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and driver’s seats.
                It wasn’t legal for us to use the lights and sirens, of course, though we were permitted to use them in parades. The ambulance was unique and it stood out as it moved around the city, appearing at any and every station event. Over the years, it became so popular that now that the station could afford any vehicle it wanted and every car dealership wanted to work out a trade, it simply couldn’t bring itself to get rid of such an icon.
                And so there Jim and I were, cranking the battery on the old ambulance, hoping that it would work the first time so we wouldn’t be late for setting up. Jim never drove “that blasted contraption” as he called it, but he liked to instruct others on how to do so.
                Luckily, that morning, the ambulance roared to life and began to sputter down the road with Jim and me in tow.
                A few short minutes later, we were at the diner’s entrance, angling the vehicle in front of the restaurant to get the most visible spot.
                Cal’s Diner was a mom and pop type joint that had done very well in the area. The owners were looking to expand into other parts of the city and they wanted to draw as much attention to their business as possible.
                With the remote, we would talk about the food and the atmosphere all morning and we would give things away and make a giant spectacle.
                It was a great deal of fun. The hour before the broadcast began, however, was a great deal of work. As soon as the ambulance was parked in the right spot, Jim hopped out of his side of the car and ambled around to the back.
                He began throwing items out onto the pavement as he tossed a quick statement over his shoulder, “Well?” he said. “What are you waiting for?”
                I took that as my cue and I hefted one of the boxes onto my shoulder and headed for the diner door. I balanced the box and shifted my weight as I rapped on the front door. The diner was still dark, but I could see lights on in the backroom.
                Moments later, I heard feet shuffling around the counter to open the door.
                As the door opened, I turned, fully expecting to see Cal, the owner.
                Instead, I could only say one word. “Chloe.”

CHAPTER NINE
     
     
    I could tell by the look on Chloe’s face that she wasn’t as surprised to see me as I was to see her.
                “What are you doing here?” I asked. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold the heavy box of equipment on my shoulder, but I had to ask.
                “I work here,” she said.
                “I was expecting Cal,” I replied as I moved past her into the darkened room. “You look nothing like him.”
                Chloe laughed. “Thanks…I think. Do you need help with anything?”
                “I think we can get it,” I surveyed the diner. “Where do you want us?”
                “Oh, I’m not sure,” she said, looking over her shoulder. “Cal should be out any minute.”
                I nodded, setting the box on the floor. I was glad to wait. It would give me a chance to talk to Chloe.
                “How’s the car?” I asked, glancing back out the front window. I was surprised I had missed it outside.
                “It’s…it’s good,” Chloe responded noticing the direction of my gaze. “A, um, a friend needed to use it today.”
                It sounded strange and Chloe looked almost nervous.
                “It’s good to see you,” I said honestly. And then, in my normal fashion, I spoke without reserve. “I’ve been thinking about you since we met.”
                Chloe blushed, smiled and looked down at the floor. “I’ve…I’ve been