Page 16 of Always Another Sunset

“I will,” she said, and at the woman’s perfect answer, JC realized what had started out to be a simple dinner had turned into a possibly monumental night.

With a slightly shaking hand, she lifted her wine glass. “I know we already toasted tonight, but I think this warrants a second one,” she said, and Bella laughed, sounding more carefree than she had all evening.

“To roommates?” she asked, and JC smiled wide.

“To roommates.”

16

As Bella watched JC pick up the last of her suitcases and load them into the back of the jeep, she couldn’t believe how excited she felt. Although everything was happening fast, amazingly she didn’t mind. Normally, rapid change made her feel overwhelmed, but not this time. As unbelievable as it sounded, even to her own ears, she was about to live with JC in her fantastic house on the canals.Such a beautiful space, filled with so much light, so much positive energy,she thought.It’s going to be perfect for my writing.Bella felt the words bubbling inside her, ready to spill out through her fingers onto the keyboard.

When JC first suggested she move in, Bella’s immediate concern wasn’t if she would like to live with her friend. She already knew she would because the woman was thoughtful and generous and, from what Bella saw of the house, neat and tidy too. Instead, her worry was what if JC saw something in Bella she didn’t like. Their relationship was new and, until last night, always out in public places. Nothing like what actually living with someone felt like.And then there was the kissing,she thought. There was plenty of that after dinner the night before. She smiled.We were like a couple of teenagers.

“Well, I like that smile,” JC said, shutting the jeep’s tailgate. “What are you thinking about?”

Caught thinking of her friend in a less than innocent way, Bella felt her cheeks get hot. Not quite ready to express all her feelings, she shrugged instead. “Just that I am so glad we decided to do this,” she said. “I hope you don’t regret it.”

JC laughed, and it was the usual warm, carefree sound Bella loved since college. “I am confident I won’t regret anything,” she said with a wink. “Are you interested in stopping for lunch somewhere or heading straight back to the house?”

Thinking about her answer, Bella climbed into the jeep and put on her seatbelt. “I’m not sure,” she said, biting her lip. A part of her really wanted to start settling in. “I think I’d rather go straight back if you don’t mind. And unload my stuff?”

JC started the engine. “What about this,” she said. “We swing by the food truck on the way and take lunch home to eat on the patio?”

“Love it,” Bella said, impulsively grabbing JC’s hand. Although they held hands at times while walking on the beach, and the relationship had evolved to passionate kissing, the intimate feeling from the touch caught her by surprise.Like we’ve always done this,she thought, and when JC intertwined their fingers, warmth radiated through her. Not sexual, although there were plenty of those moments, but comfortable. Happy.Like she always makes me feel.

Riding in silence, Bella simply closed her eyes and savored the moment. JC was an excellent driver, and she trusted her completely. Everything was perfect when they took the offramp to swing by the food truck and grab lunch. Then, JC jerked her hand away as she slammed on the brakes. Cars honked behind them, and Bella braced for impact at any second while they came to a quick stop. After a beat, JC put on her flashers but did not move the jeep out of the line of traffic.

“What’s happening?” Bella asked as JC quickly unfastened her seatbelt. “Where are you going?”

“There’s a dog in the road,” she said. “It looks like someone hit it.”

Eyes wide, Bella watched as her friend jumped out of the jeep and ran down the offramp toward something black and white on the ground. “What the hell are you doing?” she heard someone bellow from behind them. “Move your car.” Not entirely sure what JC’s plan was, but knowing she was only trying to help, Bella wasn’t about to let someone yell at her. Getting out of the jeep, she walked toward the man’s open car window. He was leaning out and glaring at her as she approached.

“Hey,” Bella said.

“What?”

“I am only asking you to be patient,” she said. “There’s an animal or something in the road further down the ramp.”

The man shook his head. “Well then kick it to the side and let’s go,” he said in a tone that Bella found extremely offensive. “I have an appointment.”

Putting her hands on her hips, Bella returned his glare. “You’re just going to have to be late,” she said. “Because no one is moving until JC says it is okay.”

One minute,everything was perfect as JC drove on the highway with Bella relaxing beside her. The feeling of their hands clasped together was wonderful. A glance over, and she noticed the woman’s eyes were closed. Seeing her so content and trusting brought a smile to JC’s face. There was no way to know where their relationship would end up, but for the moment, she liked where it was headed.

Then, refocusing on the road as she took the offramp that would take them to the neighborhood with the food truck, she saw movement to the right. Something black and white, making her blink to see what was on the shoulder. She realized it was an animal, possibly a dog by the size.Too big for a cat, she thought.And it’s hurt.Slowing the jeep, JC watched as the thing collapsed.Shit, that’s not good.Without giving it a second thought, she hit the brakes and pushed the hazard light button, blocking traffic in case the dog crawled into the traffic lane.

“What’s happening?” Bella asked as JC quickly unfastened her seatbelt. “Where are you going?”

“There’s a dog in the road,” she said. “It looks like someone hit it.” Without another word, she climbed out and jogged down the onramp. She heard an angry motorist yell after her, but everyone could wait a minute while she checked the situation. If something was hurt, they couldn’t leave it. Approaching the crouched dog, the first thing she noticed was its rapid panting and a hint of blood on its muzzle. The second was how unkept and underfed it looked. “Hey there,” JC murmured using her gentlest tone. “Looks like you’re hurting.”

The dog fixed her with its dark-brown eyes but didn’t get up to run. Seeing that as a good sign, JC crept closer, keeping her stance as relaxed and unthreatening as possible. “We need to get you out of traffic. It’s not safe for you to stay here,” she said, noting there was no collar. Leading the medium-sized dog away from danger wasn’t an option.I’ll have to pick it up,she thought, knowing to do so would be risky. The last thing she wanted was a dog bite from some stray.But I’m kind of committed now.Taking a deep breath, JC slid closer before crouching slightly out of reach. Watching her every move, the dog didn’t try to stand and run, and she wondered if it could. In the distance, more cars had started honking.Time to do this.“I’m going to pick you up and take you with me, okay?” When the dog gave a bit of a whine, JC slowly nodded.I’ll take that as my cue.

Moving in, JC held out her hand palm up and let the dog sniff her fingers before gently petting it on the neck. There were no growling or other signs of panic other than another whine. “You’re okay,” JC said. “I’m going to get you all fixed up. Let’s go.” She slid her hands under the animal as gently as she could and lifted it into her arms. Cradling the dog, she moved up the ramp to her jeep. Bella appeared to be trying to appease a gathering group of angry drivers, and JC appreciated what she did, knowing the task wasn’t easy. Thankfully, it bought her the time she needed to not run with the dog. The last thing she wanted was to jostle it if there was an internal injury.

JC watched Bella notice her and start in her direction. “Is it bad?” she asked, and JC shook her head.

“I’m not sure,” she replied. “But I need you to drive. We need to go to a vet. I’m pretty sure there’s one near the food truck.”

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