9-1-1: The Family We Chose

S3 E5 - Rage

"God damn. Seems like you had a good night." Eddie says, pointing to my neck.

"Yeah..." Chim mutters.

"So? What if I did? It at least kept me distracted from whatever shit Buck's doing." I scoff. "I still don't get why he's doing this."

"I bet none of you guys do, but is it bad I'm a little excited you're going to be staying with me for a while? Maybe have a few repeats of last night?" Jack says, directed to me.

"Okayyy, that's enough of this conversation." Hen says, sipping her drink.

"Listen, I know we're all annoyed at Buck for doing this, but the truth is, you guys can be mad at me too. I was the one who started this." Bobby says.

"What are you talking about? You decided what was best for Buck and for the rest of us. This is not your fault, Bobby. He chose to make it worse than is." I tell him.

I finish off my Shirley Temple and get up to go to the bar to ask for another one.

"Hey, I got it." Jack offers.

"No, no, no. You stay here. Catch up with everyone. I see them basically everyday." I laugh.

"Okay, but be careful." He says.

"I know, I know." I give him a kiss before I make my way over to the bar.

As I wait for AJ, one of Jack's close friends at the bar, a guy comes over and sits down to my left.

"Hi, I'm Luke." He says, looking at me.

"Sorry, I have a boyfriend." I say, still not making eye contact with him.

"And I have a girlfriend." He laughs. "I'm just being friendly is all."

"Well in that case," I turn around, seeing Jack laughing, and face Luke. "I'm Lia. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too. Whatcha you drinking? Beer, wine, margarita?"

"Shirley Temple. I don't drink alcohol." I clarify.

"Ahh, no worries. Hey AJ!" He yells. "Two Shirley Temples!"

"Oh, you know AJ?" I ask.

"Yeah, actually met him just a few weeks ago when I moved here." He tells me.

"Oh, you're new to here. Any reason why?"

"No, just wanted a change of scenery and a fresh start." He says.

"Did you move with your girlfriend?" I ask.

"No, we actually met here my first night. She came up to me, thought I was cute, and now we're dating."

"Aww, that's sweet." I say. "I met my boyfriend here too. He's actually a part time bartender too. Jack? Have you heard of him?"

"Jack? Yeah, I think I've heard AJ talk about him. Never met him though." He says, slowly handing me my drink.

"I'm surprised I haven't seen you here before." I say, taking a sip. "Whoa, why does this taste so carbonated?" I ask in shock, feeling the bubbles tingle my throat and tongue.

"I'm not sure, it kind of does though." He says lowly.

"Still tastes good." I chuckle.

"So, what do you do here?" He asks, leaning closer to me.

"I'm actually a firefighter and paramedic. Have been for while." I tell him as I take another sip.

"Really? How long?" He asks.

It takes me a minute to think, but I can't remember how long.

"I...I don't remember.." I say weakly. "Maybe I should go."