“What a night, huh?” Monica said, following Johnnie’s gaze up into the stars.
“You said it.”
“You want to get out of here?”
Johnnie thought of Gail who was no doubt somewhere inside.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know. Maybe grab a couple of Thirst Busters and drive up to the point. Stare up at a few more of those stars.”
“You mean the scarce few we can see in this city?”
“Those are the ones.”
“The city lights are prettier,” Johnnie said.
“Well, you’ll have your choice. The sky or the city.”
“You just want to make out with me on the hood of your Charger.”
Monica laughed. “Maybe.”
Johnnie felt good, warm, a little buzzed from her third beer and the shots she and Eddie had done. And she would do anything to get away from Gail.
“Let’s go,” she said, standing.
Monica stood and they rounded the table. Eddie looked up, curious. “What’s up, ladies?”
“We’re gonna head out,” Monica said.
“Home already?” Eddie asked, looking at Johnnie.
“Relax, Eddie. We’re just going somewhere else,” Monica said.
He didn’t need to consider why. “Oh. Right. Good idea.”
Johnnie leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Night.”
He gripped her hand. “Don’t let her ruin your night,” he said.
“I’m not.” She gave him a squeeze of reassurance.
They exited the patio and thankfully hit the street without seeing Gail. Johnnie shivered a little as the night temperature dropped, and Monica seemed to sense it and entangled their arms, walking close together. The night was quiet as the boom of Amsterdam’s fell into a muted abyss behind them. People walked the night paired up or in groups. Most businesses were closed, and distant laughter and streetlights were their only company.
“Did you ride the tram?” Johnnie asked.
“No, I’m over here.”
They crossed the street to a paid parking lot. Monica’s Charger sat like a hulk of muscle in the dark. Sleek black with a white racing stripe, it looked ready to rumble.
“I so love this car,” Johnnie said, waiting on the passenger side.
“It is a chick magnet,” Monica said, grinning. She pressed the remote and allowed them entry. When Monica started the car, Johnnie’s heart fluttered at the sound and the feel of the harnessed power.
“I would probably kill myself in this car,” she said.
Monica pulled out of the parking lot. “Don’t tell me you’re a speed demon.”
“I am.”
She laughed. “I would’ve never guessed it.”
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“I guess I can’t,” she said. She floored it on the main road, and they raced through the sporadic light like they were running from the law. People on the sidewalks stopped and stared, as did people in the cars they passed.
“You’re not supposed to drive like this,” Johnnie said, loving it.
“I’m just trying to impress you.” She groaned as she slowed for a stop light. “Is it working?”
“It’s doing something,” Johnnie said.
“Good.” Monica sped through the green light and drove swiftly though safely to a Circle K convenience store. They headed inside, got Thirst Busters and sweets, and headed out. They drove in comfortable silence up to the point.
Johnnie unbuckled her seat belt as they pulled in and parked. The headlights dimmed, and the lights of the city sparkled beneath them. Monica sipped her big soda, chewed on some Skittles, and leaned back to relax.
“Now this is nice,” she said. She reached up and freed her hair, sliding her hair tie around her wrist.
Johnnie stared at her dark mane, thick and wavy as it fell to her shoulders. She had an urge to touch it, to run her fingers through it.
Monica reclined her seat and looked at her. “Join me,” she said. “It’s nice.”
Johnnie reached down, reclined her seat, and sipped her Diet Coke with a splash of Dr Pepper. Her eyes drifted to the sparkling city lights, and they hypnotized her as they danced in place.
“Music?” Monica asked.
“No,” Johnnie said. “Silence.”
“Skittles?” she asked with a smile.
“No, thanks.” Johnnie wiggled her bag of Gummy Life Savers.
Monica watched her curiously. “Those any good?”
Johnnie looked at her like she was crazy. “Um, yeah. Where have you been?”
Monica laughed. “I guess I’m not in the loop.”
“Not in the loop? You’re on a different planet.” Johnnie handed over a few and watched with amusement as she ate them.
“Mm, yeah okay, I’ve been on a different planet.”
“Told you.”
“It’s not my fault. I don’t do sugar.”
“Suuure,” Johnnie said. She chewed on the chewy burst of flavor and pushed away the memories that were trying to come. She and Jolene had often lived off Thirst Busters and snack goods from convenience stores. The big foam cups kept drinks cooler in the hot months, and if you found a nice manager, they’d let you refill for free. Some even gave them expired goods like chips and crackers. For as many bad people as there were in the world, there were just as many good. And learning that had surprised her.
“You okay?” Monica asked.
“Hmm?” Johnnie turned and found her looking at her softly. “Yeah, just memories is all.”
“Did Gail bring you here or something?”
“No.” Johnnie laughed. “This would so not be a Gail thing.”
“Why? She doesn’t like Gummy Life Savers?”
“No, she just isn’t romantic. Or thoughtful.”
“Ah.”
“She doesn’t like to sit still.”
“God, I love sitting still,” Monica said. “It’s so nice.”
They both stared out the windshield. “With your job I can imagine.”
“Mm, yes.”
“What are you thinking?” Johnnie asked.
Monica laughed. “You’ll think I’m crazy.”
“Try me.”
She sighed. “I’m thinking about the Zodiac killer and how this probably isn’t very safe.”
Johnnie laughed and blushed profusely. “I actually thought about that too.”
“No way.”
“Yes.”
“Why would you think about that?” Monica asked.
Johnnie shrugged. “Because I worry about crazy shit like that.”
“I do too, but I’m a cop. What’s your excuse?” She was laughing hard too.
“I’m just crazy.”
“Did you scope the place like I did when we pulled in?”
Johnnie nodded, mouth full of soda.
“And I’ve been checking the mirrors.”
Monica cracked up.
Johnnie wanted to tell her why. That when you live on the streets you become obsessive about people and their behavior and actions. You have to anticipate anything and everything. It was probably very similar to how Monica felt while on the job.
“I’m a bit of a crime buff,” Johnnie said.
Monica looked intrigued. “Really? Who woulda thought?”
Johnnie shrugged. “I’m full of surprises.” She looked at her seriously. “What do you know about me, Monica?”
Monica wrung her hands on the steering wheel. “I don’t know. That you’re kind, compassionate, talented. I know you have an anxiety disorder, and it’s sometimes hard for you to get out.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?”
This time she shrugged. “No. Should it?”
“It’s an issue for a lot of people. They think I’m crazy with a house stacked full of newspapers and cats.”
“I think that would be a hoarder,” she said with a laugh.
“Yes, but they tend to loop us all together when assuming.”
“I see.” She chewed on some Skittles and then reached for Johnnie’s hand. “I know a lot about you, Johnnie. And you’re okay by me.”
Johnnie got lost in her eyes for a moment. She felt something stirring in the pit of her stomach. She’d spent weeks feeling so aroused, so turned on by the woman, it was a miracle she could walk upright without climaxing in her jeans. Even so, she recognized the desire for release for what it was. And she remembered she’d made a vow to harness that energy and put it to good use.
“I’d better get home,” she said softly.
Monica leaned in, inches from her. “Okay.” Gently, she placed a soft, warm kiss on her lips. Johnnie returned it, too curious not to. When they pulled apart she felt lightheaded. Her mouth tasted like what she’d imagine colors to taste like.
“I just wanted to give you something to think about tonight.” Monica brushed her cheek with the backs of her fingers. Then she straightened, adjusted her seat, and started the engine. Johnnie fixed her seat and refastened her seat belt. They drove to her house in silence, though Monica often reached over and squeezed her hand with a sincere smile.
When they reached Johnnie’s loft, Johnnie turned to her and held her forearm. She liked the strength she felt there. It caused more stirring. “I think I have a sugar high,” she said.
Monica laughed. “I know I do.”
“Thanks for tonight,” Johnnie said. “For, you know, getting me out of there.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“You’re really a great person, Monica.”
“You sound surprised.”
“No, just aware.”
Monica smiled. “Go on in,” she said. “Flash your lights when you’re in safe.”
Johnnie leaned in and kissed her cheek. They parted slowly, breathing heavy. “Night.”
“Good night.”
Johnnie closed the door behind her and hurried up to her loft. When she got inside, she flashed her kitchen light and smiled. She checked her phone, absolutely sure she would find that Gail had tried to call. But to her surprise she found only a text from Eddie, wishing her a good night with a hashtag party girl followed by a smiley face.
She plugged the phone in to charge and turned when she heard a knock on her door. She grinned, despite herself, knowing it was Monica. She couldn’t deny that there had been a little chemistry between them.
She pulled open the heavy door and froze.
“Hey, baby,” Gail said, leaning against the frame. She sank her hands into her loose jeans, showing off a red G-string riding her hips. Johnnie couldn’t speak, couldn’t think.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Johnnie blinked quickly, and her hand gripped the door so tight it hurt. And then, without rational thought or hesitation, she stepped aside and let her in, closing the door behind them.