Nowhere Boy.

Silas’ line of work was extremely admirable. Although Cece had gone along with her parents’ whims when it came to her field, initially that had been one things she had looked forward to; being able to help others. It was far from the kind of heroism that he did, but one of the benefits of working under law. As time went on though, Cecelia realized that she couldn’t always pick and choose her cases or clients, and the dream of helping others was only fulfilled every so often. “You’re welcome,” she replied sincerely, dipping her head as a gentle smile graced her lips.

“I think that’s wonderful. If I could go back and choose a more rewarding line of work, I certainly would. I love helping people too. Although I don’t think I’m brave enough to do that,” she admitted. “It’s very selfless of you for sure. Have you always wanted to be a firefighter?”

Silas was used to the pedestal that most people put him on. It wasn’t that he didn’t view his work as noble or heroic. He definitely had when he was little and would watch his father go off to work. For him, however, it was much more nuanced than that. It was what he was supposed to do. There was no other option for him or want, for that matter. He wanted to make his father proud and in doing that, he was fulfilled. He wanted to help people like he had. There wasn’t any heroics in it, it was just what needed to be done.

“I appreciate that, thank you. I do love it. My father was a firefighter and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. It’s a dangerous line of work but Its as rewarding as it is stressful,” he chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “How did you get into law, though? I don’t think I could argue and do all the things you guys do. It’s kind of cool. Is it the same as it is in movies? I’ve never had to be a witness in a trial and because I’m a firefighter, I’m exempt from jury duty.”

-

Toots. Cassie isn’t sure if anyone has ever called her that before and surprisingly she isn’t completely infuriated by the nickname. She is grateful when Silas leans over to tighten the strap on the helmet because honestly she wouldn’t have known to do so on her own. She climbs onto the back of the motorcycle a little shakily. Once she was situated on the back she wrapped her arms around his waist like he had instructed. It was probably quite a sight to any pedestrians passing by, her tiny frame against his much larger and bulkier one.

Once Silas took off Cassie gripped him tightly. For the first few moments she was afraid but that fear soon blew away with the wind in her hair. She smiled as she glanced around, it was almost freeing to be on the back of the bike. She was grinning from ear to ear when the bike finally came to a stop outside of Silas’ apartment. “That was amazing.” She chuckled softly “I was a little terrified but intrigued all at the same time.” She chuckles, heart nearly beating out of her chest. 

Silas chuckled at how happy she was and nodded. “Yeah, that tends to be the consensus when its your first time on a bike. I’m glad you enjoyed it, though. It’s so freeing. I much prefer it to driving a car. Plus, it’s easier to get around the city than it is with a car. Less bulk.” He placed the helmet in one of the back compartments and then turned the bike off, locking it up and then looking for his house key so they could get into his apartment.

Once they got up to the door, he unlocked it quickly and just like that, Rocky was barreling up to greet them, running straight past Silas and nuzzling his nose into Cassie’s knee. “And... my child loves you more. Figures. I swear, you and Jenny have his heart. I’m just some man that feds him and gives him a warm bed.” He laughed, shaking his head. “At least I know who to call if I need to find a dog sitter. Although, if I called you guys, he might never want to come home.”

Silas began putting Rocky’s leash on while he gave Cassie some love. “It’s probably because girls smell better. I’m just a stinky old man.”

“Get back out there.” Beck never would’ve used that term, it made him feel so… detached from the social world. but, in a way, he was. it wasn’t just the kiddos that were to blame for that, either, but his need to make the most of every minute in the day that led to overworking or spreading himself too thin. his social life suffered because of it; the last date he could remember had been with Vanessa. but, in the end, Silas was right. Beck was severely lacking in adult time.

he leans over the arm of the couch to peek and what Silas is doing, the photos he’s choosing. they’re all at least a little bit flattering, but he silently agreed that the baby picture was necessary, too. he was right, Beck didn’t want to hide the fact that he was a father— it was his whole life, after all. and he hoped that at least someone on that god forsaken app would be okay with that.

“No, no it looks good. Seriously.” Beck chuckles in disbelief. a tinder account, huh? “How exactly would you start the um… process?”

Silas was now jotting down a short but sweet bio, nodding. “Yes. Get back out there. You’ll thank me. Also, I’m getting in a bio. These things shouldn’t be too long. I swear, the amount of dudes I’ve swiped left on because their fuckin’ bios were several paragraphs long is out of this world. I’m sure straight guys do the same, it wouldn’t surprise me.” He winked over at his cousin and then handed the man back his phone. “You can edit it later if you want. I mostly just put that you're a dad, where you’re located. Your job, whatever else you want to put in is up to you. Just remember to keep it short and sweet. Also, be witty.”

When he asked how to start, Silas smirked. “You start swipin’, man. Here, go over here,” he reached a hand over and clicked the area that said swipe. “Swiping right means yes. Swiping left means no. You can click on their picture if you want to read their bio and see more photos. So here, let’s set your preferences. You’re looking for women, are you cool with women who are like... bi and pan? Queer women who date men, essentially?” he asked, looking over at his cousin with some judgement, as if to say, You better check yes, nerd!

“And then also an age range. I always go five years younger and then ten years older,” he shrugged. “What can I say? I like MILFs and DILFs.” He chuckled.

dinner went exactly as it always does when they visited Uncle Silas. Nola wanted tacos, but she ate the meatloaf (reluctantly, but Beck was certain she enjoyed it– his cousin was a good cook), and Dylan sat on his lap and picked off chunks from his plate to munch on whilst he and Si talked about everything under the sun. Silas’ mom, work in general, sports, the weather. anything as long as it was family friendly, which Beck could always count on Si being around his kids.

once they were all full, it didn’t take long for the little ones’ eyes to start drooping. typically, Beck had the kids in bed by 8:30 because his online tutoring started at 9:00, so they were passed out on the couch by the time Beck and Silas finished cleaning up the kitchen and putting all the leftovers away.

Beck was still apprehensive about the idea of a tinder profile, but he sits down on the empty space at the end of the couch once they shuffle back into the living room, and picks up his phone from the coffee table. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asks, partially joking, as he holds the unlocked device out for Silas. 

Silas grabbed a throw-blanket and covered the two children up with it as they slept, not wanting to disturb them. He went and sat over on his easy chair and took Beck’s phone, chuckling softly. “It’ll be fine! Either way, you gotta get back out there. Being a dad is great but you need adult time. You can’t just throw yourself into your children and ignore a social life or a possible future partner. You deserve good things, my man.”

Silas promptly downloaded the Tinder app and began making a profile for his cousin. “I hooked it up to your Facebook so its easy to log in.” He smirked, biting his lip mischievously. “Alright... photos, photos. Gotta find ones that showcase you as a person as well as your life. Also photos that make you look like the handsome hunk you are,” Silas winked.

After a minute, he handed his the man’s phone back to him to look over the photos. “What do you think? I also made sure to get one in there of you being a dad but you can take it out if you like. I just think being up front is better. That way you weed out all the women who don't like kids or people with kids.”

“Fair point.” Beck snorts at the mention of his parents. they were, for lack of a better term, a girlfriend’s worst nightmare. especially during his school days, when he was doing everything he could to rebel against them, but they knuckled down twice as hard. if he had brought half the girls he dated during those years ‘round Thomas and Patricia, well, he wouldn’t be having dinner with his cousin today. he’d most likely be buried under the gazebo at his parents’ lakehouse.

another laugh escapes his lips; and he offers his palms up in playful defense. “I meant it in the nicest way possible.” he assures his cousin, and it was true. Beck envied Silas for many things, and his ability to charm just about everyone he met was definitely one of them. he had never been all that promiscuous– especially not now. a one night stand here or there when he got the itch, but a relationship seemed out of the question. and, as if summoned by Silas’ suggestion, one of the primary reasons Beck currently wasn’t dating was toddling over to him. Dylan was whining, his arms up as if demanding his father pick him up right this instance. Nola, however, was quite content rolling around in the floor with the pup. “What’s the matter, little man, huh?” Beck scoops his son, his spitting image, into his arms, before he looks to Silas with an amused quirk of his brow. “Pretty sure women probably would prefer a man with a dog, maybe a cat or, like, a fish? Not kids.”

dating sites. his ears turn red at the very suggestion. “What, like tinder? Come on, Si. Now you’re just making fun of me.” Dylan had stopped his ploy for attention now that he was being held, and was busying himself with fiddling with the collar of Beck’s shirt, so Beck adds, “What’s a guy like me gonna get from tinder?”

Silas saw Dylan run up to Beck and smiled at the small boy, rustling his hair. Dylan tried to hold back a smile as he buried his face into his father’s shoulder and Silas chuckled as he went back to cooking. Once the veggies were finished, he put them into a large bowl that had the raw ground beef in it and began adding seasonings. 

“Oh please! You’re a handsome guy and besides, any girl worth a damn isn’t going to be scared off by kids. If they can’t handle it, its on them. I’m sure if you keep your age range to five years younger and five years older you should be just fine in that department. You just gotta have an eye catching profile with a few good photos. I’ll help you make it after dinner. You’ll get a date, I promise.”

Silas continued getting everything ready and finally, placed the meatloaf into the oven. While that baked, he finished up on the mashed potatoes and some green beans as well. He refilled his cup of sprite and then once everything was out, he pulled it out and got plates. “Alright, gremlins!” He smirked. “Time to chow down, let daddy get you in your chairs.”

𝒸𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓇𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓊

Claire smiles nicely at him, her grin doesn’t even falter when he confesses that he doesn’t drink. “Aw, that’s too bad.” She says, “Maybe I can buy you a Shirley Temple?” It’s a light chide as she looks over him to the other men and women gathered in what appears to be his group. She feels bad for intruding.

“I’m so sorry! I thought you were alone, my mistake.” The lawyer laughs, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m just… celebrating my new life in this big, famous city.” She looks over at his company again, then back to him. “What are you celebrating?”

He smiles and nods. “I will gladly take a Shirley Temple. It’s a classic, how could I not?” He bit his lip and then leaned against a nearby table. When she regarded his group, he waved his hand and shrugged. 

“Nah, nah, they're my co-workers. It’s just a casual work hangout. We’re celebrating one of our own’s birthdays. Just a bunch of rowdy firefighters. They’re really just a bunch of toddlers and I’m the mother hen.” He laughed. “That’s nice though. Did you just move here? How are you liking it?”

☆✮☆

Sometimes Silas is too nice, Stella thinks. There’s times she wishes he’d yell or something, instead of this all encompassing understanding he shows for whatever bullshit she says or does. But she knows that’s just because there’s always a part of her that’s more comfortable in being messy. 

“I missed you too.” She really does like talking to him, even more so when the conversations aren’t only about sobriety but that’s okay. Stella’s not ready, mostly because, well, nothing’s really going wrong at the moment. So it’s less about being ready and more about not having a reason to be stone-cold sober. “I’m glad you haven’t given up on me. I don’t want to be sober right now but I… also feel like I’m disappointing people.”

He smiles softly and listens to her speak. As much as he wanted her to experience sobriety and how incredibly healthy it was, he knew from experience that an addict had to be fully passionate about it and be all in. If they weren’t, it wasn’t sustainable. 

“Hey, listen. You getting sober is about you and no one else. The only person you’re letting down is yourself. You know I get it. I’ve been there. Its fucking difficult and honestly? I still want a drink sometimes or that feeling I got from shooting up. But it’s not fucking worth it and I know that now. You’ll get there but you can’t force it. In the meantime, I’m here. It’ll be okay.”

-

Cassie chuckled gladly accepting the roll of the spoiling aunt. “Oh you shouldn’t have said that.” She grins “Now I’m going to be showing up with bags of treats and different doggy sweaters that I’ll try and stuff him into.” She tells Silas excitedly. She thinks for a moment when Silas begs her not to set the apartment on fire. He’s right Jenny would probably scold him for the fire even if he helped put it out if Cassie had done it intentionally, however she also knows that it wouldn’t have been the first time so in all honesty Jenny probably wouldn’t end up putting any blame on him and instead simply view him as a hero. 

Cassie pauses for a moment when Silas asks her if she is comfortable riding on the back of his motorcycle. She had never in her life been on the back of a bike before. “Honestly I’ve never ridden on one before.” She laughs. The thought is a little scary but she trusts Silas and she’s positive that he wouldn’t be asking her to jump on the back of a bike if he wasn’t confident in his ability to drive. She takes the helmet from him, grateful that he has offered it to her. She slips it onto her head, chuckling because it’s a little bit big on her compared to Silas no doubt.

Silas watched her put the helmet on and then paused to smile as he saw how unbelievably massive it was on her tiny head. “Here, let me just,” he trails off and goes to fasten it tighter to her until it feels slightly more snug. “There, should be just fine. I don’t drive like a crazy person so you’ll be safe. Alright, hop on, toots.” He smiles, starting up the engine and waiting for her to get on. “Hug my waist and don’t let go until we stop, okay?” he asks and then finally, the zoom off into the street, cruising down the street toward his home. 

Once they get there, he slows and turns the engine off, putting the kickstand down and then getting off. He goes to unfasten the strap on the helmet and help her off the bike. “How’d you like that? You okay?” he asked, checking to see if she was okay.

a day off.

it was almost a foreign concept for Beck, but luckily for him, Si was always good at talking him into making the most of it. it didn’t hurt, however, that his cousin was kick ass in the kitchen. he’d warned Silas beforehand that his daughter, Nola, was going through a picky eaters phase and would most likely complain if he didn’t make tacos, her very favorite food. Dylan, on the other hand, would usually eat whatever his dad was eating, but he didn’t want a plate for himself. instead, he would have to sit on Beck’s lap and pick off of his. Beck always made sure he did the whole ‘don’t be offended,’ rundown about his children and their mannerisms. they were still young and, for as much as he’d already taught them about being polite, there were a few details that he was still working on.

Beck takes a swig of the beer in his hand, and he hates the way it tastes. he’s never been a beer drinker. if given the choice between it and hard liquor, he’d pick the former, though. not to mention, it was a social drink. wanna hang out? drink a beer with your pals. the two were basically synonymous.

although, he nearly spits it out during the story, pursing his lips to seal the laugh inside long enough for him to swallow. his cousin and he couldn’t be more opposite. Silas was a serial dater, which Beck admired. and his mom was a trip, but Beck knew that already. “Jesus!” he exclaims through a laugh, though keeping his voice down. the last thing he needed was Nola blurting expletives she’d heard from daddy and Uncle Si at kindergarten the following week. “You’re a brave, brave man for taking a date to meet your mother. I could never.” he shook his head; he never brought his girlfriends home— there wasn’t a single girl that his parents had met besides Vanessa, whom he had already married and impregnated before she could meet Mr. and Mrs. Carter. his brow quirks, and he sets the beer on the countertop, leaning against it as he reaches over and steals a piece of the chopped vegetables to have a bite, “So, you’re still playing the field, huh?”

Silas smiled, nodding. “Yeah, well, I wouldn’t either if I had parents like yours. I don’t blame you, man.” Silas smacked Beck’s hand when he tried to grab some veggies and smirked softly as he threw them into the pan now to sauté them. He had decided on making his mom’s famous meatloaf recipe. He made enough so he would have leftovers for sandwiches the next few days. It was a habit with the Black family; always make leftovers and make every meal stretch.

“Playing the field is just a nice way of saying ‘so, Si! You still whoring around?’ and to that my answer is yes. Yes I am. Just haven’t found that special someone yet. They’re somewhere I just don’t have the fucking energy and everyone’s too pretty not to play the field so I just roll with the punches. What about you, mister family man with kids? If anyone should be dating, its you, my man. You’re a fucking catch. Any girl would be lucky to have you. Plus, you got the gremlins,” Silas gestured over to his niece and nephew. 

“They’re like lady bait. They’re so cute. I know you’re not that busy. You on any dating sites?”

Silas finally had a day off after a few weeks of constant calls and emergencies. People had decided that January was the month to do dangerous shit and have accidents so of course, Silas was there to help. Fires, car crashes, other various mishaps. It was draining so he was glad to be completely off the clock, not even on call.

He’d decided to invite his cousin Beck over with his two kids for dinner. He hadn’t seen them in a while and he missed them. They were both very busy so he didn’t take it to heart. The kids loved playing with Rocky which gave Silas and Beck time to chat in the kitchen while Silas cooked. Silas was drinking a Mexican coke, complete with classic glass bottle.

“And then Ma goes, ‘well he’s got a nice ass but its too nice for you, Si! He’s out of your league!’“ Silas laughed. “Mind you, the poor bastard was still in the room. The woman didn’t care to wait till he went to the bathroom. Last time I bring someone I’m dating over to meet my mother, Jesus Christ. He broke things off the next day. Apparently his kryptonite is meeting Italian Catholic mothers who say whatever's on their mind.”

-

Esmeray chuckled at the older male poking fun at his own age, she loved someone who could laugh at themselves more often because it usually meant that they spent less time analyzing and picking on those around them. “I’m only thirty and I know what you mean.” She chuckles softly “I used to be a shower at night type of person but now I take one at night and in the morning just to get myself up and going out of bed!” She laughs softly. 

She smiled when Silas asked what she liked to do for fun “Hmm well these days I find myself in bars late at night singing drunk karaoke and hustling men at pool.” She informs him with a light chuckle. “However if what you are asking is more in the ballpark of what my hobbies might be I paint on occasion or draw.” She tells him.

“Hustling men at pool? Well, that makes sense. You’re gorgeous and men are idiots. I know this. I am a man and also an idiot most days,” he winked, chuckling softly as he looked back at her. “You’ll have to show me some of your tricks sometime. I’m horrible at pool.”

When she divulged that one of her hobbies was painting, he nodded and stayed quiet for a second and then spoke. “That fits you for some reason. Just your essence and all. You have a very creative energy about you, its hard to explain. Also that's way classier of a hobby than mine.” He sipped his drink and then continued. “I collect Star Wars figurines.”

                  Jenny considers him for a long moment before she laughed, “Uh huh. A regular Han Solo.” She dug around in her purse for a moment before handing over a few of her business cards. “I’d appreciate it, honestly. I mean don’t do it ‘til ‘ve done your hair, ‘cause I don’t wanna make you a liar, but– -”                      If she was planning to start trying to work out of the apartment, it’d be a good idea to grow her clientele, right? That way she can actually continue to make rent and stuff instead of just taking a bunch of walk-ins. Jenny laughed again at the donut comment. “I’ll keep that in mind. How do yah bribe the firefighters? Just askin’ in case I make clients outta all’a you.” 

Silas chuckled and then nodded, taking the business cards and placing them in his pocket. “I’ll remember that. I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully though. I don’t need anything super crazy. Just a trim and a fade.” He looked back up at her and then nodded, shrugging before answering. 

“Well... fire fighters work out like crazy so we’re always burning calories even when we’re off the clock. Our jobs are super physical so we eat a lot so literally any food will do a good job of bribing a fire fighter. Also a sweet smile which you already have.”

-

“I would have taken him out had I known that you wouldn’t be home.” She tells him, sorta putting the offer out into the universe in case it ever happened again and he didn’t have anyone to take Rocky out. In all honesty Cassie had never really been much of a dog person, preferring the way that cats tended to laze around and not need much more than a full food bowl and the occasional attention… in a way she was much like a cat she presumed. However the moment that she had met Rocky she had fallen in love, he was an exception to her rule. 

“I’m not busy.” She assured the older male with a grin. “However if you’re planning on taking him out to eat you better be alright with me sneaking him scraps under the table.” She chuckles gently “You know I’m a sucker for those big eyes.” She chuckles gently. 

Cassie was used to people flirting her up until they found out how old she really was. The relationship department had become helpless at this points. She was an old sole her mother used to tell her. She wasn’t interested in most men her age because they still preferred to act like children while she was mature and wasn’t into the same things they were. There were the few exceptions where she enjoyed the company of those closer in age nut usually only on a platonic level, occasionally bubbling into something greater. She had learned to accept the sudden disinterest when her age was brought up and was more than happy to remain strictly platonic, relationships were messy anyways and honestly she simply didn’t have the time for such luxuries. 

“Although you’ll have to give me a raincheck on seeing you in your full getup.” She informs him referring to the firefighter uniforms “Or I’ll just have to go ahead and set my apartment a blaze one night.” She tells him with a laugh. 

He rolled his eyes at her mentioning the scraps and shook his head, a smile on his face. “Oh, Cassie, Cassie. You’re clearly the aunt that spoils the children despite what their father says. Its fine. Today can be his special treat day.” He winked and shook his head. When she mentioned the rain check, he laughed. “Please! Please do not set your apartment on fire. Jenny will be pissed, blame me, and then you’ll have committed arson. No one wins in that situation, sweet pea.” He grinned rolling his eyes.

“But yeah, come on. Food time! But first, dog time. You okay with motorcycles, right? I can’t remember if I’ve taken you on a ride yet,” he pondered, looking over at her and waiting for an answer. “I don’t have an extra helmet so you can wear mine. The place I wanted to eat is super close to the apartments so we can walk. Its a little bistro I enjoy. They do breakfast and lunch mostly. Also Sunday brunch.”

location: higher end bar time: 7pm

Claire is elated. She’s just finished her first day of work at her new job, and it’s gone better than she could have anticipated. There’s much more feminine energy at Lewis & Abernathy than Claire could’ve ever hoped for at any DA’s office. Now that California is behind her, she’s got new dreams. Name partner would be nice…

For tonight, however, it’s about networking, socializing, and celebrating.

She slides into the first stool she finds at the bar, leaning over to order the finest bottle of champagne they have and a couple of glasses because she plans on making friends. At least for the night. She’s all smiles after paying the tab, leaving hundred percent tip on top of it. She slides back off the stool and taps the shoulder of the first person she  stumbles across, speaking to their back before they turn around.

“Have a glass of champagne with me? I promise it’s the real stuff. I’m celebrating.”

Silas had agreed to go out with a couple of the guys from the fire station for a birthday celebration. Michael was turning the big 5-0 and it was definitely cause for celebration. They decided on something a little fancier than their usual dive bar and even elected to go out dressed to the nines in suits and ties. The guys and girls of the fire station cleaned up nice and honestly, he was enjoying himself. It felt a lot easier to be sober in a bar this nice. They had excellent mocktails and he felt just as fancy as his co-workers.

When he was tapped on the shoulder by what he could only describe as one of the most gorgeous women in this place, he felt a slight blush paint his cheeks before he stumbled out an answer. “I um... I’d love to celebrate, doll but I must admit, I do not drink alcohol. I do have a drink here and a bunch of thirsty fire fighters if you’d like to split that champagne?” he smirked, gesturing to his co-workers. “What is it that you’re celebrating?”

location: anywhere on the streets of new york

“Hey!” Amanda called out, running to catch up someone down the sidewalk on the streets. She’d been chasing them through the crowd for nearly a block from when they saw the wallet drop from their pocket and was out of breath by the time she finally got their attention. 

Smiling, she held out the wallet with one hand as the other rested on the leg warmers she was wearing. “You dropped this back there. I thought I wasn’t going to catch up to you, I’ve been calling out for you for almost a whole block, but I guess you didn’t pay too much attention cause well, I could have been calling for anyone right? Anyway, here ya go.”

When Silas was finally stopped by the woman handing him his wallet, he felt completely embarrassed he hadn’t heard her voice. The streets of New York this time of night were louder anyway. Especially on a weekend. He’d been on his way home from a failed date that just didn’t go well. The guy was nice enough but he wouldn’t stop going on about his mother which, being close with parents was something he could relate too but not to an obsessive extent like that guy. Needless to say, he wouldn’t be seeing him again. He’d been gazing down at his phone, trying to figure out how to block him when his attention was finally on the woman.

“I am so sorry I didn’t hear you. I was in my own little world.” He took his wallet and placed it in his pocket. “You’re a life saver. I um,” he looked down at his phone and then back up at her. “Can I buy you a drink?” he asked, gesturing to the small, Irish style pub they had stopped in front of. “My treat! Least I can do.”

@silas–black​

How could Kevin just leave him here?! Only ten minutes in the car and they were arguing and sure Kev was doing him a favour today and sure he never even wanted to help Josh with it in the first place, but Josh was still in the right okay?! It was his first time behind the wheel of a car and Kevin just expected him to, what, put his foot down and start moving?

“Well yeah, that’s literally how driving works,” Kevin says now, over the phone after having stormed out of the parking lot, tripping over a hedge to get out of there and back onto the street quicker. Josh had followed him to the hedge but didn’t get much further.

“There were a bunch of… pedals and sticks and– I don’t know! I can’t just know! And now I’m stuck here in an empty lot with a car I can’t even drive! Hello? Hell–” The line’s dead. Josh turns away from the car that he suddenly despises, parked right in the middle of the lot, and only then spots the man at the other side of the short hedge, on the sidewalk that runs alongside the concreted area. It’s not often that Josh raises his voice like that in public. He’s mortified. “Sorry, I’m–… Sorry.”

Silas had been out for a run that day, minus Rocky who was at his monthly dog grooming appointment. He usually took that time to take a run while he waited for the pooch to get all cleaned up and ready for him. As he ran along past an empty parking lot, he heard the distressed voice coming from a single parked car. “Hello!?” he called, stopping short and running over to the brunette man.

“Are you okay? Is everything alright?” he asked the young man who looked very frustrated. Silas could see a deep rouge forming on his cheeks as he was clearly embarrassed for some reason. “Are you having car trouble? I have AAA if you need it. They don’t care if its my care or someone else’s.” 

“I appreciate that. I’d like to think I treat others well.” He might think otherwise to hear her job, but Cece was relieved that the man didn’t seem put off by it. Lawyers certainly didn’t have the best reputation, and in many cases, that was deserved. She was much more eager to learn of his career, and lit up at the reveal.

A firefighter–  a true heroes’ work. “Wow, I bet you must have some stories to tell,” she chimed in excitedly. “It’s definitely interesting, and quite selfless. I have to imagine it’s rewarding to know that you’re literally saving the day in many cases.” She chuckled softly at his words as she reached for her own drink. “That’s the most important thing; that you love it. How long have you been in the field?”

Silas smiled at her praise for what he did. It was something he enjoyed and something he really took pride in. It was like he went to work everyday to try and make his dad proud of him and he liked to think his dad was proud of him... somehow... from the great beyond. “Thank you,” he chuckled. “That means a lot. I love what I do.” He thought for a moment and then realized. “Well... I’ve been in it since my late 20s... So about 13 years?” He smiled softly. 

“I’ve just always loved helping people. It can be difficult at times cause we’re dealing in some very dangerous situations but... it’s worth it in the end.”