“And how do you like your new place?” she asked.

I nodded again. “That it’s not mine, nor anything that’s in it.”

“I know this is hard. It’d be harder without their help. Right now the focus is on getting well.”

“I know. Tyler says the same. He’s not even pushing me to move in with him, which is … weird.”

“But smart. Congratulations, by the way.” The synapses of Jojo’s mind were clearly firing, and I waited while she twisted the platinum strands hanging from the clear elastic band securing her braid. “Chief called today. He asked how you were doing.”

“The Alpine crew’s superintendent?”

“Yes, that Chief. He asked a few questions about your recovery.”

“Awkward.”

“He wants to give you another chance.”

“He does,” I said, dubious.

“The Alpine crew is on R&R now.”

“I know.”

“They’re leaving for Colorado Springs in two days.”

“I know that, too.”

“When they’re back, Chief asked me if you’d be ready.”

“Why would he want me to come back?” I asked, suspicious.

“He saw your latest feature on the forestry service. It’s getting great reception, and they would like to see it wrapped up on a positive note.”

“I guess the AP picking it up helped him make that decision?”

Jojo smiled. “I’m pretty sure Daddy would adopt you if he could. You put this magazine on the map. Ad space is booked up for six months. Subscription numbers set a new high every day. That was all you, Ellie. I can’t even take the credit for the last write-up. I used almost every word you wrote.”

“I noticed your name was absent.”

“With good reason,” she said, leaning forward. “Getting you well is our first priority. If you think it’s too much, too soon, we’ll push it back to next year’s fire season. Daddy wanted to make sure you knew that.”

I turned, seeing that Wick’s door was closed. It had been that way since I’d returned to a full-time desk job.

“No, I can do it,” I said, my heart thumping against my chest. I tried not to make my excitement too obvious.

Jojo’s entire face brightened. “Really?”

“Yeah. Just stop saying well. It makes me feel sick.”

She stood, shaking her head. “Absolutely. Won’t mention it again.” Not two seconds after she turned the corner, her orange face popped back in, her hot-pink lipstick bordering her bright smile. “That’s not true. I’ll mention it if necessary.”

“Understood.”