High Heat (Hotshots 2) - Page 22
“So, I could use another dispatcher. It’s part-time seasonal, so you should be able to work your medical appointments around it.”
“To be honest, I’ve never seen myself doing a desk job.” He tried to avoid a grimace that was as much from a particularly deep stretch as from the prospect of office work.
“I know—none of us old frontline guys like paper pushing. And I’m not saying it’s the most exciting, but you know fire logistics better than almost anyone I know. You did your time on engine and hotshot crews. You’ll get who you’re sending out and why on a deeper level than most. You’ve got fast reflexes and you know how to keep a level head.”
“Damn. You keep talking me up, and you’re gonna write the application for me. But thanks. Your opinion, that matters to me.” His chest went warm at all the compliments. Fred was right, too. Garrick was damn good at his job, which was why he needed back out there. And he had a point that it wasn’t exactly like Garrick had other plans for his summer. And money would be good, especially with the insurance company balking at paying for stuff. But still he hesitated.
“We’ve got a good team going at headquarters. And it’s not an entry-level position at all. Not much busy work. You’d have a fair bit of responsibility and autonomy. That’s why I thought of you. I need someone I can trust in the role.”
“I respect that. Thanks.”
“You should take it,” Stephanie added to the conversation, looking up from manipulating Garrick. “Your PT isn’t filling all your time, and you keep complaining about being bored. And you never know, this could be the start of something great for you.”
And that right there was why Garrick was reluctant. He didn’t need a new career path, didn’t want to take his eyes off the prize of returning to smoke jumping, didn’t want a job better suited to persons more ready for a desk job. Not him. Being at a desk, on a radio while others handled the action? Torture.
“Can I think about it?” he hedged. He didn’t want to turn Fred down outright, but he also legit did need time to reflect.
“Of course. But don’t keep me waiting too long. I need to get my personnel set before the season gets truly underway.”
“Understood. I’ll let you know soon.”
He kept his promise too, continuing to think even once Fred left, after trying to sell him more on the logistics, mentioning flexible hours again and the possibility of getting rides with others in the office. God, how Garrick missed driving. And his ankle strength was better all the time, but he still wasn’t sure when the go-ahead to try driving would come. Damn slow recovery. Maybe the job would be the distraction he needed. Might be smarter to use that rather than overly relying on Rain’s flirtations.
However, he kept his mouth shut about the job on his way home. He already knew his dad would be all in favor of him taking the job, but he wouldn’t see it as temporary, a way station on his way to the job he already had and loved. His dad would be too enthusiastic, and maybe that was part of what was holding Garrick back. Regardless, it wasn’t his dad he was eager to talk to about the opportunity. Surprising even himself, he was already anticipating Rain’s next visit, wanting to hear his thoughts. Cookie got a fast walk from Garrick’s dad, but she, too, was dancing as Rain appeared after dinner.
“You’re coming? Figured you’d be too tired after physical therapy.” Rain gestured at how Garrick was already in his chair, gloves on.
“Too keyed up to rest. And I need your opinion on something.”
“Me?” Rain’s pleased smile had Garrick skin’s tingling, almost like they’d touched. Making Rain happy was an unexpected side benefit. And even if he was already leaning towards accepting Fred’s offer, he took his time laying out the prospect as they made their way around the neighborhood, a healing Cookie able to handle a faster pace now.
“So I’d still be able to keep training you. And keep up with my PT. I’m not entirely sure why I’m so reluctant.”
“Because it’s not what you really want.” Rain offered him a sympathetic smile as he stopped for Cookie to sniff some grass. “You’re afraid it will make you miss being out there even more, hearing the operations, that sort of thing. And you’re not a paperwork guy.”
“Exactly.” That was it. Garrick’s back tightened at the thought of not being in the thick of the action. That was going to be hard.
“It’s okay to miss it. To get angry or grieve even—”
“I’m not angry.” Garrick cut off that line of reasoning. “These things happen. Injuries are part of the job. Sure, I’m bummed about missing the season. And if I take the job, at least I’ll still be helping. Being useful is good.”
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