After clearing his throat and taking a sip of water, Adam began. “I want to thank the commissioner and every member of my house, my brothers, who push me up when I feel weak and never let me forget I have the best job in the world. Helping the community we live in is second nature to being in the FDNY. We truly are like one big family, and I couldn’t wish for a better group of people, starting with Lieutenant Dixon, who’s been like a surrogate father to me when I needed one. Thank you, everyone.”
People broke out into applause. Rico liked the stern but fair commander of the firehouse and was grateful Adam had people in his life to turn to for support. If only his father could be as tolerant and understanding.
“But I also had an ulterior motive.”
Uh-oh.This wasn’t part of the speech Rico had heard last night.
“See, the men who run the catering business, Rico Estevez and Gideon Marks, aren’t merely businessmen in the community. Gideon grew up here and returned home last year not only to build a business but to reconnect with loved ones. His fiancé, Jonah, has started a social justice project in the neighborhood that’s helped many high-school kids stay off the streets by giving them after-school jobs. Some work in Gideon and Rico’s catering store. These men are personal friends of mine. In fact”—Adam’s eyes found him, and Rico couldn’t look away—“Rico is my partner, and we weren’t always in a good place like we are now. Both of us needed to come to terms with events and people from our past. This fire, which could’ve become a tragedy, instead helped us figure out what we wanted from life. Rico, will you come up here with me?” Adam held out his hand.
Stunned, Rico sat transfixed until Gideon hissed at him. “Go on. Everyone’s waiting.”
Gulping down his nerves, Rico rose from his seat and climbed the steps of the elevated podium to join Adam.
“Why didn’t you mention you were planning to do this?” He spoke out of the side of his mouth so no one could hear him.
“Because I knew you’d freak out. I wanted you to hear it for the first time like everyone else.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is Rico Estevez, who, with the help of his kitchen staff, worked tirelessly to make sure he kept his commitments. And even though he’s from Miami and not New York City, I think we can safely say Rico is a true New Yorker in spirit. He never lets anyone or anything get the best of him.”
When the applause died down, Rico realized he needed to make a speech.
“Thank you, everyone. My business partner, Gideon, who happened to be away on a conference during the time of the fire, and myself want to thank the FDNY for always going above and beyond to help. You guys are truly New York’s best and bravest, and we are so grateful you allowed us to invade your kitchen and helped us in our time of need.”
The next five minutes were a blur of picture-taking and handshaking. Adam introduced him to Nick Fletcher, his trainer from when he’d first joined the department.
“I always knew you’d make your mark in the department.” Nick hugged Adam, then shook Rico’s hand. “I may have been his trainer but Adam’s the one who taught me about courage.”
“He’s a special guy.” Bursting with pride, Rico gave Adam’s hand a discreet squeeze. “And I’m the lucky one.”
“I’d say you both are. Living with a chef is like a dream come true.” Nick’s blue eyes twinkled. “You catered my friends Zach and Sam’s wedding. I still remember the food.”
“Thanks, man. That was a good time.”
He answered a few questions from interested spectators and was touched to see Sean had come. Gideon and Jonah joined him, and the four of them made small talk with the various dignitaries, including the Fire Commissioner, who had their business card in one hand and Gideon’s chocolate chip cookie in the other.
“I’ll deny it to my grave, but these cookies are even better than my mother’s.” The commissioner’s green eyes twinkled. “Don’t give me up. I’ll be over next week to pick up a pound. Or two.”
They all laughed, and Rico felt a tap on his shoulder. When he turned around, a microphone was shoved in his face.
“Rico, is it true your father is Leonides Estevez, the lead candidate for Republican State Chair of Florida?” The news reporter, a dark-haired, pasty-skinned young man in an ill-fitting suit, began to bombard him with questions, and a crowd began to gather around him.
“How do you reconcile his conservative views with you being gay? Do you and your father get along? Does he know of your relationship with Adam Barton? Does he approve?”
Sweat trickled down his back, and he stood rooted to the floor in shock. His worst nightmare had come true. Adam pulled him by the elbow. “Let’s get out of here.” They hustled out of the room and down the hall.
But it wasn’t that easy to shake the press. “Rico.” At least three reporters followed him and Adam, and Rico heard Gideon and Jonah arguing with them. “Do you think being gay jeopardizes your father’s chance as State Party Leader or being governor one day?”
They’d reached the lobby of the building, and Adam pushed it open to bright sunlight. With the reporters still at their heels like hunting dogs, he and Adam rushed past the guards standing at the front of the building in the MetroTech complex. From behind he heard Gideon yell, “I have a car waiting. Go to Flatbush Avenue.”
He and Adam made their way across the busy plaza to the other side of the congested street. A black SUV stood idling at the curb, and Adam yanked open the door and pushed him inside, then scrambled in after. A few seconds later Gideon and Jonah joined them, breathing heavily. Jonah slammed the door behind him, and the car took off.
“I told them to take us to the store. I’d have gone to my father’s house, but he’s hosting some meeting for retired rabbis, and I couldn’t interrupt.”
Rico leaned back against the headrest and closed his eyes while Adam massaged the back of his neck.
“I’m sorry. I never thought bringing you there and having you stand up with me would cause so much trouble.”
“You didn’t. It was bound to happen.” He blew out a breath, despair creeping through him. “I’d be kidding myself if I thought I could keep my private life private. And”—he set his jaw in a hard line—“why should I protect him? He’s not interested in a relationship with me. Or with you.”
