Page 22 of Her Silver Fox Firefighters

It’s a slow day, and while my tips might suffer, I don’t mind because it gives me a chance to learn how to run this place in Melinda’s absence and also to learn more about Luke. My fondness for the kid is growing the more time I spend with him.

“So you’re really into computers?” he asks as he wipes down one of the tables with a dry cotton cloth.

“You could say that.”

“Do you know Python?”

I give him a surprised look. “Do you?”

“Yeah, some.”

“Some? Python is a complicated programming software.”

Luke shrugs lightly as he moves on to the next table. “It’s not that hard. I learned the basics in computer camp last year. I’ve been developing my own app since.”

“Really? That’s so impressive, Luke.”

Okay, now my feelings for the kid are increasing exponentially.

I take a moment to refill the coffee mugs at table four, then pop into the kitchen to see if Jim needs anything. Then, I whip up a milkshake for Luke, adding extra whipped cream, just the way he likes it.

“What’s your app for?” I ask, continuing our conversation.

“It’s a messaging service to help refugees communicate across a city safely without having to use their real name. Dad said he could speak to one of his former Marine buddies who works in the government to see if there’s a way to vet every profile for safety and stuff.”

“That sounds amazing. What inspired you to build it?”

Luke gives me a weary, heartfelt look. “I know how lonely it can be for some people when they first arrive in a new country. Some of them come alone, with no family or anyone waiting for them. It can be scary. Dad and my uncles always talk to me about the good that a community can do to help people like them.”

“That is true. There is strength in numbers. Nobody should have to go through tough times alone,” I tell him, remembering the way I landed in Ember Ridge.

“The app would also connect users to different therapists in their area, so if they have bad dreams or panic attacks and stuff, they can get professional help for free. Uncle Beck says he knows a couple of doctors who might be able to help.”

“So you want to launch this app.”

He nods once. “Around Ember Ridge, for starters. Uncle Dax says there are a lot of refugees settled near here and that the district is doing really well because they’re rejuve, reju— what’s the word again?”

“Rejuvenating old towns and communities?”

“That’s it, yeah!”

“Which makes sense. Most of the young folks go to the big cities, leaving the elderly behind. The same happened in a lotof places across Europe, too. And everywhere the refugees went, regardless of which part of the world they came from, they helped rebuild the local economy.”

Luke gives me a broad smile. “You’re super smart.”

“I read a lot,” I reply with a wink.

“You’re staying here, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“In Ember Ridge. You moved here, right?”

It sounds like he’s asking me not to leave, and it causes a deep pang in my heart. Truth be told, I never mentioned my plans to Dax and the guys, mostly because I’m not sure myself. But now that the dust has settled and it’s been surprisingly quiet, I’m thinking that I might just settle down here.

“I’m not rushing anywhere else anytime soon,” I reassure Luke with a warm smile.

We both hear the truck engines rumbling up next door and our heads turn just in time to see them as they pull into the garage.