“That’s gotta be stressful.” His expression turned serious, the way I sometimes noticed with people whenever I brought up mywork.
“It’s stressful, but most people seem to think we’re all gloom and doom about it because there’s so much at stake. I don’t revel in anyone’s place being on fire or anyone being in danger, but it’s almost a sport. This is what I train for, this is what I’m an expert in, so when an emergency comes up, it’s like I’m a quarterback and it’s game day. And there’s something a little exciting about never knowing when game day is…that I have to be ready for it every day. And some days, there are so many games, it’s like our station’sOlympics.”
“That’s definitely not what I would have expected,” Daxadmitted.
“But then when we have a few days off, we need a break from having game days every other day of the week. So I like for people to be able to chill and relax withme.”
“I bet you have really goodfriends.”
“Sure do. Most are from the station. You spend a lot of time with the guys, so it’s how itworks.”
“Of course. Most of my friends are in this same industry too. It’s definitely easier being around people who get what I do. Obviously not on the same level as you, that’s not how I meant that. I have enormous respect for your job, because God knows there aren’t that many people willing to be the Batmans of theworld.”
“That’s not the first time I’ve heard that,” I observed. “But there are plenty of us in the world. And it’s a good life when you know that what you’re doing really matters…that sacrificing your own safety actually makes a difference, even if it’s just in one person’s life. And if you’re lucky like me, you get to see just how many people can be touched by what youdo.”
Dax wore a pensive expression. “Well, not exactly the way my job works. I don’t get to see that part of humanity often. I tend to see the conniving and scheming and double-dealing.”
“I see all that too, don’t worry. I’m just lucky to get to see the other side, to know that it’s there. Some people are goddamn awful, but they’re the exception, not the rule. Most guys…they got a good place in their heart. Even if they don’t care to show it to everyone. Even if they feel like they need to hide it because they want the world to think they’re Mr. ToughGuy.”
“Well, I am Mr. Tough Guy,” Dax said with asmile.
“I bet. Now get me those potatoes done so I can get themgoing.”
15
Dax
What I enjoyedmost about Jace was how easy it was to talk tohim.
There was something unusual about being in his home, making dinner with him…well, if that’s what I could call peeling seven Russet potatoes. But there was something pleasant about ittoo.
While Jace finished the fried chicken, I set the table in the dining area beside thekitchen.
His place wasn’t flash and designer chic the way I was used to seeing with my friends. His was more like Nance’s—traditional furnishings and decor. A few pictures of Jace and his friends and family were displayed on a console table alongside the liquor cabinet. It felt like a home, and I could see why people would gravitate to it to sit and relax with a guy like Jace, who, along with his many admirable traits, was obviously a good listener. Perhaps too good, in that way that made me nervous that he was possibly picking up on more through our brief conversations than I cared for him to know. Or anyone,really.
“Okay, here we go,” Jace said as he set a plate of fried chicken in the center of the table and the bowl of loaded mashed potatoes besideit.
Mac drooled as he walked alongside Jace, clearly wanting a taste of the food, which, I had to admit, smelled so fuckinggood.
“I got you, boy,” Jace told him before heading back into the kitchen and slipping Mac a piece of cooked chicken, since he’d saved a few just for thatpurpose.
I slid into a chair on one end, and Jace sat in the one adjacent to me, taking charge as he grabbed a fork and offered me some chicken, then scooping mashed potatoes on myplate.
“Salt? Pepper? Extra cheese for thetaters?”
“Well, aren’t you quite thehost?”
“I try to excel in everything I do,” he said, his tone dripping with charm and sex appeal. “Now hurry up and try that fried chicken, and tell me if that doesn’t make you realize any other fried chicken you’ve had in your life is somebullshit.”
I grabbed a piece, and as I pulled it to my mouth, said, “I don’t have much to compare it to, but I’ll let youknow.”
I took a bite, enjoying the sensation of the spices pricking at my tongue, the eruption of flavor in my mouth. “Fuck,” I murmured, which made Jacegrin.
“Damn right. That’s what you’ve been missing all theseyears.”
I relished the taste before taking another bite, a bit larger than I’d intended, and it burned the roof of my mouth. “Oh shit,” I said, then took a swig of my drink to soothe thesting.
“Holy shit. You take to my chicken like you take to my cock,” Jace mocked. “You okay,man?”
