A Beat in Time

by Gasq-Dion, Sandrine

  “I don’t have to tell you that what you did was reckless and stupid, right? Next time, leave the firefighting and dog rescuing to us.”

  “By the time you got into the house, the dog would be dead,” I shot back.

  “Your brother-in-law neglected to mention that you’re a firecracker.”

  My jaw fell open.

  “Serena Devane, correct? I don’t know of any Serenas except for the one I was supposed to be set up with.”

  “You’re…the firefighter?”

  “I’m him. Vince Rossetti. I have to say, I’m very sorry I got called in that night. Remy didn’t tell me how beautiful you are.”

  I looked down at my soaked pajamas with black soot all over them and put a hand to my head. I must have looked like something out of a horror movie. I looked up to see Vince smiling at me. I couldn’t see much of him in the dim light from the ambulance, but he looked well put together. He had really shiny teeth, too.

  Shiny? Uh oh, I think I might have inhaled more smoke than I thought.

  “I think she’s going to pass out,” my godmother announced.

  “Adrenaline is wearing off.” Vince nodded his head in agreement.

  “I’m sitting right here,” I slurred.

  And then everything went black.

  Chapter 13

  I opened my eyes to see dull white tile above me. I was pretty sure I wasn’t dead, there was beeping off to my right. Damn, how the hell did I land in the hospital? Movement sounded across from me and I sat up a bit, trying to get a good look.

  “Really, Serena? You would go into a burning house just to get a date?” my mother smiled. I could tell she was scared, though.

  “I didn’t know that he would be the firefighter that showed up!” I balked.

  “Well,” Remy sauntered into the room with a grin. “I didn’t say where I met him, either. I just so happened to be on his side of town.” Remy sat on the end of the bed. “Seems you made an impression.”

  “Are you kidding me? I wasn’t trying!”

  “I believe his word was ‘spunky.’” Remy chuckled.

  “Are you all enjoying yourselves?” I pouted. “No one bothered to get me an eegee’s sandwich? Who are you people and what have you done with my family?”

  “As it so happens, your brother is out right now getting you one. You can eat it on the way home.” My mother came to the side of the bed and caressed my cheek. “You had us worried.”

  “I’m fine. Just a little smoke inhalation.”

  A doctor chose to walk into the room at that moment with a clip board in his hands. He looked up and eyed all my family before turning to look at me.

  “Well, Serena. Seems you got lucky,” he said. “I’m Doctor Maddison and I’ll be signing off on you to go home. Please try not to run into any more burning buildings.”

  “How is the Q-tip?” I snickered.

  “The dog is fine, from what I hear,” Remy chimed in. “Vince said they got the elderly couple checked out, as well as the dog.”

  “I will take you home with me,” my mother announced.

  “Mom, I’m supposed to go visit Christine!”

  Speak of the devil, the door to my room opened and my cousin walked in, all grins. She shook her head and came to the end of the bed.

  “Leave it to you, Snow White.” My cousin glanced over at my mother with a smile. “I’ve got it from here, Tata.”

  “You make sure she rests!” My mother pointed at Christine.

  “Yep, we’ll play Cards Against Humanity while suckin’ on hookahs.”

  “You’re going to suck on hookers?” My mother’s eyes widened.

  “Mom! Just…no. I’m fine. I love you and thank you so much for coming.”

  “I’ll be at your sister’s house. No sucking on hookers!”

  There was a soft knock on the door and Vince poked his head in. He took one look at the crowd in my room and put his hand out.

  “I can come back.”

  “The hell you will.” Christine snorted. “Get in here. You better get used to us French/Italian folk.” Christine leaned into my ear, “Take your time, I’ll be in the waiting room.”

  She turned and ran right into my brother, who was holding a sandwich.

  “And who is this?” my brother motioned to Vince.

  I gave my cousin a pleading look and she placed the sandwich on the table near the bed, shooing out my family. The door finally closed behind them and I took the time to check out the fireman in front of me. He was wearing faded jeans with a firehouse T-shirt. His hair was dark black, cut regulation military, short on the sides with a bit of length on the top. His eyes were what caught my attention, a very light grey with a hint of blue.

  “So, you lived.” Vince sat down in the chair next to the bed.

  “Yep. I guess I’m getting out of here, too.”

  “No more wild rescues?” Vince chuckled.

  “You never know,” I shrugged. “Sometimes I wonder how I get myself into these situations. I always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “I thought it was one of those weird twists of fate that I got called in on my night off, only to find the woman I was supposed to go out with half dead on a golf course.”

  “I was not half dead.”

  “Do you normally run around in the rain?”

  “As often as possible.”

  Vince leaned forward, clasping his hands together.

  “I’d like to take you out to dinner this week.”

  “Um, okay. I’m going to be with my cousin probably tonight and tomorrow, but after that I can.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Vince winked.

  My brother came back in the room and eyed me. He looked from me to Vince, and then back to me.

  “You going to eat that?” he pointed to my sandwich.

  “Yes I’m going to eat it!” I laughed.

  ~*~

  After getting Vince’s number and saying goodbye to my family, I headed to my godmother’s house to pick up my Jeep. We stopped by one of our favorite restaurants and got Chinese food before heading back to Christine’s house. I had my sandwich still, and now five cartons of Chinese food. The smell was making my mouth water. We passed by where Jensen’s father used to live and I closed my eyes.

  “What’s up, Cuzzo? The firefighter was hot.”

  “Remember Jensen Pratt?”

  “I remember the name.”

  “He’s back in my life. Well, was.”

  “What happened?”

  I went into the sordid story about Jensen. I was so tired of rehashing it, I really didn’t want to have to go through it again. Christine bobbed her head up and down as she drove, listening to me vomit my woes. When we finally pulled into her driveway, she cut the engine and turned in the driver seat to face me.

  “So now what?”

  “Now I try to move on with my life.”

  “Well, let’s go drink and start forgetting.”

  I sat on her back porch watching the sun set. I needed to start writing the hetero book, I knew how it was going to end, the way all my books do.

  With a happy ending.

  It didn’t matter if I got mine or not, my readers would get theirs. My phone pinged and I checked the caller I.D. My editor was calling. I also noticed I had two voice mails. I answered the call to an already talking Joelle.

  “I haven’t gotten anything from you! Did you get writer’s block?”

  “No. Not that, thank God. I’m starting the hetero book tomorrow and sending you the finished male romance tonight.”

  “Thank God! I thought maybe you’d lost your mojo.”

  “Nah, I’ll send the manuscript and you can add your Joelleisms.”

  “This is why we work so well, you know? I can add all sorts of shit and you just accept it.”

  “Because we are like minded, darling.” I chortled.

  “Are you okay? It’s not like you not to call me.”

  “I have a lot to tell you
, but can I do it over the weekend? It’s been one hell of a busy couple weeks.”

  “You bet. Take care!”

  I hung up and checked my voicemails. I had two from Wyatt. It occurred to me that I missed our guitar lessons. I called him back and got his voicemail. I explained the situation and hoped like hell he wouldn’t quit on me. Christine came out with an overflowing plate of Chinese food and handed me a fork.

  “I’ve got your favorite ice cream.” She smiled.

  I rubbed my hands together and groaned. I absolutely loved Baskin Robins Daiquiri Ice, and get it as often as possible. It was like cheesecake, though. I didn’t share it, either.

  “So, the fireman?” Christine sat down and dove into her own plate of food.

  “I said I’d go out to dinner with him.”

  “Check out his hose first.”

  I chuckled.

  ~*~

  Christine and I hit our old stomping grounds the next day. We went to the park where we used to play and ate lunch at the chicken place on the corner. Overall, I was having a blast revisiting my childhood. We sat on the swings at the park, drinking sodas.

  “Why does it look so small?” Christine mused.

  “Everything looks small to me now. We’re growing up,” I pouted.

  “I don’t want to adult.”

  “I can’t even,” I chuckled.

  “Things seemed so simple back then. Now we have bills and work.”

  “I love my job, though. I can’t see myself doing anything else and believe me, I’ve tried everything else.”

  “You were never a doctor,” Christine pointed out.

  “I was when I was younger,” I laughed.

  “We were all doctors. It was the easiest way to grope someone.”

  “When did things get so complicated? Why can’t life just be simple? I just want someone to love me and share a life with me.”

  “Well, you can grope the fireman and find out if he’s life material.”

  I turned on the swing to face her. “You really should come up and visit me. The weather is so much cooler up there and we can go hang out at one of the bars.”

  “As long as I can get a college guy for a night.”

  “I’m sure we can make that happen.”

  Christine smiled and took my hand. “I think you should give the fireman a go. Anything to make you smile again.”

  “I smile all the time.” I kept my face rigid.

  “You’re a freak.”

  “Yep.”

  Chapter 14

  I ran back and forth from the bathroom to my suitcase. I didn’t think I’d be dating when I came down to visit, so all I had were T-shirts and jeans. Christine watched me running back and forth with a grin on her face. I stopped and stared at her.

  “You could help me get ready.”

  “Why? This is entertaining. You look great, by the way.”

  “I’m wearing jeans and a hair band T-shirt.”

  “Yep, hot,” Christine nodded.

  The doorbell rang and I stiffened. Christine grinned and practically skipped to the front door. I hung back a bit, waiting to see what Vince would be wearing. I exhaled slowly as Christine opened the door and there my date stood in faded jeans and a firehouse T-shirt stretched across his chest. He wore hiking boots and had flowers in his hand.

  “Um, is Serena in?” he asked.

  “She sure is.”

  I stepped out into the hallway and waved.

  “Hey. I didn’t really bring anything nice to wear, so I hope this is okay?”

  “You look great. Love the shirt.” Vince winked.

  Christine cleared her throat and smiled at me, mouthing, “He’s a keeper!”

  “So, are you ready?” he asked.

  “I am. Do I get a clue as to where we are going?”

  “Nope, but I am assured that you will like it.”

  “Oh? Who assured you?” I asked.

  “Your brother-in-law.”

  Great. I hope Remy knows me as well as he thinks he does.

  “I brought you some flowers. I hear it’s customary.”

  “It is?” I feigned shock.

  “It’s what I hear. I also didn’t know what kind you liked, so I got you orchids.”

  “I love orchids. Thank you.”

  I waved to Christine and walked next to Vince as we hit the street. He stopped next to a Ford F250. I leaned my head back and smiled.

  “That’s some lift kit. Do you have stairs?”

  “Just take my hand, I’ll help you in.”

  Vince got me settled in the passenger seat and then got in, firing up the truck.

  “Nice.” I whistled. “I love the sound of diesel.”

  “Really? My ex hated it. Said I was ruining the environment with my dick truck.”

  I spluttered and then broke out into a fit of laughter. “Let me guess, you bought this big truck to compensate for your small penis?”

  “I bought it to carry my exceptionally large penis around in.”

  “Gotcha.” I grinned.

  Vince pulled out onto the road and we listened to music from the radio. Vince loved the hair bands too. We laughed at some of the cheesy lyrics and, before I knew it, we parked in front of an eegee’s. I shifted in the seat to see Vince grinning.

  “Remy told you my addiction?”

  “Nope. I figured it out at the hospital. When your brother asked if you were going to eat the sandwich, I swore I saw red flare from your eyes.”

  “No one touches my eegee’s.”

  “Or cheesecake, from what I hear,” Vince pointed out.

  “True.”

  I jumped out of the truck and Vince walked next to me. We ordered and then settled in a booth. I sipped my strawberry frozen drink as Vince picked the pickles out of his sandwich.

  “Um, you can order them without, you know?”

  “I know, I always forget.” Vince took a large bite of his sandwich. “So, why gay men?”

  “I don’t know. I just love writing them. Why? Do you have a problem with gays?”

  Vince choked on his bite of sandwich and swallowed hard, wiping his mouth.

  “I think not. My best friend is gay and a firefighter. We work together, along with two other gay men.”

  I busted out laughing and Vince cocked a brow at me. “What?”

  “I just think it’s funny. I always get one person who finds my books unrealistic because I have so many gay guys in them working together.”

  “Why is that unrealistic? The two people that work with us now came to our house because they heard we already had a gay in the ranks. They came to us because they wanted a fair chance. Gay men talk and gossip just like anybody else.”

  “See! That’s what I said!” I took a bite of my sandwich and eyed him. “So, why the divorce? You don’t have to answer that.”

  “Let’s just say my ex liked firemen. She just happens to like a lot of them.”

  “Oh God, I’m so sorry,” I said, sincerely.

  “I just think it’s funny that we get the rep of being womanizers, but we often get cheated on because of our hours. I’ve always been honest with whomever I am with, so her cheating really hit me hard.”

  I studied Vince closely; he was ruggedly handsome with a strong, square jaw with a dimple in it. His lips were full, and a smattering of stubble complimented his jawline.

  “Serena?”

  “Yes?”

  “You’re staring at me.” Vince smiled.

  “I’m just trying to figure out why your wife would cheat. Are you an asshole?”

  “Yes. I am a total asshole. I cook, clean, and do laundry.”

  “How could you?” I joked.

  “I know.” Vince sighed dramatically.

  “Well, so far you seem semi-normal.”

  “No, not the normal!” Vince chuckled. He sobered and grimaced. “I think we were just too young. She didn’t get to sow her wild oats.”

  “And you did?”

  “I was s
owing at twelve.”

  “You slut, you.”

  “Yeah? When did you start sowing?”

  “Sixteen.” I peered around us at the other patrons. I leaned forward and motioned Vince to move in closer. “I hope they think we’re talking about actually sewing.”

  “I highly doubt it. They shouldn’t be listening anyway. That’s rude.”

  I laughed and finished the rest of my sandwich. Vince helped me back into the truck when we were done and we set out to whatever secret place he was taking me to next. Vince looked over at me with a smile.

  “So what’s your story?”

  “You really want to hear it?”

  “Sure. I mean, I looked over your Facebook page.”

  “So you stalked me then.”

  “Just a little.”

  “I’m not sure you want to hear it all.”

  “That’s what first dates are for, to get all of the nasty baggage out.”

  “I thought that happened on your wedding day?”

  Vince laughed. “Yeah, that happens too.”

  “You might think I’m crazy.”

  “Oh, it’s too late for that, but I love crazy chicks.”

  I told Vince everything. I didn’t know why, I guess I wanted there to be nothing between us. I wanted to start over, and maybe Vince was the guy for me?

  Who knows?

  I wrapped up my story with the day at the school. Vince was quiet the whole time, just nodding now and then. When I was done, I sighed loudly and waited for him to say something.

  “Sounds like you two have unfinished business.”

  “I don’t think so. I ended it for good.”

  “You still love him, Serena.”

  “Well, I need to not love him. He obviously doesn’t love me, so what is the point? I need to move on.”

  “Well, I appreciate you telling me the truth. We can take this one day at a time, Serena. It can be a casual.”

  “As long as we are both on the same page.”

  “We are.”

  Vince pulled up in front of a brick building and I stared out the windshield. We were right in front of a firehouse.

  “You brought me to a firehouse?”

  “I brought you to mine.” Vince winked.

  “Oh, that’s so unfair!” I jumped out the passenger side of the truck and walked toward the building. The garage door was up and a fire truck was half in and half out. Men were busy waxing the side of it, shirtless. I turned to Vince with my mouth open.