“So what are you going to do?” I managed to control the urge to lash out and spoke in a calm voice.
“My parents hate that I live in Chicago. They want me to move back home.” She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “I guess they’re going to get their wish now.”
“You’re going to quit your job and move back home!?” My attempt at calmness quickly failed.
“What choice do I have?” She shrugged again. “At least they’ll take care of me until I get back on my feet.”
This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.
“Can I at least get you to drive me to my apartment to pick up whatever is salvageable and stay here with you tonight?” I put my fingers against my forehead and let my face slowly sink into my palm.
“I would…” She sighed and when I looked past my hand, she was grimacing. “But they already repossessed my car and my parents are coming by tonight to help me pack everything up.”
“Were you even going to tell me any of this?” I dropped my hand and shook my head in disbelief.
“Honestly—no.” The grimace on her face tightened. “You always judge me when I screw up and I figured it would be easier to just call you after I was gone.”
“Oh my god, you’re the worst friend ever!” My anger finally flourished and there was nothing I could do to control it. “Fine, I’ll deal with this myself!”
I was beyond angry at Anna when I left her apartment, but when I got down to the lobby, I realized I was right back where I started. I had to get back to my apartment and see if there was anything I could salvage, and I really wasn’t friends with anyone in Chicago besides Anna. It was difficult for me to trust people normally, due to some issues from my past, but Anna and I just clicked from the start after we met at work. Of course, that was before she bottomed out after her last relationship, and it seemed that she had really hit rock bottom.
If I still had an apartment, I would have asked her to stay with me. I would have done anything to help her, including loaning her the money she needed to pay her parking tickets before it all blew up in her face. It was too late for that, though. I was just as helpless as she was, but I couldn’t call my parents for help. I had to stay as far away from the town I grew up in as possible, and even a phone call could set things in motion that I wasn’t strong enough to handle.
“Hey, could I use your phone again?” I walked up to the front desk in the lobby of Anna’s apartment building.
“Sure.” He nodded and slid it over.
I can’t believe I’m calling Trent for help again after everything he’s done for me already.
Four
Chase
“So, how was she?” I looked over at Trent when he stepped into our apartment and slammed the door shut.
“She seems to be okay.” He exhaled sharply as he walked into the living room and took a seat across from me. “I gave her my number as a courtesy. I didn’t expect her to actually call me.”
“Did you ask her out?” I leaned forward in anticipation. “Please tell me you asked her out.”
“I did.” Trent nodded and smiled. “She seemed pretty receptive. I don’t know if she’ll call again, though. She’s going to be dealing with a lot of shit over the next few days.”
“You didn’t mention that we usually send up sharing all of our dates, right?” I chuckled and leaned back against my chair. “It’s been a while since you were the one bringing them home.”
“No.” Trent shook his head back and forth quickly. “She might not even be into that sort of thing.”
“Are you ready for that sort of commitment? It’s been years since either of us had a serious relationship.” I raised my eyebrows and looked at him.
“I don’t know.” Trent shrugged and sighed. “I mean, I do want a wife and a family at some point. The years are ticking away.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I nodded and tapped my fingers on the chair. “Maybe it’s time for both of us to think about settling down some. We’ve definitely had a good run, though.”
“Who knows, man. It might be an awful date.” Trent leaned forward and started to stand. “Or, she might just be another one night stand.”
“Too bad we can’t find a good chick that likes the both of us. That would be perfect.” I chuckled and looked up once he was on his feet. “Are you heading to bed?”
“Yeah, It’s past my bedtime and I’ve already missed my first nap.” Trent laughed and waved as he walked towards his bedroom.
I should sleep too, but I’m more drained than sleepy at this point.
My thirty-five year old body definitely didn’t feel like the same one I had at twenty-five. I was bigger, stronger, and a lot leaner, but there was a weight on my eyelids that wasn’t usually there. I always tried to sleep before the end of our shift, so I could enjoy every second of my time away from the station, but the fire interrupted that plan. I had enough seniority that I didn’t have to go out for the mundane calls, but if there was a fire in our district, I was driving the truck. I was happy to get my hands dirty and help people if there was an actual emergency, but I wasn’t fond of being a glorified paramedic or dealing with car accidents. Thankfully, most of the First Responder stuff was left up to the rookies.
Okay, fuck it, I’m not going to bed, so I might as well have a beer.
I grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat down with my phone in my hand. My contact list was full of girls that would give me a quick fuck—and most of them wouldn’t mind if Trent joined in, but even that wasn’t as enticing as it used to be. It was the kind of life twenty-five year old me wanted to have forever while thirty-five year old me was starting to question my life choices. I met a few decent girls along the way, but I wasn’t interested in marriage or settling down at that point in my life. Having a family had never really been a priority, especially after growing up with such a dysfunctional one as an example of how bad things could turn out when you just stuck around because you had some twisted sense of duty.
Maybe things don’t have to be that bad. It would be kind of nice to settle down with a good woman and raise a couple of babies.
I sipped my beer and moved my finger across the screen to my news app. The fire made headlines, which was uncommon for one that didn’t have casualties. The fact it was in one of the better parts of town must have drawn more attention than it deserved. Luckily, we got there before things got out of control. Any fire that ended without a casualty was acceptable by my standards after seeing so many that didn’t. The insurance would take care of the damages, anyway. I read a few more news articles as I finished my first beer and grabbed another one. As I walked back to my chair, I heard a buzzing sound. I stared at my phone for a second, and then realized the sound was coming from the table next to the chair Trent had been sitting in. I walked over, grabbed it, and stared at the screen. It was a number I didn’t recognize. Trent was already in bed, so I wasn’t going to wake him up for a random call.
“Hello? Trent’s phone.” I slid my finger across the screen and lifted it to my ear.
“Uh, hi. Is Trent available?” It was a woman’s voice.
Hmm, I wonder if this is the girl from last night.
“I’m sorry, he’s asleep. Can I take a message?” I walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a pen.
“Oh.” There was a loud sigh on the other end of the phone. “No, that’s okay.”
Yeah, it definitely has to be her. Nobody else would be calling him.
“Hey, are you the girl from last night? The one we pulled out of the fire?” My brain connected the dots between what he told me earlier and the unknown number.
“Yeah, that’s me. My name is Kayla. Are you one of the firefighters that helped save me?” Her voice seemed to lose some of the disappointment it had moments before.
“I am. My name is Chase. I’m Trent’s roommate.” I tilted the phone on my shoulder as I spoke. “Do you need something? I don’t want to wake him up, but I’d be happy to help.”
Especially someone as pretty as you.
“Well…” She sighed again. “I really need a ride to my apartment.”
“Darlin’, that thing is a smoldering crater. I mean, they’re not going to let you stay there.” I shook my head back and forth out of instinct, even though she couldn’t see me.
“I know, but I need to see if I can find my cell phone and my purse. I’m stranded. I thought I was going to stay with one of my friends, but it seems like that isn’t an option.” The disappointment quickly returned to her voice.
“Hold on, give me the address where you’re at. I’ll come get you.” I pulled a notepad over and clicked the pen.
Trent would have went to get her if I woke him up, but he needed his sleep. I sure as fuck wasn’t doing anything productive. I grabbed the keys to my Corvette and hit the road. Being behind the wheel woke me up a little bit, and I was glad I didn’t finish my second beer. I rarely drove after even one drink, much less two. I had seen the ill-effects of those mistakes far too many times in my career. The address wasn’t that far from where the fire was the previous night and when I approached the curb, I almost broke out in laughter. Kayla was wearing Trent’s clothes—literally. She had on a Chicago Fire Department t-shirt, baggy as fuck pants, and I was pretty sure those slippers were too big for him, much less her. I rolled up to the curb and hit the button to lower my window.
“Did someone here call for the sexiest Uber ever?” I leaned over and opened the door.
“You must be Chase—or a serial killer.” She eyed me suspiciously for a moment.
“If I was out on the town with murdering on my mind, I’d pick someone that didn’t look like they raided a lost and found.” I chuckled as she climbed inside.
“Your roommate dressed me.” She looked down at her clothes. “Poorly, I’ll admit.”
“No problem, I’m sure we can find something that fits you better.” I hit the gas once the door was closed.
“Wait, my apartment is in the other direction.” She pointed and turned her head.
“I already told you, it’s uninhabitable. They aren’t going to let you in, no matter how desperate you are.” I looked to the left before blowing the caution light as it turned red.
“Where are we going, then?” She turned towards me with a worried expression on her face.
“My place. You need a place to crash and we have a couch. That seems like the perfect combination.” I shrugged and shifted gears.
“Hold on, I wasn’t asking for that. I just need to get some money and a hotel room for the night!” The worried expression reflected a little more concern and she spoke in a hurried tone.
“That ain’t happening, obviously. What’s the big deal, anyway? We saved your life, so obviously we aren’t going to kill you.” I chuckled and shook my head. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure Trent will be happy to see you. Maybe you two can get that date out of way faster than you expected.”
“He told you about that?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Yeah, there are no secrets between us.” I winked at her. “We might as well be brothers.”
Trent and I might have been polar opposites in some regards, but we were damn good friends. We had been living together since we started working for the Chicago Fire Department. He was quiet, paid his half of the rent, and didn’t mind when I came home stumbling drunk in the middle of the night. I repaid his kindness by bringing home every girl that was adventurous enough for the two of us. Both of us were making enough money to get our own place, but there really wasn’t a reason to mess up a good thing. I could blow my extra money and he could save some for retirement or marriage—whichever came first.
I parked my Corvette in my parking space once we got back to our apartment building and led Kayla to the elevator. She was still a little apprehensive, but she followed me. I could hear someone moving around in the apartment when I opened the door, and assumed Trent was already up.
“Trent! You’re awake!” I pushed open the door and smiled when I saw Trent’s groggy stare looking my way from the kitchen.
“Yeah, I barely slept. I think it’s time to just drink until I pass out.” I let out a loud sigh. “Where did you go, anyway?”
“Oh, I had to pick up your girlfriend.” I took a step to the side and motioned towards Kayla.
“My—what?” His eyebrows raised. “Kayla?”
“She called. You were asleep. I went to get her. She’s staying with us for a few days.” I motioned to the couch. “There’s your palace, sweetheart. Get comfortable.”
“Wait, huh? I thought you were staying with your friend?” Trent shifted his attention to Kayla.
“Yeah, so—to make a long story short, she’s getting evicted. My luck just continues to surprise me.” She shook her head and sighed. “I don’t have to stay if it’s a problem. I just wanted to go back to my apartment and try to get my debit card or something.”
“Nonsense, you’re staying.” I tapped the counter. “Right, Trent?”
“Yeah.” Trent nodded, but his face reflected a bit of concern. “You can stay with us. Uh, Chase, can I talk to you in the other room?”
“Sure.” I shrugged and followed him, but looked over my shoulder as I walked. “There’s beer in the fridge if you want some.”
“Thanks, but it’s a little early for that.” Kayla smiled and walked into the living room.
A girl that doesn’t like to drink in the afternoon? She might be a good one after all.
Five
Kayla
I felt a bit awkward being left alone in the living room while Trent took Chase to another room to have a talk with him. I didn’t want to be there in the first place, and I wasn’t sure Trent was very happy that Chase asked me to stay with them. It was hard to imagine the two of them functioning as roommates. Trent appeared to be sweet and kind. Chase was cocky and fairly arrogant. I was basing my opinions on limited interactions, but they didn’t seem like two guys that would get along, much less live in the same apartment.
I felt naked without my cell phone, especially after finding out Anna was leaving Chicago. Things happened so fast that my head was still spinning. I took a seat on the couch and waited for them to return since I really didn’t want a beer in the middle of the afternoon.
I just want to go back to my apartment—even if I can’t stay there. If I can find my cell phone and purse, I won’t feel so helpless.
As strange as it was to be in their apartment when I had just met both of them, it was nice to know that I had a place to spend the night. It was definitely only going to be one night. I desperately needed to assess the damage at my apartment. I had work on Monday and if I needed new clothes, I had to get my debit card. I wouldn’t even be able to get money out of the bank without my driver’s license to prove who I was. Getting back to my apartment and figuring out what I had and didn’t have was my top priority. Once I was able to determine that, I could figure out what my next move was.
The door to the side room that they went to finally opened and the two of them walked back out.
“Okay, we’ve got everything worked out.” Trent walked out first and paused when he got to the living room. “You’ll take my bed and I’ll sleep out here.”
“What? No.” I shook my head back and forth. “I’m perfectly fine on the couch.”
“You gotta give him this one, Kayla.” Chase walked up next to him. “He’s got a chivalrous heart.”
“Okay.” I sighed and nodded. “I’m just incredibly thankful to have somewhere to sleep tonight.”
“Plus an unlimited supply of booze.” Chase turned and walked into the kitchen. “I know you said it was early, but you’re on firefighter time now, which means you’re drinking in the middle of the day.”
We each did a shot of whiskey and Trent handed me a beer. The whiskey didn’t feel very good on my throat after spending the previous night inhaling smoke from the fire, so I quickly guzzled my beer. I wasn’t a big fan of beer, but I was a guest, so I wa
sn’t going to complain. Once Trent and Chase started drinking, I finally saw the similarities between them. The alcohol seemed to mellow Chase down out and it made Trent a little more talkative. I was still too overwhelmed by the events that had transpired, so I let them talk while I listened. They told a couple of war stories from their job before Chase brought another round of drinks. It was interesting to hear how crazy things were when they were on the job.
“I can’t believe we’re drinking with an actual celebrity.” Chase smirked and sipped his beer.
“Celebrity? I raised my eyebrows in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“I guess you haven’t had a chance to turn on the news.” Trent picked up his cell phone and tapped it a few times. “See, you are the face of the Highland Park Apartments fire. Unusual for a fire with no casualties, but sometimes they like a pretty face.”
“Oh my god.” I reached out and took his phone. “Wait, is this like—on the news right now?”
“It’s been on the news all day. They don’t mention us, though.” Chase shrugged and reached for his phone after I finished reading the article.
“Don’t worry, people will forget who you are in a few days.” Trent chuckled and lifted his beer. “You can enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame until then.”
This may turn out to be a bigger disaster than I realized.
“Yeah, I guess so.” It felt like my heart was slowly sinking into my stomach as I processed what they said.
“So, tell us about yourself. Are you from Chicago originally?” Trent leaned forward in his seat as he spoke, keeping his eyes fixed on me.
“No, I was born in a small town called Glendale.” I shook my head back and forth as I met his gaze. “I moved from to the city when I was nineteen.”
“For school?” Trent tilted his head inquisitively.
“No, I applied for a few jobs here and saved up money from working retail in high school. I really didn’t want to stay in Glendale, so I left as soon as I could.” I nodded my head as I spoke.
Smoke and Fire_A MFM Firefighter Romance Page 3