Now that he’d spoken out loud, Rico wanted to talk about it. “I couldn’t live with my father anymore. Not being who I am. I love him but at the same time, I’m angry. He’s spent his whole life in pursuit of his dream, never once thinking to ask me what mine might be.”
Maryann nodded vigorously, her lustrous hair falling forward over her face. “You know he’s up for Party Chairman?”
“Yeah. One of the reasons I’ve kept away from him as much as I have lately. I’m afraid my level of tolerance for the bullshit he stands for is way down, and I might say something I’ll regret.”
“You have to do what’s best for you, Rico.”
It felt strange to put himself first. But remaining silent now would be as bad as outright denial. No longer. Not after Texas. “Thanks. I think I finally am.”
“Now about the television special. The station said I could do the interviews. Of course it would be both of you, the firehouse chief…” She flipped through her notebook. “Anyone else we should make sure we talk to?” A lock of hair fell into her eyes, and she tucked it back behind her ear as she took her notes.
“Adam Barton,” Rico promptly said. “It was his idea from the first. He gets all the credit.” Merely speaking his name unfurled a delightful warmth in his chest.
“Okay. I’m going over to the firehouse now to talk to the people there. I have my crew with me, so we might do some preliminary interviews.” She stood, and he and Gideon walked her to the door where they both shook her hand. “Thanks, both of you. I’m sorry this had to happen to you, but maybe something good can come out of it.” Rico wondered if she meant the fire or coming out to people. Either way, she was right.
His phone rang, and surprised to see his father’s name on the screen, he hit the Accept button. They normally only spoke late in the evenings, when both of them were usually home from work.
“Dad? Everything okay?” Sounds filtered through the phone, letting him know his father was neither at home nor at his office. “Where are you?”
“I’m on my way to the airport. I have to be in Philly today for a meeting, and I’m hoping you can make time tonight so we can finally see each other. I can take the train over and meet you at your store at six, if that works.”
Wanting to speak to his father to tell him everything and doing it proved to be two totally different animals, yet pride in what he and Gideon had accomplished won out. And he wanted to tell him about Adam.
“Of course. I’m dying to see you. But before you come, you need to know something’s happened at the store.”
“Oh?” Immediately, his father turned wary, as if expecting bad news. “What’s wrong?”
“We had a little problem. It’s being taken care of, but the store is closed temporarily for renovation.”
“I see. I’ll expect an explanation when I get there, then.”
“Of course. So, uh, dinner? I would’ve cooked, but I can make us reservations.”
“Don’t trouble yourself. I’m really in the mood for good old-fashioned New York pizza. None of the fancy stuff.”
“You got it. We’ll pick up a pie after I show you the store. I know Gideon will be happy to see you.”
“Myself as well. I have the directions to the store already, so I’ll see you at six.”
“Bye, Dad.”
Rico stood, staring at his phone.
“Something wrong? You have a funny look on your face.”
He jumped, having forgotten Gideon was next to him. “Jesus, man. You scared me.” Gideon had been joined by Jonah. “Nothing’s wrong; that was my father on the phone.”
“Oh yeah?”
Funny how like Rico’s father Gideon sounded. That same cautious voice, as if expecting to hear trouble.
“Yeah. He’s coming to New York tonight after some work stuff in Philly.”
“Oh, cool. It’ll be nice to see him again.”
“Yeah. He’s looking forward to seeing you too.” Rico shoved the phone into his jeans pocket. “Hey, Jonah. How’s it going?”
“Good. I’m sure you’re happy to see your father.”
