Chief Casey Season 2: Balancing Work, Family and Friendships

Chapter 203

Matt's POV: After spending the past 20 minutes driving to Molly's (including a quick stop into the drug store for Gabby's tampons), I was finally at the restaurant for the first time in a couple years. Looking at it, I was disappointed. I built this restaurant myself and it looked a bit rundown. The door didn't look like it was polished in a while and the signs looked horrible. It was as if they didn't even care what the restaurant looked like anymore. Walking up to the door, I went to open it to see that at least the interior was well maintained. That's when I saw that the entire firehouse was there. "Wow, this is a surprise." Everybody then turned to look at me.

Walking in, I smiled at everybody before walking over to Hermann. "How are you Hermann?" Hermann then looked at me. "It chief right now or Matt?" I laughed. "When I am wearing the white shirt, it's Chief. Right now, it's Matt and always will be. Anyways, we are equals here considering we are business partners. Speaking of which, while I am here...I would like to get our cut in a check please." Hermann laughed and then went to grab me an envelope. "I always get it ready the minute you order. I also take out how much your meal costs." I then stared at him. "Why isn't it free?" Hermann laughed. "Because you only get your percentage off."

Thinking about what he said, I agreed considering it was only fair that I got how much we own the restaurant as a discount when it came to food. "But you pay complete cost because we also have to collect taxes from you. Would rather not get into trouble with the state." I agreed with him. "Now listen, where's the food or do I have to stay here for a bit?" Hermann laughed. "It'll be 10 minutes. Want a beer?" I shook my head. "Can I just have a pepsi?" He then stared at me. "Hermann, I have 3 kids and it's the middle of the day." He agreed and went to grab me a can of pepsi from the fridge. I then saw that Donna and Terrence were there. "Hermann, did you see?"

Hermann then looked up and saw Donna and Terrence. "Oh, they are here. Uhm...are we going to give them free meals right now or?" I shook my head. "We can't make them feel like we are tip toeing around them. They are family and we need to let them know we are here for them. But listen, just let me know when my food is ready. I am going to go sit with them." He nodded and agreed as I went to grab my drink before walking over to Donna and Terrence so that I could (hopefully) sit with them.

Walking up to Donna, I put my hand on her shoulder and smiled at her. "Mind having a bit of company?" Donna then looked up at me and smiled. "Of course not Matt, sit down." I agreed and smiled before going to sit down in front of her. "I didn't know whether you wanted to be alone or not. I just wanted to talk to you about how you're doing and remind you that we are all here for you Donna. Whatever you need, I promise that we will definitely help you through this. We are all grieving like you. Me more than others probably."

Donna was confused. "Matt, I get the first part...but what's this about?" I sighed. "I wasn't here when he died. I wish I would've been. Had I known he was sick, I would've come to say goodbye." Donna understood. "I get it Matt but, he kept it a secret from everybody. You weren't the only one who was blindsided. It blindsided the entire firehouse. In fact, I kept it a secret for 24 hours before I told them." I nodded and understood. "Listen, if you need help with Terrence...give me a call. I know what it's like loosing your dad at his age. Same happened to me. But, under less favorable circumstances."

Donna then looked at me. "No, you are the same Casey as Nancy Casey?" I nodded and sighed. "Yeah. She's my mom." She agreed and nodded. "I don't think she should've been convicted. She was a victim too." I agreed and nodded. "Yeah, so was I. He abused me." Donna went to put her hand on mine and sighed. "I am so sorry Matt. But at least now everything is better since you have kids and are back with Gabby. Honestly, I was heartbroken when I heard you guys split up. You guys are so perfect for each other." 

I smiled and agreed with her when she said that. "Biggest mistake in my life was letting her go. But listen, I think I see my food coming out. It's already been almost 40 minutes since I ordered it so it's probably ready by now." Cindy nodded and agreed as she walked out with my bags. "You are right Matt, this is your food." She then looked at Donna and rubbed her shoulder. "How are you?" Donna smiled. "Doing better." We all nodded and agreed. "How's Lee Henry doing? He still injured and what's the timeline for him back to shape?"

Cindy sighed when I said that. "He's got another week before I am comfortable letting him go back to the firehouse." I agreed and then went to grab her hand. "Cindy, if you are changing your mind...then talk to Christopher and tell him that you want a meeting with me. I promise, I will do whatever you need to be comfortable with this." She agreed and smiled before going to hug me. "Have a good night." I agreed and then went to walk away while Donna spoke to Cindy. "What's Lee Henry doing at the firehouse? I knew he was at the academy but...the firehouse already?"

I was about to turn around and explain when Cindy stopped me. "I got it Matt, go home to Gabby." I nodded and agreed before leaving to go home to Gabby. Meanwhile, Cindy explained what the new program was to Donna.