Page 17 of Set My Soul Ablaze

When I turned to see who was close enough to help, Charles and Bradlee just so happened to be walking by.

“Charles! Bradlee!”

Their gazes met mine as I stopped them in their tracks.

“What’s up?” Bradlee quizzed.

“Mali has blessed us with a home cooked meal. Come help get this food.”

At the mention of food, Charles and Bradlee briskly walked over to the reception desk.

“Mali, this is Charles and Bradlee. They were also on the scene. Guys, Mali was the house fire a few days back. They would be more than happy to help you bring the pans in.”

“Perfect. Follow me, fellas.” She pressed the visitor sticker onto the top of her romper and escorted the guys out to her car. I waited patiently for them to return.

We walked Mali through the station to the common area. It didn’t take long for the four of us to get the food set up at the dining area. As soon as the aroma spread through the station, everyone migrated over. We grabbed some of the paper plates and forks out of the pantry and let everyone dig in. For a long moment, no one said a word. The food was too good to interrupt the chew with a conversation.

“Did you want to sit and join us?” I asked, as I noticed Mali moving toward the background.

She shook her head. “I ate with my parents and best friend before I came. They wanted to join me, but I told them this needed to be a solo trip. I’ll sit with you, though. I want to hear your thoughts on the food.”

I smiled. “Say less.”

She sat across from me and rested her cheek on her fist. I felt like Gordon Ramsey as I tasted the flavors of the pasta. The sauce was rich, spicy, and seasoned to perfection. The chicken was crispy. I knew I wouldn’t have space for the dessert and prayed there would be some banana pudding waiting for me when I made the room for it.

“What’s all of this?” Captain asked as he walked over and eyed the array of food. He had an amused smirk on his face as he eyed the family.

“Cap, this is Mali. She wanted to show her appreciation with a delicious home-cooked meal,” I explained. I recited the menu for him.

Cap nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Mali. We are always grateful for a home-cooked meal from the community.”

“It was no problem at all. It’s the least I could do for y’all.” Mali twiddled with her thumbs nervously. Even when she was shy, she exuded pure beauty.

“It looks and smells delicious. I hope these hoodlums save me some.”

“No promises, Cap,” Bradlee said through a mouthful of pasta.

“Nah. I need her to come back every week with this dish. I ain’t ever had no pasta taste so flavorful.” Charles grabbed another slice of garlic bread to slop up the rest of the sauce.

Mali giggled. “Thank you. I’m glad y’all enjoy it.”

“It was great for sure.” I grabbed a napkin and wiped the corners of my lips. “I need to walk this food off my stomach. Would you like a tour of the station?”

Mali’s eyes lit up. “If you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. C’mon.” I stood up and tossed my trash into the bin before stretching. I let out a deep breath. “We’ll start in this room since we’re already here.”

The tour started in the lounge area. I showed her the amenities. Then we went to the training rooms, bedrooms, and ended the tour with the trucks. Along the way, she asked dozens of questions. Her curiosity was cute. It also made me feel special to hold her attention and tell her all the facts I’d learned during my years here.

“This place is huge,” Mali stated as we sat on the back of the ambulance truck.

“We have the largest station in the state. We’re considered the central hub for Cade’s Cove emergencies. There are three other smaller stations around, but we handle most of the calls because of the sheer size of our team.”

“I commend y’all for putting your lives on the line to keep the city safe. Are you from Cade’s Cove?”

“Born and raised. How about you?”

“Same. What part did you grow up in?”