Chapter 3: Boys will be Boys

Weston

Weston walked by Felicity's office. He really wanted to talk to her more but had no clue how to even start. First off, she was his boss. That right there inhibited any chance of them furthering the feelings he could tell were developing between them.

Second, he was terrible at talking to women. His words were all over the place. His game was a hot mess. His thoughts uncoordinated. The only thing ever in the right place was his heart. If he could get everything else to fall in line, he would be golden.

He hated the thought of her thinking he was interested in his co-worker. He couldn't think of anyone else but Felicity.

He heard words and sobs coming from behind her door. There was a crack in the blinds that adorned her office window. He could see her sitting behind her desk, tears streaming and make-up running down her perfect cheeks.

He couldn't make out what she was saying though. He thought he heard her tell someone that she missed them. He didn't know if she was on a call or who she was speaking to.

He just saw her holding a picture frame. Maybe that is who she missed?

"Dude, you spying on Cap?" said one of the firefighters as he walked by, catching Weston standing outside Felicity's door.

Perry Black, the firefighter questioning him just now, was one he knew he would never get along with. He was quite a jerk. The only person he had respect for in this entire station was Felicity. Even those he associated with in the station fell victim to his sarcasms.

"No. I had a question for her, but I think she's on a call."

"Uh-huh. Whatever you say, proby."

Perry walked past Weston towards the chow hall as he chuckled.

Weston glanced once more at her and saw she was drying her face and clearing away her smudged make-up. She stood up and straightened out her clothing. She kissed her hand and placed it on the front side of the picture.

She looked and Weston swore she saw him. He quickly bolted to the chow hall where everyone was already eating.

"Bout time," Perry hollered and unclear snide remarks rose from the firefighters surrounding him.

"Sorry, I got sidetracked," Weston said as he bore a hole in the ground with his stare.

"Yeah, that's what we'll call it."

"Call what?" asked Felicity as she entered the chow hall and stood behind Weston.

"Nothing Captain. We were just messing around," replied Perry.

"Well, quit messing around, finish eating and get back to work. The next few days will be busy with the impending draught coming. Some idiot will try to burn trash or something and we'll be called upon."

"We know that's right, Captain."

The crew began shoveling food into their mouths. Weston walked over, got a plate, and filled it up.

He sat next to the few firefighters that were decent to him. He knew he was the new guy, but the way they were being was a bit ridiculous and childish. Maybe that is how it is at every fire station, but somehow, he didn't think so. He felt he was being targeted and he had no idea why. He hadn't done anything, but something didn't seem right.

He didn't have much of an appetite and left half his food on his plate. He stood up to take it to the trash when Perry stuck out his foot and tripped Weston. Food went flying everywhere and the entire room began to laugh.

That was all that Weston could take. He had no idea what was going on, but he had enough.

"Are we in high school? I thought we were grown professionals. I don't understand your issue with me but whatever it is, get over it."

"Are you going to go tell your girlfriend on us?"

"I don't have a girlfriend and now I know the reason you don't either."

Perry jumped out of his seat and ran full speed towards Weston, knocking him over and landing on top of him. Perry pushed himself up and began to throw his fist over and over into Weston's face.

The crew hollered and name called, rooting for the Perry. Moments later, Felicity bolted into the room, hollering for them to stop. They didn't. It got worse. Weston kicked the Perry upward, causing him to land hard on the cement floor. Weston jumped on top and did his own punching this time.

Felicity screamed but it was as if she didn't exist.

Perry flung Weston across the room with such violent force that part of the wall crumbled and fell to the floor.

Felicity grabbed Perry by the arm and glared into his face as her eyes flashed a deep gold. The rest of the room scattered to get busy with things that needed done, but Weston watched the interaction between Felicity and Perry.

He couldn't hear what was being said, but he had never seen an angrier face than the one Felicity was sporting. Perry looked up at her like a puppy that just got busted chewing up a shoe. She was scolding him with her eyes.

She escorted Perry over to Weston.

"Apologize," she said as she nodded in Weston's direction.

"Really?" Perry asked.

"Yes. Now."

"I'm sorry, Weston."

She released her grip on him and he scurried to join the others.

Weston had no idea what was going on in this fire station, but nothing seemed as it should. How often does a fire captain man-handle her crew?

Granted, he was appreciative of Felicity handling it, but it wasn't the way he had expected. But just like that, he made a much bigger enemy than he had yet to realize. The truth would come out eventually and he may be the last true man standing in this station.

But for now, he needed to get back to work. Felicity didn't say another word but nodded as she left the room. He had no idea what that nod truly meant but he would take it. Clearly, she wasn't questioning his part in the fight at all so that meant to him, that Perry had done this before.

But why was the question and he intended to find the answer.