Page 24 of Startup Fire

“Upgraded the circuit when she brought it in,” Wayne said shortly. “Thirty-amp dedicated line, two hundred and forty volt.”

Wygant nodded, making a note. “Smart.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Wayne saw Jess's head snap toward him. He kept his focus on Wygant.

Wygant checked that exits were clear, examined the fuel storage.

“Everything's up to code,” he finally said. “Better than code, actually. Your ventilation system is top-notch, electrical work is clean—that kiln circuit especially is textbook. Fuel storage is proper.” He made a final note. “I'll file the report. The Hartleys can rest easy—Everything's up to code. Better than code, actually.”

“Thanks.” Wayne walked him to the door.

After Wygant’s car disappeared down the driveway, Wayne turned to find Jess standing in the middle of the barn, arms wrapped around herself.

“Wayne, I didn't know they were going to—”

“You told them.” His voice was carefully controlled. “You told them about the fire, and they called in an inspection without asking me.”

“I mentioned it at breakfast. I was trying to make it sound funny, not scary, but they got worried—”

“And you didn't think to warn me? To ask if I wanted the fire marshal poking around my private property?”

“I didn't know they'd called anyone!” Her voice rose.

“But they did!” Wayne knew he was being unfair, knew logically that Jess hadn't meant for this to happen. But the cold panic was already spreading through his chest, Amanda's words echoing in his head. You're not enough. This life isn't enough. I can't do this.

“I mentioned a tiny fire to my grandparents,” Jess said, her voice sharp now. “I'm sorry they overreacted, but that's on them, not me. And you passed the inspection with flying colors, so what's the problem?”

“The problem is you told them. You made my business their business without asking.”

“They're my family! I talk to them about my day. That includes working here.” She took a step toward him. “Wayne, you're being ridiculous. The fire marshal just gave you perfect marks—”

“That's not the point.”

“Then what is the point?” Jess's patience was clearly wearing thin. “Because from where I'm standing, you're looking for reasons to push me away.”

The words hit too close. “I'm not—”

“Yes, you are.” Her eyes were bright now, angry or hurt or both. “We just spent the night together. You told me we were building something real. And now, the first time something goes slightly wrong, you're retreating.”

“This isn't slightly wrong. This is—” Wayne stopped, fighting for the right words. “You don't understand what it's like, having people think they have a right to your space, your life. First your grandmother decides I should let you use the barn, then your grandparents call in inspections—”

“Oh my God.” Jess's laugh was bitter. “You're still mad about my grandmother. About me showing up that first morning. You're holding that against me too.”

“No, I'm—”

“You are.” She grabbed her bag from her workstation. “You know what? My grandparents were wrong to call the fire marshal without telling you. I'll tell them that. I'll apologize for mentioning the fire. But Wayne?” She stopped at the door, turning back to face him. “I'm done being punished for what someone else did to you.”

Wayne froze. “What?”

“Amanda. Or whoever it was that made you this way.” Jess's voice was steady now, sad but certain. “Someone hurt you, made you think you weren't enough, and now you're so terrified of it happening again that you're sabotaging anything good before it has a chance to hurt you first.”

“That's not—”

“Yes, it is.” She slung her bag over her shoulder. “I like you, Wayne. Really like you. Maybe even more than that. But I can't be with someone who's going to pull away every time things get complicated. Who's going to assume the worst of me instead of just talking to me.”

“Jess—”

“I need some space.” She was already moving toward the door. “To figure out if this is worth fighting for.”