6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Mars

Later, when we got back to Samuel’s place, I spent most of the day working on the list for the insurance company. There’s nothing like having to make a detailed inventory of your life to make you realize it was time for some changes.

At almost thirty, it was time to move on from second-hand furniture, mismatched dishes, and posters as wall decor. Not counting show posters, of course—those were different.

Sometimes, the words that come out of a person’s mouth could surprise even them when they hear them. That’s what happened to me yesterday. When I told Steven and Samuel that pretty much everything that mattered to me was up at the shop, I realized I didn’t have a home. I had a place I worked and a place I slept. It was time to fix that.

When I woke up this morning, I lay in bed contemplating my current situation, and I decided to look at the fire as a nudge from the universe that it was time for some changes. When I checked my charts, they confirmed it. Today’s reading showed it was a good time for new beginnings, and I wasn’t surprised to get extra confirmation when I pulled the Sun card.

I put on my clothes—another pair of sweats I picked up at the store—and shook my head. Clothes shopping was definitely a priority. This body was not made to hang around in cheap sweats.

Just like the day before, I found Samuel sitting at the breakfast table with his tablet and those sexy little reading glasses. He smiled at me when I walked in.

“How did you sleep?” he asked.

“Pretty good, all things considered.”

“Coffee’s ready, and there’s food for you in the oven.”

“You know, you don’t have to cook breakfast for me,” I said, walking over to the coffee pot and pouring myself a cup.

“I know I don’t have to, but it’s no trouble. I have to make breakfast for myself, so I just doubled it.”

“You cook breakfast for yourself every day?”

“Of course. How else would I eat?”

“Umm, drive-thru? Or you could be like me and skip breakfast most days.”

“Absolutely not. Your body needs fuel for the day ahead.”

“If you say so.”

“I do. And as long as you’re staying at my house, you’ll have breakfast every day.”

I snapped to attention and gave him a mock salute. “Aye, aye, Captain.”

I sat down at the table, where a scrambled egg, sausage, and cheese mixture, along with a couple of tortillas, awaited me.

“Oh! Breakfast burritos. They’re my favorite.”

“I thought you said you skipped breakfast most days.”

“Most days, sure. But some days, I drive through Santana’s and pick up a breakfast burrito.”

“Well, I hope my breakfast burrito hits the spot.”

I smiled as I added honey and cream to my coffee. “I’m confident it’ll be just as good, if not better.”

Samuel lowered his tablet and looked at me over the top of his glasses. “If you have any suggestions, let me know.”

As he picked his tablet back up, curiosity got the better of me.

“So, what are you doing on the tablet? I noticed you were using it yesterday, too.”

“Well, first I read the newspaper, and then I do the crossword puzzle.”

“The Vesper Gazette crossword puzzle or the real crossword puzzle?”

“Ha, it depends on the day. During the week, I do the Vesper Gazette because it doesn’t take as long, but on Sundays, like today, I do the real one.”

“So, how are you doing this morning?”

“I’m just about finished.”

“Okay, then. I’ll just enjoy this delicious homemade burrito and let you get back to it.”

I took a bite, savoring the spicy sausage mixed with creamy cheese. It was just as good, if not better, than I expected, but I kept that to myself. As I chewed, I watched him work on the puzzle. I loved how his forehead crinkled in concentration and the little self-satisfied smile that would play on his lips whenever he figured out an answer.

“Do you know what time you were born?” I asked.

He looked up at me, surprised. “I’m not sure. I know it was early morning because my mother always said she labored all night, and I barely missed being born on my due date by a few hours. Why?”

“I was just curious. And where exactly were you born?”

“San Diego, California. My dad was in the Navy, stationed there.”

“Cool. So, shortly after midnight, in San Diego. And if I remember correctly, your birthday is May sixth, right?”

He set down his tablet and took off his glasses. “Yes, Mars, May sixth. Why are you asking me these questions instead of eating?”

“No reason. Just curious.”

He gave me a look that said he didn’t believe a word I said, but now I had all the information I needed to do his natal chart. Not that he cared, but I liked knowing the details about the people I shared space with.

He placed his tablet on the table and stood. “Well, I’m done with the crossword, and I have some things to do today, so I’m going to get going.”

“You go right ahead. I’ve got some online shopping to do.”

He’d turned to go, but he stopped and looked back at me. “I know you’ll get money from the insurance to replace your things, but that will take time. Do you have enough to get what you need for now? I can transfer some money if you need it.”

“I appreciate the offer, Samuel, really. But I’ve got savings I can use until the insurance check comes through.”

He nodded approvingly. “Glad to hear it. But if anything changes, let me know.”

“I will. Thank you.” Not that I would need it—or ask him for money if I did—but I truly appreciated the offer.

After Samuel left the kitchen, I finished my breakfast before heading outside for my morning meditation. I sat down on the grass, got into my pose, and took a few moments to thank the universe for its gentle—or not-so-gentle—nudges.

Samuel

I left Mars sitting at the table, finishing his breakfast, while I got ready to leave. By the time I came back to the kitchen, he was no longer there. I hated to leave without letting him know I was gone, so I headed down the hall to Steven’s old room to tell him. The door was slightly ajar, and when I knocked, it swung open. Mars was nowhere in sight, but it was clear he’d been there. For someone who had very few possessions after the fire, there was stuff scattered everywhere.

I called out his name in case he was in the bathroom, but there was no answer. Kismet was lying on the bed, though, so I felt confident he hadn’t gone to his shop. I walked back through the house, and as I passed the windows in the den, I spotted him in the backyard, sitting under an old oak tree. His legs were crossed, hands resting at his sides, and his eyes were closed. For someone who’d just been through the wringer, he looked incredibly peaceful.

I doubted meditation was for me, but it seemed to work for Mars. I thought about going out there to let him know I was leaving, but I didn’t want to disturb him. He looked truly at peace in that moment.

I decided to wait until Mars came back inside before leaving. I wasn’t in a hurry today anyway. I didn’t have anywhere to be until noon when I was meeting my friend Hawk for lunch. I went into the den, sat down in my recliner, and picked up the book on the table next to me. It didn’t take long before I heard the back door open. I looked up from my book to find Mars standing there, watching me.

“What?” I asked.

“The glasses suit you,” he said with a grin.

“Oh, you think so?”

“Yeah, I do. They’re sexy.”

“Well…” I shrugged. “I only use them to read.”

He nodded. “I thought you said you were headed out.”

“I am. I just didn’t want to leave you sitting out in the backyard in a trance or whatever.”

He shook his head, chuckling. “It’s not a trance.” His brows furrowed, and he got that cute little quirk at the corner of his pursed lips, like he did when he was deep in thought. “Well, I mean, it’s not exactly a trance. I guess, in a way, it kind of is, but not really. Like, if you spoke to me, I would hear you—although it might take a couple of tries. I can get pretty lost in my meditation sometimes.”

“That’s about what I thought. I just wanted to make sure you were completely present. If you’re here by yourself outside, I don’t think there’s any danger, but there’s a reason I put in this new security system, remember?”

“I didn’t even think about that. But you’re right. It’s probably best if I save my outdoor meditation for when you’re home.”

“Exactly. But since you’re back inside, I’m going to get going. If you leave, don’t forget to turn on the alarm.”

He did that silly little salute like he’d done before, and I chuckled before putting my book aside and getting up.

“If you need anything, you’ve got my number.”

“That I do. Like I said, my only agenda for the day is shopping. So unless you want to give me opinions about which color shirt makes these baby blues pop”—he put his hands under his chin, tilted his head to one side, and fluttered his eyelashes at me—“I don’t imagine you’re going to be much help.”

“I can already tell you that purple makes your eyes pop. But I know nothing about fashion, so you’re right, I wouldn’t be much help.”

“You’ve been paying attention to what I wear, Samuel?”

I shrugged. “I have eyes, that’s all, but I really do need to get going.”

I left him there and hurried to my truck. Kicking myself the whole way. Why on earth did I say that? It was true, but he didn’t need to know that I’d noticed that his already outrageously beautiful blue eyes looked even prettier when he wore purple.

I killed a couple of hours at the hardware store, buying supplies for the bathroom remodel and contemplating some new tools, before heading over to Winchester’s Pub to meet Hawk. He was already there when I arrived and waved me over. I took a seat and greeted him.

“Hey, Hawk. How’s it going?”

“Can’t complain. How about you?”

Our server came over just then, and I ordered a beer and told her I’d need a few minutes to look at the menu.

“I’m good,” I said, answering his question. “But I’ll be better when they catch this arsonist. Speaking of which, how are the security installs going at my people’s houses?”

“Good. We’ve got four more installs next week. I think that’s everyone… or at least everyone who took us up on the offer.”

“Good deal. I feel better knowing we’ve got someone looking out for them.”

“Same here.”

Our server, Polly, came over and asked if we were ready to order. I chuckled and handed her the menu. “I don’t know why I even look. I always get the same thing.”

“I wondered if you were feeling adventurous today,” she said with a smile.

“Not today. I’ll have the Philly and onion rings, as always.”

Hawk ordered the same, and she left to turn in our order.

“So, how are things going with you and Reggie?” I asked.

About six months ago, he and the man he’d been seeing had decided to take things to the next level, and Reggie had moved in with him.

He let out a sigh. “Not good.”

“Really? Last time I saw you two, it seemed like things were going along fabulously.”

“Yeah, story of my life. When we first started, he was really into how dominant I am. I think he liked the idea of someone who would tell him what to do so he didn’t have to make any decisions, and he loved the fact that I didn’t care if he worked or not. But after a while, he started finding it, shall we say, confining. He got tired of”—Hawk made air quotes—“being bossed around and treated like a child. I don’t know if it was me or him that was the problem, but it didn’t work out.”

“Yeah, the idea of someone else being responsible sounds great until you want to do something the responsible person doesn’t approve of.”

“Amen. I’m about ready to give up on the idea of finding a partner of my own.”

“You’re not the only one. That’s why I don’t have a boy or a girl of my own. I know I can be bossy and difficult. Believe me, Danni told me often enough. But that isn’t something I can turn off and on.”

He took a drink and then tipped his bottle at me. “That’s what makes you a good station chief, though.”

“Good chief, bad partner. I told you that Steven’s friend is staying at the house, right?”

“Yeah, you mentioned that he might.”

“Well, I’m having to bite my tongue constantly to keep from taking over this whole mess for him, and he’s just Steven’s friend.”

Polly showed up then with our food, and we thanked her and dug in.

After a couple of bites, Hawk picked up where we left off. “So, what’s he like?”

“Mars?” I smiled and shook my head. “He’s different, unique. He runs that shop, The Chrysalis Moon, over on the north side. Sells crystals and tarot cards and stuff.”

“I’ve never been in there.”

“I didn’t imagine you had. But he’s exactly what you would expect from someone with a shop like that. He’s a positive person, even now with what he’s been through, and he seems determined to find a bright side to the whole mess.”

“You like him.”

“I do. He’s smart, and he’s fun. Plus, he said my reading glasses are sexy.” I waggled my eyebrows at him, and we both laughed.

“And what about him? Do you think he’s sexy?”

“It doesn’t matter if I do or not. He’s been Steven’s best friend since they were teens.”

“But he’s an adult now, so not sure why that matters.”

It just did, but I wasn’t sure why. Besides that, I’d played with boys at the club in Austin, but I’d never dated a man. I’d never kept my interest in men a secret, but I’d never had any reason to talk about it. Hawk only knew because he frequented the same club I normally attended. Not that I’d been in a while. I simply hadn’t felt comfortable spending a whole weekend away since I made chief.

“He may be an adult, but he’s way too young for my old ass. Besides, I feel like if anyone could have put up with me, it would’ve been Danni. She’s basically a saint.”

“Nah, you just haven’t found the right person yet.”

“Didn’t you just say you were giving up? And now here you are telling me that I should keep trying?”

“I said I was almost ready, not that I was ready. Besides, if I give up, at least I’d tried. When’s the last time you even attempted to find someone for more than a night?”

“Longer than I can remember, but I’m a little busy right now. I thought when I gave up my job at the fire school to take the position as chief, I’d have more time to myself, but that isn’t turning out to be the case.”

“Do you miss it?”

I thought about it for a minute. Did I miss working at the fire school? Not really. I did enjoy certain aspects of the job, but the truth was, it had just been a way to fill all the empty hours between my shifts at the station.

“Not really. I much prefer being able to focus on the station and all the crew members. I did like teaching, but I have plenty of opportunities to do that between community education and training at the station. How about you? Do you like y’all’s new facility?”

Three Bears Tactical Services had been in business for a few years, but they recently purchased some acreage on the outskirts of town and were expanding their offerings to include tactical training for law enforcement, as well as the self-defense classes they’d always offered.

“I love it. We’ve converted the old barn on the property into a training area, and we can let people stay on-site in the old farmhouse. It’s rustic, but so far, they seem to like being able to stay on-site as a team.”

“It sounds awesome. I keep thinking we should see if we can get the city to pay for our station to come out for a day of training. You could put us through the paces.”

“Hey, I’m game. I’m sure we could work out a special pricing package for local firefighters. I’ll get with Wolfe and see what we can come up with.” His phone buzzed on the table beside his now-empty plate.

“Work?” I asked.

“Yep. I guess I better get going.”

“Me too. I have a bathroom to work on. At this point, it’ll be Christmas before it’s done.”