"I am so glad you could make it," Gabby grinned as she passed Phoebe a beer. The two girls have gotten along great since they had been introduced and both hoped it would remain that way. She also got along great with Sylvie which made work more enjoyable.

"Me too. I'm new to the city and it's nice to get to know everyone," Phoebe smiled at the Latina woman.

"I'm glad you you like it. It'll be nice to have another girl around," Gabby smiled.

Phoebe laughed, "You're telling me. I'm surrounded by guys all the time now. The only females I work with are you and Sylvie. Don't get me wrong, they're nice but it's annoying sometimes." She loved working with the boys but she was a woman. She was used to having her sisters around but now that she was in Chicago that had changed drastically so she looked forward to getting to know Gabby and Sylvie.

Gabby scoffed, "You're telling me and they never stop with the questions. Like when they think they know something, they don't stop. It's like working with a bunch of immature teenage boys."

"Exactly. They never know when to quit," Phoebe agreed. The two females continued talking and getting to know each other. Phoebe admired the young firefighter, she had been through a lot and still managed to do her job perfectly. Gabby like Phoebe and felt comfortable around her. She knew she had to try but she didn't expect to like the brunette as much as she did.

"Should we be worried?" Matt teased as he, Kelly, Otis and Cruz sat down.

Gabby scoffed, "Please, you have more to worry about than us ganging up on you guys."

"Though if it didn't happen, you have a lot to worry about," Phoebe teased before taking a sip of her drink.

Gabby laughed as the guys stared at the women in shock.

"Is this seat taken?" Antonio asked as he sat down next to Phoebe. She was still sat at the bar talking to Gabby but Gabby was also bartending so she was all over the place. The guys had left to watch a football game at Matt's house.

Phoebe smiled, "No. Feel free to sit down."

"How are you liking Chicago?" Antonio was curious to know what she thought of his city. He grew up in Chicago but she clearly didn't.

"I like it. Sure it's different from San Fransisco considering the crime rate but I love everyone I work with. Everyone is so helpful and kind. I haven't been here long and I can already tell it feels like home. Only downside, is that I don't see my family as much, especially my nephews," Phoebe explained.

"You close with your nephews?" Antonio liked Phoebe and wanted more but he also wanted to make sure she did. He had children and they were important to him. Laura had left and he was done salvaging what was left of that relationship. He was ready to move on and finally be happy after so long.

Phoebe couldn't help the grin on her face, "I helped raise those boys. After my brother in law died, my sister was on her own. I was there for her and the children. Besides, I love children."

Antonio smiled at her enthusiasm, "I'm sorry about your brother in law. I'm sure your sister loved the help and considering the way you speak about your nephews, they love you too. I've actually got two kids of my own. It's hard with this job. Rarely ever find the time and I never know what to tell them." Antonio loved his children but hated the distance the job created and the fact that Laura loved spewing nonsense to them.

"Take it from someone who was raised by a single father, as long as there are no secrets, they will be fine. You don't have to tell them, all the gory details but they deserve to know the truth. Any time you can spare for them will make them happy. It's not about the presents or even the special occasions but rather knowing them and being there for them when they need it. Don't be so hard on yourself. They love you and you need to believe that," Phoebe explained.

To say he was touched was an understatement. He didn't know how she managed to say the right to make him feel better. She was right though, he needed to do better for their sakes. "Thank you. It's been a while since I've heard such encouragement. You don't know how much that means to me and you're right, I need to do better."

"You don't need to do better. You can only do the best you can. Don't sell yourself short, you're a great person and father, I hope you know that. If it makes you feel any better, I don't mind babysitting them when I'm not on shift?"

Antonio smiled, "I'd like that very much."

"I had fun tonight. Thank you," Phoebe smiled. Antonio had offered to drive her home and considering the fact she fated cabs, she wasn't going to turn him down.

"Me too. It's been a while since I've been able to talk freely with someone else. You , Phoebe Halliwell, are something else. I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me on a date?" Antonio asked nervously before he took a step closer to her. He had been with Laura for so long, he couldn't remember what it was like to date but he wanted to do it right. He wanted to make Phoebe feel special, it's what she deserved.

They both slowly leaned in before their lips touched. Antonio was quick to deepen the kiss, pulling her in closer by grabbing the back of her neck lightly. Their lips moved in sync, slowly, loving the feel of their lips upon the other. Slowly, they pulled away, foreheads pressing against each other.

"I would love to," Phoebe spoke breathlessly.