Visible relief spread over Rico’s face, and Adam held his breath, hoping the news was good.
“You’re sure? Thanks. I owe you, buddy. That’s a huge load off my head.” He clicked off and shoved the phone back into his pocket, then walked away, back to check on the microwave and say goodbye to the rabbis who were ready to leave.
“Thank you both for coming on the spur of the moment. We’re very grateful.”
“Anything for you, Rico.” Adam watched Rabbi Fine give Rico a hug while Rabbi Grossman merely smiled and tilted his head in acknowledgment.
Feeling a bit left out that Rico hadn’t shared the end result of the conversation, Adam fell into step with him as he returned to the sink to wash vegetables.
“So what’d he say?”
“Who, Frank? He’ll deliver them straight to Judy’s house and even help set up the tables. I got Sean from the store and his college buddies serving, so that’s taken care of. He’s gonna meet me here with the guys any minute to start.”
“I’m glad it’s all working out.”
The tight lines around Rico’s mouth had softened, and Adam physically ached to kiss him.
“You have no idea how much this means to me.”
I wish I could tell you how much you mean to me.
It took effort to keep his tone light. “I’m glad I could help. I’m going to go finish some stuff, but I’ll be back later to check in.”
“Really, you don’t need to stay.”
He had no chance to respond since Patrick came into the kitchen, escorting two men, who, Adam assumed from their greeting, were Rico’s workers.
“Willie, Sal, come here and let’s get started.” Relief flooded Rico’s eyes, and in a flash, Adam watched him transform from broken and guarded to a man firmly in control; he marveled at the capability Rico had to turn it on and off like he did. It made him stop and wonder. If Rico could be so chameleon-like with his emotions, had Adam ever seen the true man? The times they spent together early in the mornings or simply the two of them had to have been real.
Shaking off his uneasiness, he joined Rico and his crew, only to be waved off by Rico, who slipped an apron over his head. “Go on back to saving lives. I’m covered.” He turned away and began to unpack the groceries, issuing orders to his guys.
A bit stung by the abrupt dismissal, Adam didn’t get angry. He understood Rico. Full protection mode had been activated. But Rico didn’t need to worry anymore; Adam had no intention of pushing himself in where he wasn’t wanted. Without a backward glance, Adam left the kitchen to the chefs and rejoined the other firefighters. A few guys hung out in the break room watching television, while some caught quick naps on the cots in the back. Patrick held up a cup.
“Want some?”
“Of course.” With an audible grunt, Adam dropped down on the overstuffed sofa. “My head is killing me.”
“That’s what you get for holding in your problems.”
Shooting Patrick a frown, Adam chose to ignore him and stuck his hand out for the coffee cup. “Caffeine without editorializing, please. I avoid the newspapers; why would I want to hear it from you?”
“Because I don’t like seeing you like this. You’re a good fireman and an even better person. Don’t fuck that up over a guy who doesn’t give two shits about you.”
Staring into his cup, Adam’s chest hurt from Patrick’s words. “He’s my friend.”
“Friends don’t treat friends like strangers.”
Hearing Patrick voice the emotions running through him didn’t make Adam feel better. There were no winners in this game.
Chapter Nineteen
Incredibly, things wereworking out. Somehow Rico had managed to cobble together people willing to give up their night for him to help make this party not only work but be a success. Willie and Sal worked tirelessly making the sauces, dressing, cold pasta, and Waldorf and chicken salads, while he gave Sean and his girlfriend the job of helping him make the cookies, cupcakes, and macaroons. From time to time he’d glance up at them—working so hard, never complaining once—and his heart filled to bursting. Adrenaline surged through him, and he powered on despite the incredible weariness soaking through him.
“Hey, Rico?” Sean and his girlfriend stood in front of him. “We’re gonna run out and grab something to eat if that’s okay. We won’t be long. Promise.”
This kid owed him nothing, yet Rico owed him everything. “Take the rest of the night off. Go on. I’ll be okay. We’ve made most of the stuff, right?”
Cooling racks held mountains of cookies and macaroons. All he had to do was make the cupcakes, and tomorrow he’d make the icing. He yawned, scrubbing his face with his hands.
