“No,” Oscar said, looking at Alex. “But there’s a rumor Ray is coming back.”
Alex stopped mid-swallow. Ray. Oscar stared at Alex because most of the crew, at least the old-timers, knew their history.
“He wouldn’t,” Garrett said.
“Oh, sure he would,” Alex said. “He’s got no conscience or tact. He’d do it just to make trouble.”
The last time Alex had laid eyes on Ray, he’d been in Alex’s bed, fucking Alex’s girlfriend. Both Ray and Amber had been dead to him since then.
“Would you stay?” Garrett asked.
“No,” Alex said. No way in hell he would take orders from that asshole. “But, if all goes according to plan, I’ll ace the LT’s exam, get promoted, and would have to transfer out anyway.”
“Test is next week,” Garrett said. “You ready?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve been studying every day and doing mock interviews with Patrick. The written exam is Tuesday, and my interview is Thursday.”
Alex had put his heart and soul into preparing for this test. He’d been a firefighter for fifteen years and was ready for the next step. As much as he loved the frontline stuff, it was time to start moving up the chain of command. Promoting now fit right into his plan to retire as a battalion chief.
Wyatt came around to say his goodbyes. “It’s only ten o’clock, man,” Alex said. “Where you goin’?”
“Home to the wife and kid. I’m too old to be closing down bars anymore.” He laughed before heading out the door with a wave.
Alex turned to Garrett. “Too old? He’s like a year younger than us.”
“Having a family changes things.”
“Sure, it ties you down and takes your freedom. No thanks.”
“You don’t plan on ever settling down?” Garrett asked.
“No. I’ve decided that three months is the sweet spot. After that, the honeymoon phase ends, and things start going south. Better to part ways on a positive note.”
“I don’t know. Bethany and I have been dating for over a year, and things are still fantastic. You just haven’t met the right woman yet.”
“Bethany is amazing. You snagged the last great woman,” he said, slapping Garrett on the back. “I’m stuck wading through what’s left.”
Behind him, he heard a strange voice talking to Dixie.
“Hey, honey.” Some musclehead had sidled up to her at the bar. “These men bothering you?”
Dixie was as hot as the fire they’d put out that day. Long auburn hair, big blue eyes, and a rack like nobody’s business. That didn’t matter to her coworkers. The crew treated her like they would anyone else and wouldn’t think of getting involved with her. Cardinal rule of firefighting—never hook up with anyone in your company.
“No, they’re my coworkers,” she said.
Garrett’s T-shirt had the firefighter insignia on it, and Oscar wore a FDNY hat. It didn’t take a genius to connect the dots.
“You a firefighter?” the man asked in disbelief. “Hot babe like you?”
“I am,” she said, turning away and ignoring his second question. Alex didn’t think she even realized the guy was hitting on her. Pretty as she was, she didn’t flaunt it or expect any special treatment over it.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked, tapping her shoulder.
“No, thank you,” Dixie said.
“You wanna play some pool?” His words slurred together, and his eyes weren’t entirely focused. He was too drunk to take the hint that she wasn’t interested, but she was holding her own, so Alex kept his mouth shut.
“I’ll pass.”
