Page 24 of Mister Fireman

He released a hard sigh. “How’d you find out?”

“I went to set up a payment arrangement, and they told me I couldn’t because we were already two months behind.” Scoffing, I shook my head as my speed accelerated. “What the hell, Gino? Why weren’t you paying the rent?”

“I needed to save for the move.”

My head tilted and shoulders slouched. “So you lied? You told me you’d just found out about the move that’s why you had sex with her and had to move so suddenly. How long did you know?”

“Enj—”

“How long!” I roared, smacking the steering wheel.

“Six months.”

“And you were sleeping with her the whole time?”

“Yeah, that’s why I stopped fucking you.” He paused. “I started saving about three months ago. Stopped paying the rent two months ago. I planned to let you have access to the accounts to take care of things until you got a job, but shit is expensive out here, Enjell. I can afford this, but I can’t afford to take care of you too.”

“Wow,” was all I could think of to say, because I was in such disbelief.

“Look… I know it was wrong not to pay the rent. I can at least pay the balance. Everything else, you’ll need to handle yourself.”

A part of me wanted to go off on his ass, but I was going to wait until the money hit my account. I may have wanted to handle this on my own, but I wasn’t dumb. Besides, if anyone helped dig me out of this hole, it should have been the man who was shoveling the dirt on me.

“That’s fine, Gino.” I agreed, voice just as tired and jaded as I felt emotionally.

“Okay. I’ll set up the direct deposit from my business account, and you’ll have it probably the day after tomorrow since it’s after three. It might go through tomorrow, but I doubt it.”

“All right.”

“I’m sor—”

I couldn’t stomach his bullshit ass apology, so I disconnected the call. If he actually sent the back rent, that would be a huge weight off my shoulders. It wouldn’t necessarily help me move forward, but it would keep me from being further behind. At this point, that was better than nothing.

The Next Evening

My interview was a success, but the sign on bonus wasn’t a lump sum. The twelve thousand would be spread across my first year of employment as a one thousand dollar bonus a month. That wasn’t bad, and I really wasn’t in the position to turn down money, but I decided to chase my dream. Since Gino honored his word and sent the ten thousand for back rent plus an extra two thousand, I signed the contract with the commercial kitchen and bought a few things to make several meals for promotional purposes.

After about eight hours in the kitchen, I had almost fifty photos to post online. I sent them to my family, too, and let everyone know Enjell’s Heavenly Plates was back open for business. For now, I was offering meal prep, daily plates for pickup, and family-sized meals. If that took off, I’d offer catering again and make myself available as a private chef. I didn’t want to try and do too much too soon before I got used to working for myself again.

I couldn’t lie and say it didn’t feel good to be not only cooking for others but being my own boss. If I had to get back to work, this was a great way to do it. I still wasn’t fond of the idea of relying on other people to make money, but the pride I felt in doing what I loved was a fair exchange. Once I was comfortable in the kitchen, I’d start making videos for YouTube and TikTok. Hopefully, things would take off after that.

13

Dejvi

On the Other Side of Town…

“You’re walking a thin line, James,” Captain said, grabbing at my arm. I jerked it away and ignored him. The last thing I wanted to deal with tonight was his attitude. If he hadn’t figured out by now that I couldn’t be controlled, he never would. “James!”

I stopped and turned quickly to face him. “What, man?”

“Do you think you’re above my commands? This is the third time I’ve given you a direct order that you ignored.”

“Look…” I licked my lips as I chuckled, in an attempt to calm down. “Those kids were crying. The dog was still conscious and barking. Did you really think I wouldn’t go back in and save him?”

“You think I give a damn about that dog? We got the family out, and that was all that mattered. You disobeyed a direct order to stand down… and for what… the family pet?”

“I told you after Theo died, I wouldn’t leave anything or anyone behind. I don’t give a damn what you say. I’m not leaving anything or anyone behind. If you have a problem with that, you can fire me now.”

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