“I didn’t realize you were serious and I really am sorry, Danny. I like having fun, just like the rest of us, but I never wanna do it at the expense of one of you. We laugh with, not at. I went too far.”
Nodding, I accept the apology. As hard as it is, I know that’s what the guys expect from me. “I’m gonna go see what second shift left us to make breakfast with.”
Walking to the kitchen gives me time to calm down. Being here is comfortable, a place that’s been mine since I started a few months ago. Behind this stove is my spot. As I go through the cupboards and refrigerator, I make a list of the ingredients we need to keep us fed for the next few shifts. “I’m heading to the grocery.” I hold the piece of paper up.
“Do you need help?” Chief Hudson asks.
“No, there’s not a lot. I got this.”
Truth of the matter is, I need the time to myself in order to get my head on straight. Keeping it together in the face of adversity is something I’ve always been able to do. It’s a point of pride and losing it slightly is one of the more embarrassing things that’s ever happened.
Getting into the firehouse SUV, I head for the grocery store, doing my best not to stop at the bank. Truth be told, that’s where I’d much rather be going.