Page 63 of Controlled Burn

He looked at me, and I nodded. “You go on. I’ve got this. I’ll get the food in the oven, and then I’ll be there.”

He hurried off to join the others, but Samuel walked over to the counter and looked at me. He didn’t say anything at first. He just watched as I unpacked the grocery bags.

“You know you don’t have to cook for everyone every shift.”

“I know.” I shrugged. “I like cooking.”

“And we like eating what you cook, but I just wanted to be sure you knew you don’t have to do it.” He picked up a can of corn and studied it like it was the most interesting thing he’d seen all day. Finally, he let out a deep sigh and set it down. “So, are you and Robert going to be okay?”

So that’s what this was really about. I knew he wasn’t really worried about who did the cooking. “I hope so, Chief.”

I knew that probably wasn’t the answer he was hoping for, but I didn’t know what else to tell him. The ball was in Robert’s court. Either he would find a way to accept us, or he wouldn’t.

“You two have been thick as thieves as long as I’ve been here. It would be a shame to see that end. Are you sure about this?”

“I am, Chief. Caleb is worth it. I just have to hope that Robert will come around. If he doesn’t and it becomes a problem, I’ll put in to transfer shifts.”

“The A shift is a good solid team. I hope it doesn’t come to that. Speaking of A shift. How’s the probie doing?”

“Good. I think he’s going to fit in fine.”

“Glad to hear it. If you need to talk about any of this, you know where to find me.”

“I do, thanks.”

I waited until he left the room to pull out my phone, and I sent Caleb a text. Today had been stressful, and I really wished this shift was over and I could just go home and curl up next to my boy.

Me: Hey, Rabbit, just wanted to check in and see how you are doing.

I didn’t have to wait long before my phone pinged, letting me know I had a text.

Rabbit: I’m good. How are things with my dad?

Me: Eh. But so you know, he told everyone about us.

Rabbit: He did what?

Me: I know, right? He was mad and just kind of threw it out there. But I wanted to let you know because all the guys up here know all about me.

Rabbit: So now they know all about me.

Me: They only know that we’re together. But they’re making assumptions about other things.

Rabbit: Okay. Well, you said that might happen.

Me: I did. But I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it.

Rabbit: With people assuming I’m your boy? Absolutely. Because if people assume I’m your boy, that means they know you’re my Daddy and I’m so good with that.

Me: That doesn’t change anything as far as what we tell people. You should always feel free to say that it’s none of their business if anyone asks you about it.

Rabbit: I know, Daddy. But I’m good, I promise. You’re the one stuck on a 24-hour shift with my dad *eyeroll emoji*

Me: He’ll get over it.

Fingers crossed anyway. I loved the crew on the A shift crew, and I didn’t want to have to change.

Rabbit: I’m sorry.

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