Chapter 105

After Scarlett left, he had to grow up fast. Forced to become both father and mother overnight made him grow up quickly of necessity. He was just lucky that his mother had helped him. He'd have no idea what he would have done if it hadn't been for her.
He pulled down the drive leading to The North Pole Lodge and evergreens dotted with snow lined both sides of the road. But as much as he tried, he couldn't push Kiki from his mind.
Taren pulled his Jeep Cherokee to a stop in the parking lot and cut the engine. Even though he knew she wasn't there, he couldn't help but scan the parking lot looking for her familiar blue Mustang. Seeing that her car wasn't there, he forced her from his mind, knowing it was over between them even before it had really begun. Now, he had business to take care of.
He locked up the car and shoved his hands into his pockets as he hurried toward the glass, double front doors. Even though it was still cold out, at least it wasn't snowing. He just hoped the weather held out for the ball the next day.
"Hello, Mr. Davis!" Ms. Bennet greeted him as he walked in. For a moment, he wondered if she ever took time off. It seemed that she was working every time he walked in. But then again, it was probably because he always seemed to stop by in the morning after work. "How are you this afternoon?"
"Fine, thank you." He approached the counter and unzipped his coat. "Is Mr. White available?"
"For you? Always!" A broad grin spread across her face. "I'll let him know that you're here."
He nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Ms. Bennet."
She walked into the back room and a moment later, Liam walked out, wearing a haggard look, but his face brightened when he saw his friend.
"Taren, old buddy!" He held up his hand and Taren clasped his hand. "Come on back!"
"Thanks, man. It's good to see you, too."
"Right this way, Mr. Davis." Ms. Bennet opened the side door and Taren followed Liam back to his office.
"We're all set for tomorrow night," Liam said as he walked down the hall. Then he turned to the right at his office. "Ms. Bennet and her crew are seeing to everything."
It amazed Taren how much Liam depended upon the older woman. She may have been eccentric, but she sure wasn't as crazy as he had originally thought.
"Thanks, Liam. I appreciate everything you've done- for both me and the fire department." Taren sat on a chair in front of his desk. "You can send the bill for the party to the department."
Liam sat in his overstuffed leather chair. "No problem. Happy to do it. You can go over the details of the party with Ms. Bennet before you leave. Just let her know if there's anything you'd like to add."
Taren smiled. "I will. Thanks, again."
"So, how does Ms. Long like her apartment?" Liam asked, truly curious, never one to fish for compliments.
"You really outdid yourself. She loves it." Liam let out a deep breath. "It was really kind of you to give her a place to stay."
"Well, I was glad you told me what happened." Liam leaned forward and folded his hands on the edge of his desk. "So, have you asked her out yet?" Liam raised an eyebrow. His friend knew him too well.
Liam shook his head. "She came over to the house and we celebrated a makeshift Christmas together, but that's about it."
"Well, ask her out!" One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "You need to take her out somewhere! Have fun!"
Taren nodded. He didn't tell him that she wasn't returning his calls or texts. Nor did he tell him that he just saw her and what had happened. "I'm afraid it was over before it had even begun."
Liam let out a deep breath. "Taren, just because your ex messed you up doesn't mean that all women will. Give her a chance."
"She saw me talking to Scarlett at the fire station yesterday and jumped to conclusions." Taren leaned back against the chair. "I really don't think that it's in the cards for us."
"Scarlett's back?" Liam's eyes almost bulged out of his head. "You aren't thinking of getting back with her, are you?"
Taren laughed without humor. "Not hardly! After what she did to me and Abby? I don't think so. You know what she's trying to do?"
Liam shook his head.
"She threatened me with custody, and in the next breath, she practically begged me to take her to the ball." Taren sighed. "She even said she went to a lawyer and will send me the papers. Frankly, I doubt if she's really even gone to a lawyer yet."
"Well, don't let her hold Abby over your head," Liam replied. "If you let her get by with it now, she'll be doing it until Abby goes off to college."
"Oh, I have no intention of letting her get away with this." Taren let out a deep breath. "And if she wants a custody battle, then I'll meet her in court. Otherwise, she needs to stay out of mine and Abby's life."
Liam nodded. "And don't worry about tomorrow night. If she shows up, I'll have her escorted out."
Taren gave him a weak smile. "Thanks, man."
"Anytime." Liam rose from his seat. "So, when are you going to let me beat you at b-ball again?"
Taren laughed. "Yeah, right! Who beat who last time?"
One corner of Liam's lips curled into a smile. "Lucky shot."
"You're coming tomorrow night, aren't you?"
Liam shook his head. "No, this party's just for the firefighters."
Taren smirked. "Hey! You're one of us. You're always welcome."
"Thanks, man. I'll think about it." Liam nodded his thanks, smiling. "Besides, who would I take?"
Taren laughed out loud. "What're you talking about? You could have any woman you want!" But then, he thought of Erica. "But I know someone I could introduce you to, if you like."
"I just might take you up on it," Liam teased.
Taren laughed as he rose from his seat and then extended his hand. "Thanks for everything, Liam. Let me know when you're free and I'll be glad to come over and beat you, or we can go skiing. I haven't been in a while. In the meantime, I'll see you tomorrow night."
Liam smiled as he shook his hand. "Sounds like a plan." He released his hand and then a crease formed between his eyes. "Taren, just enjoy yourself tomorrow night and don't worry about anything."
He nodded. "Thanks, man. I will."
In the lobby, he said goodbye to Liam and then settled all the last minute details with Ms. Bennet. Once everything was settled, he drove back to the station to finish his shift, thankful that he had such good friends.