Liz runs and hugs Susan with a huge smile. It’s so good to have you back.

“What do you mean Liz?”

Hoping that what she was about to admit to Susan wouldn’t alter their friendship in any way, Liz said, “It’s just that ever since you met Tom, you became this different person and now your back to the person I grew up with.”
There I said it
, thought Liz.

Susan pondered what she heard and responded, “Ever since the fire, I do view things differently. Like so many things that didn’t matter got burned away. Does that make sense?”

“It makes a lot of sense.”

“Can I join you next time you go?”

“Of course you can. It’ll be great”

***

Susan was at her hotel apartment preparing some dinner when there was a knock at the door.

“I’m back.” Tom said as Susan opened the door for him.

“And just in time for dinner. Made us a couple of steaks with mushrooms and salad”

Tom who’s attempting to go vegetarian says, “You know I’m trying to stay away from meat and so should you.

Susan not feeling deterred at all replied in a poised manner, “Tom I think it’s great that you’ve chosen not to eat meat however I never decided on that radical change for myself. If you love me as you say you do, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t demand that I change my eating preferences just because you did. Now would you like the salad? I could easily heat you up some pinto beans and add it to the salad so you can get your protein?

Surprised at Susan’s defensive response but not wanting to escalate the issue, he smiled back and responded. “Beans on the salad would be great!”

“Ok, one Santa Fe style bean salad coming up.” Susan said.

“So how was your day?” Tom asked.

“Fantastic. I just got approval today from the fire station captain to ride with his engine company so I can show Chicago viewers what the firefighting world is like. I also felt a little spontaneous today and took a few hours to help out at the 5
^th
street soup kitchen.”

Feeling both puzzled and concerned Tom said. “What? Hanging with firemen. Volunteering in a soup kitchen?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t be running into any burning buildings.” Susan assured him.

“That’s good to know, but why run a story on firemen? OK so they put out fires and get cats off of trees.” Tom said uninterested.

“Because of uninterested attitudes like you just displayed. The public needs to be reminded that firefighters actually care about the community they serve. Who knows, I may be the first on scene for a news breaking story.

What about this soup kitchen?”

“That’s a personal decision I took simply because it feels good to help others who are less fortunate than us.”

“Yes, but don’t they usually have people on staff for that and isn’t that why others donate money to churches and charity events so one can do more important things?”

“Feeding the homeless is important.” Susan said.

“Right…sure.” Tom agreed however Susan could tell he wasn’t being genuine and just wanted to put an end to that conversation.

“So how are Joe and Liz doing? Are they enjoying their new home?”

Susan thought
not like you really care
. “They’re fine. Here’s your salad and can you pour us drinks?”

Nick surprised everyone at the firehouse with 3 pizza pies when he came up the stairs. Mike was equally surprised since Nick never mentioned to him that he was coming over. He placed the pies on the table and said, “Don’t say I don’t think about you all and make sure you leave a couple of slices for the captain.”

Nick headed over to the captain’s office to talk to him. Even though the door was open, Nick knocked and said, “Good to see you Captain. Brought some pizza over. Would you care to join us?”

“In a minute.” Pausing for a moment to study Nick, the captain asked, “How are you Nick?”

“I’m good captain.”

“Yeah, I hear more than good. Because of you, Miss Taylor’s going to be shadowing us here at the station capturing how we work and live. She said she going to make us shine on News 7.”