Hart’s smile got wider. Damn, he couldn’t have had a better assistant. Whenever he began to feel as if he was getting swamped, Carlos always stepped in just in time. He did need to get over to monitor the practice, but he wanted to get this off his chest first. Dinah was more than capable of running the team without them for a moment.
“I know it’s not done. I’ll work on the schedules while you’re gone. You might have to tweak one here and there, because I don’t know if any of the crew requested personal time next month, but it’ll be finished by noon. So stop worrying about it.” Carlos headed toward the door. “Oh, and Officer Lawrence came by while you were downstairs.”
Hart rubbed his empty stomach. “Did Sasha bring any food? Or another casserole?”
Carlos paused raising one arched brow, “Oh. So, it’s Sasha now.”
Fox was sitting across from him with a knowing grin that he wanted to knock off his face.
“No. It’s not. She said to call her that. I’m sure she’s just being nice because I volunteer for her women’s class. We’re friends. Nothing more.”
“Does she know that?” Fox quipped. “And, I assist that class with you. I don’t see anyone bringing me Hamburger Helper.”
“It’s Tuna Noodle Casserole,” Carlos sneered, as if Fox was so unrefined.
“Damn. Excuse-the-hell-outta me. Tuna Helper,” Fox snipped.
Hart wanted this nonsense over with. He put his hand up, shushing Fox, then turned to his assistant. “Please tell her thank you for me and that I’m stuck in training today, I’ll see her for class on Saturday.”
“Already done,” Carlos said, closing the door on his way out.
“Why does he give me attitude? I’m always nice to him,” Fox complained as soon as the door clicked.
“You’ll have to ask him that,” Hart grumbled.
“Fine, I will.” Fox stared directly at him. “And, you were saying.”
Hart took a drink of his coffee. It tasted as if his assistant added a touch of Splenda today. “How does Carlos always know when I’m in the mood for a little sugar? It’s a talented gift he has, really.”
“Stop stalling.”
Hart glanced up. He swallowed a couple of times, then cleared his throat loudly. “Okay. There is something going on. I’ve been going downstairs, and yeah, talking with God a lot. He’s sorta helping me because there’s…there’s someone I’m interested in.” He checked Fox’s expression, but it was unreadable. “Like, seriously, really interested in.”
“Well, who is she? You know you have my word that it doesn’t leave these lips. Is she related to God or something? Is it another cop?” Fox slapped the chair arm, “It’s Officer Lawr–. No, sorry, Sasha, isn’t it?”
“Dumbass. Didn’t I just tell you that she’s a friend?”
“Okay, then who is she?”
Hart took a deep breath and released it slowly. “It’s not a she…it’s a he.” Hart waited.
Fox cocked his head like a confused puppy.
“Me and him work closely together, so it’s a bit of a delicate situa—”
“Oh boy,” Fox blurted out.
Hart stared as several expressions flashed across Fox’s face, before settling on amused and shocked. “I can’t believe this. I mean, I guess I can understand.”
“Wait. You understand?” Hart hurried. This might be easier than he thought.
“Sure. I mean.” Fox rubbed his forehead. “Have you fallen for…?”
Hart frowned. “Mandel, I’m telling you I’m gay. I’ve always been gay. You know the circumstances why I got married. This is a part of me that’s been buried a long time. So, that’s why I been hanging out with God even more over the past couple months. You can say he’s kind of helping me get over the phobias of getting up the nerve to talk to this guy. He’s a bit intimidating. He’s younger, and I feel way out of my league.” Hart could feel his face warming, but he wouldn’t be able to lie to Fox and get away with it, so he might as well be up front with him.
Fox sat back. A look of fond admiration covered his face. “I’m starting to get it. Man. I’m not tripping about you being gay. Everyone’s gay for little while.”
Hart frowned, “Why are you…? What the hell are you talking about?”
Fox put his hands up, sounding patronizing, “Now hold on a sec. I was gay for brief minute back in college. It was all good, I guess. No one judged me. Jesus loves us all.”
“Fox, I’m gonna throw this hot-ass coffee on you if you don’t stop fucking with me,” Hart snarled.
“Sorry. I’m rambling. I don’t know what to say, Hart.”
“Damn. Be honest. I really want to be with this guy.” Hart just wanted a straight answer from his lieutenant. Would him dating a man affect, first, their friendship, then, their working relationship? He knew Fox wasn’t a bigot, he loved being around God and Day’s entire team, so he wasn’t exactly understanding the flustering.