Strangers in the Night

By Sharon

It had been a slow day at LA County's Rampart General Hospital, and as day headed into evening it showed no signs of changing.

The emergency department's head nurse, Dixie McCall, sat at her desk looking as though she was knee deep in paperwork. When in fact she was rehashing a conversation she had had with Kelly Brackett, the department's Administrator and head doctor, a few weeks before…

**********************

Dixie and Kel were sharing a quiet evening's dinner together; this became a weekly occurrence over the five years they were seeing one another. Tonight's menu was comprised of a rosemary rack of lamb, roasted potatoes and asparagus topped with melted butter and parmesan cheese, served with a chilled red German Riesling. For dessert, Kel had stopped by his favorite bakery and bought two single portions of baked Alaska, which Dixie would fire up after dinner had time to settle.

"Are you okay? You seem a little preoccupied tonight." Kel asked with a bit of concern in his voice. It wasn't like her to not be attentive. he sensed something was bothering the beautiful blonde for a few weeks now, but figured it was the long hard shifts at Rampart that were bringing her down.

Dixie wasn't sure what to say to her friend and lover. She certainly didn't want to hurt him, but she couldn't go on like this either. She knew that Kel was not the "one" for her and longed for something with a little more zing in it. Deep down inside, she knew that she was not his soul mate either; but did he know this?

"Kel, I really don't know what to say to you so I'm going to be honest, I hope this doesn't hurt. But…"

Kelly raising his eyebrows, "But what?"

'God this was going to be harder than I had thought.' Dixie took a deep breath and replied, "Well, I've just been taking inventory on my life lately and have decided, I'm not getting any younger and maybe it's time to really go for the things I want in life. It's not that I don't love you, because I do but…" She just couldn't bring herself to say the rest.

At that point, Brackett brought up his hands and stopped her monologue. "Listen Dix, I know what your about to say. You love me, but your not in love with me, right? It's okay. I understand, for the last year, I feel we've really been more like friends who share the same bed from time to time than true lovers…"

************************

"What do you think, Dix?" asked Johnny Gage.

Dixie was startled by this sudden intrusion by Los Angles County firefighter/paramedicsfrom Station 51, John Gage.

"What do I think about what, Johnny?" Dixie asked as she gave a smirk towards Johnny's partner and friend Roy DeSoto. Knowing Johnny like she did, this open-ended question could be about anything from his latest female desire, to his latest hair brained business scheme. It turned out to be the latter.

"Roy and I are thinking of buying ourselves a cleaning machine and renting ourselves out during our days off. What do you think?" Johnny asked with typical John Gage enthusiasm, as he used his hands to punctuate his words.

"Well, John, I think it's an under valued occupation for one, and it certainly takes a dedicated person to do it on a day to day basis. It's also not exactly a well paid job either." Dixie told Johnny with a sincere tone in her voice. She had a soft spot for John Gage. He was one of her favorite paramedics. He was well respected around Rampart for his fire fighting and paramedic skills, but Dixie knew all about his reputation with her sub-ordinates. Being a single man of twenty-six, Johnny loved to chase her nurses and unbeknownst to Johnny, most of them loved to be caught! Dixie heard many stories about Gage's romances.

"Believe me, we're used to being under paid, aren't we, Roy?" Johnny snorted his response, tapping his partner on the shoulder. Roy was the senior partner of this rescue duo. Although only three years older than Johnny, Roy often felt as though he was at least ten to fifteen years older than his jovial partner. He was happily married to Joanne and they were the proud parents of two children, Christopher nine, and Jennifer five. Dixie commented often to Kelly Brackett how perfectly matched these two men were, despite their very different life styles. They worked like a well-oiled machine and kept each other safe and grounded most of the time, although Johnny was known to drive Roy up the wall on occasion.

"I can't argue there, Junior." Roy responded to Johnny's question. Turning his attention to the head nurse, Roy started to tell her what they needed to refill their supply box, after C shift's busy night. Johnny, shrugging his shoulders, made his way over to the coffeepot and helped himself to a cup.

"Squad 51, what is your status?" Cracked Sam Lanier's voice over the HT in Johnny's hand.

"Squad 51, available," replied the lean paramedic.

"Squad 51, stand by for response."

"10-4, L.A

The tones sounded and Sam could be heard a few seconds later with their instructions. "Station 51, child caught in public swimming pool. 1015 Lakeside Avenue, cross street Pincrest, 1015 Lakeside Avenue, time out 8:35."

"Squad 51," Johnny responded to Sam, as he started down the hall looking over his shoulder at Dixie. "Well Dix, our public awaits." Johnny smiled at her with his infamous grin. "See ya later."

"Yeah, see you later, Dix." Roy said has he hustled to catch up to Johnny who was already half way down the hall.

Dixie told the boys goodbye and to be safe as she watched them trot down the hall. 'He sure does have a nice smile; I can see why all my nurses seem to fall for him. I wonder why none of them seem to keep him? Maybe he doesn't want a commitment, sowing a few wild oats perhaps. He does seem to envy Roy and his home life, although he'd be the last to admit it. Oh well, it's none of my business.' Dixie turned her attention back the file she was working on before Johnny interrupted her previous thoughts.

***************

Mike Stoker steered the engine around the corner just as the squad was coming to a stand still. He expertly pulled the engine in behind the squad; not too closely so Roy and Johnny could still have access to the squads back compartments. Captain, Hank Stanley jumped out the passenger seat as the engine came to a halt. Before he hit the ground, police officer Vince Howard trotted over to him.

"Hey, Hank, we have a very scared boy here. He dropped a marble into the drain and decided he could get it back out himself." Vince explained the situation to 51's captain.

"Thanks Vince. Okay men lets see what we need to do here." Hank said to his crew as he made his way over to the public pool. "Marco, Chet get a ladder so we can climb down to him. Mike, call headquarters and have them contact the public works department, have them shut off the flow of water to this pool, pal. These public pools are usually on timers for filling."

"Ok Cap," all three firemen responded in unison.

Roy and Johnny made their way down the ladder to the sobbing boy. Johnny was doing his best to keep the child from moving around too much, hoping to keep the swelling of the boy's hand to a minimum.

"Hi my name's Johnny 'an I'm with the fire department. We're here to help get you out of here okay. This is my partner Roy." Johnny assured the boy as he pointed to Roy who was standing beside him. "But we're gonna need your help. What I need you to do, is try to stay as still as you can okay?" Johnny asked the boy who was obviously very scared. "What's your name?"

"David," replied the little red headed boy, his voice trembling with fear.

Johnny grinned at the boy and asked if he was hurt anywhere else.

David nodded his head no.

"Okay Roy, let's work some magic." Johnny smiled at his partner, which reassured David, who relaxed a bit.

"David, is your hand open or closed?" Roy asked.

"Closed."

"David, I need you to open your hand."

"But if I do, I'll lose my marble." David said holding back his tears."

"What kinda marble is it?" Johnny asked.

"It's a stinky."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"I bet it was hard to get one."

"Yeah, it was. My best friend had it and I wanted it, so I gave him five baseball cards for it!"

"Wow, tell ya what David. If you open your hand, like Roy asked ya to, I promise you, I'll get your stinky out."

David perked up. "Really?"

"Really!" Johnny said with total enthusiasm. Roy looked at his partner in awe, wondering how he was going to get the marble out.

 "Okay, when I say three, open your hand. One, two, three." As Johnny said three, David released the marble and Roy was able to gently pull the boy's hand out from the drain. David peered down the drain, looking for his marble. His eyes began to tear up again, fearing he'd never see his beloved marble again.

"Hey, David, why the sad face?" Roy asked.

David shrugged his shoulders, as words couldn't express his feelings.

"Lemme check your hand." Roy took the small boy's hand and looked at it for any broken bones or cuts. Finding none he helped the boy up the ladder.

Meanwhile, Johnny had already went up the ladder and started over to the squad. Captain Stanley approached with a young woman in tow. "John, this is Mrs. Jones, the boy's mother. Mrs. Jones, this is John Gage, he's one of my paramedics."

"Thank you so much for all you're doing for my son, Mr. Gage. Is he going to be okay?" asked the worried woman.

"Yeah, he's going to be fine. But we will want to take him to Rampart General just to be sure." Johnny replied with his sympathetic paramedic voice. "How old is your son, ma'am?"

"Seven"

"Ok, we're going to talk to the hospital to let them know his situation, and when the ambulance gets here you'll be able to ride in the front if you wish." He smiled reassuringly as he made his way over to the biophone which Chet had already set up for him.

"Rampart, this is squad 51, how do you read?" Johnny asked.

"Go ahead, 51," Dr Morton replied.

"Rampart we have a seven year old male. He had his hand caught in a drainpipe. There seems to be no apparent injuries other than mild swelling. Hold for vitals."

He looked at Roy whom had David sitting on the ground beside him. "BP is 96/70, pulse is 70 and respirations 20.

Johnny repeated the vitals to Morton who instructed an IV of D5W and transportation as soon as possible.

Roy, having heard the instructions, set to work on starting an IV while trying his best to not scare David anymore than he already was. Once the IV was in, he loaded the boy and himself into the ambulance and was transported to Rampart.

Johnny threw the equipment into the squad, then searched out his captain. 'OK Johnny, now is the time to pour on the Gage charm.'

"Uh, Cap." Johnny stammered as Hank turned to look at him.

"What is it, pal?"

"Well, I sort… well, I kinda made a promise to that little boy while we were down there." he explained nervously looking at his captain.

Hank looked back at the younger man with amusement. This wasn't a first and knowing John it wouldn't be the last. Hank raised his eyebrows encouraging John to continue.

"Well, in order to get him to open his hand so we could get it out, well, I kind of…well, I promised him I'd get his marble out for him." Johnny looked at Hank pleadingly.

"And just how do you plan on doing that?"

"I was…um…hoping we could use a hose and the engine?" Johnny asked his superior sheepishly.

Hank understood Johnny's theory immediately, if they reversed the pressure in the hose it would work as a vacuum. He looked over at the rest of his crew, Chet and Marco were busy putting the ladder away.

"Well, we can't let a young child believe firemen don't keep their promises, now can we?" he smiled slapping Johnny on the back.

"Thanks Cap!" Johnny ran over to the engine as fast as he could.

"Make it quick," was all Hank said to Johnny after filling Mike in on the plan. The engineer turned to the rig and went to set things up for the paramedic.

Johnny climbed back down the ladder Chet and Marco set back up. He took his left boot and sock off, than placed his sock over the hose nozzle. He yelled up to Mike he was ready and the hose came to life in his hands. He placed it over the drainpipe and waited until he felt the unmistakable feeling of something hitting his "filter". He pulled the hose away to look at it and sure enough, there was David's stinky. Johnny looked up at his station mates with a smile on his face. His co-workers responded in kind.

Roy jumped out of the ambulance with David and headed down to treatment room 2 with him.

"Hi yea, Dix," Johnny exclaimed as he grabbed himself a coffee at the nurses' station. "What are you doing out here, I thought you'd be in the treatment room with the doctors?"

"I'm trying to give Sharon a little more room to work. It'll give her more experience and responsibility. She's really been improving over the last few months, especially around Doctor Brackett. She's turning into a fine nurse."

"Yeah, she's a sweet kid. I hope it helps with her with her confidence as well. She really seems unsure of herself whenever she's in the treatment rooms. Not with the patients mind you. She really does get them to relax some." Johnny replied.

"Are you ready to go, Junior?" Roy asked as he approached the counter.

"Just a sec, Roy", Johnny responded fishing for something in his pocket. Out came a marble in the paramedic's hand. He handed it to Dixie and asked her if she could give it to David when he was done with his treatment.

Dixie took the marble from Johnny with a perplexed look.

Roy, shaking his head in disbelief understood her confusion and explained, "David got his hand stuck trying to retrieve his marble from the pools drain pipe."

"Sure, Johnny, I'll make sure he gets it" she smiled.

"Thanks Dix." Johnny threw her a heart-melting smile. 'Boy that man is full of surprises. Wherever did he get this marble from? Sharon's not the only one who can put patients at ease. That Johnny sure can as well.'

****************

The men at Station 51's A shift had been planning a fortieth birthday party for Dixie for weeks. Captain Stanley hired a pianist friend of Joe Early's to play at the party. Mike Stoker and his wife Beth, picked out a birthday present with the money the crew chipped in. Marco made a pot of his famous Irish stew for a crowd of at least twenty-five people; Chet brought the hotdogs and hamburgers leaving Johnny was in charge of decorations, while Roy and Joanne supplied the venue.

Many of Ramparts employees were invited as well. Joe was bringing some punch. Sharon the macaroni salad, Doc Morton came with a garden salad and Doctor Brackett of course, was bringing dessert.

Somehow, Dixie's friends managed to keep the party a secret. Joanne called her the previous Saturday and invited her over to the house under the guise of needing a fourth player in a card game. Dixie said she would love to come, saying she'd bring some snacks with her. Joanne told her that wasn't necessary, but Dixie insisted.

Dixie nearly had heart failure when she walked into the DeSoto's back yard and twenty to twenty-five people jumped out from behind the trees, the swimming pool, and the shed, all yelling "SURPRISE" at the top of their lungs. It was then that she noticed the brightly colored balloons and streamers as well as a large sign exclaiming, "Lordy, Lordy look who's 40!" with a blown up picture of herself taken at the annual firefighters charity picnic from the previous year.

The afternoon was a hit with the friends and co-workers chatting, laughing, teasing and some swimming in the pool together.

"Hank, the piano player is marvelous. Thank you so much for hiring him, I love to listen to music." Dixie said as she stood next to Hank and his wife Cheryl.

"It was our pleasure," he replied with a slight blush. Hank wasn't used to compliments, mainly because he was the boss and was usually on the giving end of praise. Hank was a new age captain who believed hard work from his crew was a given, but never took it for granted. He considered his men the best at what they did and was proud of the fact that he hardly had to give anything but basic orders. His men were professionals and always took pride in a job well done, all the while, being courteous to the public, even when the public didn't reciprocate. He knew Dixie thought highly of his men, especially his paramedic team, so making Dixie happy was something that warmed his heart.

As the sun began to lower, the piano man began to play songs Dixie had requested. He started with Perry Como's "Catch a Falling Star."

"What are you two arguing about now?" Dixie questioned as she sat down opposite Chet Kelly and Johnny.

"We're just discussing the merits of Frank Sinatra versus those of Dean Martin," Chet replied.

"And who has the most?" Dixie asked trying to contain a smile. 'Who would have ever thought this would be the topic between these two?'

" Gage here, seems to think it's Dean Martin, can you believe that, Dixie? I mean, where does he get that misconception from, a bubble gum machine?" Chet lamented.

"Hey, now wait a minute, Chester B." Johnny voiced, placing a hand on his chest. "All I said was I personally like Dean more than Sinatra. That's all I said, I didn't necessarily say he was better," piped up Johnny as he fiddled with his beer bottle.

Dixie couldn't help herself; she had to get Chet. "Why do you say it's a misconception, Chet? I've always believed music is a personal journey. Yes, Frank Sinatra is considered by many to be one of the finest singers ever, but Dean Martin can hold his own. He has a wonderfully smooth voice, plus he has beautiful brown eyes," chided Dixie, throwing a wink in Johnny's direction.

"I don't believe this," Chet said dumbfounded. "Are you telling me, you're going to base your opinion by what color the mans eyes are? Boy, here all along I thought Johnny made the perfect pigeon, now I've heard it all." With that Chet got up and left, leaving Dixie and Johnny alone.

"I'd say Chet's the perfect pigeon." Dixie laughed.

John chuckled and told her that should keep Chet riled for a least a week. "So you like Dean Martin too, Dix?" Johnny questioned.

"Oh yeah, Johnny, I do, but don't tell Chet that Frank Sinatra actually sings my favorite tune."

"What songs that?" Johnny asked.

"Strangers in the Night." Dixie responded.

At that moment, Sharon came over to Johnny and asked him to dance. The piano player was doing a very nice rendition of The Way You Look Tonight, and Sharon said it was one of her favorites and she wanted to dance with the cutest man at the party.

Johnny was a little taken aback by the shy nurse's boldness. He excused himself from Dixie; he led Sharon by the hand to the DeSoto's patio and pulled her close to him. Since Johnny had become a paramedic, he had gotten pretty good at judging how a woman felt about him by counting her respirations. He was somewhat surprised to find Sharon's breathing rapid. 'How can that be? She never gives me the time of day at the hospital; maybe she's just the consummate professional. She's just a kid though. I know I'm not that much older than she is, but she's just not mature enough for me.'

Meanwhile, back on the lawn chair where she had been left, Dixie envied Sharon's position. She watched Johnny holding the pretty girl and couldn't help but wish it was her back Johnny was touching, and her abdomen pressed slightly against his. Over the past two months, since her breakup with Kel, Dixie had started to notice Johnny in a different way. Like the way he walked with a bounce in his step, the way he sounded tense but in control whenever he called Rampart over the biophone, his ranting and raving even started to take on a certain charm lately. Dixie stole another glance a Johnny and Sharon swaying to the music. 'Why should you be envious Dixie, Sharon came right over and asked for what she wanted. If Johnny is what you want, than you're going to have to be bold to. There's a lot of competition out there for Johnny's affection. So if you want it, you're going to have to ask for it!'

At that moment, Dixie was once again interrupted from her personal thoughts as Joanne DeSoto sat down next to her and wished her a happy birthday.

"Thank you, Joanne. You and Roy really didn't have to do this, but thank you again."

"They make a cute couple don't they?" Joanne asked as he watched Sharon and Johnny dancing. Joanne looked back to the birthday girl waiting for a response. She noticed a look on Dixie's face that woman only get when she's watching someone else with something she wants. A small smile spread across the younger woman's face. 'Could she really like Johnny? Or is it just the thought of a soul mate? Maybe Roy knows something. I must remember to ask him about it later.'

As the song came to an end, Johnny released his hold on Sharon and she thanked him for the dance. Johnny smiled and said sure thing and started to walk her back over to her chair by Chris and Jennifer's swing set, when Marco approached and asked her for the next dance. Sharon agreed and Johnny made his way back to the chair across from Dixie and his partner's wife.

Roy made his way over to his wife and asked her to dance, leaving Dixie and Johnny alone once again. Dixie felt uncomfortable; she would have loved to dance but Johnny didn't ask. Despite the small lecture she'd just given herself, she came from an era when the man always asked for the dance, and she just couldn't bring herself to ask Johnny. She was berating herself when Mike Stoker walked up and asked her for the honor of this dance. She smiled politely at Mike and stood. 'Well he's not Johnny but at least I get to dance.'

"Are you having a good time, Dixie?" Mike asked the woman in his arms.

Dixie smiled up at the tall engineer and assured him she was having a marvelous time. Although she didn't get to see Mike all that often, mainly because he had a safer job than the rest of the crew, she liked him. He was quite, kind and thoughtful. 'I'm sure Mike won't make me feel silly if I asked him.'

"Mike, is it okay with most men these days if a woman makes the first move?" Dixie questioned the handsome man.

"I can't speak for most men, I haven't been a part of the dating scene for a few years now, but I think men kind of enjoy having some of the pressure taken off of them. I know I would have welcomed it." Mike said mindfully.

"Do you think the single guys at the station would agree with you?" Dixie asked slyly.

"Chet would probably think the woman was somewhat forward, but he'd still go out with her," Mike replied with a smile on his face. "Marco would be open to a woman approaching him. He's pretty cool with all this woman’s lib stuff, as for Johnny. I'm not really sure. I don't think Johnny himself knows how he feels about it. I know he has a reputation with the nurses Dix, but I think Johnny was raised with pretty traditional values when it comes to woman believe it or not. He dates a lot of women, but we never hear anything in particular from him at the station, if you know what I mean?" Mike responded carefully.

'Yes Mike I think I know what you mean. You're saying Johnny's a gentleman and respects his dates. That's more than I can say for most of the nurses he takes out.'

"Why do you ask?" he questioned his dance partner.

"Oh I'm just curious, Mike, thanks for answering my question" Dixie replied gingerly.

The lady of the hour continued to enjoy herself immensly. Her dance card remained full most of the evening and she and Kel wowed the crowd with a beautifully timed waltz later in the evening. She was also able to open her gifts and have some wonderful cake Joanne baked.

Three hours later, Dixie found herself alone in the back yard with Joanne DeSoto as Johnny and Roy were clearing away some of the remaining dishes. All the other guests were making their way home. Dixie approached Joanne and asked her if she could ask her a question of a personal matter.

"Sure, Dixie, go right ahead," Joanne reassured the woman by placing a hand on her arm.

"What would you think of an older woman dating a younger man, as well as the woman making the first move?" Dixie asked apprehensively.

"I've always believed two people who care for each other should be together no matter what their ages are. Dixie, can I make a comment that I hope won't upset you?"

"Sure."

"I've been watching you today and I've noticed your eyes have done a lot of Johnny watching. If this is the man your wondering about and I believe he is, than don't worry about what others will think, or about your making the first move and just enjoy him. I don't think there's a nicer man on the face of the earth, with the exception of Roy of course.'

"Johnny has the biggest heart of anybody I know. I know a few people think of him as immature and not very responsible. Now granted, he can be irritating once in a while, but Dixie, I watch Johnny playing with my children; he put them to bed for me tonight as a matter of fact. I know that his true spirit comes out when he's with children. He feels safe around kids, I don't know why, he just does. He opens himself up and takes what they give him freely, and of course he gives it right back. He knows the kids aren't judging him or trying to manipulate him, he trusts them."

"I think the woman who's able to give those same things to him, is going to be one very lucky lady. All he wants from life is to be able to live life the way he wants to and to be who he really is. He puts up a great façade but there's one hell of a caring gentleman in there. I believe you probably get to see that side of him when he brings people into the hospital. I'm privileged to see it all the time. He's comfortable with Roy and is able to relax when he's at our home."

"I think he's just looking for a female version of Roy. He wants someone, who he can open up to and feel he won't be ridiculed, which is what Roy gives him. I used to be so frightened whenever Roy would leave for work, of course I'd never tell him that. But that lessened somewhat because of Johnny. I know the guys and the hospital staff all tease and kid him about having nine lives, but he gets injured most of the time because he's watching out for my Roy. He could never live with himself if something happened to my husband. I don't think he values his life any less than Roy's; he just knows that Roy has a family waiting at home for him, so he takes more sacrifices to keep my husband safe."

"I guess what I'm trying to say, as long as Johnny is comfortable with someone and he feels safe, he'll do everything in his power to keep that person safe as well. Am I making any sense?" Joanne asked as she finally finished her speech.

'Yes Joanne you're making perfect sense. You've just reiterated what Mike Stoker said to me only hours ago. John Gage is a decent and compassionate human being who would never make anyone feel stupid for anything they said or did. Gosh Dix, he shows this quality all the time at work how come you don't notice it more. How many times has he brought some one into the hospital as a result of something very foolish they've done to themselves. Like a man welding himself into a piece of art, or a woman falling into a tree, oh and then there was the nurse who got her own hand stuck in a vending machine, he never belittled these people once. Well, okay he did razz me a little over the vending machine, but I guess I deserved a little razzing for all I do to him.'

"Dixie?" Joanne asked with some concern, as she hadn't gotten a response from her friend yet.

"Oh, yes, Joanne, you've made perfect sense, and you've helped more than you know." Dixie said as she reminisced having Johnny squatting beside her at a vending machine at Rampart, with that lop-sided grin and twinkling puppy dog eyes upon her. At that moment, Dixie felt arms wrapping around her from behind and giving her a little squeeze. Joanne smiled and made a discreet exit as Johnny said, "Well Dix, I'm heading out, just wanted to give the birthday girl one last birthday hug."

'Are her respiration's elevated? No, can't be. Or can they? I only had three beers all night! Oh well, just say goodnight to Dix and go home to bed Johnny, you need sleep. We had way too many runs involving children yesterday.'

"Oh, um…thank you, Johnny," Dixie said as she reveled in Johnny's embrace. "I could have done without the huge sign reminding me I'm getting old though" she teased the younger man.

"Oh, sorry, Dix, Roy told me you might not like it, not that I agree with your statement mind you. I don't think your old at all; I think you're a very intelligent, kind, warm, beautiful, funny, and free spirited person. I don't think of old when I think of you, Dix."

"Well, John Gage, when exactly do you think of me?" Dixie asked, liking the banter she and Johnny could always find.

Johnny, noticing that his arms were still wrapped around Dixie's waist, let them fall to his side and then placed them on his slim hips, as Dixie turned to face the handsome fireman. "I don't know Dix… I just mean…. um just that when someone mentions your name I don't think of old, that's all", he blushed his response. "Well anyway, I hope you enjoyed your party." In typical Gage style he stuttered trying to get the words out.

Dixie couldn't help but chuckle at Johnny's state of discomfort. 'Why does he do that, he's so confident in the job? Oh well, don't worry about that now, here's your change Dix, you better take it while you can.'

"Yes, I loved my party and my gifts. The bracelet you guys got me is gorgeous." Dixie paused, summoning up her courage. "Johnny, would you like to have dinner together some night when we're both free?"

'There I did it, its done. The balls in his court now. Just remember to breathe.'

Johnny was a bit stunned by the question. He knew Dixie and Kelly Brackett were no longer an item, and he thought he noticed Dixie's eyes on him a few times during the evening, but tried to push his instincts to the back of his mind. "Um…sure, Dix, that would be great." He responded.

"Great, when would be good for you?"

"Well I'm off tomorrow and than again on Wednesday and Thursday. I'm free any of those days." Johnny wasn't sure if she meant anytime soon but figured he may as well start with his earliest days.

"How about Thursday. I'm off too." Dixie smiled.

"Sure, would you like me to bring something?"

"Nope, just that happy face." Dixie teased him and then gave him her address

Johnny gave Dixie another embrace and said his goodbye to the DeSoto's as well, then drove home, feeling tired and a little confused.

***********************

Just as Hank was starting roll call on the following Tuesday morning, Johnny came sailing into the apparatus bay. The captain raised his eyebrows saying. "Nice of you to join us, Gage."

Johnny looked at his captain but kept his mouth shut. He knew Stanley was not being friendly; he was making a point. He didn't know why, but he never seemed to be able to get to roll call on time after his days off. Whether it was traffic, a neighbor needing his help, or getting hit in the face with one of the phantom's water bombs, it just wasn't in the cards for him to be on time.

"Marco, you have the apparatus bay today. Mike, you and Roy have the hoses. Chet, you have the latrine pal and Johnny, you have cooking duties." After Hank gave his men their assigned chores he retreated to his office to start his paper work.

As the others started off in the direction of their chores, Roy and Johnny headed to the squad. Roy took out the drug box and took inventory. Johnny took out the biophone and did the mornings calibrations. "Rampart, this is Squad 51. How do you read?"

"Morning John, we read you loud and clear," came Dr Early's response.

After Roy stuck his head into the office and told Hank they were on their way to Rampart to fill their supplies, he climbed into the driver's seat and pulled the squad out onto the 405. He noticed Johnny was unusually quiet, but he wasn't going to disturb his friend. He knew him well enough to know once Johnny formulated what he wanted to say, there'd be an avalanche of words coming forth.

Once the two firemen got to the nurses' station, Johnny went to work refilling their supply box while Roy poured himself and Johnny both a cup of coffee.

"That sure was a nice party you guys threw for Dixie on Saturday." Sharon complemented the two."

"Thanks," they both responded agreeing with a nod of their heads.

"I especially liked our dance, Johnny, it's not often I get to go out dancing any more with the awful hours I keep here. I'm sure you feel the same way about your hours." Sharon questioned.

Out of the corner of his eye, Johnny could see Roy's smirk behind the cup of coffee he had risen to his mouth. "Uh…yeah, I understand, we do have crazy hours in common," Johnny replied.

"Maybe if we get a chance. we could go out dancing together sometime. I sure would like to enjoy more than just one dance. If we went to a club we could have as many as we wished," she cooed towards Johnny.

Johnny felt flustered and was distracted from retrieving supplies for the runs they were bound to be getting anytime now. Roy made his way over and took over the job, while motioning to Johnny to "look after" Sharon's needs.

Johnny didn't appreciate Roy's "help". How could he get out of going out with Sharon and not hurt her feeling in the process? Sure he was flattered by her show of affection, but he just didn't feel the same way about the young nurse. He had come to the realization about six months previous that he was no longer looking for fun and games. He wanted someone he could share his life with. The way Roy and Joanne did. Someone who knows his hopes and dreams and could help him nourish them. He wanted someone who was comfortable with who she was and wasn't afraid to stand on her own, or up to his often unrelenting opinions and discussions about them. Sharon, he knew, was no such woman. Actually the only real problem with Sharon was she was still more a young girl then a woman.

"Um…yeah sure maybe, Sharon," was all Johnny could say. He just couldn't bring himself to turn her down flat in front of Roy. It would embarrass the young nurse for sure.

"Well, we're ready to roll, Johnny." Roy piped up, wondering why Johnny hadn't jumped at the change to go out with the pretty young woman standing in front of them.

Back in the squad Johnny was once again quiet and looking out the window as the streets passed by. Roy wasn't sure how much more of this he could take. Johnny had actually been quiet during their last shift as well. He was starting to wonder if something happened to him during their days off when he noticed Johnny was no longer looking out the window but at him. "What?" was all he could say.

"Roy, can I ask you something?"

"Anytime partner, you know that." Roy said with both equal amounts of concern and relief.

Johnny sighed, frowned, took in a deep breath and then asked, "What do you think of a younger man dating an older woman?"

Roy had no idea where this was coming from, but knew this was what had kept his partner's  attention the last few days. Although many people figured Johnny out to be rouge, Roy knew different. His partner was a complicated enigma. Outspoken, kind, compassionate, friendly, passionate, and stubborn were all qualities Roy would use to describe the man sitting next to him. But Johnny also kept his heart well protected. Not too many people saw past what Johnny showed to the outside world. Joanne was the only other person he could think of who ever saw the real John Gage. Johnny could be whatever you wanted him to be. What people didn't realize, was it was his way of fitting in or letting someone else's needs come first. Whether it was being a friend, lover, prankster, pigeon, clown, fireman, rescue man, or a child's playmate, whatever your heart desired, Johnny would do it for you. So where was his question coming from and yet more importantly, where was it about to take them?

"I'm not sure what to say to you. I don't see anything wrong with it I guess. If our society says it's okay for a younger woman to date an older man, than why can't it go both ways? I think the more important question here is, what do think about it?" Roy asked.

"To be honest with you, I really haven't thought much about it. It's just something I've been thinking about for a few days." Johnny responded a little nervously. He wasn't sure how Roy would react if he told him about his upcoming dinner date with Dixie. 'And I do get the distinct feeling that this is a date. Not just a casual dinner between friends. Boy, how do you act with an older woman? Should I tell Roy? No not yet, why not wait to see how dinner goes first.'

Roy gave a sideways glance to his friend. He could tell there was more Johnny wanted to say, but wasn't sure how to get him to open up. 'Well sometimes you just have to come out with it.'

"Why do you ask, Johnny? Are you seeing an older woman I don't know about? That would certainly explain why you didn't take Sharon up on her hints for a dancing date back there."

"Oh, Roy, Sharon's pretty enough all right, but she's got some growing up to do, you know what I mean?" Johnny answered.

"What?" Johnny responded to the look of amusement on Roy's face.

"That's a little like the pot calling the kettle black isn't it" Roy chastised.

"Oh come on Roy, you can't compare me to her. I admit I like to have fun and goof off as much as the next guy, but that's different. Don't tell me you've forgotten how Sharon started that rumor around the hospital about Gerald, the guy in records, last year. Started telling anybody who would listen that he was having marital problems. I ask you, would I do something like that", Johnny asked with a total look of disgust on his face?

"Well you got me there pal, I guess I have to agree with you; there is a difference between having fun and being immature," Roy replied in an apologetic kind of way. "But you still haven't answered my first question"?

"What question?" asked Johnny.

"Are you seeing an older woman?" Roy asked a second time.

"Not currently," the younger man sighed.

"But you're thinking about it, right?"

"Actually, I have a date with an older lady on Thursday evening and I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous," Johnny said while running a hand through his hair. The gesture was not lost on Roy. He knew this was a nervous habit of his partner.

"Look Johnny, there's nothing to be nervous about, she said yes didn't she?" Roy questioned.

"Uh?" Johnny responded.

Roy rolled his eyes and made himself clear. "She said yes when you asked her out, right, so that would tell me she isn't bothered by the fact that you're younger then her. Or does she know"?

"Of course she knows" Johnny lamented, "and uh Roy, she actually asked me out." Johnny confessed sheepishly!

Roy had to admit to himself this angle did surprise him. He wondered how Johnny felt about it. 'Well I guess he said yes, so there's your answer.'

"There you go, Johnny, she must not have a problem with the age difference then. By the way, is there a large age difference?" Roy couldn't help but be curious.

"Fourteen years." Johnny answered.

Roy quickly did the math. 'Wow Junior, a forty year old woman. Boy, will you have your hands full. And talk about being on your best behavior.'

"So, she asked you, uh? That must make her one of those new age woman, a women's libber." Roy commented.

"That's just it, Roy, I don't think so. It's got me bit confused, you know. You think you know someone and than they do something that's quite out of character. I mean, this lady is good at giving younger woman talks about doing what they want, and a woman can do whatever she wants. But, I really always thought of uh…this particular woman as a little old fashion in the dating department."

"I was really shocked when she asked me over for dinner, you know? I would have taken her for the type of lady that would want the man to ask her out for dinner and show up at her door with a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers. I figured she would want the man to hold the door open for her, pull her chair out for her, lead on the dance floor, you know those sorts of things. This asking me out has really blown my mind, Roy. Maybe I don't know her as well as I thought I did".

"You know, Johnny, I think a lot of people have misunderstood this woman's lib thing. I think all women really want, is to be treated like equals. I think they want equal pay for equal work, to be given the right to do any kind of job they desire. You know, any job, including ours. I don't think they want men to stop treating them like ladies, or men not to be romantic with them any more." Roy responded.

"So, maybe this woman friend of yours has been waiting for a while for you to ask her out, and she got tired of waiting when you didn't. She did ask you over so she could make you dinner after all."

"You know what, maybe your right. Di…I mean, she just wanted me to ask her and got impatient, I'll bet you that's exactly what this is all about." Johnny rejoiced.

BEEP BEEP BEEP. "Squad 51, respond with Engine 14. Warehouse fire. 25 Charles Street, cross street Grover; 25 Charles Street, time out 8:56.

Roy flipped on the lights and siren as Johnny responded to dispatch. "10-4, L.A." Johnny said into the mike, then put on his helmet hanging behind him.

By the time the squad rolled up to the warehouse, Engine 14's crew was already battling the raging fire. The paramedics got out of the squad, put on their turnout coats and gear. Then ran over to 14's Captain Moniker, waiting for instructions.

"DeSoto, Gage," the Captain nodded his head to the paramedics. He was always relieved to see 51's paramedics arrive. They were professional, reliable and very efficient. "We have one employee not accounted for. His office is in the northeast corner on the first floor." Moniker explained.

"Got it, Cap," Roy responded.

He and Johnny took off towards the building entrance. Once inside, they headed in the direction of their search. The building was getting hotter by the minute and the smoke was very thick. Neither one of the firefighters could see too far ahead. As they reached the offices, they split up and started doing individual searches, closing the doors and marking them with a big X as they exited. In the last room Roy checked, he found a man of about thirty-five lying on the floor unconscious. He went to the man immediately, yelling for Johnny as he did so. Johnny, having heard his partner's faint cry, looked around for an open door and upon seeing it, started off to help Roy.

Johnny entered the room and immediately heard the unmistakable creaking sounds of the floor above them starting to give way. Johnny yelled Roy's name and ran to him. As he reached his partner he pushed him to the floor and out of the way. He instinctively draped his body over that of the victim and waited for the ceiling to come down. The last thing Johnny remembered was the feeling of beams landing on his back.

Roy grabbed the HT out of his pocket, "Engine 14, this is Squad 51, do you read?"

"Go a head, 51." Moniker replied.

"Cap, we found the victim but the roof has given way. I have a code I in here. I'm going to need help with extrication." Roy breathed heavily into his HT.

"10-4, Squad 51, help's on the way." Moniker responded. He turned to two of his linemen and ordered them into the building to help DeSoto. He then asked his engineer to contact headquarters and ask for an ambulance and an additional squad.

Fifteen minutes later the men had both Johnny and the original victim lying on the ground next to the squad. Squad 36 arrived by this time and started helping Roy with the victims. Roy took Johnny's vital signs and then grabbed the biophone. "Rampart, this is Squad 51, how do you read?"

"Go ahead, 51," Roy heard Dixie respond.

"Rampart, we have a male victim, 26 years old, the victim of falling debris from a fire. BP is 90/60, pulse is 120 and respiration's are 16. Pupils are equal and reactive." Roy told the doctor on the other end he knew would be listening.

Roy heard Doctor Brackett's calm voice respond, "Squad 51, start an IV of D5W and transport as soon possible."

"10-4, Rampart." Roy answered.

He looked over at Craig Brice, Squad 36's perfect paramedic as Johnny called him. He was on his biophone conversing with Rampart about the victim he and Johnny originally went into the building to get. As Craig looked up after replacing the phone in the box, he nodded to Roy as a sign that said his and Bellingham's victim would be okay because Johnny taken the full force of the blow. A gesture Roy knew was meant as a compliment to Johnny, but for some reason it did not reassure him at all.

He got up and helped load Johnny onto a stretcher and then into the waiting ambulance himself. Brice and Bellingham loaded the fallen employee and closed the ambulance doors giving a couple hard knocks to alert the driver it was safe to leave. Then, the two paramedics from 36's each walked over to a squad and drove to Rampart.

As the ambulance arrived at the emergency doors of Rampart, there were two sets of doctors and two sets of nurses waiting. As Roy got out with Johnny, he was instructed by Brackett to take him to treatment room 2. Doctor Early told the ambulance attendants to take the second victim into room 4.

As soon as Dixie saw Roy's face she saw the worry. She knew it had to be Johnny. 'Oh God no, not Johnny, please don't let this victim be Johnny. I've just found him, don't take him away from me before he has a chance to find me.' Roy held the IV while Brackett and two orderlies moved Johnny onto the examining table.

An hour later, Roy was informed Johnny was going to be okay. He suffered a mild concussion and had a cut on his left forearm, which had required stitches. They were going to keep him over night for observations and he would be released the following morning.

Roy walked up to the nurses' station and asked Dixie if he could use the phone to call the station. When she didn't respond, Roy touched her shoulder. Dixie, startled by the touch, jumped and looked into Roy's eyes. 'Boy she looks awful; I wander what's bothering her.'

"What can I do for you, Roy?" Dixie asked.

"I was wandering if I could use the phone to call the station and let the Cap know we're going to need a replacement for Johnny. Then if I could, I'd like to phone Joanne and let her know Johnny's been hurt, but he'll be okay." Roy said.

"Yeah sure, go ahead."

After Roy had made his phone calls, Dixie looked up at him and asked what happened. Roy explained about Johnny pushing him out of the way and taking the knocks himself.

"How did Joanne react?" wondered Dixie.

"She's upset, but happy to know Johnny will be okay. You know, Dix, I never mentioned to her that Johnny took that blow for me, but she's not dumb, I think she knows a lot of Johnny's injuries are from making sure I'm not in harms way."

"Roy, I think you're right." Dixie responded as she gave him the keys to the squad Brice left with her for safe keeping.

"Anyway, I'm going up to see Johnny in his room before I head back to the station." He gave Dixie a slight wave and smiled, finally realizing his friend, his partner, would be okay.

Roy entered Johnny's room and looked at his silent friend. 'You really have to stop being my guardian angel, Junior. I can look out for myself. One of these days you're really going to get yourself into a mess.'

"Roy, would you stop daydreaming and just thank me." Johnny said. His voice still a bit hoarse from inhaling a bit of smoke.

"Johnny, you're simply impossible. Why would I thank you for scaring me like that?" teased Roy. The two best friends talked a while before Roy took off. He promised he'd come by the next day to take Johnny home.

When Dixie's shift was over she made her way up to the floor above the one on which see worked to see Johnny. She never felt so panicked before on the job, as when she saw Johnny's motionless body on the gurney. That included the time he was bit by the rattlesnake and hit by the car. But those were in the days when she only had eyes for Kelly Brackett. Dixie opened the door and found Johnny awake and staring at the ceiling. "Hi, handsome," she said as she walked into the room.

"Hi Dix, are you shirking your duties?" he asked. He shifted and moved the blanket hire up to cover his body.

"Nope, I just got off duty and thought I'd come see how our favorite patient is feeling?"

"I've felt better I can tell you that, but I've also felt a lot worse." He grinned.

Seeing his lop-sided grin brought a smile to the tired nurse's face. Knowing Johnny could smile and tease about himself made her feel much better. "By the way, Joanne called about an hour ago and asked me if I would thank you."

When Johnny saw Dixie’s smile he felt better. She sure does have a pretty face. I'd love to see that smile more often. "Why would Joanne thank me," Johnny faked innocence.

"I think you know perfectly well why. The night of my birthday party Joanne told me the reason you get injured so often is because you're always watching out for Roy." Dixie responded. "You know, Johnny that's an amazing thing to do."

"No, not really, I'd do the same for anyone of the firefighters in a building with me and I know they do the same for me. It's an unwritten rule that we have amongst the fraternity. I think deep down, all the wives know that and silently appreciate it." Johnny explained.

Dixie was touched by Johnny's selflessness. 'Firemen sure are a rare breed. Sure policemen know they may be walking into danger on any call they take, but with you guys it's a given, and yet you still continue to do it day after day. I hope you didn't take offense the day I told you it takes a special kind of person to clean floors on a daily basis. That's a walk in the park compared to the life you've chosen for yourself, Johnny.'

"What's wrong, Dix?" Johnny asked, seeing her lost in thought.

"Oh nothing, I just wanted to come see how you were doing and let you know if you want to take a rain check on dinner Thursday I'll understand."

"Are you serious? No way, no rain check needed. I only have a sore arm and a bit of a bruised back. I can still eat!" Johnny would have screamed if he wasn't suffering from minor smoke inhalation.

Dixie laughed, "As long as you're still up for it I'll see Thursday evening at six o'clock. But Johnny, if you're not feeling well or you're tired, please promise me you'll give me a call and cancel. Okay?"

Johnny, seeing the concern on Dixie face and hearing it in her voice, promised he would.

****************

After being released from the hospital and spending most of Wednesday in bed, Johnny felt much better waking up on Thursday morning. He planned on taking his horse Thunder out for a run that morning, but his injured arm prevented that from happening, so he grabbed the latest novel he was reading and read for a couple of hours. He then got up out of his chair and looked around the kitchen for something half-decent to eat. He settled on hotdogs and a glass of cold milk. With his stomach full he jumped into his Rover and decided to go to the mall for the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Dixie was making sure she had the ingredients for the chicken she planned on making for dinner that evening, and started making a salad. Around four o'clock, she had the meal organized and the table set, so she decided to take a bath to help calm her nerves. An hour later she got out of the bath, and searched her closest for something to wear. She decided on a cobalt blue pair of slacks and a white blouse. She put the finishing touches on her makeup and put on a little splash of perfume and walked out to the kitchen to put the chicken in the oven. She turned on her stereo as she passed by.

At precisely six o'clock there was a knock at her door. She went over to answer it and found Johnny standing there in a nice pair of beige dress pants and a navy blue shirt. In his injured left hand he held a bunch of the most beautiful day lilies and in his right hand, he carried a bottle of white wine, and on his face was a huge and beautiful lop-sided grin.

The man standing in front of Dixie McCall sent her heart racing. 'He sure is nice to look at!'  The smile alone was enough to send her stomach into flip flops, but add to it those beautiful brown eyes, chiseled cheek bones and his sweet nature and Dixie thought she just might faint. 'Dixie, get a hold of yourself, he's just a man!'

"They're lovely, Johnny, thank you very much." She said while taking the flowers out of Johnny's hand and stepping back, allowing him access into her apartment.

"You're welcome, Dix, I just couldn't show up empty handed. My mother would have boxed my ears," Johnny winked at the beautiful blonde as he bent over and took off his shoes

Dixie smiled and told Johnny to make himself comfortable while she went to get a vase for her flowers. As Dixie entered the kitchen she grabbed her step stool, and took down a vase on the top shelf above her fridge. Turning around, she was shocked to see Johnny leaning against the doorframe watching her. She hadn't heard him follow her into the room.

"I thought I told you to make yourself comfortable." She said in her best head nurse tone.

"I thought you might want some help with this," Johnny said holding up the bottle of wine and stepping forward to help Dixie down from the small stool.

"That would be nice. The corkscrew is in the second drawer and the wine goblets are on the top shelf in the cupboard to the left of the sink," she instructed the younger man in her kitchen. She made her way over to the sink and filled the vase with lukewarm water and put the Day Lilly's Johnny brought her into it.

Johnny, who was used to taking orders from his captain, set to work opening the bottle of wine and taking down two wine glasses, or goblets, as Dixie called them. Placing them on the counter he filled each glass and put the cork back in the bottle. Turning to Dixie he said, "This should be kept chilled."

She took the bottle from him and put it in the fridge. She then turned to the lean paramedic and found him standing in the middle of the floor with one hand on his hip and in the other he was holding a glass of wine. 'God I've never noticed how sexy Johnny's body language can be.'

"Johnny, are you ever going to make yourself comfortable?" questioned Dixie as she started taking the chicken out of the oven, trying not to let her distraction be too noticeable.

"I can't just sit around while you do all the work. That hardly seems fair. So what else can I do for you?" He asked as he gave the glass of wine in his hand to her.

"Well, if you're going to insist on helping you can bring the parmesan chicken out to the table for me," she responded.

'Gee Johnny I think it's impossible for you to relax. What is it going to take for you to settle down? But I do have to admit; it's a nice change to have a man offer his help.' Dixie poured the green beans into a serving bowl as Johnny took the chicken out to the dinning room. She then took the baked potatoes out of the oven. As she started to put some sour cream and chives on each, Johnny stuck his head into the kitchen to see what else was waiting for him. He noticed the beans and asked Dixie if they were ready. She nodded and also handed him the potatoes to take. While Johnny returned to the dinning room she placed the carrots in a bowl. She then put some butter them on and a splash of dill, mixing it up and heading out to the dinning room herself. Johnny, who was on his way back to the kitchen, met her.

"That's it, we can sit and eat. " she smiled.

The two friends sat down at the table across from each other, both feeling the nervous tension. Johnny thought to himself, 'okay Johnny someone has to break this awkwardness and remember not to open you mouth when you're eating. This is a date, it's not the station and it certainly isn't Chet's chili.'

"Have you ever been horseback riding?" Johnny questioned as he picked up his knife and fork.

"No, but I understand you have horses."

"I sure do, they’re beautiful animals. I wish had more actually, I don't think a person could possibly have too many. I'd actually like to breed them if I ever get the chance! But I can't afford it on my salary. Maybe if I ever become a captain," he laughed in response to his own silent joke. "By the way, how did you know I have horses?"

"Oh well, I think I must have heard it from one of my nurses once," she mentioned. She didn't want to tell him she knew exactly which nurse and about the ride said nurse had taken with Johnny. 'I wonder if he realizes the stories I've heard? I have to admit some of them are intriguing.'

"I didn't realize you'd like to become a captain?" the nurse asked somewhat surprised.

"I'm not really sure if I would, to tell you the truth, I mean, I love my job. I can't imagine doing anything else right now, but we all have to grow, and well the next step would be engineer and the natural progression is a captain I guess. Plus, like I said, it would be a nice pay raise. Do you ever think of changing jobs?" wondered the good-looking man.

"I haven't really given it much thought, like you, I'm happy and content with my current position. I really don't think I'll ever change jobs, I see myself retiring exactly where I am."

The two settled into silence, enjoying the food Dixie had prepared.

"Would you like me to change the radio station?" Dixie asked realizing the stereo was still tuned into the oldies station she preferred to listen to. 'I'm sure he would rather listen to the new electric guitar inspired music of his generation, more then the crooners I have on.'

"No, this music is fine. It reminds me of my parents. We didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up, so my parent's didn't get to go out much. But it didn't stop them from dating. Every Saturday night, they'd put on Frank, Dean, Perry, Tony or maybe Judy Garland and they would dance in our living room," Johnny responded fondly with a twinkle in his eyes.

"That's sweet, it sounds like you had a nice childhood," she questioned him apprehensively. 'Am I intruding on his privacy?'

"Yeah, I did. My parents were very attentive to me. I guess being an only child I was little spoiled too. Like I said, my parents didn't have a lot of money so I didn't get a lot of material things, but I never lacked for love, affection or attention. They never missed one of my school activities, including my high school track meets. They even came to be with me when I passed my firefighters training. It's nice to know my parents are proud of me. Actually, Roy and Joanne remind me a lot of my parents with the way they're raising Chris and Jennifer," Johnny spoke softly, twirling the wine around inside its glass.

'So that's why Joanne sees Johnny relax at their home. It's an emotionally safe place for him.'

"How about you, Dix, did you have a nice childhood?" the fireman asked as he took another bite of chicken.

"I had as nice a childhood as my parents could provide for me. I guess I was sort of in the same situation you were. My parents really didn't have money to spend other then on rent and what little clothes and food they could afford. My father wasn't around much. He worked a lot and I don't really have a lot of childhood memories of him. I guess as a young child I didn't understand it and resented his work. Now I realize he sacrificed spending a little more time with us, so he was able to keep us in house and home."

"My mother was always home and we spent hours together with my brother making up our own stories. So I guess like you, I got a lot of attention too. You have to remember we grew up in different generations, so although our childhood's were different, I think the quality for there times was pretty much the same." Having finished with her explanation she excused herself and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later she returned with a fruit salad.

"Dinner was wonderful, thank you for inviting me," Johnny complimented his dinner companion as he finished his last bite of food. "Next time however, I take you out, okay?" he smiled into the pleased face across the table. It was more a statement than a question. Dixie smiled internally realizing Johnny just asked her out.

Their dinner went nicely and the two friends found they had an easy time talking to one another.

'Man I can't believe how comfortable I feel with Dix. Why was I so nervous about her being 14 years older than I am? I should have known Dixie would make me feel welcome in her home. For once it's nice to enter a woman's apartment and not be fawned over before practically stepping through the door. Sure fondling, petting and kissing are fun, but it's not really appropriate behavior for a first date. I'll have to make sure to set a date for a second one before I leave tonight.'

Johnny came out of his thoughts as he noticed Dixie get up and start to clear the table. "Here lemme’ take some of those dishes out of your hands."

"Thanks," Dixie sighed. "It'll be of no use to tell you to relax I'm sure."

After the dishes were placed into the sink, Johnny found the stopper and turned on the taps. Turning to Dixie and asked, "Is the dish soap under the sink?"

"Johnny, we can leave the dishes…."

"So you can do them after I leave or when you get up in the morning. No way, I pull my own weight at the station, and I'll do it here too," Johnny said sternly putting the matter to rest.

After the dishes were cleaned, dried and put away, Dixie reached into the fridge and took out the bottle of wine and refilled their glasses. The two retreated into the living room and sat down on the overstuffed couch.

Within minutes of sitting down, Johnny stood up and held his hand out to the woman sitting beside him. Feeling a little confused she reached out and took his hand. He pulled her off the couch and walked towards the middle of the room.

While deep in thought, Dixie failed to realize Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night", had come on the radio. As Johnny pulled Dixie close to him he explained, "a gentleman never lets a lady's favorite song go by without dancing to it." As Johnny's right hand held Dixie's left, his own left hand found a comfortable position on her back and they started to slowly sway to the music.

Dixie, who was somewhat overwhelmed by this sudden physical contact with the handsome man holding her, felt her body set on fire. 'Relax Dixie it's just a dance.' She decided to heed her own advice and placed her free arm around his shoulder and rested her head against Johnny's chest and instinctively her body melded into his.

The two remained quiet; finding a comfortable rhythm while old blue eyes serenaded them.

…what were the chances
we'd be sharing love,
before the night was through.
Something in your eyes was so inviting,
something in your smile was so exciting,
something in my heart told me I must have you.
Strangers in the night,
two lonely people, we were strangers in the night,
up to the moment
when we said our first hello,
little did we know;
love was just a glance away
a warm embracing dance away;
and ever since that night we've been together,
lovers at first sight,
in love forever, it turned out so right
for stranger in the night.

 

(Instrumental interlude)

'Man, this is nice. Dixie sure does smell good. God Roy would never believe me if I were to tell him I spent an evening with Dixie McCall, eating, talking and dancing, and didn't want it to end. Speaking of not believing, what is Chet going to say if this night turns into many nights?'

…Love was just a glance away,
a warm embracing dance away.
Ever since that night we've been together,
lovers at first sight in love forever.
It turned out so right for
Strangers in the night.

As the music slowly came to an end, Johnny reluctantly released his hold on the woman he realized he was more than just a little attracted to. 'Yes her respirations do elevate when my arms are around her.' They once again walked over to the overstuffed couch and sat down.

"That was nice, thanks." Dixie complemented her dance partner, as she reached for her wineglass.

"Believe me, it was my pleasure." Johnny smiled.

"Dixie, I have to complement you once again on how wonderful that meal was. The only other times I get to eat as well is when Joanne and Roy invite me over. I probably should have taken a home economics course instead of auto mechanics in school. Who would have thought I'd enter into a career that would find me cooking a lot more then working on an automobile engine?" Johnny snickered.

Dixie laughed as she thanked him for his complement. "Why did you become a fireman, Johnny?"

"When I was a teenager my uncle was killed in a house fire. The firemen did everything they could; it just wasn't in the cards for him to make it out on time. Anyway, the entire crew of that responding engine company attended his funeral. I guess I took that to heart and decided I wanted to do more with my life than work in a garage charging people more money then was required to replace a part that probably wasn't broken in the first place." Johnny explained. He turned away, with a sorrowful look on his face, remembering his uncle.

Dixie sighed, "I'm sorry, I didn't me to bring up painful memories."

"Oh, it's okay. I dealt with the pain years ago. I still miss him, but I try to think of the good times we had together rather than dwell on his death."

'How does someone retain such a healthy attitude with such a dangerous and emotionally draining job?"

“I really don't want to talk shop tonight, but can I ask you a job related question?"

"Sure fire away.".

"For years, I've noticed a big difference in the way yours and Roy's victims come in and the way any other squads victims do, especially Brice's." She stated.

The young paramedic frowned, "How do you mean?"

"The patients Brice brings in are usually very agitated. Yours come in scared, but they're usually much calmer." She explained herself. "I’d just like to know why and if there's anything I can do for these people"

Johnny took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. How do you explain someone like Craig Brice; I guess you start with Mike Stoker.

"Let me just start by saying despite the total pain in the ass Brice can be, he's a very, very sound paramedic. I've worked with him on occasion and he's very good at sizing up any given problem and solving it, sometimes under very tense situations. As you know, he just doesn't possess many people skills. I can't say for sure, but I think he can't put himself in his victim's shoes."

"I've been on the receiving end of Roy's expertise enough times to understand how people feel when we show up. I have to admit, Dix, when I'm trapped in a burning building; there's a part of me that's terrified. I'm no longer in control of my destiny. I have to give my complete trust and faith over to my co-workers. I trust these guys, each and every one of them with my life. Especially our engineer Mike Stoker, they all play a very important role, from Cap on down, but Mike is the man we really need."

"Many of the spectators gathering around a fire will see Mike standing by the engine playing with knobs, while the rest of us run around looking important and brave. What these people don't realize, is Mike probably has the most important job of all. I can't tell you how many hose lines Mike has realized have a leak in them just by watching those pressure gauges. Now there I am, trapped, fire all around me; there's nobody I want standing by that engine more than Stoker. He knows his responsibilities inside and out. He knows exactly how much pressure to send through those hoses, depending on what type of fire we're at. If he doesn't do his job correctly, it doesn't matter one iota what the linemen do with those hoses. That fire will reach me very quickly and I'm a goner. That's if, of course, the smoke doesn't get me first."

"Now instead of me being trapped, lets pretend its just Joe Blow who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now, he doesn't know what we're doing to try and get him out of there safely. He has to put his faith and trust in us blindly. Not many people can do that under the very best of conditions. Let's also say this man is injured. Now, he's terrified and probably in more pain than he has ever been in his life. His lungs are probably hurting as well. We finally get to him. The first thing I do is tell my victim my name, that I'm with the fire department, and I'm there to help him. I ask him his name and will continue to use it the whole time I'm trying to help him, to help calm him. I also let my victim know everything I'm doing and why. Most people are more frightened of the unknown. So I educate them. If I have to do something I know is going to cause them more pain, I tell them."

"If Brice responds to that same situation. That man will be lucky if he finds out what Brice's name is, let alone anything else." Johnny finally finished his explanation.

Dixie couldn't believe how eloquently Johnny explained himself. It also wasn't lost on her that Johnny referred to the victim as "his" victim. She knew that was something Brice would never do.

"I'm stunned, Johnny. I don't know what to say? Except, thank you for answering my question."

"As for you, Dixie. I've been there. I've come through those emergency doors scared out of my wits more times then I care to admit; but you always have a smile for me and somehow that helps me relax. So you don't have to worry about what you can do to help Brice's victims, I'm sure you do more than you can ever imagine." Johnny smiled.

He glanced at his watch. 'Holy cow, it's 1:30, as much as I hate to leave I have to work tomorrow.'

"Huh…Dixie I had a great time but it's gotten really late, I have to get some sleep. I'd like to get together again sometime. Maybe you could come out to the ranch and we could go for a hike or take the horses out." Johnny mentioned with hope in his eyes.

Dixie glanced at the clock and couldn't believe the time. Has Johnny really been here for 7 and a half hours! "Gosh, Johnny, I'm sorry it's gotten so late, I hope you can work tomorrow without falling a sleep?"

"Don't worry, firemen are used to working with weird sleeping patterns." Johnny reassured her.

"Okay, and I'd love to come out to your ranch sometime."

"Great, but can we discuss a suitable day at another time. I really should get going and with our crazy schedules it could take us another half hour to find a day that's good for both of us."

"Of course."

With that Johnny got up off the couch and walked over to the door. Dixie got up and walked to the door with him. She watched as he bent over and put on his shoes, and than stood to his full six foot one height again. She looked up into those gorgeous eyes and thanked him for an enjoyable evening.

"By the way, did I tell you how beautiful you are?" Johnny asked without taking his eyes off hers.

Dixie's stomach did a flip-flop for the second time. She smiled up and thanked him once again for his compliment.

Before she knew it, Johnny took her into his arms and brought his lips down to meet hers. His lips were soft and sensuous, and his kiss tender. It was something she decided she wanted to get used to. Then before she knew it, it was over and Johnny was throwing her a beautiful smile. He said goodnight and told her he would see her the next day and was gone.

Dixie closed her door, locked it, leaned against it, and smiled to herself. Now that had zing!

___________

Thanks to Janet for the beta read, and Kenda for her, suggestions, encouragement, and kind words. J --Sharon

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