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      “Really? Is he cute?”

      “What do you care? You’re married.”

      Julie shrugged. “Doesn’t mean I can’t window shop. So what’s this guy going to do?”

      “He’s going to help me work out and study for the test. What’s a good weight-lifting magazine?”

      Julie led her to another shelf and pulled out a magazine with a built woman posing on the purple cover. “This one. It’s from the same company that puts out Muscle and Fitness, but it’s for women. Which is why it’s called Her’s Muscle and Fitness and why it’s got a purple cover. Last month it was hot pink.”

      “What would I ever do without you to point that out for me?” Jessica flipped open the magazine, looking for the contents page.

      “You’d probably be wandering around the interior design section wondering why you couldn’t find what you were looking for. People do it all the time.” Julie tidied the rack in front of her. “So when do you start?”

      “As soon as possible. Kevin said–that’s his name, Kevin–he said they’re holding exams in about three months, and I have to get into shape.” Jessica closed the magazine. “I can’t wait to get started.”

      “Good. Let me know if you need anything. You better get a piece of birthday cake while you still can. It’s chocolate.”

      “Mindi told me.”

      Julie finished straightening the shelf. “You looked like you wanted to bite somebody before. Thirty’s no fun.”

      Jessica sighed. Julie only had 3 years on her, but she made it sound like decades. “This is about the best birthday present I can imagine.”

      “You never said if he was cute.”

      “You know him. He’s in here all the time. Black hair going gray. Brown eyes. Pretty well built. About six foot. Good-looking for an older guy.”

      “I think I know who you mean. The Fire Apparatus Journal guy? He’s pretty cute. Can’t knock an older man. They’ve learned things. They have experience.” Julie wiggled her eyebrows.

      Jessica ignored the innuendo through force of will. “I’ve got to go call my doctor and set up an appointment for a physical. This is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me.” She started out of the magazine section, but stopped and turned back. “Wait, I was supposed to talk to you about something. I can’t remember what.”

      “Probably Darla. I know the lecture. Quit bugging Darla. Leave Darla alone. Do your own job and don’t bother Darla even when she’s in your way, underfoot, and pushy for no good reason. I’ll wait a few days before I put another dead rat in her locker.”

      “Julie!”

      Julie grinned and went back to shelving magazines.

      Jessica went back to the office and got her cake out of the refrigerator before sitting down at her desk to call the doctor. While she listened to the phone ring, she wondered if Julie would put a dead rat in Darla’s locker. It would make things interesting. Of course, Julie didn’t have much room to call anyone else pushy, and Jessica didn’t relish the idea of being on the wrong side of her.

      “Dr. Masciano’s office, please hold.”

      Jessica scraped the garish blue rose off her cake and placed it on the extra plate Mindi had provided. The cake was chocolate, as advertised. This birthday was starting to have some promise.

      “Dr. Masciano’s office. Can I help you?”

      “I’d like to schedule a full physical for as soon as possible.”

      “Is there a specific complaint?”

      “No, I need a full physical.” Jessica sliced off a section of cake with her fork. Mindi had gotten the cake with the good frosting at least, even if it did have big blue roses on it.

      “There’s a block open tomorrow afternoon at one-thirty.”

      She didn’t have to come to work until four, so she had plenty of time. “That’s fine.”

      “Your name?”

      “Jessica Decker.”

      “Jessica Decker? According to the computer, you had a physical last April.”

      “I did, but I need another one. I’m going to be doing some physical training, and I want to be checked out before I start.”

      Mindi stopped at the edge of her cubicle, staring at her. Jessica held out the rose, which Mindi took and proceeded to ignore.

      “He’ll expect you tomorrow at one-thirty, Miss Decker.”

      “Great. Thank you.” She hung up the phone and grinned at Mindi. “One of the regular customers just offered to train me to join the fire department. I’m going to be a paramedic.”

      Mindi’s mouth fell open.

      Sonya popped her head around the corner. “Did you just say you were going to be a fireman?”

      “Yes.”

      “Get out. That is so cool. Which customer?”

      “The guy with the black hair going gray. Broad shoulders, about six feet tall.”

      Sonya shook her head.

      “He’s got a voice that could move mountains.”

      Sonya pointed at her. “I know who you mean. Large hot cocoa, shot of caramel.” She sighed. “He’s cute. I could listen to him talk all day. He’s a fireman?”

      “He sure is.” Jessica rocked her chair back and forth, making it squeak. “He said the department is holding exams in September, and he thinks I can be ready in time.”

      “Wow. You could miss Christmas rush. I’m so jealous.”

      “You can’t,” Mindi wailed. “You could get hurt. You could get killed.”

      “You could get to ride around town with a siren,” Sonya added.

      Mindi turned on Sonya like she wanted to throttle her. “This is not funny,” she shouted. “It’s a very dangerous job and you’re egging her on. I thought you were Jessica’s friend.”

      Sonya put her hands up. “Don’t get all unhinged on me. Sheesh.”

      “What’s all the yelling? I could hear you on the floor.”

      Mindi whirled on Julie, who stumbled backward a step, holding a section of newspaper in front of her like a shield. “I suppose you think this is just dandy, too,” Mindi screeched.

      “What?” Julie lowered her newspaper.

      “Mindi, will you calm down? I’m not СКАЧАТЬ