17. Chapter Seventeen #2
“Somewhere in the middle of the flying insults and the wrestling I realized my feelings for him had changed. The arguments and shoving were just a means for me to physically . . . get closer to him. Even he began to look at me differently, like he was seeing me with fresh eyes or something. The anger left our conversations and we began to have these deep talks that built a real connection. I understand what I did was wrong and it went against several protocols of Ventura Security and I’m willing to face the consequences of my actions.
The truth is, I really care about Bronx.
I think I always have but never wanted to see this for what it was until now. ”
“What exactly changed?” Fizzbo asked.
Cavalari drew in a long, slow breath to fortify himself and then he let his words spill and he owned them.
“Feelings developed on my part—romantic feelings, to be clear,” Cavalari admitted. “I can’t speak for Bronx but I’m almost certain he’s feeling it, too. I could see it in the way he looked at me. As for myself, I’m falling for him in a way I’ve never experienced before in my life.”
“Are you saying you’re in love with him?” Fizzbo asked.
“I’ve never been in love before but I think that’s where this is headed if a full-blown relationship is allowed to grow,” Cavalari said.
“And as anxious as I am to know there is something building between us, I’ve also never been more excited about what it means.
He drives me absolutely crazy at times but now I realize I really like his brand of crazy.
This probably sounds insane to you but it’s the truth. ”
“I can’t say I’m shocked to hear this,” Fizzbo said. “Whenever there is this much anger and turmoil between two people it often leads to a deeper level of emotion burning below the surface. But you know the company frowns upon relationships between the guards and our principals.”
“Can I speak freely?” Cavalari asked.
“Of course,” Fizzbo replied.
“There have been several instances where a Ventura personal security officer has started a relationship with their client,” Cavalari pointed out.
“Max is one guard that quickly comes to mind and everything worked out fine for him and Ryder. I’m also aware that you fell for your principal and are married to him now. ”
“I’m not denying any of that,” Fizzbo stated firmly.
“The point I’m trying to make is you allowed physical damage to occur to the man you were hired to protect.
Bronx is out of commission for a long fucking time because of what happened on that bus.
It’s too early to know if his injuries caused any permanent damage but that’s also a possibility.
I’m not thrilled you developed an intimate relationship with Bronx but I can’t say I didn’t see it coming.
I’m far more concerned your principal was hurt within an inch of his life. ”
“It was an accident that Bronx caused and he hurt himself in the process,” Cavalari stated. “Given the chance, he’d admit that himself, but I did not cause physical harm to him in any way.”
“I’m simply being honest with how I see things played out,” Fizzbo said. “You were on duty when your client was hurt. It’s your job as a security officer to prevent shit like that from happening—at all costs.”
Cavalari lifted his chin and made direct eye contact with Fizzbo.
“With all due respect, sir, you weren’t there, and the recount of events as I explained to you are one hundred percent truthful.
I’m also extremely sorry for my part in this,” Cavalari said.
“I shouldn’t have allowed the wrestling to start or progress.
That being said, I’m hoping I can continue to be an asset on the Ventura team for many years to come. ”
Fizzbo paced a bit on the concrete sidewalk near the end of the building then finally came to a halt directly in front of Cavalari.
“You’ve been one of my best guards since you began with Ventura and you’ve showed such great potential for a lengthy tenure with us.
” He rubbed at the creases in his forehead.
“But this situation changes things. Full disclosure, Dagger wants me to fire you or offer a reassignment with another principal. At the very least, he’s urging me to put you on suspension. ”
“I understand his stance but respectfully, he also wasn’t on that bus,” Cavalari pointed out.
“I did everything within my abilities to keep Bronx safe. I allowed him to vent his frustrations in protected surroundings. If anything, I was defusing any real aggression on his part. But what happened to his head was all him—it was out of my hands. Literally. Once I assessed the severity of the situation, I acted accordingly and got him to the ER in an expedited manner. I stand by that.”
“Even still, you’ve put me in a shitty position,” Fizzbo sighed. “Dagger wants you gone but I still see you as an asset to our team.”
“If you let me go I will understand and I’ll accept your decision, but my termination won’t prevent me from being in Bronx’s life and I feel confident in saying he wouldn’t want that, either,” Cavalari stated with firmness.
Fizzbo scrubbed his face in frustration. “I’m going to implement a brief suspension for you, effective immediately,” he offered. “Dagger will feel as though you’ve been reprimanded but your employment status with Ventura would remain unchanged.”
Cavalari nodded at him in acceptance. It made sense Fizzbo would have to penalize him in some way and this seemed to be the least damaging option available.
“Thank you, sir,” he said. “And, for clarity, during this suspension I’ll be allowed to be with Bronx?”
“Correct, but in an unofficial capacity, meaning, you won’t be on duty protecting him until further notice.”
Cavalari schooled his relief and nodded. “I will gratefully accept this decision.”
“You’re a good man, Cavalari, and I know your intentions were honorable regarding Bronx,” Fizzbo said. “He’s lucky to have you in his life.”
“Thank you and I want you to know I won’t let you down,” he promised.
“I’m certain you won’t,” Fizzbo stated. “You’re free to go inside and wait with the others, if you want. I’ll let Dagger know you’re on suspension.”
Cavalari extended his hand to Fizzbo and they shook on it. Then he high-tailed it back to the ER to await word from the doctors.