But the door shut behind him, and all the air left Rico’s lungs in a rush of heat and fear. Trembling, his mind whirling, he made it to the sofa before his legs gave out. Rico grabbed his phone, and even knowing Adam was on duty, called him, hoping he’d be able to pick up.
“What happened?”
That calm voice filled his ear, and his heart stopped pounding and steadied back into a normal rhythm.
“Rico, is everything okay? Where are you? Talk to me.”
“I’m…I’m home. I saw my father.”
“And?”
“I don’t know. I mean, I do know. I think we’re done.” In the background he heard noise. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be calling you while you’re on duty.”
“It’s okay. I’m on a break. Tell me what happened.”
Replaying the conversation only made it hurt more. When he finished, he rested his head against the back of the sofa and waited for Adam to speak.
“I’m sorry. But maybe he’s going to take some time to think about it, and then you’ll talk again.”
Doubtful. For the first time, they hadn’t hugged good-bye nor had his father said he’d call later. That didn’t bode well.
“I think I’d better get used to the idea of him no longer being in my life.” Even speaking the words left a bitter taste in his mouth. A headache pulsed behind his eyes, and Rico felt wrung out as if he were nursing the aftereffects of a hangover. “How did you get so lucky?” Curling onto his side, Rico tucked himself into a protective ball on the sofa. “Both your parents love you and have no problems with your sexuality.”
“We had our rough spots initially, but I can’t lie. I know I hit the jackpot. But they love you too. We’ll work it out, I promise.”
Even listening to Adam’s reassuring words couldn’t convince Rico that anything would ever be all right again. Losing his father would be like losing a piece of himself.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Adam could hardlybelieve what the lieutenant said. “Are you sure, sir? Me?”
With a grin softening his normally austere features, Dixon patted him on the shoulder. “Absolutely positive. The commissioner wants to meet you and the rest of the crew, plus he wants to give you a special commendation for service above and beyond duty to the community. Tell your friends and family, tomorrow at headquarters at eleven. Good job, Barton. You not only did a wonderful thing for your friends, but it was a great service to the community and the department.”
A warm glow settled in his stomach at Dixon’s words, and he felt like a kid in a candy store. Personal commendations were a rarity, and to get one so early in his career was a milestone he’d never expected.
“Th-thanks, Lieutenant. It helped them out so much; I know they’re grateful.”
“I suspect it worked out for you as well?” Dixon quirked a steely brow, but his eyes remained soft.
Heat rose in his face, yet he couldn’t lie. “It did, yes. But that wasn’t my intention when I made the offer.”
“Don’t worry, I know. But it didn’t hurt, I’m sure. And I’m happy for you.” He hesitated. “I’m sure if you wanted to, the commissioner might mention it as well. Makes for a great human-interest story.”
“No offense sir, but if anyone’s going to talk about it, it’ll be me.”
“Fair enough.”
“Besides, Rico’s had a tough time of it and just came out to his father and it didn’t go all too well.”
Surprising him, instead of brushing him off, Dixon gestured to him. “Care to explain? I have three daughters,” he said. “I’ve picked up a few things along the way in terms of listening.”
It couldn’t be any worse than talking to Patrick or even Travis, so Adam unburdened himself to Dixon, whose good humor fled as he explained Rico’s father’s rejection. Both of them somber now, Dixon let out a sigh.
“I’m sorry your friend has to deal with this. First the fire and loss of business and now this. How’s he holding up?”
“Not too well, I’m afraid. He tries to hide it, but I see him staring off into space when we’re together. It’s not easy for him. Despite his father’s treatment, Rico loves him.”
“I heard from Patrick how you helped his son, and I know how that young man’s death several months ago affected you, yet you wanted to keep working. You’re a good man, Barton. I’m proud to have you in this house. Rico is lucky to have you on his side. And sometimes family can surprise you. Just when you think they let you down, they come to lift you up. Tell Rico not to give up yet.”
