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Chief Mike gives me the orders for the afternoon to go ahead and fill the three fire engines on site with the listed equipment. Also, I need to do the general safety checks that are required before an emergency. The hoses are thoroughly cleaned and packed away, uniforms and hats are put in each firefighter's stack, which makes for quick pickings if a call does come through.
I’d just completed my task and took a glance at the open firehouse doors when I notice the cavalry start to arrive in the form of Jake, Avery and one of the volunteers on the team, Freddie. This makes me realize my time is up and that my shift is officially over.
“I'm off guys, have a good one,” I shout while I attempt to walk backwards toward the door and turn on the ball of my foot to head out without a stumble.
“Will do,” Jake, my best friend says. He clasps my shoulder as he stops me in my tracks. “How's it been?”
“Not too bad, a vehicle extrication just within our jurisdiction outside Prescott, but otherwise, it's been quiet since,” I reply. “Everything's up to date for you all.”
“Knew it would be, you're a sucker for the rules.” He sniggers under his breath. “Catch up later? I've got news.”
“Yeah man, I'm off to The Cannon tonight. You can always text me, you know,” I say as I head out into the fresh air and see Liam waiting for me.
“I was just checking about tonight,” Liam says as he leans with one foot up against the brick wall of the station.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be there,” I chuckle. He's got me cornered, otherwise Kennedy would send Nate straight to my place to drag me over.
“Thank fuck for that. First round is on you.” Liam pushes his foot away from the wall as he starts to walk away.
“I didn't say that, Liam,” I shout as he turns around to face me with a shit-eating grin.
“See you later, Aide,” he replies as I flip him off with the middle finger.
“Fucker thinks I'm paying tonight. He's got another thing coming,” I whisper under my breath.
It's a shame Jake and I are on different shifts; it would’ve been great to have a night out with him tonight. Lately, our paths have only crossed at changeover with all the extra work going on, rather than our regular nights out that we are used to. I love having my best mate work alongside me, even if his role is Chief Battalion and he gets a thrill over pulling rank, but it does have its advantages though. When an emergency comes in, we work seamlessly together, if our shifts align that is. We know exactly how the other works. Hopefully soon though, we’ll be back to the old ways. I need to know what this news he has to spill is. I don’t understand why he wouldn’t just come out with it, but he says he has his reasons behind it, so I just let it go. He’s my friend after all.
A few hours rest then I’ll show my face, have a few drinks and make my excuses to get the fuck out of the place. If I at least turn up, I’ve done my duty as pillar of the community. Anything else, like Karaoke? Then Kennedy can go and whistle. I imagine tonight will consist of most of the Armstrong community being present and the last thing I need is to wake up tomorrow with an unclear head. Fuck that shit.
* * *
Kennedy has certainly gone all out tonight. She’s either expecting the crowds or potential issues as I reach the bar door and notice Ricky is manning it.
“Hey man, you okay?” I ask as I reach forward, going in for a shoulder bump.
“Yeah… long time no see.” He nods his head back at me when he steps back.
“Yeah, been busy… saving people and all, you know the score.” I chuckle. If Liam hadn’t spoken to me about tonight, one of the other guys certainly would’ve. “Wouldn't have got away with missing a Kennedy get-together though… would I?”
“Nah… you know it too well,” he replies. “Lacey's working the bar, too.”
“Kennedy probably hopes to get some time with Nate then,” I joke as I slap his shoulder and push the door part open.
“Don't let her hear you say that,” he says. “Have a good night.”
“I'll try.” I push through the door and make my way into the dimly lit bar.
Lenny gives me a nod from the far corner as he raises his glass of beer to me. I nod back in return, just before I spot my targets perched on the stools at the corner of the bar.
“Nate, Kennedy…” I lift my hand to wave as I stop in my stride and look at the difference in the bar. Banners to streamers and hats and party accessories scatter the length of the room. “It looks good. Are you all ready for the crowds tonight and the celebrations?”
“Come on Aide, you know Kennedy loves a good knees-up. It wouldn’t be New Year without it.” Nate ties a balloon and throws it into the air before he taps the bar and nods at Kennedy.
“Aide.” Kennedy nods and hands me an ice-cold beer. “Nice to see you actually come out for once and Nate’s right. A party’s a party, right?”
“I guess, I’ve just been snowed under at work.” I shrug my shoulders and take a swig of my beer as I notice Liam and Dylan sat in the corner. “I’ll let you continue to brighten the place up.”
“Thanks, I think I like it bright and cheerful.”
