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“Yeah, but Candy told me they were talking about it at dinner tonight and that Jake got really upset. Now I’m worried there will be problems at the station because of me.”
“Honey, just relax. It will all be well. Charlie’s got her back, okay?”
Charlie did have her back. He’d make sure Geri had a safe work environment, and it wasn’t the men he was worried about. The only women at the station were Connie, a longtime paramedic who was acerbic in the best of times, and Bridget. He knew if there were any problems, it would be with them. But he hadn’t anticipated the sexuality thing.
He also didn’t know that one of his senior guys took a liking to her as well, unbeknownst to Jake. Yes, Sean Williams had missed that there was anything going on between Jake and Geri until someone pointed it out to him.
Sitting at the counter eating a bologna sandwich on Saturday, Sean grimaced and threw it on the paper plate. “This is awful. I wish there was some of that corned beef left.”
“Yeah, that was awesome. Geri can really cook.”
“She’s a great cook and easy on the eyes,” Sean replied. “And she can throw a pickax around with the best of them.”
“You sound interested,” Rick Jackson said. “Because I think it’s too late. Jake already made a move.”
“That’s usuallyyourproblem, isn’t it, Jackson? You wait too long.” An angry tic in Sean’s jaw gave away his true feelings.
“Jake moved fast for a young guy.”
“Yeah, there’s something to be learned here,” Sean said. “Like maybe don’t look at the fire station as a place to find a date.”
The men laughed along with Sean, but his disappointment was clear.
“Hey, it might not go anywhere and you can try then.”
Brother Tony listened in on the conversation, smirking. After talking to Bridget the night before, he’d sent a text to Jake.Bro, if you’re up, give me a call.
The return text:I’m at the movies, believe it or not, with Geri Angel. Will text when we get out.
The next morning, Jake called Tony.
“You’re not out on a call.”
“No, it’s been quiet for a change. How was your date?”
“We had a great time. I stayed over at her place, on the couch, and we just had breakfast. I’m home now, but I think this is the push I need to move out.”
“Good for you, buddy. I wish I would have done that. The folks might not take it well.”
“I’m going to rent over by the park. It’s close to everyone and not too close to Geri, so she won’t feel like I’m pushing her into anything.”
“Just an FYI, Sean and Rick are both singing the blues that you got there first.”
“Losers. What does this make? Like the fourth one Rick lost out on?”
“Fourth or more,” Tony answered, laughing. The tones sounded overhead. “Bye!”
Throwing his phone on the bed, Jake gathered up dirty clothes. His turn at the washer was always Saturday morning at ten, and it was almost ten. Stuffing items into it while the water ran, he thought about a strategy to move out. The best thing would be to get a place first, then tell the folks. It had worked for his brothers.
The house was quiet, brother Marty was still sleeping, and his folks were shopping for the upcoming holiday. He took advantage of it and, after the laundry was in the washer, got in the shower. The next stop would be the apartment complex he had in mind. One of his brothers had lived there before he moved in with his girlfriend, and it was in a quiet area with great views. The rental agent was there, having a weekend open house.
“Are you looking for a one or two bedroom?”
“Just one. I’d like a view, too.”
“Come with me. I have a second-floor unit in the back, facing the creek. You won’t get the mountain views in the back, but you’ll have the woods and the sound of the water in the wintertime.”
Jake followed the agent to the apartment and immediately made up his mind that he wanted it. “This is perfect. It’s secluded. What are the neighbors like?”
