Fireworks

Homemade fireworks are the best.

For Authors Newsletter editor's pick 1/8/26

Tammy Beth had the lonelies. Ever since Ralph had left there was this hole inside her heart she couldn’t fill. His ghost haunted her at every turn. Sarah Longley, her best friend had suggested joining the fireworks team putting on the NY’s show this year. “Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself is a poor bandaid, dear.”

“I’d rather just hang out alone.” When Ralph slammed the door he’d taken all her energy with him. “Bast’d.”

“Whatever toots your horn,” Sarah shook her shaved head and threw a handful of holiday confetti at her and laughed sadly. “There. I put a little glitter in your life. Gimme a hug before I go.”

“Sorry. No fireworks here.”

The embrace ended after a bit of handsy pansy didn’t go anywhere on Sarah’s part. “Just trying for a giggle,” she explained, which was a lie. She was so dyke and everyone knew it. She just couldn’t keep her hands to herself. “Go on, Maybe I’ll come watch what kind of fireworks you put on at the show.”

The door didn’t slam. It closed with a sad sigh.

Tammy found herself wandering on New Year’s eve. It felt kind of comfortable enclosed in the silent darkness. She hugged herself, heard the soft hunting sound of familiar footsteps behind her. “There you are.” It was Ralph. “It’s so dark I wasn’t sure. What are you doing here?”

“You came back.” The shock thrilled her.

“For my things. Where’d you put them? He sounded annoyed.

“Storage. Why’d you leave without them?” Tammy’s heart sank.

Another argument flaring up. She didn’t want it. “Just shut up. Follow me. I’ve got the key.”

The welcome silence hung heavy as she led the way. Tammy could feel the unspoken anger trailing behind her. It made her hurry up, almost in a run. Ralph caught her as she tripped and fell. It made her scream sound distant in her ears.

“Bagory you’re clumsy. Is that the key?” Ralph reached down and snatched the key ring up. “Sanderson’s,” he read on the fob. “I know where it is. Never mind coming. I’ve got this.”

Another door being closed, this one felt final. “Hey. The apartment key is on that. Give it back.”

This time, not even the ghost of Ralph returned. Tammy jerked as fireworks lit up the sky. Her anger seemed to melt up into them. “Nice timing.”

“Didn’t know we could see them from here.” The voice came from above her.

Tammy looked up, searching the limbs of a tree. “What are you doing up there? Who are you? Do I know you?”

“Eddie Towers, at your service. New in town. Taking a stroll. Happy New Year to you. And you are?” A lean masculine figure dropped down, shrugged into being and approached. The boom and shrill of more fireworks thundered in the sky, lighting up his face.

“Getting kind of cold. Here. Take my jacket.”

“You scared me a little. I think that’s why I was shivering.”

“You are scaring me right now.” The jacket settled around Tammy's shoulders. “You’re scared? Why?”

“I’ve never met anyone as lovely as you before. I’m petrified.”

“Oh, what a come on.” It made Tammy laugh. She reached out to strike Eddie’s chest, but found her arms reaching up to hug him instead. “There. I’m not anything to be afraid of, am I?”

The fireworks reflected in his eyes made Tammy press closer. “Thanks. I’m warmer now.”

“You do this kind of thing often?” Eddie asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“Only when it works. Shut up and hold me. You’re my rebound paramour, if you want to be. I just split up.”

The two settled into each other, watching the heavenly fireworks display, and feeling the ones inside. “Nice welcome to the neighborhood.” Eddie reached down into the first kiss.

“Bye, Ralph.” Tammy said against Eddie’s soft lips.

“Who’s Ralph?” Eddie whispered back.

“Nobody. Not even a ghost.”

The soul kiss took Tammy’s breath away. She stared into Eddie’s eyes. “Wow. I feel weak in my knees. Maybe we should lie down.” She took the jacket off, spread it like a blanket, and sat. “Just room enough for two if we cuddle. Ooh. Look at that one.”

An explosion of color split the sky. “Where do you live? I don’t want to lose you.” Eddie sat, arm nestled around Tammy.

She leaned into him. “I’m home right here. Tell me about yourself. I’d like to decorate our new home.”

They talked. Trading memories, finding common interests, until the fireworks stopped.

“Didn’t take you long.” Ralph’s voice erupted behind them. Tammy jerked with the feel of her key’s landing in her lap. He sounded jealous. Good.

“Who are you?” Eddie asked, getting up.

“He’s the nobody of New Year's past, aren’t you Ralph? Get lost.”

“Witch. I can’t leave fast enough.” Ralph turned and spun away.

“Get’s mad easy.” Eddie sank back down next to Tammy. “Now, where were we? And yes, you are bewitching. Works for me.”

Tammy found herself laughing again. It felt good. “You’re a little bewitching yourself. Must be catching. Want some hot coffee? I’ll magically make it appear.”

Eddie gave her a hand as they rose into a new embrace. “Okay, hotstuff. Let’s see what we can brew up.”

The graffiti Ralph had sprayed on Tammy’s outside wall was gross. “Go fuck yourself? Now you won’t have to. Come on. I’ll help you clean it off.”

“Promises, promises.” Tammy flirted. Together they scrubbed it off.

“Nice home,” Eddie said, drying himself after his shower.

Tammy bounced up and down on her bed. “We are.”

Homemade fireworks soon lit up the night sky

Wc 948