One Paycheck

Chap 4 "Love Triangle"

Esme's POV

Kelly dropped me off and he went back to his place. The next day I met up with Bree to fix our studio. I looked at the glass as Bree swept it up. "Why does bad things happen to me?" I asked. She looked at me. "Two fires and now a robbery? Maybe my dad is right. Maybe I should find a new job."

"Esme, can I be brutally honest?" Bree asked.

"Go for it," I sighed.

"You are an amazing influencer and one hell of a role model. My little sister wants to be just like you whenever she grows up."

"This business is brutal. I have haters, lots of them," I nodded. We got everything fixed up and close the building and left. We went to my garage studio. "I really am debating about finding a new job, Bree."

"You have your own business and you are so successful. You're leaving your mark on this city. Yes, bad things may have happened, but think of all the good things it has brought."

"Are we talking about the same thing here? I'm sure my business has nothing to do with me finding a new job."

"Are you going to keep being an influencer as well as take on another full-time job? That's quite a challenge, and I know you, Esme. You like to spread yourself thin sometimes, and that's when I usually have to pull you back."

"I know, and I thank you for being here with me," I smiled. I laid on my bed. "So, I think I have some guy problems."

"I wanna know! Spill it!"

"I get the feeling that my boyfriend and my best guy friend aren't seeing eye to eye," I replied as I looked at her. "As soon as Kelly arrived last night, Jay didn't want to stick around. Also, Kelly didn't spend the night to comfort me like he usually does when I'm having a bad day. He just dropped me off and went back to his place." I sat up and hugged a pillow. "The ride home was uncomfortable after Jay said he'll bring me food today."

"Jay has a thing for you," Bree replied. "The first day he came in and dropped off his card, I knew the guy was looking to score a date." There was a knock on the door. "You expecting someone?"

"Yeah, it's Jay," I sighed. "Come on." Jay walked in holding a brown paper bag. "Hey."

"Hey, so I bought enough take-out to feed about six of us," Jay held up the paper bag. "Now, the question is are you guys hungry?"

"Starving," I smiled. Jay joined us and we had an amazing lunch. Bree left shortly after since she had things to do. We talked for what seemed like hours. I looked at the time. "Don't you have to go back to work?"

"Not necessarily," Jay nodded. "If they really need me, they'll call me."

"Okay," I nodded. "Thank you for bringing me lunch."

"It wasn't a bother," Jay replied. "I wanted to check up on you anyways."

"I am doing okay."

"And your arm?"

"Sore, but not bleeding."

"Good, that's good," Jay smiled. His phone beeped and he looked at it. "It's Antonio."

"You gotta go," I sighed. Jay nodded. "Go. I'll still be here if you wanna come back." He looked at me. "You can call me if you'd rather do that."

"You sure Kelly won't mind?"

"Positive," I replied. I threw him a key. "Now Kelly can't say anything." Jay left. I drove to firehouse Fifty One and pulled Kelly aside. "We need to talk."

"It couldn't wait till after shift?" Kelly asked. "I was going to come check on you when I got off. "

"We need to talk, Kelly Severide," I crossed my arms. "I'm looking for something serious, Kelly. I haven't gotten that from you."

"Are you kidding me?" Kelly asked.

"No, I'm being serious. For example, last night. You just dropped me off," I stated. "You didn't even ask me how I was doing or if I needed anything." I looked at Kelly. "All I wanted last night was someone to be there for me. Someone to let me know everything was going to be okay."

"I was a little pre-occupied after I found out about your brother," Kelly stated.

"I don't care if you found out about Bean." I looked at him."You weren't there when I needed someone. You weren't even there when I was closing the space." I sighed. "I'm sorry, Kelly. I can't keep doing this. We're done. I'm done."

Jay's POV

I got off late, but I had enough missed calls and texts from Esme that worried me. I drove to her house. I saw Kelly knocking on her door. I got out. "Is she not home?" I asked.

"She is," Kelly replied. "She doesn't wanna talk to me."

"Did you guys get into a fight or something?" I asked.

"Uhm, she broke up with me," Kelly stated. "I just wanted to talk to her."

"Did you ever stop and think why she's s not answering the door?" I asked. He just looked at me. "It's two in the morning. She's probably asleep."

"Yeah, you're right," Kelly nodded. "Alright, man. Thanks."

"Yeah," I stated. I waited for Kelly to drive off. I went to her garage. I use my key and walked inside. I lock the door behind me. I see Esme asleep at her desk in front of her computer. "Seriously?" I moved her to her bed and tucked her in. I took my spot on the floor. Her alarm woke me up the next morning. I turned it off and Esme was walking out of the bathroom. "You always wake up before your alarm?"

"Not usually," Esme sighed. "I didn't get up too long ago."

"Okay," I sighed. I got up and sat on the bed. "So, Kelly told me you guys broke up."

"Yeah," Esme looked at me. "I broke it off with him."

"You know you could've called me," I replied.

"I did. I got your voicemail."

"Sorry," I replied.

"It's okay," Esme nodded. "You came by. I just wanted someone here with me."

"I'm glad I did," I smiled. Another six months had passed and I have been spending so much time with Esme. I was sitting at my desk and Antonio was looking at me. "If you have a question, ask me instead of staring."

"You've known this girl for a year, but you never tried to make a move?" Antonio asked.

"She just got out of a relationship," I replied.

"Six months ago, with Severide," Antonio looked at me. "I say go for it."

"Is that enough time?" I asked.

"Hey," Esme walked up to us.

"This is a nice surprise," I stated. "Why are you here?"

"My birthday is this weekend," Esme smiled.

"Yeah, and we're taking a trip for a week," I nodded. "I thought that's what you wanted for your twenty fifth birthday."