A week later, Cam and Chris are about to teach a kindergarten class about fire safety.
The classroom wall is covered in paper daisies. It makes Cam think of HIS Daisy.
But then again, when isn’t he thinking of her?
Ever since she’d given him her number, they’ve talked every night…
His thoughts are interrupted by the teacher’s arrival.
Cam is struck by her beauty. She’s young and petite with great curves.
Instantly, his mind makes an illogical jump —
What if this woman is the one he’s been sexting and chatting with for weeks?
Teacher
Thanks again for coming. I’m Stella Torres.
Stella
The kids will be coming in from recess any moment.
Hmmm…Cam thinks. Torres could be Spanish, right?
He tries to stop his ridiculous thoughts.
He’s been so wrapped up in the idea of meeting Daisy that he’s inventing shit up to make it plausible.
Cam
We’re happy to be here, Miss. Torres. I’m Cameron and this is Chris.
Stella
Oh please, call me Stella. And it’s nice to meet you.
Stella extends her hand. Cam notices the tiny daisy tattooed on the inside of her wrist.
As he shakes her hand, he gives her his best smile.
Cam
That’s a nice tattoo, Stella.
Stella
Oh, thanks. It’s not very original, I’m afraid.
Stella
I like daisies so it popped in my head when the tattoo artist asked me what I wanted.
Cam
Does it make the kids think they can draw on themselves?
She laughs and the sound of it brings Cam to life.
It’s husky and sensual and downright sexy.
Stella
Thankfully, no, my teenage act of rebellion has not negatively influenced the children.
Cam
That’s too bad. I think it’d be funny to see a bunch of living Picassos walking around.
His words illicit another laugh and make Cam do a mental fist pump.
Chris arches a brow, but Cam doesn’t care.
His brain is too busy wrestling back to the possibility that this could be HER.
There are probably tons of gorgeous brunettes in the world who like daisies.
So this is just a coincidence…right?
Cam begins to hear squeals of delight echoing down the hallway.
Stella
Oh, they’re coming! Let me get them settled and then I’ll introduce you.
A swarm of five-year-olds spills into the room. Stella directs them to sit cross-legged on the large rug.
Stella
Come on, everyone! It’s time to meet our special visitors.
Immediately, the class goes silent.
Stella
Wow, great job! Thank you for listening so well.
Stella
Let’s get started. Who likes fire trucks?
Twenty arms shoot into the air and wave around excitedly.
Cam and Chris chuckle from their spot at the front of the room.
Stella
Awesome, yes! Those big, red trucks are cool, right?
Stella
But how many of you like FIRE?
Twenty heads shake emphatically while a few kids shout “Nooooo!”
Stella
That’s right, fire can be good for certain things like camping and roasting marshmallows…
Stella
But fire can also be very dangerous.
Stella
We have to know what to do in those dangerous situations to stay safe, don’t we?
Stella
Okay, so this is Firefighter Cameron and Firefighter Chris, and they’re here to teach us about Stop, Drop, and…?
Stella
Right! So we’re all going to be on our best behavior. We’re going to watch with our…
Stella
And listen with our…
Stella was great with the kids. It’s obvious how much she loves her job.
Cam can’t stop watching her huge smile and the way her eyes light up.
But he wrenches his eyes away when she gives them the floor.
In the next half hour, Cam and Chris go through their fire safety routine.
After the presentation, Stella lines the kids up for music while he and Chris pack up.
From the corner of his eye he sees Stella crouch down in front of a little boy.
Stella
Damien, I know you like being first but it’s not your turn today.
Stella
And what do we say about anger?
Damien
I should let it go.
Stella
You are SO smart. Now hop in line, kiddo.
Cam’s heart stops. Did he really just hear Stella using the same quote Daisy told him?
It isn’t a common saying.
Her appearance and the daisies might have been a coincidence…
But now she’s ALSO using the same unique quote?
It’s too much — this HAS to be her.
Now Cam just has to figure out what to say…
Because he can’t exactly come right out and ask a kindergarten teacher if she moonlights as a sext operator.
So once the music teacher picks up the kids, Cam shoots his friend a subtle look.
Chris nods and excuses himself.
Cam
Thanks again for having us, Stella. It’s important for the kids to know this stuff.
Stella
Oh, I agree. And you guys were great. My kids loved you.
Stella
I just wish Andy could’ve seen you…
Stella
One of my students who’s completely obsessed with firefighters.
Stella
He even insists on wearing suspenders to school.
Cam
He sounds like an awesome kid.
Stella
He’s very special. He had to miss school today because he was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
Stella
The doctors needed to run some tests on him.
Cam
Damn, I’m sorry to hear that.
Cam does some quick thinking.
Maybe there’s a way to help the kid AND get some more time with Stella.
Cam
Listen, if you can work it out with Andy’s parents…
Cam
You should bring him down to the station tomorrow.
Cam
I’ll take him on a private tour of the house and let him play on the trucks.
Cam
He’ll be in firefighter heaven.
Stella’s eyes grow wide and she clutches her hands to her chest.
Stella
Oh my God, really? That would be amazing!
Stella
I’ll call his parents after school and see if we can work it out.
Cam smiles at her and she instantly returns it.
Cam
Great. I hope I’ll see all of you tomorrow then.
Stella
Me too. Seriously, Cameron, thank you.
Cam
It’s my pleasure, Stella.
A flicker of something crosses her face but he doesn’t let himself look into it.
There’ll be plenty of time for that later.
Cam
And all my friends call me Cam. You can too, if you like.
Cam
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Stella smiled prettily with a hint of pink coloring her cheeks.
And with that, Cam walks out of the room. He starts making plans for tonight’s conversation with Daisy.
