Page 32 of Metal & Mud

Sabby blushed lightly, touched. "So are you going to stick around a bit? I've got nachos, fresh out of the microwave."

Logan laughed. "Of course. Actually, I swung by as soon as I was able to get out of uniform because I figured since things are clear on the investigation side, I needed to find out a few things. Your phone number's one. So that's taken care of."

"It is," Sabby conceded, grinning. "And what were the other things you needed to find out?"

Logan leaned in, grinning. "Second, I wanted to find out your schedule. I figure half of the problems I had were because I decided to chat you up while you were working. Let's be candid, things would have been a lot smoother the other night if we could have just bounced after the first time I butted heads with Lieutenant Dickhead. So I put all my brains and education to the task, and figured that if I found out your schedule, that'd be a good thing. That way I can ask you out on a proper date."

Sabby felt her face flush, but smiled. "Well, today I worked an opening shift, so I get off in about three hours. So what do you say? Think you've got some time tonight?"

Logan nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "I'd say I wouldn't mind picking you up. What time and where?"

"How about here around six thirty?" Sabby replied, thinking quickly. "I mean, unless you want me to get all dolled up or something?"

Logan laughed. "I like you just the way you are. But I think I probably need to shower, shave, and pick out a better outfit. No offense, we don't quite match."

Sabby looked down at her outfit, a goth black 'princess' dress with striped white and black stockings that just screamed 'cute Wednesday Addams,' although her upper body was covered with an alley uniform shirt. She wore it most shifts she wasn't singing karaoke simply to keep things chill. Looking at Logan, she shrugged. "I don't care, really. I mean, I liked the black jeans last time, but you don't have to."

"Yeah I do," Logan assured her. "Don't worry, nothing fancy, I don't have anything fancy. But shorts and a U t-shirt won't work. So I'll see you in a couple of hours?"

"Looking forward to it." Sabby watched as Logan left. As soon as he was gone she hurried to the break room and got her phone. She hadn't lied, it was a violation of alley policy to have her phone while working, but it was a minor issue. There were no other customers in the alley, and anyone who did come in would be within earshot.

Besides, she was due a break anyway.

Quickly, she texted her sister.

*Hey, I've got a date tonight. Do you mind?*

*No prob. Why?*

That was a good question. Sabby still hadn't told Jess about the connection between the three of them. The shameful truth was, she'd chickened out time and time again when she should have just fessed up to her sister about the situation. But ignoring it wasn't going to make it go away, and now that Sabby had accepted Logan's offer for a date, it definitely wasn't something that could be swept under the rug.

*I've got the car, and he's picking me up here. Think you can swing by to pick it up? I hate leaving it here overnight.*

*Yeah, sure. Gimmie some time to walk over.*

Sabby waited, setting one guy up with shoes and a lane and getting some sodas for others before Jess walked in, looking casual herself in some workout shorts and a tank top with sports bra underneath.

"Hey, thought you were going to get a date?" Sabby asked. "Or are you recuperating first?"

"Nah, just decided that maybe it's time to try for something more than just a hookup," Jess admitted. "I mean, I'm thinking I'd like to actually have more of a connection than just scissoring."

Sabby smiled, nodding. "That's good. Not saying you aren't one hot muscle mommy, but you're more than that, too."

"Well let's see how I feel after a few weeks of celibacy because I'm looking for a real relationship," Jess said with a laugh. "Speaking of which, this guy you're going out with... cas or a real date?"

"I think real," Sabby said before clearing her throat. "Um, about that... you know the guy."

"You better not be talking about Brian Manheim," Jess said warningly. "We talked about him."

"No!" Sabby winced. "Good god no! Brian's a good guy, and if he wants to date I'm sure there's some woman who'll make him happy again, but that woman isn't me."

"Okay, then who is it?"

Sabby took a deep breath. "Hollywood. I was the girl at the alley that was getting picked on, and Logan was the guy who stood up for me. Please don't be mad, I didn't know he was under your command at the time and he doesn't even know my last name yet! I have to tell him I know but... I'm sorry."

It all came out as one long spiel, with barely a pause in between words. By the end she was panting, having used all the oxygen in her lungs to power out the last few words, and she expected Jess to flip out.

Instead, Jess leaned in, looking her in the eye. "You two had sex."

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