Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 7

Scene: Firehouse 118, Common Area

Buck walks into the common area with a noticeable spring in his step. Eddie is sitting at the table, going over some paperwork. Hen, Chimney, and Bobby are nearby, chatting.

Hen: "Hey, Buck! You look like you just won the lottery."

Chimney: "Yeah, what's up with you?"

Buck: (grinning) "I met someone. Her name is Ana. She's a judge."

Eddie: (looking up) "A judge? That’s impressive."

Buck: "Yeah, we met at a coffee shop. She was getting her morning espresso, and we just hit it off. We’re going out tonight."

Bobby: "That’s great, Buck. She sounds like a catch."

Hen: "A judge, huh? Make sure to behave yourself."

Buck: (laughing) "I will. Thanks, guys."

Eddie forces a smile, but inside, a strange feeling starts to gnaw at him. He pushes it aside, not wanting to spoil Buck’s happiness.

Scene: Eddie's Apartment, Later That Evening

Eddie is helping Christopher with his homework when his phone buzzes. It’s a text from Buck.

Buck (text): "Hey, just wanted to let you know the date with Ana is going great! We’re at this amazing restaurant."

Eddie reads the text, a pang of jealousy hitting him. He shakes his head, trying to focus on Christopher.

Christopher: "Dad, are you okay?"

Eddie: "Yeah, buddy. Just thinking. Let’s finish this math problem."

Christopher: "Okay."

Eddie helps Christopher, but his mind keeps wandering back to Buck and Ana.

Scene: Firehouse 118, Next Morning

Buck is beaming as he recounts his date with Ana to the team. Eddie listens, trying to appear interested but feeling increasingly uneasy.

Buck: "We talked for hours. She’s smart, funny, and just amazing. I really like her."

Hen: "Sounds like it went well. Are you seeing her again?"

Buck: "Yeah, we’re going out this weekend."

Eddie: (forcing a smile) "That’s great, Buck. I’m happy for you."

Buck: "Thanks, Eddie. I can’t wait for you to meet her."

Eddie nods, but the jealousy lingers, making him question why he feels this way.

Scene: Eddie's Apartment, Later That Night

Eddie is sitting on the couch, staring at his phone. He’s been avoiding Buck’s texts about Ana, unsure how to respond. Christopher is playing with his toys nearby.

Christopher: "Dad, why are you sad?"

Eddie: "I’m not sad, buddy. Just... thinking."

Christopher: "About what?"

Eddie: "About Buck. He met someone, and I guess I’m just worried things will change."

Christopher: "Buck is our best friend. He won’t change."

Eddie: (smiling) "You’re right, Christopher. He won’t."

But Eddie knows it’s not just about change. It’s about something deeper that he’s been trying to ignore.