Strangers - part three by Sharon After a quiet and tense ride home, Johnny and Dixie finally arrived back at the ranch. Johnny climbed down off the horse and turned to help Dixie down as well. Slipping his right hand into the back pocket of his jeans, he pulled it back out clinging to his keys. "Here Dix, why don't you go inside and make yourself at home. I'm going to take care of Thunder." "Okay, can I do anything for you?" "No, I can manage." He smiled Dixie turned and walked towards Johnny's house dangling his keys as she went. Johnny led Thunder into the corral. He took the saddle off the horse and put it away, returning with a brush in his hand. He started to stroke the horse while talking to her quietly and soothingly. He was telling her what a beautiful ride they had and complimenting her for giving Dixie a comfortable first trip. 'First times aren't normally comfortable Johnny, as a matter of fact they can be down right awkward. How do I approach this? Is it too soon? After all, this really is only our second date. Well it never stopped you before Gage, so why are you so nervous? You know the answer to that, because this is Dixie that's why. She's special! Oh boy, that still doesn't tell me how to go about this.' While Johnny was looking after his horse and trying to get control of his nerves. Dixie unlocked Johnny's house, stepped inside and placed the keys on the table beside the door. She took off her shoes and decided to get herself a glass of water. Their walk, the encounter with the snake and the nervous tension on the ride home had all served to make her very thirsty. She made her way into the kitchen and went to the cupboard where she knew Johnny kept his mugs and glasses. After opening it up and looking at its contents she wondered whether she should bring a glass out to Johnny. 'No Dix old girl, stay away from Johnny right now. Clear your mind and think. Are you ready for this? I know physically I'm more than ready, but am I emotionally ready? For five years you haven't been with anyone other than Kel, so you better make good and sure you can handle this.' "That sure looks good Dixie" Hearing Johnny's voice startled the woman standing at the sink, as well as sending her stomach into small ripples of anxiety. "You mean the glass of water?" She asked turning to face Johnny. "Among other things." He grinned. She returned his smile and got down another glass and filled it with cold tap water. She handed it to the young man in front of her; they're hands barely touching. Johnny felt what seemed like a bolt of lightening streak through his body. He closed his eyes and downed the glass of water in a single gulp. As he started walking over to the sink, Dixie moved out of his way. He refilled his glass and turned to her. "So did you enjoy yourself?" he asked the pretty woman who made herself comfortable at his table. "Yes Johnny, thank you for asking me out here. It's beautiful. And I've decided the next time Mike gives me a hard time, I'll just throw him over my shoulder and deposit him in a broom closet." She smiled. Johnny laughed as he imagined her picking Doc Morton up over her shoulder and carrying him threw the halls at Rampart. "Hey now, it's meant to be used as a safety tool." He teased. She threw her head back and laughed a hearty laugh. Johnny loved the sound, realizing he didn't think he ever heard her have a real good laugh. He watched her mouth form an exquisite smile and her eyes twinkle and capture the sunlight streaming through the window over the sink above his head. 'Oh God, I want you Dixie. But you have to give me some sort of signal. I can't seem to read you.' Dixie stopped laughing and looked into the sexiest eyes she ever saw. Her stomach felt as thought it was competing in the Olympics for the national gymnastics team. 'John Gage why do you make me feel like a 15 year old school girl?' "So are you hungry?" he asked. "Actually I am getting hungry." She glanced at her watch and was surprised to find it was 5:00. 'Boy time fly's when I'm with you Johnny.' "Good, why don't we go out somewhere to eat? I don't really have much in the house to make a decent meal." She chuckled remembering she had those same thoughts earlier in the afternoon when she made him a sandwich for lunch. "Sure, that would be nice." "Okay, I suppose you'd like to change. Would you like to wait for me or go home to change now and I can pick you up there later?" "Yeah, I'll go home now and meet you there when you're ready." "Okay." He walked her out to her car and opened the car door for her. He bent down and gave her a soft sensual kiss. "I really enjoyed our afternoon together Dix." After returning his kiss, she opened her eyes and looked into his handsome face. There was no mistaking his desire for her. "I did too, Johnny. Thanks again. I'll see you in a little while." She slid into her car's waiting seat. "By the way, your keys are on the table beside the front door." "Kay." It was almost a whisper. He shut her car door and watched her drive down his driveway. He let out a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his hair. 'Okay Johnny, she's not fawning over you, but she's not telling you to take a hike either. I guess that's a good sign.' The young man entered his house and for the second time that afternoon went into his master bath and took a cold shower to prepare for a date. Precisely ninety minutes later he was knocking on the door of his dinner date's apartment. As the door opened he stood stunned. "Come on in John, I'm almost ready." She retreated down the hallway into her bedroom to put the finishing touches to her attire. He closed his gapping mouth, cleared his throat, stepped into the apartment and closed the door behind him. He knew Dixie was a beautiful woman, but he would have never, in all the years he'd known her, described her as sexy. But he would now! She was wearing a dress that did nothing but accentuate her womanly figure. She was also wearing a small amount of make up which served its purpose nicely. Johnny couldn't help but notice how incredible her eyes were. 'Boy Johnny, have you ever really looked at Dixie before? Man she's going to drive you crazy looking like that.' As she finally came back into the room, putting on the bracelet the men of Station 51 bought her for her birthday, she smiled at the sight of the young man still leaning against her door. "You could have come in and made yourself comfortable." Realizing he hadn't moved since he walked into Dixie's apartment, Johnny smiled a rather bashful smile and said, "um..That's okay. I'm comfortable." "Well I'm ready. We didn't discuss where we would be going so I tried not to overdo it." "Uh you look…you look…well stunning Dix." "Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself. Would you like a drink before we go?" "Well to be honest, I'm starving." She smiled and let out a small chuckle. "Like I said, you're always hungry." "Just think of me as a growing teenage boy." He responded. Johnny opened the door and Dixie started to walk out, placing a hand on her shoulder he brought her to a stop. "You really do look great Dix!" "Thank you. So do you." She placed a hand on his cheek. She didn't know why she did it; she just felt a need to touch him. He closed his eyes and savored her touch. Dixie's hand slid to the back of his neck and gently lowered his head to her. He opened his eyes and his mouth found hers as he brought his arms around her. He caught the scent of her perfume and felt his body starting to react to her. He let out a soft groan as he ran a hand through her soft shoulder length hair. He wasn't sure how much more of this he could take. He drew himself away from her, but not breaking eye contact. "Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to go?" he half groaned, half whispered. Taking her hand away from his neck, which allowed him to stand up straight, she nodded her head. She cleared her throat trying to find her voice. "I was hoping for Italian?" "You've got it." He smiled. Having made their decision of which restaurant to go to, Johnny escorted his date out to his waiting Rover. He opened the door for her and closed it when she was safely inside. After a twenty-minute drive, he found himself walking into "Mario's Eatery" with Dixie on his arm. Mario's was the perfect choice of dinning for a couple hoping for a nice quiet and romantic dinner. The lights were low; a candle was in the center of each table and the soft sounds of only the best crooners provided the perfect dinner music. After being seated and ordering the baked lasagna for himself and the fettuccini Alfredo for Dixie, he also asked their waiter for a bottle of white Italian wine. "So are you off tomorrow?" Johnny asked. "No I'm working." "Okay, I'll try to remember to keep the hour decent. Not that I wouldn't like to spend all of my free time with you." He confessed. She smiled, enjoying his honesty. "Does that mean you're off tomorrow." "Yep, you bet." He rubbed his hands together. The waiter returned with their bottle of wine and poured the clear dry beverage into their waiting glasses. They both responded with a friendly "Thank you." "So what are your plans for tomorrow?" "Well I think I'll finish my deck and then Chet, Marco and I plan on playing pool in the afternoon." "Sounds busy. Don't you ever relax during your days off?" "Yeah, once in a while. My relaxing days are usually spent with Roy and his family. Occasionally Mike and his wife Beth will invite me over as well. That's pretty relaxing too." "You guys are all pretty close, aren't you?" "I suppose so. Don't you ever get together with any of your co-workers?" "Occasionally, but not very often. We all pretty much work different schedules. But Joe and I will usually try to get out to a few jazz shows a year. We normally go together because Kel doesn't…" Having said the name of her former lover, Dixie stopped herself, not knowing how Johnny would respond to hearing his name. At that moment, the waiter once again returned, this time with their food. Before picking up his fork, Johnny looked at Dixie. "Listen Dix, it's okay. I don't mind you talking about Doctor Brackett. I understand, he was a big part of your life for a long time." Feeling more relieved than she could have ever imagined; she smiled at her dinner date wishing she could embrace him with a thank you. Instead she settled on giving him a verbal "thank you." Johnny gave her a quick grin and than went to work on his lasagna. Noticing Dixie's wineglass was empty, he picked up the bottle and poured her another glass, than topped off his own. After they had both finished their meals, Johnny asked to see the dessert menu. Dixie declined her menu with a kind wave of her hand. Johnny frowned. "You're not having dessert?" "You've got to be kidding? I'm stuffed." "You're sure?" "Yes Johnny, I couldn't eat another bite." "Do you want a coffee or tea?" "No, I'm still working on my wine, thanks." "Well okay." After scanning the menu, he decided on a cheesecake. While waiting for his dessert to arrive, he asked, "Do you have next Sunday off Dixie?" "No, why?" "Well Roy and Joanne have invited me over for dinner. I was hoping you could come with me." Her reply left him feeling somewhat dejected. Seeing his disappointment she explained, "I get off at 3:00. So I could make it if it's okay with Roy and Joanne." With a smile spreading across his face he let her know, "Of course it would be okay, you're their friend. Plus Jo's always trying to get me to bring a date." With his dessert arriving, Johnny's attention turned once again to his stomach. Dixie sat drinking her wine, continuing to wonder where her dinner date put all his food? 'You must have an amazing metabolism. Boy what woman wouldn't kill for it!' While eating his cheesecake Johnny slowly realized Dixie was humming to the Dean Martin song playing in the background. 'Man, that's a nice sound, very soothing. I bet she can sing! I should try and get her to sometime. Man what a night! Good food, good wine and a beautiful sexy woman humming by candle light. This is something I could write home about.' "I think I'm finally full" he patted his stomach. Dixie chuckled realizing for the first time that a small part of Johnny's charm was his boyish playfulness wrapped into a good looking sexy man. 'Yes despite popular belief around the hospital, Johnny is definitely a man. Geez Dix, you'd better decide real soon how you want this evening to end!' After paying the bill, Johnny drove back to Dixie's apartment building. Killing the engine he turned to her, "I'll walk you up." Glancing at her watch, she realized it was only 9:00. "Why don't you come in for a bit Johnny." He looked at his own watch. "Are you sure?" "Yeah, it's still early." After they entered her apartment. Dixie turned on the lights and bent over to take off her high heels off. As she started towards her kitchen she turned to Johnny. "Would you like a drink?" "No, I'm driving. I've had my limit thanks." Dixie retreated to the kitchen and put on the kettle to make herself a tea. Coming into the living room a few minutes later, she found her companion sitting in front of her stereo going through her record albums. By this time, he'd taken off his sports jacket, loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt. 'My he's sexy!' "Is there anything you'd like to listen to?" "Uh..no not really. I'm sorry I shouldn't be going through your stuff" "Oh that's okay, music should be shared." Her face more than her words let him know she didn't mind. 'She sure has a nice softness about her. I'm crazy about you Dixie McCall.' They both made their way over to her couch and sat down. Dixie placing her hot tea onto her coffee table. Johnny looked at his watch. "Are you sure you wouldn't like me to leave? You have to get up and work tomorrow." Placing a hand on his arm she re-assured him, "it's okay. It's still a bit early and I don't start until 10:00 am. I'll be fine." Her touch was unbearable for the young man. He leaned over and took her in his arms. His kiss was soft and sensual. Unlocking their lips, but with heads still together, he spoke in a throaty voice, "Dixie I can't tell you how much a love being with you." He started to place small kisses along her jaw line. Dixie was becoming overwhelmed by the younger mans desires. 'Oh God Johnny I want you to, but I don't think I'm ready for this.' Despite her thoughts, she couldn't help but love what he was doing to her senses. She tilted her head giving him access to her neck. Johnny immediately responded to her guidance. She closed her eyes and let a small moan escape from between her lips. Johnny's mouth made it's way towards Dixie's once again. As their lips met, she felt Johnny's hand find her breast. She let out another moan. 'Oh but you make it hard to say no Johnny.' After enjoying these sensations a moment longer, she placed her hands on his chest and gently pushed him away from her. "Johnny, I'm really sorry. I don't think I'm ready for this just yet" she panted. "I feel so foolish." Although feeling very disappointed as well as frustrated Johnny was quick to re-assure her. Placing a hand on her cheek and softly rubbing her face with his thumb he looked straight into her eyes. "It's okay Dixie. I understand. I only told you to think of me as a teenage boy where food is concerned. I'm a grown man I can wait. There's no reason to feel foolish." His words brought a small smile to her lips. "Thanks Johnny, you're sweet and kind." The hand on her cheek made it's way down her neck and started playing with her hair. "It has nothing to do with being kind Dixie. I care about you. I don't want you to do anything you're not ready for. You can set the pace here." "Thank you Johnny. That means a lot to me." She was no longer feeling foolish, but had to admit she was a bit disappointed with herself. She really did want to be with Johnny. It was just too soon for her. "I suppose you'd like to leave now?" She sighed. "Not unless you're kicking me out." He smiled a crooked questioning smile. "Of course not. I just thought…" "Well you thought wrong." He took her hand in his and sat contently on the couch with her. They sat in silence enjoying the time they could spend together. After another thirty minutes, Johnny insisted he leave so she could get a good night's sleep. "Thank you for dinner Johnny." "My pleasure Dixie. I'll call you tomorrow." "Okay I look forward to it." She admitted. He bent down and gave her a slow passionate kiss. "Drive careful." She said as he finally made it out of her apartment. She closed the door, locked it and leaned against it. 'Okay Dix old girl, you've gotten used to his kisses, let's work on the rest of it. The poor man will probably take a cold shower when he gets home. You could use one yourself.' She turned out her lights, walked into her bathroom and washed off her make up and brushed her teeth. She went into her bedroom and got ready for bed. Pulling the covers over her body after climbing into bed, she turned off the small lamp on her night table and snuggled into bed. Despite how tired she felt, she couldn't sleep. She could still feel Johnny's body against hers and his hand fondling her breast. Bringing her own hand to her breast she let out a loud sigh. 'Okay Dix, he's giving you control, you know you want Johnny in your bed. Try to relax and not think about how different he makes you feel compared to Kel. Of course it's different, he's a completely different person with different qualities. What he showed you tonight were qualities you always wondered if he possessed. Understanding, gentleness, and maturity, those are important to you. He has proven he's got them as well as being sweet, sensitive and caring. Now go to sleep.' The next morning at 8:30 Dixie's phone rang. Making her way into the living room from the kitchen where she'd been making herself a coffee, she picked up the phone. "Hello." "Morning beautiful" She smiled a very wide smile. "What are you doing up this early on you're day off John Gage?" She heard a chuckle on the other end and pictured him standing barefoot in a pair of jeans drinking his own coffee. "I told you, I have a deck to finish. Plus I wanted to hear the sound of you're voice to start my day." "You really are an incurable flirt." He smiled, "So I've been told." "Well believe it Fire boy." "Fire boy?" "Yeah, Fire boy, do you have a problem with that?" "No more than you do with my flirting." She laughed. She woke up this morning wondering if Johnny had only been being nice to her the previous evening. She was worried she ruined what was starting between them. But true to his word, he called her. Her heart skipped a beat thinking about the night before. He broke into her thoughts "You know, if I was thinking straight last night, I would have offered to swing by and take you out for breakfast this morning before your shift." "Oh that's okay John." "I just want to spend as much time with you as possible." "I have to admit that would be nice. But than you wouldn't get to work on your deck." "I could work on it this afternoon." "I thought you said you were going out with Chet and Marco?" "I am, you see I could call them up and tell them I've had a change of plans. I'd tell them I'm firing up the barbecue pit and putting the beer in the fridge. Invite them over for burgers and when they get here, put them to work." "Johnny you're insufferable. You can't do that to you're friends." She laughed at what sounded like one of his infamous business schemes. "Sure I could. Roy does it to me all the time." He protested. "Well Fire boy! As much as I'd love to spend the next hour talking with you, I have to get ready for work." "Okay Beautiful, have a good day." "I will and you have a good time with Chet and Marco." "Thanks, I will." "Bye." "Bye." Johnny reluctantly replaced the receiver back in its cradle and made his way into his kitchen to pour himself another cup of coffee, stopping at the sink he relived his dinner with Dixie. He couldn't stop thinking about her. She looked incredible and she felt so good in his arms. He hadn't gotten a very good night's sleep. He tossed and turned wondering how long it would be before he could make love to her. He understood her apprehension, but he did want her badly. 'She was with Kelly Brackett for five years Johnny. That's a long time to be with only one person. She's nervous; you're new to her. Be patient. I wish I'd thought of taking her out for breakfast last night. I miss her already.' Pouring himself a coffee he retreated into his bedroom seeking out a pair of socks and a T-shirt. Finding what he was looking for, he then found a pair of running shoes and made his way outside to finish his deck. ********** Later in the afternoon as Dixie made her way down the hallway at Rampart, Joe Early came up beside her placing an arm around her shoulder. "You about ready for lunch?" he asked. "Sure Joe, you buying?" she laughed. "Don't I always?" he smiled. They stopped at the nurse's station so she could sign herself out for lunch. Then the pair made their way to Rampart's cafeteria. Having made their eating choices and each grabbing a cup of coffee, Joe paid the cashier for both meals. "It's beautiful outside, let's sit out on the patio." She said. "Sure." After sitting and eating for a few minutes, Joe decided to take the plunge. "Dix, this is none of my business, so if you tell me to butt out I'll understand." The nurse took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. She had the distinct feeling she knew what this was going to be about. "Go ahead Joe." "Well as you know, this place is full of rumors." "Rumors of which I'm surprised you of all people listen to." She interrupted. "Oh I listen Dix, I just don't join in." he smiled. Seeing his smile helped relax the nurse. She and Joe shared a unique friendship. They had a lot in common and enjoyed each other's company. "Well anyway, something I heard in the lounge the other day has been bothering me." He continued. She frowned, not liking the sound of this. "I'll just come right out and say it. I heard the reason for yours and Kel's breakup was Johnny Gage." Before she could respond he put his hands up to stop her. "Dixie I really could care less who you're seeing as long as he treats you right. Like I said, it's none of my business but I just can't see Johnny doing something like that or you for that matter. I just thought you'd like to know what's been going around." Dixie was furious. She hated the thought of being the topic of the latest gossip circulating around the hospital. Suddenly she felt like she'd been punched in the stomach. "Has Kel heard this rumor Joe?" concern evident in her voice. "He hasn't mentioned anything, but you know Kelly, he wouldn't comment anyway." The two continued to tackle their lunch and Joe got up and bought them each another coffee. Placing the styrofoam cups on the table, he looked at the woman sitting across from him and curiosity got the better of him. He noticed a difference in his friend for a while now, and her reaction to Johnny's being stuck in that cave was highly unusual for her. "So are you seeing Johnny Dix?" he asked cautiously. She couldn't have hid her pleasure if she'd tried. "We've had a few dates." "That's great! If that's what's put a spring in your step lately, than I'm all for it. Does Kelly know?" "Thanks Joe. And yes Kel knows." ********* Johnny wasn't paying much attention to what Hank was saying during roll call. He knew his captain was just letting everyone know what his chore for the shift would be. He perked up at the sound of his name. "John you're cooking today Pal." A loud groan could be heard from the four other men standing along side the paramedic. "And Johnny, Roy, you'll be having a ride along today. When you're at Rampart picking up supplies, pick up Dixie McCall as well. She'll be riding along because of some problems the hospital staff has been having appreciating the paramedic program again, or something like that." Roy glanced at his partner trying to read whether Johnny knew about this and hadn't mentioned it to him. By the shocked look on his partner's face he guessed the answer was no. After dismissing his men Hank headed for the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee. His paramedics did their morning calibrations and checked the drug box over. The two didn't speak, Roy could sense the younger man's mood. He wasn't ready to talk yet. As Johnny came around to the front of the squad after replacing the biophone and drug box, he turned to Roy who was starting to get into the vehicle. "Uh...can you wait a minute Roy? I need to talk to Cap." "Sure Junior." Noticing his captain took his coffee into the office, Johnny knocked on the open door and waited for Hank to acknowledge him. Looking up from his desk Hank was surprised to see John Gage's nervous face. "Come in Johnny. Something the matter?" Johnny walked threw the doorway and stood before his captain's desk. "Well…um...it's about this ride along today." "I know you and Roy find them irritating but today it'll be Dixie. I'm sure you and Roy could use the extra pair of hands." "Well yeah you're right it's nice to hear someone in the medical field will be joining us…but…." "John what's wrong? As I understand Dixie used to go out with you and Roy all the time before the program passed legislation?" "Well yeah she did but…well…I think you have the right to know something before you okay this." He ran a hand threw his hair. "Johnny?" "Well Cap, Dixie and I have been sort of seeing each other." "Sort of?" "Okay not sort of, we have been." "Oh, well do you think it will cause any problems in the field?" Hank asked trying to hide the shock Johnny's confession brought with it. "No we're both professional." "Does Roy know about this?" "Yes." After thinking for a moment Stanley continued, "can you ask Roy to step in here John" "Sure Cap." Johnny went over to the door and poked his head out. "Roy, Cap wants to see you." He motioned to his partner waiting by the squad. Roy couldn't help but wonder what was going on. 'Did we do something wrong? Is there something wrong with Johnny?' "Roy, Johnny tells me he and Dixie McCall have been seeing one another. Do you have any problems with her riding along with you guys today?" Roy felt relieved to know that nothing was wrong. Taking a quick look at his partner he turned his attention to his captain saying, "No, I don't have a problem with it." Hank looked first at Johnny, than at Roy and back to Johnny. "Okay than it's settled. Nobody has any reason to believe there will be any problems so I guess I'm still okaying this." He smiled Roy left the room and got into the driver's seat of the squad, patiently waiting for his partner to exit the office. 'I'm proud of you Junior, I know it took a lot of guts for you to tell Hank, but you're right he deserves and needs to know about you're dating Dixie if she's going to join us today.' As Johnny started out the door he was stopped by his captain's voice. "John thanks for telling me, I appreciate it Pal. And don't worry we'll watch out for her." "No problem, thanks Cap." Johnny waved his hand in the air as he made his retreat out of the office and over to the squad. He climbed in and Roy pulled the squad out of the bay. "Roy?" "Yeah Johnny." "I invited Dixie to come with me to your place on Sunday. I hope you don't mind?" "Of course not. I'll let Joanne know to expect her. How did your ride go on Saturday?" "Oh it was great! Turns out Dixie's never been on a horse before, so we rode together." "Isn't that convenient?" Roy teased. "Ha ha very funny. You're a real card." "So is Dixie prepared for you're culinary skills?" Roy teased remembering his partner had kitchen duty today. "No I didn't get a chance to go grocery shopping Saturday morning so I took her out for dinner." "So things are going nicely I take it?" "Yeah they are. It's really nice to be so comfortable with someone. You know what I mean?" "Yes Johnny I know exactly what you mean." He thought of Joanne and a smile spread across his face. The two men remained quiet, each involved in his own pleasant thoughts concerning the women in their lives. Dixie looked up as she heard the unmistakable sound of John Gage's chuckle. As she expected, the two paramedics from 51 were making their way down the hallway. She smiled as she saw the look of total confusion on Roy's face. 'What's Johnny doing to poor Roy now?' "Morning Dix. Are you ready for a fun filled day with a bunch of overgrown boys?" Roy asked. "I thought I was until you asked. What's up?" "Oh Johnny's just explaining a new card game he's come up with. It's got more rules than you can shake a stick at. I have the unmistakable feeling it's going to be a very interesting day at the station." "Roy it's really rather simple. You just don't have any card sense, that's all." Johnny interrupted as he went about getting their supplies from the nurse's station. The elder paramedic rolled his eyes and tried to ignore his partner. "So are you ready to leave Dix. We have some grocery shopping to do." "You're kidding! We're going grocery shopping?" "Yeah, we need to buy food for the station." "Okay, I'm as ready as I'll ever be." She smiled and walked down the hall with the blonde haired fireman. Johnny looked up and noticed he was left behind and hurried down the hallway after his partner and the woman whose presence was making him nervous for some reason. 'It'll be fine Johnny. Dixie knows not to get herself into any danger. That's our job.' Wheeling the shopping cart around the grocery store Roy was teasing Dixie. "Now I want you to stay clear of these shopping carts. They can be pretty dangerous." Although she was enjoying Roy's gentle humor she wasn't going to let him know, so she slapped the man lightly on the arm protesting. "It wasn't my fault. Could we please forget that incident." "Well okay, but only for now" he smiled. "Where's Johnny gotten to?" "He's gone to pick up a bag of coffee. Roy I hope you don't mind, but Johnny invited me over to your place on Sunday." "Mind? Of course I don't mind Dix. You're more than welcome to come along with Johnny anytime." "Thanks Roy, I just wanted to make sure it was okay and that you knew." "Yeah I knew, Johnny told me." Arriving back at the station they noticed the engine gone. Johnny went to work putting the groceries away, while Roy started a fresh pot of coffee. Dixie made her way over to the day room and sat on the couch next to Henry. The dog was smelly and looked like he had no energy at all. Despite these facts, she started to pet him anyway. "So how come you have to do a ride along?" Johnny asked taking a seat beside her. "Well some of the newer employees are having a hard time appreciating the work you guys do, so Kel decided some ride a longs were required. He also decided not to discriminate, so everyone has to do at least one." "Well I'm not going to complain because we get to spend some more time together." He lowered his voice. Just than the sound of the engine could be heard backing into the apparatus bay. Four tired looking men walked into the room and Roy started to pour coffee for each of them. "Thanks Roy." Chet said excepting the mug from his co-worker. "By the way Roy I think you need to check Johnny out Pal." Johnny frowned and wondered what Chet was talking about? Roy had a similar look on his face and asked, "What do you mean?" noticing Johnny getting up off the couch and coming to sit at the kitchen table with Dixie following close behind. "I just think he's not feeling very well. Ask Marco he'll agree with me." "What the heck are you talking about, I feel just fine." Johnny objected placing a hand on his chest. "For once I agree with Chet. We went out to play pool with Johnny yesterday and he wasn't acting right." Marco nodded his head in agreement with Chet. "I was acting just fine, you two have lost your marbles." "What was he doing that's made you concerned?" Roy was started to get a bit worried; if Marco agreed with Chet maybe Johnny hadn't been quite acting like himself. "It's more like what he wasn't doing Roy. There we were in a bar, surrounded by all these gorgeous chics…" Chet looked at Dixie and smiled. "I mean woman, these gorgeous woman and not once did Johnny try to hit on any of them! That's just not normal." "Not only that, but one lady even approached Johnny and asked him if he'd teach her how to play and he turned her down. Now you tell me Johnny's not sick." Marco offered. Roy just couldn't help himself; he started to laugh. Johnny was feeling uncomfortable with Dixie sitting at the table listening to the guys talk about, what even he had to admit, was not normal behavior for him. "That's not funny Roy!" Soon Mike Stoker joined Roy's laughter. The fact that Johnny was getting riled so easily made the whole story too funny not to laugh at. "I don't think it's funny either. I think there's something seriously wrong with Gage." Chet said. "Okay you twits, let's leave the bar talk alone. Dixie would you like a cup of coffee?" Hank felt sorry for Johnny and Dixie both, having John's libido or lack of it discussed in front of the new woman in his life, was probably making them both uncomfortable. As Hank was handing Dixie a cup of coffee the klaxons sounded. Station 51…house fire… 16 Claremont…cross street Elm. 16 Claremont…time out 10:11. Six firemen and a nurse all sprang into action. Hank Stanley stopped at the microphone and responded to LA dispatch. "KMG 365". He handed a piece of paper to Johnny who was standing beside Mike at the map on the wall. Locating their destination, the two men each made their way over to their waiting vehicles. Getting into the squad Johnny opened the glove compartment pulled out a notebook and a green pen out of his breast pocket. After looking at his watch and scribbling something down he returned the two items to their rightful place and turned his attention to the road ahead him. Once in a while he'd tell Roy to make a turn pointing as he did so. As the two wailing vehicles came to a stop in front of a fully involved two-story house, a woman came screaming towards them. Getting out of the squad Johnny placed both hands on the woman's shoulders. "Okay ma'am, you need to calm yourself down. What's the problem?" "My daughter is still in the house! She was home sick from school today, my husband and I assumed the other had gotten her! Please get my baby!" "Alright, you just stay here with this nice woman. This is Dixie an' she's a registered nurse. My partner and I will get your daughter." He gently moved the woman over toward Dixie, who immediately wrapped her arm around the young woman to comfort her. Roy walked over to Hank. "Cap, we have a young child still in the house. Johnny and I are going in." "Make it quick Pal." Roy returned to the squad just as Johnny was putting on his mask. "Let's go Junior." He grabbed his own mask and started adjusting it. As the two walked past the mother and nurse, Johnny caught the worried look on Dixie's face. 'Geez Dix, why do you have to do a ride along? You're not causing any problems at Rampart. You don't need to see me walking into a burning building!' As he entered the house, the heat and smoke snapped him out of his thoughts of Dixie. He turned his concentration to finding a little girl and watching his partners back. As she watched the paramedics enter the house, Dixie held the woman next to her a little harder. "Don't worry Mrs.…" "Callaway." The woman responded. "Well don't worry Mrs. Callaway. They're the best paramedic team in the county. They'll have your daughter out in no time. Are you or your husband hurt?" "No we're fine thank you." Dixie turned to look at the house again. She felt sick thinking about the two men and a little girl who were all in the house, which was by now really engulfed in flames. She watched as Chet and Marco held onto hoses trying to do battle against the raging fire. Hank was right next to them making small gestures with his arms once in a while, or helping when either of them needed it. She then turned and looked at the engine. Mike was right where Johnny said he'd be. Standing by the engine, staring up at the house and than back to the number of gauges on the side of the rig. Every once in a while he'd adjust a knob, or turn a lever. She decided she couldn't watch him any longer, the determined look on his face, interrupted once in a while by a frown was too much for her to take. 'What exactly goes threw your mind Mike? Are you thinking about Johnny and Roy being in the house when you look up at it, or are your just re-evaluating your gauges?' When Dixie heard what sounded like a loud explosion she turned to look at the house just as Chet went flying through the air. She immediately ran towards him and was met at his side by Captain Stanley. "Chet, can you hear me Pal?" Hank asked. Shaking his head as if to rid it of cobwebs, Chet opened his eyes. "I hear ya Cap. Man that was some back draft. I didn't see it coming." "Well neither did I…neither did I." Hank turned to look back at the house. 'Come on Roy Johnny. You gotta get out of there.' He grabbed his HT out of his pocket. "Squad 51 this is Engine 51. Are you two okay in there?" His HT crackled. "Yeah Cap, we're fine. We have the victim but we're going to need a ladder. The explosion caused the staircase to collapse." Roy's calm voice responded. Dixie looked up at the house seeing an upstairs window being opened. She decided to turn her attention to Chet and started to take his vitals, her hands shaking. 'Don't think about Johnny and Roy being in a house that's on fire, concentrate on Chet. He's a victim and needs your help. How do the guys do this everyday?' Hank yelled out. "Mike we need the ladder Pal." He placed a hand on Dixie's shoulder and asked, "are you okay Dix?" "To tell you the truth Hank, I don't think so." Mike started over to unhook the ladder and was soon joined by Marco who dropped his line to help. They carried the ladder over to the house and placed it up to the open window on the second floor. Making sure it was secure and holding onto it firmly, Mike nodded his head letting the fireman at the window know it was okay to come down. Johnny started out the window carrying a small fragile victim over his shoulder. Once he was half way down Roy started down the ladder as well. Making it to the ground Johnny carried the little girl over to the squad and gently placed her on the ground then took off his gear and gently threw his helmet off. Captain Stanley had taken out the equipment his paramedics would need then picked up the line Chet had been using, and started to work on the fire. Marco also picked his line back up and Mike walked back over to the engine with the ladder. By this time Roy joined his partner carrying the oxygen from the squad and started to set up the biophone. Dixie joined the two men as Johnny started to take the girl's blood pressure. Roy placed the oxygen mask on the tiny face lying on the ground; he placed the phone to his ear. "Rampart this is squad 51, how do you read?" "Go ahead 51." Brackett responded. He put his free hand on the child's stomach "Rampart we have female victim, approximately 7 years of age. The victim is unconscious as the result of smoke inhalation, hold for vitals." He glanced at his partner. Johnny responded. "BP is 80/40 and pulse is 80." Roy took his hand away from the girl's stomach "Rampart vitals are BP 80/40, pulse 80 and respirations are 15. We've administered 02." Dixie went to the drug box and found a bag of D5W. She reached for a needle the same time as Johnny. He looked up at her and gave her a warm smile. He was surprised she hadn't jumped into action sooner, but looking into her scared and worried face he immediately understood she was recovering from a small amount of shock. 'The explosion must have scared her. This is going to be a very difficult shift.' "Okay 51. Maintain airflow start an IV of D5W and transport as soon as possible." "10-4 Rampart." Replacing the phone Roy looked up to see Dixie starting an IV. He looked at Johnny who was busy trying to convince the girl's parents she was okay. He glanced over at the squad and noticed Chet sitting on the back bumper. He got up and casually walked over to his station mate. "You okay Chet?" "Yeah Roy I was blown by the explosion, that's all. Just a bit shaken." "Let me take a look at ya." "Dixie already did." "Just humor me Chet." Roy went and got the BP cuff and ran back over to the squad. Just as he was starting to put the cuff around Chet's arm the ambulance arrived. "Hold on Chet." He walked over and helped place the victim on the gurney and than the gurney into the waiting ambulance. Just as Johnny started to climb into the ambulance, Roy grabbed his arm. "Johnny, Chet was knocked down by the explosion. I think he should come in with you. Just to be sure." "Okay." Roy walked over to Chet and told him to get into the ambulance with Johnny. Making sure Chet was safely inside; he closed the doors and gave them two hard knocks. He turned to Dixie "Sorry Dix but you'll have to wait to go back to the station with the crew. We're going to need to bring Chet back with us." "Sure no problem Roy." When Chet and the paramedics returned to the station, they found their Captain and Dixie finishing up preparations for lunch. "Thanks Cap, Dix. I appreciate this." Johnny stood behind Dixie looking into the pot on the stove. He went to the cupboard planning on setting the table. When he opened the cupboard containing the bowls, he was hit square in the face with one of the Phantom's water bombs. Turning to face Chet he just glared at him not saying a word. "You know Gage, I think the Phantom's tiring of you. He thinks you're just too easy." Chet smirked. "That would be a nice change wouldn't it?" the soaking wet paramedic seethed. Slapping Johnny on the back, Hank advised, "why don't you go change Pal. I'm sure Chet won't mind setting the table, will you Chet?" "Yeah sure Cap." After Johnny left the room Roy laughed, "you know Chet, one of these days he's going to get you back." "When cows fly Roy…when cows fly." "What about cows flying?" Marco asked as he and Mike entered from hanging hoses outside. "That's when Johnny will get his revenge on the Phantom gentleman." Chet took a sip of the cup of coffee he'd poured himself. Roy at this point started to dry the counter top, while Mike appeared with a mop and bucket taking care of the floor. After all evidence of the Phantom's prank was cleared away. The men turned their attention to lunch. "So Cap what did you and Dixie prepare for lunch?" Roy asked glancing towards the stovetop. "My famous Clam Chowder! I figured since Johnny was suppose to be cooking and you guys weren't back yet, I'd do Dixie the pleasure of having some decent food while she was here." He rubbed his hands together. All the men in the kitchen turned to look at the subject of their captain's comment. They found her deep in thought. She was standing by the stove quietly taking in the scene she just witnessed. She never realized just how random Chet's attacks could be. She also wondered how he knew Johnny would be the one to open that particular cupboard? If she hadn't been told by Johnny himself that he didn't mind these attacks, she would have believed him to be really angry with Chet. She suddenly realized that five sets of eyes were watching her. She smiled not knowing what to say. "Are you okay Dixie? You look shell shocked." Roy asked. "Yeah I'm fine. I just didn't expect that. It kind of startled me." She laughed. All the men smiled realizing how shocking one of Chet's water bombs could be to someone not used to having them go off at anytime. Johnny made his way back into the kitchen still tucking his fresh work shirt into his pants. "Gage, there's a lady present. Couldn't you spare her the sight of you're highly unattractive body?" Chet bellowed. Looking up, Johnny met Dixie's gaze and grinned. "Sorry Dix." She flashed him a smile and turned to Chet. "Don't worry Chet. It wouldn't be anything I haven't seen at the hospital." She teased. "As a matter of fact I believe I've seen a few of you gentlemen on the examining room table." She slowly looked from Chet to Roy and then Marco. "Yeah well we're not at the hospital Dixie, the least he should do is remember some manners in front of a lady." The stocky man replied wondering when and if Dixie may have seen him in his birthday suit. "Shut up Chet." Johnny bellowed. "Okay you twits, give it a rest," their Captain ordered. "Dixie doesn't need to witness you're immature bickering. Now sit down, lunch is ready." Dixie laughed inwardly at the captain's words. 'Boy Roy certainly was right. I'm spending the day with overgrown boys. How does Hank keep his sanity?' While everyone sat down. Chet started placing bowls at the table while Mike went over to the drawer and got out seven spoons. Walking over to the table he purposely set the first spoon beside Dixie's bowl. The captain grabbed the pot off the stove and was ladling portions into the bowls. The room quieted as the seven people started to eat, passing a bowl of cut French bread around. Within seconds of tasting the delicious clam chowder, the claxons went off. |