Corrie's shift was almost over and for once he was glad. He couldn't wait to go home and crash. He hadn't been sleeping well lately. He'd been so wound up, most night he tossed and turned in his bed, restless. When he did managed to get some sleep he'd have nightmares about Gwyne. Some real sick and twisted shit. She'd been in danger, someone was after her and he had to protect her but he couldn't get to her in time. It was always too late. He'd wake up in a cold sweat and feel sick to his stomach.
He didn't like that they hadn't made up yet. Usually when they fought there would be some time apart but once he decided it was time to make up they would. Yet this time he hadn't been able to. He'd stopped by her place a few times over the last few weeks and hadn't run into her once. He wasn't sure if she was avoiding him or his timing was just off.
He wanted to get past this latest fight and was admittedly a little worried about her. He'd noticed some things in her place had been moved, but couldn't be sure if she'd been home or not. He knew it could be Tawnie—Gwyne had mentioned letting her crash at her place sometimes. He also noticed none of her health food had been touched. Maybe she was done with it or hadn't been home to eat it.
He had dropped some of her favorite food off the other day, but when he stopped by this morning, it hadn't been touched at all. He knew she might still be mad at him but she should have at least eaten the food, right? He knew he was thinking about this too much. Whether she'd been home or was hanging with that married guy or someone else, it was none of his business. He wasn't part of her life and she wasn't apart of his. What they did when they were apart was their own business. He kept things separate for a reason. He didn't want to be feeling like this. He really couldn't afford to.
He threw himself into work and told himself he'd run into her eventually. Work was usually his safe haven, a place he could hone his skills and focus his mind but lately... he'd get distracted. Not when it mattered but in the idle moments of the day. He'd find himself wandering back to thoughts of Gwyne. He'd think over their last few conversations and the nightmares he'd been having. Even thought they were just dreams there was something so familiar about them.
He didn't like getting distracted and his solution was to fill up every spare moment of his day so that he had no idle moments. He found other things to keep himself busy. Lately he'd been talking to he new girl, Bea about her car. She'd asked all sorts of questions and after she got paid she asked about tires. That kept him busy looking over the best deals until he found some nice ones. She got them and he offered to install them for free.
He did it on one of his days off and she insisted on giving him free beers. It was something to do in his off time and was nice. It had been a while since he'd worked on someone else car. If he hadn't been a firefighter. he probably would have been a mechanic. When he was done with her tires he worked on the engine some getting it to run smoother. He told her what oil to buy and she asked if he could change it for her.
They picked some oil up at the store and she asked if he'd like to get some dinner. He thought why not and they went to a little burger place he liked. They were half way through when she brushed his hand and he realized she might have considered this a date. He explained to her he didn't date. She seemed quiet after that and they went back to her place. He changed her oil and then went home.
The next day at work he worried things might be a little awkward, again another reason he didn't date especially co-workers. However she was just as cheerful as every and had even gotten him something for changing her oil. It wasn't much just a sandwich from a place she heard he liked. He didn't turn it down thinking it would help ease the tension. It had been a pretty good sandwich.
Things with Bea had helped distract him a little bit but he still found himself driving by Gwyne's place like a fucking stalker. It was crazy sometimes he could go weeks even months without seeing her or thinking about her. She'd be in the back of his mind until they'd hung out again but since that fight and his nightmares, he couldn't stop thinking about her. Something in his gut just didn't sit right.
He ran a hand over his face. He didn't want to think about it or her anymore today. He finished up his shower, taking a longer one then normal. Once again he was looking forward to going to bed, besides not getting much sleep, he'd also been woken up early. He wasn't used to getting woken up by a phone call that wasn't work related. Bea had called the house frantically looking for him and one of his roommates had woken him up. He was surprised she had the number to the house. Someone at the station must have given it to her or she'd just looked it up.
She told him her car wouldn't start and she'd tried everything. She really, really needed him. She sounded like she was on the verge of tears. He rushed over and she was so happy she ran up to him and hugged him. She said she owed him and he said it was nothing. He took a look at her car and it didn't take him long to find out the problem it was the starter.
She would need a new one. He gave her a lift to work then found her a new one and replaced it. He got the car running again and dropped it off at the station before getting a ride back from Zack. He checked on Gwyne's place then came into work. His shift today had been exhausting it had been back to back calls with no elevators. Fire, fire, maintenance, fire, dispute, possible gas leak, fire, fight, medical emergency. He'd been more exhausted before and had more calls then today but he just felt off. He knew why but stopped himself from thinking of Gwyne yet again.
He turned off the water and got out. He dried himself off and yawned
Samson waltzed in and noticed him yawning, "Oh wow,"
"What?" said Corrie yawning again
"Never thought I'd see the day, Corrie Shep actually tired."
Corrie just gave him a look. Sampson went on, "Getting Old?
Corrie scoffed, "No matter how old I get Samson, I'll still out haul your ass any day of the week,"
"Wanta bet? Let's see you out do me at fifty?"
"Let's go sixty." said Corrie.
"Nah I plan to retire by the time I'm fifty,"
"Right," said Corrie.
He doubted it, Samson had already been written up so many times he didn't think he'd still be around at fifty. Especially since going after the captain's daughter. Captain Slaunch had a long memory and a shit list you didn't want to be on. Corrie started getting dressed as Samson grabbed some candy from his locker. Another bad sign, he had just started his shift and was already hanging out in the locker room. Corrie shook his head as he put on his boots then laced them up.
"Don't you have something you should be doing right now?"
"Nah," said Samson, "You already did it all, always love coming on after one of your shifts."
"Yeah would be nice to have you get shit prepped for us sometime."
"I do. I prep."
"When were on the same shift." said Corrie, "I'm talking about when were on different shifts."
"Well things get busy, you know."
"Check the board," said Corrie, "See all the calls we got today and still managed to get everything put away and prepped for your shift,"
"You guys are just that good," he said, "I'm still young, learning."
"You've been doing this what, four years,"
"Has it been that long?"
"Yeah," said Corrie. He knew it because Samson had been the one to replace Ronnie. It had taken him nearly a year to warm up to Samson.
"Shit that's forever,"
"It's really not, I've been on the job since I was eighteen,"
"Thirty years,"
Corrie pulled back and gave him the most fucked up look. "How old do you think I am?"
"Forties." Samson guessed very slowly
"Try early thirties."
"Shit, maybe it's the job but you look,"
"I look what!" said Corrie.
"Nothing just uh… uhh ageded like a fine wine," Samson scrambled to think of something more to say as Corrie finished getting dressed. After a minute or so Corrie shook his head and put his things away. He ran a comb threw his hair and Samson grabbed a bag of chips from his locker.
"Hey, you know I'm just messing around right."
"Right," said Corrie.
"Hey what do you think of the new girl, Bea, she's been asking about you?"
"Yeah."
"Yep felt like I was playing twenty questions made me realize I don't really know you, like where do you live?"
Corrie chuckled but asked. "Where does Mitch live?"
"Don't know."
"Where does Zack live?"
"Don't know."
"How about Greg and George?"
"Man, it's not just you, I don't know where anyone lives. Wait I know where Greg lives on Archer by the clock tower he's got a sick house, big! Wonder how he affords it?"
"Yeah it's on Maple." corrected Corrie.
"Really?"
"Yeah and he affords it because Zack, Mitch, Greg, George and I all rent rooms at his place."
"Really, dang that's cool, rent must be cheap but man you like have no space, like staying here it can get crowded enough. How you bring chicks over?"
"I don't."
"So you not seeing anyone?"
"No. Why?"
"Bea was asking, like I said she's into you."
Corrie sighed, "She's not my type."
"Right. What is your type? Do you even have one."
"No." said Corrie with a smile, "I don't date."
"Right, right I know but that's lame."
"Whatever if you're interested, go for it, you have my blessing." said Corrie.
"Nah, I'm playing the long game with the cap's daughter."
"Didn't you get the hint, when she slapped you?"
"Nah that was just saying hello. Not my worst introduction, besides she's been coming around. Her unit pulled up to a call we were on the other day."
Corrie had heard something about that. "You mean the double murder?"
"Yeah,"
"She is a police officer."
"Still she spoke to me," said Samson with a grin.
"Yeah and what she say?" asked Corrie raising an eyebrow. He had a feeling this was going to be good.
"Move," said Samson rubbing his jaw.
"Move," said Corrie shaking his head. He couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"Hey we're talking that's something! I got a feeling about her."
"Right," said Corrie shutting his locker.
"Whatever I think you should give Bea a chance. She seems nice."
"Nah I told you," said Corrie putting on his jacket.
"Yeah, yeah. You don't date. Still what's one drink," said Samson "Now that you're not old and all. Why no get out there." Corrie gave Samson another look. Was this dude seriously trying to play matchmaker. "Come on man. You're all about helping people aren't you." said Samson patting Corries back. "What would one drink hurt? It would cheer her up. Heard she's been having a rough time, just got out of a bad relationship, some abuse or something."
Corrie didn't say anything but had heard as much. She'd talked a little bit about it when he was looking over her car. Her ex had never wanted to help her with anything and was always tearing her down. She'd finally had enough sense to leave him but not before he broke her arm. She had moved out here to start over.
One of the reason she kept calling Corrie so much was she had no one out here besides her roommate. She'd just packed what she could carry and left. He felt for her. He'd seen enough domestic issues to last him a lifetime. It really pissed him off that anyone would ever want to hurt someone they were suppose to love.
"Come on man, you already got an in with her. She's always talking about you and how you're fixing her car."
Corrie groaned, "I'm just helping her out,"
"Well help her out some more," nudge Samson, "Fix her heart."
"Would you stop!" said Corrie brushing him off. 'Fix her heart' seriously if he was gonna fix anyone's hear- He groaned refusing to go there. He walked out of the locker room but Samson followed after him, into the hall still munching away on his bag of chips.
"Would you at least consider it?"
"Why don't you consider doing some work." snapped Corrie.
"I am." said Samson. "Setting you and Bea up would be a benefit to society."
"Right," said Corrie, shaking his head.
"SAMSON!" called Mitch. Samson nearly jumped ten feet into the air.
"Catch you later," said Corrie.
"Yeah, yeah," said Samson rushing to put his chips back in his locker.
Corrie nodded to Mitch as he passed by, "You see Samson?"
"Locker room," said Corrie with a smirk.
Mitch shook his head and rushed into the locker room to bust him. Corrie did a quick walk through the station, wishing everyone a good night then went out to the parking lot. It was just getting dark out. The parking lot lights flickered on as he his boots hit the asphalt. As he made his way to his truck he noticed a woman sitting on one of the curb stops. He quickly realized it was Bea. She perked up and wiped her eyes, when she noticed he had come out of the station.
Concerned, he walked up to her and asked, "What's wrong?"
"It's my ex! He found me and broke all the windows out of my car!"
"WHAT!" said Corrie. He looked around for her car but didn't see it in the lot.
She rushed up to him and tightly embraced him. "You okay," he asked instinctively comforting her.
"No, I'm a mess! I got off work and thought I'd do some shopping but when I got out of the store all the windows in my car were busted. I didn't know what to do or even where to go so I came here. It's the only place I feel safe, knowing you are here."
"You call the police?" asked Corrie.
"Yeah, I filed a report and had it towed to a garage but I'm so shaken up."
"You want to go inside and sit down?"
"No." she said shaking her eyes. She wiped her tears away and said, "I don't want the others to see me like this. I must look so bad."
"Nah," he said "It's understandable no one will judge you."
"I just, can you take me home?"
"Yeah," said Corrie nodding, "I can do that. I just go off."
"Okay," she said. He let go of her and took a step back but she grasped hold of his arm and took his hand. She squeezed it giving him a weak smile. "I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble but you're just so great. Thank you,"
Corrie nodded, "It's alright. You're no trouble. You're just going through a rough time right now and I'm happy I can help."
"You do help" said Bea. "You've helped me so much. I don't think I could ever repay you,"
"Don't worry about it," he said taking her to his truck. He unlocked the passenger side door for her and helped her in as she looked a bit shaky. He made sure she was all the way in then shut the door and ran around to get in the driver's seat. He started the truck then turned on his headlights before he slowly pulled out of the parking lot. As he drove she sniffled and scooted closer to him. She broke down some more and pulled some tissues out of her pockets, blowing her nose.
"I'm sorry I really am!"
"Stop apologizing," he said, "You're going through a lot right now."
"I just thought moving away would make it all stop!"
"Sometimes it does but some of these guys are dangerous. You need to get a restraining order against him!"
"Yeah but like he'll do what it says. He wont stay away from me. He's obsessed. I need someone to protect me."
"Getting a restraining order will make him stay away from you. He wont have a choice. The police will arrest him if he gets anywhere near you or does anything else to bother you. Trust me it might take some time but the system works."
"Oh you're just so wonderful," she said leaning into him as he drove. She broke down on his shoulder and he put his arm around her just trying to help calm her down.
"You should probably make sure your place is safe when you get home. I'll check all the windows and doors for you and you should let your roommate know what is going on. Make sure she doesn't let just anyone in and always let someone know where you are. You should also consider taking some self defense classes."
"I think my place is safe. My roommate has a big dog and I'll look into that other stuff. I just feel so shaken up. I mean you let someone in and trust them and they tear you up inside and out. This… isn't the first guy who's done this to me either. I just keep meeting the worst guys. I just wish I could know a good guy when I see him."
"You will," said Corrie. "It just takes some time."
"Yeah well they're probably all taken like you,"
"I'm not taken I don't date."
"I know but why not?"
"I just don't." he said "I'm sorry,'
"Did...did someone hurt you."
"No," said Corrie.
She let out heavy sigh then pulled away wiping her eyes some more. They were almost half way to her place but she asked, "Can we pull off somewhere?"
"Yeah, did you need something from the store. You said you were shopping."
"Uh, I can't even right now. What I could use more then anything is a strong drink."
"You sure?"
"Yeah I could really use one and I just remembered my roommates out with some friends tonight for a movie or something. Could we just get a drink or two. Please, if you're not busy. I'll pay I just don't want to be alone right now."
Corrie furrowed his brow but said. "Okay, we can do that. Just one or two"
"Until my roommate is sure to be home. Do you know a place?"
"I know a few," said Corrie. He knew more then a few. He'd spent many a night in a bar, especially after a rough day. He was still very tired but supposed he could use a drink. Maybe it would help him to keep Gwyne and everything off his mind if only for a little while longer.
"Do you drink a lot?"
"Sometimes but not all the time,"
"Yeah, will you drink with me."
"I could use a drink. How do you feel about pool?"
"Pool like swimming pools?
"Nah the game," he said.
"Oh I'm game," she said brightening up.
"Then I know just the place." He said as he took the next turn.
He drove to a bar he and the crew had been to a few times. He was surprised to find it nearly empty. Usually, when they came in, it was pretty busy and they had to wait for a pool table to open up. It never took very long; once people knew a crew of firefighters were waiting, someone tended to give up their slot, or the owner moved them up the roster. It was yet another perk of his job.
When they got in he ordered a simple beer, knowing he'd be driving at some point. She ordered some shots and a fancy drink. They spent an hour playing pool and making small talk. After a while he decided to order a stronger drink and thought he'd just get them a cab when it was time to go. She pleaded with him to do a shot with her and he did. He had a few more drinks after that. Usually once he got started it was harder to stop especially since he was tired.
They kept playing pool and talked about nothing in general, the weather, various movies and hobbies but after a while things got heavier. She told him about her family and how none of them supported her. They had all fallen in love with her ex and bought his story over hers. When she left him, she realized she had to leave them as well. She was now all on her own. She kept clinging to him, touching his arms and running her hands over his shoulders. It felt weird. It had been a while since another woman had touched him like this.
She wanted to know about his family and where they were. He just told her his parents had died in a fire and he had no siblings. She was shocked that he had no one being so amazing, then she was sad and kept giving him hugs. As he was lining up another shot with his pool cue, she ran her hand over his shoulder and squeezed.
"You, you have just been through so much and to still put yourself out there. You are a true hero."
"Nah," he shook his head and took the shot making it. He only had three balls left. So far she had only managed to sink one in this round. He was trying to go easy on her but at this point she was barely playing. He put some more chalk on his pool cue then went for his next ball. "I'm not special. I am just doing what I can."
"Yeah, but not everyone does you know." She said following him with her drink. She tripped in her shoe and nearly fell. He caught her and she wrapped her arms around him. "You're a true like knight in shinning armor."
He helped her steady herself then took her drink as she was spilling it all over the place. He set it down then said. "Yeah, I think you've had a bit too much to drink."
"Nah," She laughed drawing in close. Then she giggled, "Maybe just a little."
She got super close to him and pressed her body against his "You have to let me thank you for everything."
He looked down at her. She was quite attractive, pressed up so tightly against him and yet he felt nothing. His shifted his gaze wondering why. He should feel something right be excited to have someone like her so close and eager. It was clear she wanted more but he just felt strange. Maybe he was numb from the beers and lack of sleep but he knew he was barely tipsy. His tolerance was high these days. He was still able to think clearly and gently pulled away from her.
"I think it's time we call that cab."
He turned from her and went to the payphone. The local cab company was already listed. He dialed it then gave her address and his. They said they'd only be a few minutes as he hung up she hugged him from behind and ran her hands over his chest, "Please come home with me. I don't want to be alone, tonight."
He moved her hands from him and turned to face her, "I'm sure your roommate is home by now."
"Come on," she pleaded. Without warning she leaned and kissed his lips it was a quick before he pushed her away. She nearly fell but he stabilized her.
"Yeah it's time we go." He made sure she was steady then stepped away from her and paid the bartender for their drinks and games of pool. The bartender gave him a nod and a wink but he didn't respond. He just took Bea's arm and helped her outside. The cab should be here soon enough. He'd take her home, make sure her place was okay then he'd get a lift home and pass out.
"I'm sorry," she said clinging to him, "You're just so great. I know you don't date but I want to be with you."
"I think you're just a little too drunk right now,"
"So are you!" she said running her hands over his chest and then through his hair.
"Not as much as you. I have a pretty high tolerance when it comes to alcohol."
"So do I," she laughed then tried to kiss him again.
"No," he said, "We can be coworkers maybe friends but that's it."
"We, we can be friends. Real good friends," she whispered in his ear before kissing his neck. "We don't have to date," she said. She pulled back giving him flirty eyes. "We could just make this a casual thing."
"I've already got that with someone else," he admitted.
That seemed to upset her she straight up grabbed his crotch. His body was now physically reacting but he wasn't feeling it. He looked down at this woman who clearly wanted to take him to bed yet couldn't help but think of Gwyne. He knew that he could hook up with anyone he wanted. There were no restrictions on what they could do and who they could see. However, it had been a while since he'd got off when anyone else, maybe just maybe, this wasn't a bad thing. Considering how attached he was to Gwyne lately, it would be good to hook up with someone else and loosen up a bit.
Bea massaged his crotch through his pants and pulled him into a dark alleyway to the side of the bar. She kissed him and he didn't pushed her away. She dropped down and then unzipped his pants. He just stood there watching her. She pulled him out. Her hands were cold and he was only half cocked. She quickly went down on him. She licked his tip then took him in her mouth. She ran her lips up and down his shaft and he let out a small groan. Her mouth was so warm and inviting but it wasn't like Gwyne.
Bea kept holding back where as Gwyne had lost her gag reflex and could take him down her throat. She moaned before increasing her pace and suction. It felt good but he just...every fiber and his being felt like it was on fire. He kept thinking of Gwyne her soft hands, her warm smile how the light would hit her eyes and she'd smile at him.
"What's wrong with you," Bea hissed as his dick didn't get harder.
She began using her hands and even pulled out her tits. Once again he compared Bea to Gwyne. Her breast were smaller and her nipples weren't pierced. It had taken him a while to get used to them when they'd first hooked up but now breasts without piercings felt strange. She kept trying to get him off but he didn't want this. His dick was getting hard from all the stimuli but his heart… fuck...his heart just wasn't into it. His head was a fucking mess right now. He was just so tired. He threw his head back as Bea madly bobbed her head up and down his shaft trying to get him to cum.
After a second or two he pulled away from her and simply said, "I sorry, I can't." His voice rattled with emotion.
Bea paused for a second then looked a him with tearful eyes. She got upset, really upset! She pulled down her shirt and stood up slapping him hard across the face, "SCREW YOU LIMP DICK! FUCK YOU! WHO ARE YOU TO REJECT ME HUH. YOU A BIG MAN. HUH YOU A BIG MAN WITH YOUR LIMP FUCKING DICK!" She started hitting him but he caught her hands by the wrist and stopped her.
"Calm down Bea you're drunk."
"FUCK YOU! YOU PATHETIC PIECE OF SHIT!" she screamed jerking and twisting against him.
She tried to knee him in the balls but luckily he dodged it. He pulled them from the ally and thankfully saw the cab had arrived.
"The cab is here." he said.
"FUCK YOU!" she cried.
He ignored her letting her go. He went to the cab and opened the back passenger door. He gestured for her to get in but she stomped her foot. "NO! I wont get in unless you come home with me. I want to be with you. Make love to me. I need a real man not all the losers I've been with," she said sobbing.
"I'm sorry but I can't,"
"You can! Please I wont tell anyone! It will be our little secret!"
She stepped up him and tried to lovingly touch him but he simply side stepped her, then put his hand on her lower back and helped her into the cab. Once she was inside she broke down on the seat madly sobbing and mumbling to herself. He didn't mean to make her day any worse but needed to put some distance between them. She was drunk and needed to sober up and he didn't want to give her the wrong idea. He never should have let things get this far. He was slipping all over the place and was in damage control at this point.
He ran around to the front of the cab and saw the driver was a woman. She didn't seem too phased by everything that was going on. He asked her to just take Bea to the first address and gave her the apartment number. Then he gave her all the cash that he had in his wallet to make sure the driver got Bea to her door. The driver nodded clearly this wasn't her first rodeo. She assured him she'd make sure she got through the front door.
He stepped back as the driver pulled out of the parking lot. Alone he ran his hands over his face. He looked at his truck knowing he couldn't drive even if he wasn't what he considered drunk he'd had enough to qualify. He didn't have any more money on him so he just started walking. He didn't have any real goal in mind. He knew where he was but didn't really think about it. He didn't want to think he just wanted to walk this off. Part of him knew he was trying to out run what had just happened and what he'd just realized. The entire time Bea was putting the moves on him all he'd thought about was Gwyne.
Before he knew it he was at her place. He slowly climbed the stairs. He just wanted to go inside and embrace her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and make love to her until he passed out. Shit, make love, what the fuck was wrong with him. He shook his head realizing he...he must be more drunk and tried then he thought. He used his key hoping to find her inside but her place was dark and her bed was empty.
He checked the bathroom then kicked his shoes off and sat down on her bed feeling gutted. He undid his pants and slid them off before he took off his shirt. She wasn't here yet again. Just where was she and what was she doing? He wanted to see her now, more then ever. They needed to make up.
He cursed under his breath as his eyes watered, "Shit, shit, shit!"
A wave of emotions washed over him as he realized he was missing her badly. His chest ached. He laid back on her bed and told himself this wasn't him. It was the lack of sleep and too much booze. It was anything else he could blame it on but he didn't have feelings like this not for her or anyone. Yet out of all the places he could have gone he'd come straight to her place and was now in her bed.
His chest ached so badly. It felt like someone was sitting on it. He rolled over and pushed his face into her pillow. It smelt like her and he closed his eyes. This couldn't be happening to him. He couldn't be feeling this way and yet...he was. Somehow, someway...it had crept up on him. He had fallen in love. He buried himself deeper in to her pillow breathing in her scent. He still felt so upset but his mind began to clear as he finally realized and accepted what this was. He was in love with Gwyne. Shit! He closed his eyes then, slept deeper and harder than he had in weeks.
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