“Of course you do.” Jacob moaned.
“Oh for fucks sake keep it together.” Teddy hushed.
Joe wasted no time. He made sure the man was laid out on the ground and positioned him so that he wouldn’t choke. Jacob helped by clearing the slowly building crowd and ensuring that no one got in the way of Joe at work. Within minutes the ambulance had arrived. Garret had emerged to find out what had happened, but then vanished back into the office as soon as he was able to. The last thing he wanted to deal with right now was reality.
The incident was over in about twenty minutes with the man being taken to the hospital. Joe had volunteered to go with him and ensure everything was okay. The ambulance said it was likely something to do with allergies from taking a drink that wasn’t his. Jacob agreed.
Before leaving, Joe thanked him for helping out, before disappearing into the ride and letting Jacob get back to his work.As he did, Jacob could feel butterflies fluttering in his stomach.
There was something about that man that drove Jacob crazy. Maybe it was the fact he seemed nice. Or maybe it was the fact that he was nice. But there was something about him that he couldn’t stop thinking about.
8
Coffee. Strong.
“Did I miss anything crazy?” Serena asked when she arrived two hours later.
“Nah. Someone almost died but that’s about it.” Jacob said casually.
“And you got a bird I see.” She said pointing to Teddy.
“Yes. Those two things are not connected.” Jacob responded.
“As far as she knows.” Teddy responded.
“Did they try one of your special concoctions?” She asked. “That’ll kill most things.”
“I mean…yes actually. But those two things are not as connected as you’re implying. They had an allergic reaction to a drink that wasn’t theirs.” Jacob responded. “I think.”
“And they paid the ultimate price.” She laughed.
“Look, I’m at least fifty percent sure they didn’t die, okay?”
“Whatever you say.” She smirked. “What’s with the bird exactly?”
“This is Teddy.” Jacob responded.
“Is he some kind of emotional support bird?” She asked.
“Actually, yes.”
“I’ve heard of those. Supposed to be really good for unstable people.” She looked to Teddy again. “Are you sure you don’t need two?”
“I think one is plenty. For now at least.” He responded as he sprayed down the counter and began to wipe it up. “Did you havea good night?”
“Oh all things considered I can’t complain.” She responded as she wiped her eyes. “I haven’t been sleeping well is all.”
“Tyler is a lucky man then.” Jacob chortled.
“I wish. When will that man realize that we would make such a good couple? We’re already room mates. We have a grocery and cleaning schedule. That’s like 80% of marriages right there.”
“Isn’t he gay?”
“No. He’s fluid. It’s different.” She pondered this for a moment. “Do you think I’d make a good man?”
“You’re already practically a gay one.” Jacob responded. “So no.”
“I mean we already work pretty well together but our sleeping schedules are so opposed. He always wants to play video games together which I love, but it makes getting to sleep impossible. Especially with his new boyfriend around all the time. I mean an espresso martini before bed isn’t the best sleeping pill.”
