Page 28 of Embers in the Outfield

“Thanks, man. I swear, that stomach flu was almost the death of me, then right when I was feeling human again, Tamara went into labor. I haven’t slept for weeks now.” He laughs, and I see that despite the lack of sleep, he’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. “My first shift back is next week. Just came by to make sure everything was good before my return.”

“How’s baby Ivan? I would love to swing by and meet the little guy,” I respond, truly excited to meet the newest member of the firefighter family.

“He’s the best, Nichols. Honestly, I feel like my whole world will never be the same.” The love for his newborn son ispalpable. “I think Tamara is going to swing by one day with him once I’m on shift. Being gone after having him around will be rough, so she said she’d come visit.”

“Awesome. I can’t wait to see the little guy.” I start to move toward the kitchen, seeing what the probie has in mind for dinner.

The moment I walk in, I’m assaulted with the most delicious fragrances, from oregano to garlic. My mouth is watering already.

“What’s for dinner?” That’s from my brother, who’s seated on the couch watching television.

“Something edible, I hope,” my captain hollers from the corner of the room. He’s engrossed in the latest crossword from the Sunday paper.

Apparently, our newest probie burned his first meal, and since then, he’s been hounded on the regular even though it was a fluke, and he has only made incredible meals ever since. He attributed the disaster to nerves on his first day, and I can’t blame him. It’s intimidating coming into a house like this and feeling like you have to win everyone’s affection and trust.

Clay had been living in a different part of Boston with Abby when he was married in hopes to expand their family, but once she asked for a divorce, he moved back to the city and quickly transferred to the same station and hasn’t looked back.

Now that they’re divorced, I’m glad he has us to lean on because when Abby left last year, he was in bad shape. Luckily, I think with the consistency of work and the support all of us can provide, he’s finally seeing the light at the end of the dark tunnel of his divorce.

I grab a water and sit next to my brother. Soon, the kitchen is filling in, everyone ready for our next meal.

“So, you seeing Kennedy tomorrow?” My brother looks too excited about the prospect of us getting together that I can’t help but wonder why.

“You got a bet on us or something?” I know my answer the minute I ask, as he can’t even look me in the eyes.

“Fuck you for betting on me. That’s our thing with other people. Who are you taking this bet with?” I shouldn’t have expected any less than this from Clay. We are known for doing this to others, but I guess I’m at the center of this for him now.

“I went in on that bet.” This comes from Dario, who keeps his eyes on the television while interjecting himself into this conversation.

“Same here. Where we at in the saga?” That comes from another of the guys at the firehouse.

“What the fuck? You guys are all in on it?” Slowly but surely, I see everyone bobbing their heads; even my captain took part in this little deal.

“Great, so all of you are betting on my sex life?” I gape at all my brothers who I would literally walk through fire to protect.

“Well, yeah, man. I mean, have you seen her? She’s fucking hot. If your brother hadn’t told us you’d called dibs, I would have asked her out,” Dario pipes up.

“Watch it!” I point to him, then direct my glare to my brother. “You’ve been busy getting everyone on board in the last few days.” Right when I say it I see my brother cower lower into the couch.

“Clay, when did you start this bet with the guys?” He’s avoiding my eyes again, and I know he’s been up to something.

“Dude, everyone saw the way you eyed her when she stopped by a few months back. Remember, she came by on a mission to get you to try on that tux for the wedding because she said you were way behind, and Sam was going to come after you next?”

Kennedy did come to the firehouse, and she was fuming. She said I was wasting her only afternoon off with the mundane parts of the wedding details and that I had to get off my lazy ass and try on the tux. It didn’t hurt that she caught me lifting weights with my shirt off. I saw her gawking, even though she was acting like I was a pain in her ass.

“Was that the blonde who came in here with those fuck-me heels? Yeah, I wouldn’t mind getting more acquainted with her.” Fucking Delarosa mouthing off, and I swear I see red.

My brother must sense my rising anger and tries to diffuse the situation. “Well, she’s not someone’s property, and she’s got her eyes on a Nichols, not a Delarosa. Also, I told you my side of this bet was the way to go. Look at him—he’s going to Hulk out on Deli over there.” My brother laughs, and I feel the rage dampen a fraction.

“Fuck all of you for betting on my love life,” I throw out and realize my mistake.

My brother does a double take and then stands up. “You said love! Oh my god. Mom’s going to shit a brick when she hears this!”

“Don’t you dare tell Mom, you fucker. And it’s an expression. Plus, you already said too much the other day with her. Now she’s going to hound me. Do not add fuel to that fire, man.” I jump off the couch and start chasing my brother.

In the midst of all the chaos, as I chase my brother around the kitchen, I see our Cap shaking his head, although a smile graces his features.

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