Tyler watched Puddin’ walk across the room toward the showers with his bath bag swung over his shoulder. Puddin’ ducked under the doorframe, his arms standing out from his body because his muscles were so massive. He was the largest crewmember, followed by Cat and Sugar. Although they had arrived looking like powerlifters, the hiking and arduous labor for twelve to sixteen hours a day had made them leaner. Tyler had said that by the end of fire season, they would all look more like cross-country runners. Puddin’ had already lost forty pounds.

“You think he needs a big sister?” Tyler asked.

Puddin’ poked his head around the corner. “Ellie? Think you could make me another grilled cheese? They’re the best I’ve ever had.”

“I’ll make you one,” Fish said from the table.

Puddin’s sheepish expression made him look like a little boy. “Nah. That’s okay, Fish.”

I smiled. I wasn’t the best cook, but I could make a mean grilled cheese. Puddin’ didn’t mean they were the best; I just made them a lot like his mom had when he was young. “Three?” I asked.

“If it’s not too much trouble,” Puddin’ said. His voice was so deep it carried like he was speaking through a muffled megaphone, the way a giant might sound.

“Okay if I do it after my shower?” I asked.

“Beggars can’t be choosers.”

He disappeared around the corner, and I stretched my neck toward Tyler, looking up at him with a knowing smile. “Yes, I think they all need a big sister.”

“Or a mom,” Tyler said. “They might not let you leave.”

“If I don’t find a place by October, I might not.” I was joking, but Tyler watched me for a long time.

“You need a place?” he asked. “I’m looking for a roommate.”

“I thought you and Taylor lived together.”

“Part-time. After fire season, he travels.”

“I need someplace permanent.”

“Maybe we could look into a three-bedroom. This is Slick’s last season. He and his wife have a three-bedroom condo that will be up for sale.”

I thought about it for half a second. “I can’t afford to buy.”

“I can. I was thinking about it, anyway.”

I shook my head. “We can’t be roommates.”

“Why not?”

“You know why.”

He nodded a few times, pretending to watch the television. Every few minutes he would smile and start to say something, but think better of it.

Puddin’ came out in a fresh pair of comfortable clothes, and the remaining ash-covered crew looked to me.

“Really?” I asked.

They kept staring.

I sighed. “Go, Cat.”

Cat jumped up, smiling. “I’m her favorite.”

“Bullshit,” Tyler said, pointing at him.

Everyone at the table laughed, and Cat jogged by, smooching his lips at me. “I love you, too, Ellie,” he lilted, winking.

“I’ll punch your cock,” Tyler said, slapping at him.