“Well, thanks again for getting her. I just wish I didn’t have to upset or worry her. But it’s my job, you know?”
“Yeah, I know. If anyone understands that, it’s me. I think that’s part of the reason I haven’t been too worried about settling down and finding a wife. I don’t want to leave her a widow. Too many firemen parish in fires every year. It’s a scary thought.”
“It is,” I reply looking down at the blanket covering my legs.
“So, are you getting serious with Erin?” he asks casually.
I blow out a big breath. “Well, I like her…a lot. We haven’t exactly had the ‘are we in a relationship’ conversation, but the thought of her having one with another guy makes me want to rip someone’s face off. And honestly, I’m not interested in seeing anyone else right now either. For the first time, I’m actually considering a relationship with someone. Like a real, call each other all the time, have stupid cutesy nicknames for each other, only have sex with one woman, kind of relationship. What does that say? Am I a pussy?” I ask with an incredulous chuckle.
“A pussy? No. A douchebag? Well, the jury’s still out on that one,” Nate smarts off with a cocky grin.
“Thanks, little brother,” I reply with my own grin.
“No problem. That’s what I’m here for.” Nate stands and approaches my bed. “To answer your question, I think Erin’s a good girl. If you’re ready to actually date one girl for awhile, I say give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, you can always head over to the pub and give all the girls there each a turn in your bed like ol’ times.”
The thought of that makes my stomach turn. I don’t even want to think about spending the night with anyone else but Erin.
“Well, I need to get to the station. Will you make sure Erin gets her phone?”
“Yep.”
“Good.” Nate leans down and gives me that half hug, half shoulder nudge kind of hug and turns to walk away. “I’m damn glad you’re okay, brother.”
“Thanks, Nate. Be careful out there.”
“I will,” he says as he turns and heads out the door leaving me to think about all the important things we just talked about. I love my job and understand that it could be scary for Erin to adjust to. She’s never really had someone in her life that puts her first - well, except her grandma. I just don’t want her to run away from me because she can’t deal with my job. It’s dangerous and daring. Can she handle that?
God, I hope so.
*****
I learned real quickly that there is nothing on television during the day. I was bored out of my ever-loving mind all day waiting on the doctors to release me and for Erin to return. She called from her landline after she got home and ended up going into work for a few hours - at my insistance - so that I could get some rest. Honestly, I just thought that her being back in her routine and in her element for a little while would do her some good.
Erin arrives just before five p.m. to take me home. I’ve got my bag already packed and am sitting in the chair waiting on the discharge papers when she walks in the door. I’m tired of being cooped up in this little ten by ten room and am itching to get the hell out of here.
When she walks in the door, my face lights up like a Christmas tree. She’s stunning in her conservative work clothes, all signs of paint have been removed from her morning shower. A shower that I would have loved to have joined her in.
“Hey, you. You look good,” she says as she brings her lips down onto mine.
“I always look good, and I’m feeling pretty good. Ready to go home.”
Doctor Cambridge comes into the room at that moment, papers in hand. “Well, here you go, Jake. Sign here,” he says as he hands me a clipboard with papers. “Now, it’s important to take it easy for a week or so. Make sure you keep wearing that sling for the next five days. It’ll help. Get plenty of rest and avoid anything that could cause further bumps to your head. If you feel sick again, light headed, or dizzy, come back to the Emergency Room right away. Here’s your prescription for pain medication. No drinking alcohol or operating heavy machinery while you’re on them. Okay?”
“Sounds fine, doc. I’m ready to go home and relax with my girl.”
“He said for you to take it easy,” she says with a knowing smile.
“Yeah, but he didn’t mean I have to take it that easy. That just means you’ll have to do all the work, darlin’,” I reply with a big wolfish grin.
“Jake!” she replies, face flaming red with embarrassment.