Smoke

by Toye Lawson Brown

  “And, up until you leave what am I supposed to do—pretend you never existed?

  Pretend you haven’t broken my heart. I might be able to pretend all that, Gabrielle, but I can’t pretend I don’t care about you.”

  “I care about you, but we don’t have a choice. Take my advice and stay away from any women until you have the goods on Sandra. You will have to pretend you’re into her or she will yank Amira away from you so fast it will make your head spin. A mother will protect her child even if she is abusing her.”

  He sucked his lips. “I should mind my own business. Anthony didn’t spend that much time with them to know all their business.”

  “Once you get them alone you can make that judgment call and slide out with an excuse if you don’t see anything wrong.”

  “Yeah, but you’ll be gone. Are we still on for Pam’s party tonight?”

  She smiled, planting a sensual kisses to his lips. “Yes. It will be our final night together as a couple. Wow, I never thought my relationship with Damien Hawke would beat this; I broke a record with this one only lasting two days.”

  Jonathan savored the flavor of her lips. She might think all is over, but he had news for her; he was not letting her go or move to Chicago.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Three weeks after ending his relationship with Gabrielle, Jonathan’s mood remained sullen. He’d been using one day a week to spend with Amira and so far he had witnessed a difference in the girl’s behavior. When she was around him, she seemed relaxed but when Sandra came in the room she tended to become tense and withdrawn.

  Jonathan polished the chrome on the Ladder 30. Washing the trucks took a lot of time and, thus far, the day had been slow and he took his time shining the bright red and white truck. Anthony came around to the front of the truck to help polish. “What’s going on, Jon?”

  Putting full muscle into the circular motion his hands made with the cloth, he continued to churn away at the chrome making it sparkle in the sunlight. “Nothing,” he answered.

  “Why are you being distant? All I’m getting from you lately is one-word answers or head nods. What’s up?”

  He stopped polishing and tossed the rag in the bucket with the rest of the cleaning products. “Nothing is up, Anthony. How are you and Melanie getting along these days?”

  “We’re great. We spent Saturday cleaning out my place, because I’m moving in with her next month. Did you hang out with Amira and Sandra again?”

  “Yup. That seems to be my life of late.”

  “Are you making any progress with Amira?”

  “The only progress I’m making, is getting better at coming up with lies on why I can’t stick around after Amira is sent to bed. I’m tired of fighting off Sandra’s advances.

  I’m sorry I let you talk me into this shit!”

  “Me, what I got to do with any of this? I did not tell you to take on Sandra.”

  “You told me about Amira. You knew damn well I wouldn’t turn my back on her. We work with troubled kids, Anthony; where have you been while I’m busting my ass helping Amira and the other kids?”

  Anthony flipped his hand. “I’m trying to work it out with Melanie.”

  “Anthony, why didn’t you offer to stick around and help Amira, if you were concerned about her welfare? I was trying to start something with Gabrielle just like you were with Melanie.”

  “I told you Sandra didn’t appreciate me calling it quits with her.”

  “I’m starting to think you planned this as pay-back.”

  “Really—cause I’m not that childish.”

  “Either way, thanks a lot, buddy, while you’re all snuggled up with Melanie on your days off; I’m right back where I was before Gabrielle came into my life—fucking alone!”

  “You can’t blame me for Gabrielle dumping you.”

  “I do because we were supposed to be helping Amira together. You hung me out to dry!”

  “I don’t get why Gabrielle stopped seeing you. Amira is part of the youth group, not Sandra.”

  “Sandra is always there, Anthony! Every time I turn around the woman is there; Gabrielle knew that would happen and didn’t want to deal with her.”

  “Sandra is stalking you? Wow that is crazy!”

  “I’m glad you find the shit funny. I almost have enough information to turn over to child services to investigate Sandra, but with Gabrielle moving to Chicago next month; I still come out on the losing end.”

  Damn, man, why is she moving to Chicago?”

  “She got a job offer and decided to take it.”

  “Jon, look at me, man,” Anthony said lowering his voice.

  “Just leave me alone,” he said bending down to clean the tires on the truck.

  “Jon, I said look at me!”

  “What are looking for—tears? I will get over it.”

  “You son of a bitch—you’re in love with Gabrielle.”

  “And you’re an idiot!”

  “I’m an idiot that knows the truth you refuse to accept.”

  Jonathan banged his head lightly against the door of the fire truck. “What am I gonna do if she leaves Cleveland. All I do is think about her. I drove by her house and just sat there hoping she would come outside.”

  “Stop her from going. Dude, have you ever experienced real love?”

  “You know I haven’t. Tasha probably was the closest I ever came to telling a woman I loved her.”

  “Yeah but you didn’t let those three words escape your lips. Hell, you wouldn’t even give her the Valentines card with the words I love you written on it.”

  He snorted. “Yeah I remember that. I didn’t want to leap too soon and I now I’ve waited too late to leap at all with Gabrielle.”

  Anthony raised his brow. “Tell me the truth, Jon; do you love Gabrielle?”

  Reiss interrupted them. “Jon, you gotta phone call inside.”

  “I gotta take this call; we’ll finish talking later,” Jonathan said leaving.

  *****

  Gabrielle flipped through Nick’s chart updating the information after removing him from the ventilator a few days ago. Standing by his bedside she adjusted the railing. “Mr. Barona, your throat will be sore for few days so try not to talk too much or eat any foods that might irritate your throat. Can I get you anything before I go?”

  His voice was raspy and low. “You’re Jon’s girl right?”

  “I’m a friend of Jonathan’s.”

  “I see why he liked having you treat him; you’re good.”

  “I’m glad I didn’t hurt you. Take care.”

  Nick took notice of the young woman for the first time. She had the gentlest hands he’d ever felt, and her nature was comforting. “Wait a sec.”

  “Yes, do you need a nurse?”

  “Nah, I want to apologize to you.”

  “Um, may I ask for what?”

  “I busted Jon’s ass about you. But, I see for myself I was wrong; I should have got to know you before judging you.”

  “Thank you, although you don’t owe me any apologies.”

  “Nah, I mean it. Jon smiles more since he got with you.”

  “He’s a very nice person and I like him a lot. You should get some rest.”

  “So, are you guys serious?”

  “Mr. Barona; we’re not. I wish Jonathan the best, but I will be moving from Cleveland next month.”

  “He must be devastated. All he did was rave about you.”

  Her ears perked. “Is that right?”

  “Yeah you really threw him for loop. No woman could hold a candle to you according to him.”

  “The timing wasn’t right. I’m sure he’ll find another woman to occupy his time.”

  “I doubt it; he can be stubborn as a damn ox. Can I ask you for a favor?”

  “Sure if I can do it.”

  “They won’t let me have a phone and I don’t blame Jon and Anthony for not coming to visit; will you go by the station and let them know I need to see both of them?”<
br />
  “I-I don’t—“

  “Please, Gabrielle. I have a lot of redeeming to do and it begins with them.”

  “Alright; I’ll call Jonathan for you,” she said calming Nick down.

  “Thank you—thank you. You’re a real angle for doing this for me.”

  *****

  Ladder 30 returned to the station after the job was canceled halfway to the location. Jonathan leaped from the truck going into the kitchen for a drink. Gordon caught him before entering.

  “You gotta visitor waiting outside. I asked her if she wanted to wait inside and she said no.”

  “Thanks,” he said heading outside his stomach churned, hoping it wasn’t

  Sandra. Going to the parking lot he noticed Gabrielle’s Trailblazer parked against the fence. His stomach eased.

  She got out when she saw him approaching. Weeks had passed since she’d last seen or spoken to him. She couldn’t stop the smile crossing her lips. “Hi, Jonathan; it’s been a long time.”

  He returned her smile with one of his own. Her dimples deepened the wider her smile became. “I’m glad to see you. How have you been?” He asked kissing the deep dimple on her cheek.

  “Working hard and trying to rent my house. I also haven’t found a place to live in Chicago. I don’t have a lot of time to get all what I need done before May. But enough about me; how about you? You look great.”

  “I’m hanging in. So what brings you by the fire house?”

  “Oh, right. Nick asked me to come by. I guess I could have called but I wanted to see how you doing and say hello to Anthony. I’m getting off track. He would like for you and Anthony to come by the hospital when you get a chance.”

  “I’m glad you stopped by instead of calling. Is Nick okay?”

  “Surprisingly, he is doing great. He’s regained a little motion in his legs and is off the ventilator. He said he had some redeeming to do and wanted to start with you and Anthony.”

  “Wow, if Nick is redeeming, his accident must have scared the shit out of him.”

  “Being close to death has a way of changing a person.” She adjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder. “I won’t hold you since you’re on the clock.”

  He took her hands. “Gabrielle, I’ve missed you. Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

  “Jonathan, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”

  “It’s only dinner and not at your place but a restaurant; hell we can go to Burger King. Just say you’ll have dinner with me.”

  She laughed. “Okay, I’ll have dinner with you. I know you don’t like wearing suits so how about Olive Garden? I’m in the mood for Italian.”

  “Aha, Nick rubbed off on you.”

  “I’m wondering where he got the New York accent and lives in Cleveland; but he seems like a nice man.”

  “That’s just Nick. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at 7:00?” He asked gazing into her eyes.

  “Fantastic—I’m looking forward to it.”

  Standing in silence, neither one spoke as Jonathan continued to hold her hands.

  The radio blasted inside the station alerting all hands to report to a working triple-two fire. Jonathan dropped her hands. “That’s me.”

  “Jonathan, be careful, please,” she said concerned.

  He kissed her quickly on the lips. “Don’t worry; we’re supermen at this station.”

  She covered her ears from the sirens blaring as the trucks rolled from the station and down the street. Walking to her car a figure stepped in front of her. “What in the hell are you doing here!” The angry voice of the woman spewed at her.

  Gabrielle’s heart beat hard against her chest. It took a minute to focus on the woman standing in front of her; it was Sandra Rhodes. “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” she said walking past her.

  “It is my business! Jonathan is happy with me and Amira! Drop any thoughts of trying to lure him back.”

  “Huh, really,” Gabrielle said placing her fist flush on her hip. Funny he didn’t mention you when he asked me for a date a minute ago.”

  Sandra stretched her neck, tossing her hair aside. “Don’t make this get ugly, little girl. You have no clue what you’re dealing with.”

  Gabrielle lowered her perfectly arched brow, frowning. “Too late for the ugly and don’t underestimate what you’re dealing with.” She got in the car turning on the ignition.

  Sandra stood in front of the vehicle with her hands spread flat on the hood. “I’m warning you! Stay away from Jonathan; do you understand me!”

  Gabrielle pressed down on the brake and tapped the accelerator jerking the SUV

  forward forcing Sandra to move. Lowering the window she rolled her eyes meanly.

  “What do you think?”

  Steam heated Sandra’s ears as she burned inside. “That bitch thinks I’m playing; she will regret messing with me!” Getting into her car, she sped from the parking lot going in the opposite direction of Gabrielle.

  Twenty minutes later, Sandra stormed through the front door of her rental home.

  Tossing her keys and purse on a nearby table; she looked around the empty room.

  “Amira, where are you! Get your butt downstairs pronto!”

  The child quickly ascended down the stairs holding onto the railing. “You called me, Mom.”

  “Get on the phone and call Jonathan!”

  “Mom, he already called me today,” she said nervously.

  “I don’t care he called you already!” Sandra shouted. Shoving the cellphone in the chest of the small child, she demanded harshly. “Call him; tell him you need him for tomorrow. Amira, you better not fail or else.”

  Tears puddled in Amira eyes. She couldn’t take another beating like last night when Jonathan couldn’t make it because he was working. Pushing the numbers on the phone, drops of tears covered the screen.

  “Stop crying! I don’t want him thinking anything is wrong. Just do like I told you and say you’re having nightmares about the fire.” Sandra paced back and forth unsteadily.

  Amira kept her eyes on her mother’s irrational behavior praying Jonathan would answer. The call went into voicemail. She pulled the phone from her ear, holding it for her mother to take. “He didn’t answer. Maybe he’s at a fire.”

  Slapping the phone from Amira’s hand, Sandra smashed the picture hanging on the wall. “Dammit! She got to him. I know she got to him. That bitch; I swear I’ll kill her ass if she stands in my way.”

  Amira sat on the step wrapping her arms around her knees waiting for the blows to begin. When Sandra stormed past without touching her, she released her breath running up the stairs to her bedroom locking herself inside the closet.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Stepping from the shower, Jonathan picked up his ringing cellphone. “Hey, Amira, what’s up?”

  “Can you come over today?”

  “I’ve got a lot to do today, but I’ll see you tomorrow at the basketball court.”

  “Okay.”

  The pause on the end of the phone sent a chill down his spine. “Amira, is everything okay? Sweetie, talk to me? Where is your mom?”

  “Hi, Jonathan; I told Amira not to bother you on your day off. I reminded her, she would see you tomorrow.”

  “Its’ okay she can call me whenever she wants, Sandra. What’s going on with her; she sounded weird.”

  “I think she is a little disappointed you aren’t coming today. I made the mistake of telling her I have the loge for the Cavs game tonight and she wanted you to come.”

  “Aw, I have a date tonight but tell her thanks for thinking about me. Wait are you sure the game is tonight? I don’t think the Cavs play until tomorrow.”

  “You’re right. I read the date wrong. Aren’t you dating too soon after the break with that cute little therapist?”

  “Actually, I have a date with her, but first I’m visiting a friend in the hospital. In fact, I’m running behind schedule. Can we talk later?”

&nbs
p; “Sure, don’t let me hold you. Amira and I will see you tomorrow at the rec center and the basketball game, if you can make it.”

  “I’ll be there and maybe I’ll drag Anthony along.”

  “She would love to see Anthony; see you later.”

  Jonathan finished getting dressed deciding to let his hair dry naturally instead of blow drying it. Calling Anthony to make sure he was on schedule, he left his apartment not thinking much about the conversation with Sandra.

  *****

  Anthony was at the hospital by the time Jonathan arrived. He found him

  standing in the hallway chatting with a nurse. “What gives? Why are you standing in the hall?”

  “I’m waiting on you,” Anthony said, motioning for Jonathan to go in the room first.

  “This shouldn’t be awkward; we used to be good friends at one time.”

  “Used to be is the key word. Nick doesn’t have issues with you remember.”

  “Anthony, give him a chance. Gabrielle said he wanted to redeem himself so maybe we’ll be getting the original Nick back.”

  “We can only hope. Let’s go in and get it over with.”

  Nick was sitting propped up in bed. He’d been in the hospital nearly a month and was now residing in the rehabilitation section of the hospital. “I’m you guys made it!” His face lit up when the two men entered the room.

  Jonathan shook his hand before replacing it in the pocket of his jeans. “You look good, man. How much longer are you gonna be here?”

  “Eh, a couple more weeks if things keep progressing like they are. I can’t believe Gabrielle got my message to you. You were right, Jon, she’s one classy chick—I mean lady.”

  “Yeah she is. What did you want to see us about?”

  “Okay, where do I start? This has been a long road to recovery for me and I still got a long way to go before I’m actually on my feet.”

  “You have to take it one day at a time, Nick,” Jonathan said taking a seat in the chair. Anthony remained standing by the window not saying anything

  “I’m prepared for that journey because I’m determined to walk again. I can’t sway the ladies if I’m in a wheelchair.”