Through Smoke: The Troubled Heroes Series (15 page)

Michael bit his bottom lip and stared at Eva.  He wasn’t angry, just confused.  His heart was telling him something completely opposite from his mind.  “It wouldn’t be right if you had to sit and worry all th
e time about me and my job. You
told me your concerns.  It’s obvious that is on your mind.  You don’t want to put yourself through that.”

Eva shook her head no.  “Your accident got me thinking.  Like I said, it made me realize that if I never gave it a chance we’d be missing out on so much. 
Being happy with you is worth every ounce of worry either of us would ever feel toward each other
. I hope you understand. I feel like I’m not making
any
sense.”

“I know what you’re saying.  And I hope you understand that I’m gonna need time to think about this.”

She stood up and grabbed her purse, wiping her nose with a tissue.  “I’ll be patient.  I’m sorry to burden you like this after what you’ve been through the past few days.” She didn’t give him time to respond and left, shutting the door quietly behind her. 

Chapter Nine

A week off from work was usually a blessing for most people, but to Michael it was complete torture.  He was feeling good considering what he had been through.  Being idle for that long made him feel restless. He was the type that had to be doing something to not be stressed out.  Reaching for his phone, he dialed his mom’s number. He had vowed to stay in touch with her and now was as good a time as ever to talk to her.

The line ran
g
a few times. “Hello?”

Clearing his throat, he felt his heart skip a beat. “Mom? It’s Michael. How are you?”

“Hey Michael. I’m doing good, how are you?”

Michael suddenly felt guilty for not calling her before now about the accident.  “Bored.  I fell at work a few days ago and am being forced to stay home for a week.  Doctor’s orders.”

“You fell? Are you okay now?”

He leaned his head back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling.  Despite a few minor headaches here and there, he knew he could be back at work that day.  “I’m fine.  Fell a few stories.  Had a concussion and spent the night in the hospital.  Things are good now.”

There was silence on the other end and it made him feel bad.  “Mikey, do you need any help or anything?  I can come by and do some stuff.”

“No, Ma, I’m great.  Thanks for the offer though.”  It was on the tip of his tongue to talk about Casey.  He was sure that if she knew anything, she’d mention it to him.  It had been well over a week since he had heard from him.  That was the longest time he had gone without speaking to him, aside from a few years ago when he was gone for well over a month. 

It felt good to chat with his mother.  They stayed on the phone for around fifteen minutes.  After hanging up with her, he was in a slightly better mood.  Looking out the window, he thought about Eva.  He was glad he didn’t seem to be the only confused one in their situation.  Michael knew her intentions were not to lead him on.  He truly understood her point of view on the issue.  He had dated other women who had the same concerns she brought up.  What he hated was the fact that he always lost good women because of his job.  Now Eva wanted him back and he was hesitating.  For one, he didn’t want to seem that easy. Mainly though, he didn’t want to be the one responsible for putting her through the worry she had talked about. 

There were also rumors around the firehouse that she had an ex boyfriend who had started coming around again.  Michael didn’t know much about the man, just that they had been together for a few years before splitting up.  It was understood that an engagement had happened, but was quickly called off for reasons he never heard.  He didn’t want to step in the middle of that either.  The last thing he wanted to do was complicate things even more for her.  At the same time, he wanted to just go to her and profess his true feelings.  He didn’t want to give this other guy a chance.  What if it was too late and she had decided to take that guy back?  He had to stop playing games. 

There was so much on his mind.  He couldn’t sit still.  Getting back to work couldn’t come soon enough.

Michael’s phone rang around two AM, jolting him out of a deep sleep.  Fumbling for it on the nightstand, he had to gain his composure.  He couldn’t even tell who was calling, but went ahead and answered.

“Hello?”

“Mikey!”

At first he didn’t recognize the voice. “Who the hell is this?”

“It’s Casey.”

Michael’s eyes shot open and he sat up. “Casey! Where are you?”

“I’m still in Manhattan.  Sorry I’m calling so late, I just…” He trailed off. Michael could hear some loud music in the background along with a lot of conversation.  “I just wanted to make sure things were okay with you.”

Michael was relieved to hear from him, but at the same time his concern went up three levels.  Two AM with lots of background noise meant he was probably at a bar or get together.  That was never good for an addict.  “Don’t worry about me.  Are you using again?”

Casey scoffed. “No, I’m not. I wanted to tell you that if you come into contact with that Viper guy again, just get away from him.  He’s bad news and I’m sorry for getting you into this.  I’ll take care of it.  Just close your door to him.  Ignore him.”  There was a lot of laughter and Casey began talking to someone. 

“Casey, what the hel
l is going on?
”

“I’m sorry Mikey, I gotta go.”

Before Michael could say anything else he heard a dial tone.  He slammed his phone down on the nightstand, shattering it in three pieces.  “Damn it.”  At least he knew Casey was alive. That was about the only positive thing he got from the phone call. 

Sleep was going to be impossible.  He had stashed away a small bottle of whiskey in the bottom drawer of his dresser, and quickly grabbed it, finishing what was left in it.  His body sank to the floor.  He leaned against the wood of the dresser and stared off into the darkness.  He couldn’t let this low life bookie get the best of him and Casey.  He wouldn’t allow it.  He could only hope it wouldn’t drive him crazy in the process.  

“Mikey McGinnis, I never thought I’d say that I’m happy to see your pretty boy face back around here
.
” Darryl’s comment pulled Michael out of a daze.  Thankfully the doctor was letting him go back to work a few days earlier than originally planned.  He was going crazy around the apartment and the concussion was now a memory.  “I’m just kidding buddy.  I missed ya.” 

Michael stopped outside the curb, smirking at him. “Well I never thought I’d say that I missed you too.”  His attention was quickly pulled away when he saw Eva near the ambulance, a guy he didn’t recognize talking with her. Michael couldn’t help but feel instant jealousy, despite the fact that Eva wasn’t his.

“I’m gonna go inside, get the coffee started. I mean it Mikey, I’m really glad you’re back.” 

Michael vaguely heard what he said.  He tried to edge toward the garage to not make it obvious that he was watching.  The past few days he had been thinking a lot about Eva and how she was willing to give the relationship a try, and now he seemed to be walking into crossfire.  It was evident by the guy’s body language that he was very interested in her.  Fumbling with his turnouts, he readjusted them on his hook while keeping one eye on them.  He felt dirty for spying, but felt he had the right to.  Why would she lead him on again? He couldn’t make out what they were saying.  Was this guy a comedian? Whatever he was talking about sure had Eva laughing.  The strangers arm then wrapped around Eva and Michael felt anger boil through him.  He couldn’t stand to see it anymore and quickly hung his gear up and walked upstairs.  What a first day back.

He grabbed his newspaper and forced a smile as many of his fellow firefighters offered him their welcome backs and glad you’re okay’s before burying himself in the headlines.  Despite the fact that the coffee always sucked, he was glad to have it again. 

“Hey Mikey. Good to see you again.”  His heart jolted when he saw Eva standing at the top of the stairs.  She was pulling her hair back in a ponytail.  “You glad to be back?” 

For a split second, Michael wasn’t sure how to respond.  He couldn’t very well respond and let her know he was eavesdropping.  He wasn’t the bad guy in this situation.  “Yep.”

She nodded. “Good. I don’t take you as the type to want to sit around the house for too long.”  She sat down beside him and grabbed the sports section from the pile.  “How’d the Mets do last night?”

Michael couldn’t concentrate and was finding himself reading the same sentence two and three times before comprehending it. “They won in eleven innings.  Played the Cubs.  Don’t wrinkle my paper, I haven’t read that section yet.” He made eye contact with her.  Even though he was angry and hurt, he still couldn’t find it in him to be mean.  There was still that yearning.  He wanted to be with her and he cared for her.  “Sorry, I’m kinda particular about my paper.”

Eva folded it up and put it back on the pile, arching her eyebrow. “So I’ve heard.  You sure you’re okay?” Her fingertips trailed over his forearm. It was almost like sparks
were flying from her skin
.  Just her touch felt electrifying. 

“Just fine.” He sipped on the rest of his coffee and scooted the mug across the table.

She moved
closer. Her perfume was subtle, but enough for Michael to notice.  It smelled like morning glories, igniting his memory of summers out on Staten Island when his family would take a weekend out there.  “Listen, Mikey. I meant what I said the other night about wanting to give us a shot.”

Michael had never been so confused in his life.  Wasn’t she just outside, being flirtatious with some other guy?  She didn’t seem like the player type.  He still didn’t want her to know that he saw them together.  “I know.  I still have some things to think about.  Some personal issues.”

Eva bit her bottom lip.  “I understand.” She stood up and adjusted her uniform. “I guess I better get on the ambulance. You have a good day and be careful.”

He shook his head, but didn’t say anything as he watched her leave.
H
is pride was still getting in the way.  What if she was playing the field and keeping her options open? He didn’t want to be the idiot left high and dry after she chose the other guy. But then again, if he kept dragging his feet, she might give up and move on.  Things were getting too complicated, in every aspect of his life.

Michael was glad he only had to work a twelve-hour shift. It was a slow call day, with just a few car wrecks and one minor fire.  The evening air was cool and refreshing.  He took his walk home slowly, taking in the city.  The exhaust
from the traffic
stung his nostrils.  There were heavy scents of different foods from the restaurants and bodega’s, making his stomach growl.  He stopped off at a corner shop and grabbed a meatball hero and some fries.  It would be the first real meal he would have all day. 

When he got to his block, he slowed his pace even more. 
He took the time to observe the crowd.  There was a remote possibility that Casey could be in with
the crowd.  Laughing to himself, he couldn’t help but think about how lucky that would be. 

Michael unlocked the front door on the stoop and walked to the elevators, the fragrance coming from his food bag making his
saliva glands kick into overdrive
.  Walking down his hallway, he saw someone standing by his door.  Stomach sinking, he tried to pretend he was just imagining Viper standing there waiting. 

“Well if isn’t the hero.  I told you I’d be back.” Viper smiled, exposing his gold teeth.  “You buy me dinner?”

Michael gritted his teeth. “How the hell did you get through without a key?”

Viper wheezed as he laughed.  “I called up to one of the residents. Said I was locked out. They buzzed me right in.” He paused.  “Now I just gotta find a way to actually get inside your place. This waiting out in the hallway sucks.”

Michael gripped his bag tightly.  “And now you can leave.”

“Hell, the hero isn’t even gonna invite me in?”

“No.  You need to leave.”