The weekend in the mountains did nothing to help his mood. Not that he needed a girlfriend in the mix, but sometimes he just needed someone.

His shift was completely unbearable as the fought a fire in a rundown tenement as the owner had refused to bring the building up to code. Johnny lost count of how many people died and knew the owner wouldn't face any consequences. News crews and newspaper reporters were on site as they cleaned up. Both crews were silent as they made their way back to the station.

Not hungry, the Captain made sure they ate before grabbing a few hours before their shift was over. The crew was still maudlin and reflective as they headed out, each man thankful for a few days of respite.

Johnny headed home and fell into a blissful, dreamless sleep. Getting up he opted to do the mundane tasks of laundry and grocery shopping to clear his mind.

Folding his laundry his phone rang. He wasn't expecting any calls, so he picked up his phone.

"Hello," Johnny answered hoping for good news. There wasn't any answer except some crying.

"Hello. Are you okay?" Johnny asked again.

"Johnny," Sandy sniffed.

Yes. It's me." Johnny replied.

"Can I come over? We need to talk." Sandy said seriously.

"Um, sure." Johnny said, thankfully his apartment was cleaned.

51

Sandy sipped coffee and wiped her tears.

"It's over," Sandy said with finality. "Gerald doesn't think I'm good enough for him. In fact, he's moving to San Francisco do be closer to his family."

"Oh. I'm sorry Sandy I really am. Actually, I don't think any man is good enough for you. You're caring, thoughtful and well you're just wonderful." Johnny blushed.

Sandy gave a wan smile and then reached over and kissed Johnny on the cheek. "Thank you. Most men wouldn't have let me come over and talk about it. I know I broke your heart. Can we be friends? To start with?" Sandy smiled.

"We are friends Sandy. Hey, I need all the friends I can get?" Johnny laughed.

"Well, I'm just sorry I didn't see what was right before me. Can we start over? Please?" Sandy smiled.

"Um, sure. Hi, I'm John Gage, firefighter/Paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department."

"Hi I"m Sandy, a Social Worker for Los Angeles County. Nice to meet you John Gage. I hope we can be friends, to begin with." Sandy smiled.

Johnny smiled back and held Sandy's hands.