Birdie’s shoulders slumped. “I was so scared. All of the power went out inside the building, and my office is down a hallway with no windows. It was pitch-dark and the smoke was so thick I was choking. I couldn’t find my phone and didn’t want to take time searching for it. I finally found my way out of the building, and then dropped.” Then she looked across the table at Hunt, and there were tears in her eyes. “The next thing I know, my big brother is picking me up and carrying me to one of the ambulances. I was never so glad to see anyone in my life.”

Ava looked at Hunt. “You didn’t mention that when you told me Birdie was okay.”

He shrugged. “Because I didn’t do anything but show up and take her to the ambulance. They lined her up with the others they’d put on oxygen and kept her there until they were sure she was okay. Emma took her home.”

“Because you called Emma, and then followed us and helped get me inside,” Birdie said. “Stop playing down the fact that you were there when I needed you.”

Hunt grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”

Birdie sniffed. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Hunt said. “So what’s the special tonight?”

“Meatloaf,” Birdie said. “I love it, but never make it just for myself.”

“Sounds good. That’s what I’m having,” Ava said.

They ordered without looking at a menu, and while they were waiting, more than one diner came up to grill Birdie about the fire. She was too rattled to answer, so Hunt fielded their curiosity. And then their food arrived and that ended the visits.

Two young men stopped by their table while they were eating to say hello, but their attention was on Birdie. After they left, Hunt teased her.

“Which one do you like best?” he asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Come on, little sister. Yes, you do. You’re pretty, young, and single, and they were slobbering a little around the mouth. That’s always a dead giveaway,” Hunt said.

Birdie frowned. “You’re lying.”

Ava laughed out loud. “Yes, he’s full of it.”

Hunt grinned. “Okay, so they weren’t slobbering. But one was sweating a little, and the other one kept stuttering. Have you ever gone out with either of them?”

Birdie sighed. “No.”

“Why not?” Ava asked.

Birdie shrugged. “The spark’s not there, and I’m not the kind of person to lead someone on just for fun.”

“Good for you, kid,” Hunt said.

Ava nodded. “I understand about that spark. If it’s missing, then it’s all a waste of time.”

Hunt glanced at her, and then reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

“Your hesitation was my blessing,” he said.

Birdie grinned. “What don’t I know?”

Ava glanced at Hunt and nodded.