“Yeah. Well, Gene said I could go in today. We have to move fast before mold and shit like that starts rotting everything out.” He fished the key out of his jeans pocket. “Let’s go.”
His jaw tight, Rico approached the storefront, wondering if he’d ever get out of his mind the sight of flames shooting out of the windows above and dark, billowing smoke. He unlocked the door, the musty scent of old water and the acrid smell of smoke hitting him in the face.
“Damn,” Sean muttered, following on his heels as they entered the store, glass crunching beneath their feet. “What a fucking mess.”
“Yeah, damn.” He wanted to cry but held himself together. “Let’s go in the back and see what we can salvage.”
And for once something played in their favor, as the back offices and most importantly the kitchen remained relatively unscathed, a fresh coat of paint being the only thing Rico could see would be necessary. He grabbed a broom and dustpan, along with some plastic garbage bags, while Sean took the garbage pail and paper towels from the utility closet.
“You start on the refrigerator, and I’ll get to sweeping up all the glass and crap up off the floor.”
“You got it. It’s not as bad as I thought, honestly.” Sean hefted the pail and stuck the roll of paper towels under his arm.
“I know. As bad as it is, we got lucky the fire was contained to the front of the building. At least we won’t have to replace all the appliances. I think a paint job will be all we need back here.”
Rico picked up the broom, walked back out to the front, and scanned the room with an assessing eye. While the entire room, floors to walls, would need replacing, most of the other damage was superficial, and if they put in their sweat equity, Rico estimated they could be back up and running before the end of the summer.
Feeling a bit relieved now that he’d worked it all out in his head, Rico got busy sweeping. He’d made a pile of dirt, ash, and other debris scattered throughout the room, when the front door burst open and Gideon skittered inside, wild-eyed and pale.
“Rico. What the fuck is going on?”
His heart sank. He’d planned on calling Gideon that afternoon after he’d finished the cleanup, so he’d have a better grip on how much needed to be done.
“Gideon. Calm down. It’s not as bad as it looks.” He set the broom against the counter and approached his best friend. From the corner of his eye, he saw Sean at the doorway leading to the back, giving him a thumbs-up and reassuring nod.
“The hell you say. I come back and the store is boarded up, and here you are like it’s no fucking big deal.” He paced the room, eyes glittering and mouth set in a harsh line. “Tell me now.”
“Last week there was a fire. Not in the store,” he added hastily as he watched the alarm flare in Gideon’s eyes. “In the apartment above us. Luckily the fire department got here really quick and put it out, so while it looks really bad, it’s only this room that was affected.”
“Yeah, Gideon. The back is totally fine; you barely smell any smoke at all,” Sean piped up.
Gideon’s gaze shifted from his face to Sean’s, confusion in his eyes. “Wait, last week? But I spoke to you and you said everything was fine.” His brows pinched together. “Shit. Judy’s party. What happened? Did you have to cancel on her? I can’t believe this.” His shoulders sagged. “Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice rose in accusation. “How could you keep it from me? The store almost burns down and you didn’t think I should know? What the fuck is wrong with you, Rico?”
“Hold up. I said it’s not as bad as it seems. I’ve got everything in the works with the insurance company, and hopefully we’ll get the check soon. We did the party; it turned out great, best party she ever had, Judy said. Right, Sean?” He appealed to his worker.
“Definitely. Me and my buddies served, and everyone raved. Said it was the most delicious food they’d ever eaten.” Rico could’ve kissed the guy.
Gideon had resumed pacing, and Rico watched him warily. Knowing his best friend’s explosive temper, he remained prepared for anything.
“I’m not getting it. We’re partners; you’re my best friend. How could you keep it from me?” Breathing heavily, he dragged a hand through his hair. “You know I would’ve come right home.”
“And that’s exactly why I didn’t.” Rico leaned against the filthy counter and folded his arms, looking Gideon straight in his eyes. Willing him to listen and understand. “You were so happy when we talked. I wanted to tell you then, but when you said how important being there was for Jonah and his career, how could I take you away from that?”
The anger drained from Gideon’s face; his eyes gleamed wet with a suspicion of tears. Rico had long known Gideon’s tough-guy image was a front to hide his soft heart.
“Shit, Rico. That’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. I—I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay, man. We do for each other, right?”
They smiled into each other’s eyes.
“Always, brother.”
Rico’s heart lifted. Crisis averted, yet he still sensed something didn’t sit well with Gideon. “What? You look like you have more to say.” Sean had left them when things got a bit tense, so it was only the two of them. “Something wrong?”
Gideon’s gaze flitted around the room. “Yeah. You couldn’t have cooked in here; it’s a mess and unsanitary. And I know Judy’s kitchen is too small for such a big job; we checked it out beforehand.”
“Uh, no, I didn’t cook here.” This would be big, telling Gideon about Adam. He’d hoped to have more time to prepare, but it looked like that time was fast approaching.
