“Cordova said we should have been watching our rookie more closely,” Theo said. “He was debating if he should discipline you, Knight, and Kwon for failure to supervise him.”
“Fuck that!” Kevin stormed out of the shower in a rare show of anger. “They should be promoted.”
“Hey, towel!” Theo exclaimed and passed Erin a towel too through the curtain. “While I love the view, Cordova isn’t gonna go for that. Don’t worry. He backed down as long as you and I attest to Carver’s behavior. We’re off service again for being understaffed.”
Erin stepped out, and there was a rhythmic knock on the door. Theo opened it slightly.
“Hey, guys!” Vanessa popped in with Kwon, carrying backup uniforms.
“This is bullshit,” Kevin thundered, towel barely over his hips.
“And he’s naked.” Kwon was behind her, far more relaxed in their presence than she’d been last week.
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” Vanessa winked. “Guess you heard Cordova’s take.”
“Yeah, Carver’s getting off, and you ladies are in hot water.” Kevin calmed down. “Sorry, I’m a little worked up. Got Aiden stuff, got Carver stuff, and now this bullshit Cordero stuff.”
“Life’s not fair. Anyone who tells you different is selling something,” Vanessa quoted. “Sorry, Luna’s been watchingthe Princess Brideandthe Godfatheron repeat.’”
“I will go to the mattresses for you. I will make him an offer he can’t refuse. I pledge my undying loyalty.” Kevin knelt, holding the towel, and kissed Vanessa hand.
“Still naked!” Kwon covered Vanessa’s eyes, and Vanessa made a show of peeking out.
“Thank you, Firefighter Jones. For your loyalty, I will invite you into my home tomorrow for Not-Thanksgiving Dinner,” Vanessa intoned with mock seriousness. “It will be one hundred percent more fun than your last Unbirthday party.”
“Unbirthday party?” Kwon asked.
“Don’t worry about that.” Kevin glanced at Erin. “And no skipping out for Han Solo sex.”
“Who’s bringing what? The host doing the turkey?” Theo asked.
“It’d be Luna’s thing, but she’s only got one hand. Tur-ducken instead?”
“Sacrilegious!” Kevin declared.
“You don’t even eat meat!” Vanessa wagged her finger at him. “You volunteering?”
“I’ll draw you a turkey. I’m bringing the alternate main course of yam and quinoa salad,” Kevin said.
“Not it,” Kwon said.
“I’d do it, but I have to bring the fifteen leftover pies.” Theo said. “Thanksgiving’s busy for Drew, so he’s out. Drew’s invited, right?”
“Yes, significant others and firefighters,” Vanessa said. “The turkey, though?”
“I’ll do it,” Erin volunteered. “I can hit the grocery store after shift.”
“Sounds good. You gonna bring Han?” Vanessa asked.
“I’ll have to check with him if I find a new phone tomorrow,” Erin lied. No way in hell was she bringing Noah to Not-Thanksgiving.
Kevin laughed. “Gotta untie him from your bed? See her sex bruises?”
Erin refused to blush and pulled her sports bra over her chest. “Yeah, so?”
“Leave her alone,” Theo came to Erin’s defense. “She can get laid if she wants to, and he doesn’t have to meet us. We’re crazy, and it’s only been two months for them. Unlike me, who will be on asking Drew to move in with me! Gonna leave out this naked time, though.”
“Half the women in the city have seen Kevin naked, including lesbians,” Vanessa said and linked her arm with Kwon. “Get some clothes on, and let’s get this Cordova business done.”
