11. Alex
11
Alex
“ T he tapping noise is driving me crazy,” Carter says from his spot on the couch.
“Oops, sorry.” I put my pen down on the table. I didn’t even realize I was using it as a drumstick.
“You’ve been sitting over there staring at something for the past twenty minutes. What’s going on?” He stands and walks over to me.
“There’s a spot open for lieutenant.” I show him the papers I’ve been mulling over. So all the talk that’d been going on the last few weeks did come true. I figured it would. The guys I work with aren’t much for gossip.
“Wow! Is that something you want?” He takes the application from me and scans it.
“Oh yeah. I’ve always wanted to move up in the ranks. I didn’t think a position would open up this quickly, though.” I pick up my pen and begin tapping again. “I thought I had a few more years, but our captain is moving out of state and one of our lieutenants is taking his place. ”
“Leaving a spot open.” Carter grabs the pen out of my hand. “How many guys are applying for the job?”
“I’m not sure.” I shake my head. “Mickelson, Smitty, and I all started around the same time, so we cancel each other out on experience. Mickelson is going through some tough times at home, so I don’t think he’ll apply. Smitty definitely wants to move up. Then there’s the possibility someone from outside the department could be hired. They don’t have to choose one of us.”
I’m excited for this opportunity, but I’m also worried how my family would deal with the news if I do get the position. In their heads, firefighting is more of a hobby than a real job. My occupation doesn’t count because I don’t go to work in a suit and tie every day. Instead of having the hands of a pencil pusher, I have calloused ones that are often tinged with various oils, soot, and ash. I don’t have assistants to dote on me every minute of the day, and did I mention I dropped out of college? Yeah, that went over like a lead balloon. At least while I was still in college, there was hope for me to get a white-collar job. The day I announced I dropped out and signed up for firefighting school was basically the start of a family war.
“Well, I say go for it,” Carter says, pulling me out of my thoughts…or potential nightmare. “You can’t be considered if you don’t apply.”
“You are so wise.” I snatch the pen back out of his hand. My roommate makes a valid point. I at least have to give it a shot. I also have to do what makes me happy. I love being a firefighter and helping others in my community. I’m proud that I can make an impact on other people’s lives. And I don’t need a fancy degree or career to do that. “Just don’t tell anyone about this yet. I don’t want to make this into a big deal, especially if there’s a good chance nothing might come of it. ”
“Your secret is safe with me. But I’m not sure how wise I am.” Carter shakes his head. “I still can’t believe you convinced Travis to let you borrow Gus.”
We both turn our heads to the three-legged snoring lump of fur on our couch. Gabby asked me over for dinner tonight. I’m not sure why I’m surprised. All of us at 3rd East eat together frequently, but it seems like she asked me and no one else. When I found out I was the only one invited, I immediately called Travis and arranged to pick up Gus.
“Are you sure about this?” Carter asks as I stand up and stretch.
“Absolutely. Gabby will see that Travis has entrusted me with his precious furry family member. Which, in turn, will show that I am becoming a responsible adult.”
“Yeah, about that.” Carter winces. “I was pretty grumpy that day. I think I was wrong to add that to your plan. You do have the ability to take life seriously when you need to, and you are pretty responsible. Give me the list and I will cross that out.”
I stare at my roommate for a moment.
“You lost the list, didn’t you?” He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“I’m sure I’ll find it…eventually.”
“Well, I hope like hell that you do because if one of the girls finds it, they’ll know my handwriting and—”
“Chill, bro! No need to get all crazy on me. It’s around here somewhere. I just haven’t taken the time to look for it.” Carter can be a killjoy sometimes. And though I haven’t looked for it since he wrote it, I’m sure it’s around here somewhere.
“Well, when you find it, destroy it. You’re not going to follow it anyway. I’m not sure why we bothered.”
“Yes, sir!” I salute him as I turn to grab a gift bag off the counter. “What are your plans tonight? ”
“I’m headed over to help my mom with some things around the house. Her oven is on the fritz and I’m hoping it’s something easy to fix. I just used the money from my emergency fund to buy my brother new glasses.”
“You really are one hell of a guy.” I look at my friend. He’s as loyal as they come. “Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.”
“Thanks, man.”
I whistle for my temporary pet, who is clearly annoyed I interrupted his nap. Eventually, he rolls off the couch and comes to my side.
“I have a feeling this isn’t going to end well.” Carter bends down and gives Gus a scratch behind the ears.
“It will be fine.” I open the door. “It’s just Gabby and me having dinner. What could go wrong?”