Seth tries to do his job the best he can. Yes, he’s the head of the company; yes, his meetings include playing poker; and yes, it works out fine. This time is no different, even though the news is more worrying than usual. But he’s going to take it one step at the time and be just fine. It’s more of the same in the end -- talk to these people, arrange that meeting, and don’t panic anybody. The stakes are higher, but it’s nothing he hasn’t done before. And he gets to spend time at the fire station with Connor. Seth should be good.<br><br>And there’s nothing out of the ordinary on Connor’s end. It’s a normal day, spent doing normal things, with the normal people. He happens to love his life and, though some things could be better, they could also be way worse. Connor is satisfied, and nothing is going to change that.<br><br>Everything is going according to plan. There’s no reason to believe that anything has to change. Right?

Out of Nowhere

Seth rolls his eyes at himself. This is—as always, if he’s being honest—ridiculous. He calls Connor.


“Hey! Your delivery is here,”Connor’s cheerful voice answers and Seth feels himself starting to relax.


“Good,” Seth says and smiles involuntarily. “What do you say about takeout?”


“I did.” Seth laughs. “The meeting ran long and you know how I am with mornings, so I’m a little behind today.”


“I already have a list, you have some fans here,”Connor says, his smile almost audible.


“That’s great!” And here was Seth thinking they might have to postpone for tomorrow or just order dinner. “Wait, is there a bet?”


“What do mean, is there a bet?”Connor snorts. “Are we Engine Forty-six? Of course, there’s a bet.”


Chapter 4