Thankfully all the injured kids survived. Except for the boy himself, the shooter. He killed himself.” Sophia began, as she took a sip from her drink.

  The atmosphere changed to one of concern and the others agreed with Sophia. “It was definitely a miracle. It could have ended so di erently. God was truly on their side that night,” Katherine said.

  “That’s true. It’s just so painful to see these things happening time and time again,” Luke said. “The kids need guidance. They need people who can understand their emotional turmoil. It’s just frustration that gets pent up that leads to this. And it’s even more frustrating that nobody seems to do anything about it,” Luke continued, his voice hinting at anger as he ran a hand through his sandy brown locks.

  “Yeah. Thank God that Dr. Roman's daughter is safe. She was one of the injured ones. Vivienne’s surgery went well, right, Katherine?” It was Emma who spoke this time.

  “Yes. She was the worst of the injuries actually. Her surgery went really well, thankfully, she is young and resilient and she’ll be fully recovered in no time. Dr. Roman and her ex-wife were devastated. Vivienne is like a lifeline for those two. I’m so relieved I was able to save her.”

  “I had no doubt you would,” Sophia said, smiling. She was so proud of her incredible girlfriend.

  “HELLO AVA! Thank you so much for coming,” Karen said to Ava.Hollis came up to greet Ava, surprising herself by letting her eyes roam over Ava's body. She watched Ava’s eyes and found that Ava was doing the same to her–taking in Hollis’s form. A smile played on Hollis’s lips as Ava finally looked into her eyes, a blush forming on her cheeks. Cute, Hollis thought to herself.

  “Hello, Dr. Roman,” Ava said to Hollis.

  “You can call me Hollis. I think that would be most appropriate.” She touched Ava’s arm. A shiver went through Ava’s body, leaving her rather breathless.

  Karen welcomed Ava. “Vivienne has been going on and on about the shopping you two are going to do. I know that any delay will disappoint her, but I think you can still have some co ee,” Karen said, but Ava’s eyes were playing hide and seek with Hollis’s.

  Ava’s eyes hungrily ran over Hollis’s body. Her eyes rested a little longer on Hollis’s strong shoulders and arms in her army t-shirt. Which meant that Ava blushed ten di erent shades of red as Hollis said, "You can take woman out of the army, but you can't take the army out of the woman." Ava had been caught staring yet again, but Hollis was definitely worth staring at.

  “It’s a beautiful house, though, Dr. Rom— Hollis,” Ava corrected herself, looking around. Hollis smiled at her, making Ava’s breath hitch.

  She looks so beautiful when she smiles, Ava thought to herself before a new voice grabbed everyone’s attention. “Hi

  Ava! Time to go shopping. I’m so glad you could make it!”

  Vivienne said, coming into the living room and smiling broadly as she rushed to Ava to give her a hug.

  “Let the poor girl breathe, sweetheart,” Karen reminded, laughing at Vivienne’s enthusiasm.

  The teenager pulled back from the hug with a blush.

  “Aren’t you two coming with us?” she asked. “Come on—it will be fun!” Vivienne pouted adorably at her mothers.

  “No, honey. You know we hate shopping. You two have fun and I’ll make dinner for when you get home,” Karen said.

  “What about you, Hollis? Aren’t you coming along?” Ava asked, her eyes hopeful. Still, she tried to make her request sound as casual as possible.

  “I have some paperwork to do to and a meeting with an old friend, but yeah—I’ll see you guys at dinner,” Hollis told Ava before turning to Vivienne, “Have a good time, baby.

  Both of you.” Hollis looked at Ava again, her eyes lingering on Ava’s breasts.

  “SO YOU DON’T HAVE A GIRLFRIEND?” Vivienne asked, as they moved out of the store.

  “Um, I had one, but yes. I have been single for a while,”

  Ava responded, balancing the shopping bags.

  “I don’t like many people these days. Maybe I am growing old,” she added with a laugh.

  “Oh, that’s exactly what Mom says!” Vivienne replied, an adorable frown on her face.

  “What about you and Eric? Enjoying going out with him?”

  Ava asked, her tone teasing and eyes mischievous.

  “Uh . . . yeah! He is really good,” Vivienne replied, blushing at the mention of Eric. Then a frown came up on

  her face and her voice was sad, “He hasn’t called me his girlfriend yet, though.”

  “You like him like that?” Ava continued, as they walked together.

  “Yeah. Every time I am with him, I just want it to go on and, um, never end,” Vivienne finished, blushing and looking away.

  “Then you should tell him how you feel,” Ava suggested, her voice soft.

  “But . . . what if Eric doesn’t like me like that? I mean, he does joke about it, but you know, I am shy and awkward and .

  . . weird. I don’t think I even get along with anyone at school, except for Eric. I can’t lose him,” Vivienne said, finally opened up. Her eyes blurred with tears.

  Vivienne felt a hand grip her arm softly and turn her around. Ava looked into Vivienne’s eyes and declared, “You are not some outcast, Vivienne. You are the most amazing girl I have ever met and don’t let anyone tell you any di erently. You are such a brave person—do you know that?

  So, never ever degrade yourself like that. Ever.” Ava took a breath and looked at her. “Vivienne, sweetheart, it’s okay to be awkward and weird. Not forcing yourself to be ‘normal.’

  You just have to know who is worth your real weirdness. You need to know who is willing to stick around such a funny, talented and brave girl.”

  Vivienne looked away, unsure, but Ava went on. “And about Eric, well . . . if you think about it, what if he does likes you back? Won’t that make you happy? You have to take chances with these things, you know. Liking someone is fine.

  But then coming out to them with your feelings is the risky, yet brave thing to do. So what I’m trying to say, is . . . talk to Eric. If he feels the same way, that’s great. But if he doesn’t, honey, at least you’ll have some closure. And you’ll know that this one person wasn’t meant for you,” Ava finished,

  pulling Vivienne in for a hug and kissing the top of her head.

  Vivienne hugged her back, mumbling her thanks into Ava’s embrace.

  They walked toward the parking lot and spotted Ava’s car.

  They put all the shopping bags into the trunk before closing it and settling into the car themselves. Vivienne had bought a load of art supplies.

  “Have you done something like that?” she asked Ava.

  “Told someone you like them? Even if it’s like, very risky?”

  Vivienne asked, as they drove out of the mall’s parking lot.

  Before Ava could reply, Vivienne added, “I bet all the women want you. You are so sweet and beautiful and you go into fires to rescue people. That’s amazing,” Vivienne’s tone was one of awe.

  “You are amazing too, Vivi,” Ava replied, briefly turning to look at Vivienne before focusing on the road once again.

  “Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves and we think other people have it all figured out. As they say, ‘the grass is always greener on the other side,’” Ava said softly as Vivienne burst into a loud laugh, surprising Ava.

  “What happened? What’s so funny?” Ava asked, surprised. Her eyebrows briefly joined in a frown, then her lips smiled again.

  “I just remembered something,” Vivienne answered.

  “You know, in our class, the teacher was teaching us this proverb. And he asked John, ‘John, what does the grass is always greener on the other side mean?’ and he said . . .

  Vivienne chuckled before continuing, “he said it means that the guy on this side is a lazy ass and doesn’t maintain his lawn properly.” Vivienne laughed again, clutching at her stomach. Ava laughed alongside her, shaking her head.

  “But you didn’t tell me,” Vivienne reminded her after their fit of laugher had subsided. “Would you do something risky like that?”

  “Uh . . . well, yeah. I mean, I couldn’t die wondering. I would tell her how I felt, and then would see what happens,”

  Ava replied, her thoughts drifting to Hollis.

  “Oh, that’s great! When you find a girl and you are about to tell her how you feel, you have to tell me too, okay? I will go talk to Eric the same day,” Vivienne declared, her voice filled with excitement.

  “Uh, ok. Yeah, sure.” Ava replied, lost in crazy thoughts of Hollis naked and on top of her.

  “Are you friends with mom? Do you like her?” Vivienne asked.

  “We aren’t that close, but yes, your mother is amazing. A great doctor and a good person, too.” Ava replied, as Vivienne nodded.

  “We got o to a rocky start, you know. Both me and your mom are a little stubborn, but passionate about our work.”

  Ava let out an airy laugh, a genuine smile on her face. “But yes, I like her,” she added, glancing at Vivienne—who was grinning at her.

  “LOOKS like you two girls had a lot of fun,” Karen said, as Ava and Vivienne walked into the house. They placed the shopping bags in the living room before plopping down onto the sofa.

  Why won’t she talk to me? Well, she doesn’t talk much anyway. The voice in Ava’s head was having a duel of its own, which Ava had a hard time keeping up with, given that she didn’t know what she felt for Hollis.

  “Dinner is ready!” Karen called, her voice bringing Ava back to reality.

  “It smells so good in here, and it looks delicious,” Ava commented, as they sat down at the dining table.

  “Well actually, Hollis cooked most of it. I just did a good job presenting it,” Karen said, as everyone laughed.

  “WELL IT’S LATE, and I should get going. Thank you for everything. I had such an amazing day today! The dinner was incredible. Thanks again,” Ava said with a smile, gathering her purse in her hand.

  “Why don’t you stay here? It’s pretty late already,” Karen o ered.

  “Yeah, Ava, please stay,” Vivienne said to Ava, her eyes hopeful.

  “Thanks, guys. I had a great time, but don’t worry. I’ll manage,” Ava replied, giving an apologetic smile to them.

  “You must be pretty tired already,” Hollis said. “We have a spare room made up, and then we can go to the hospital together tomorrow. I’ll drive.” Hollis looked Ava square in the eyes with her sharp green stare.

  Ava smiled. She liked the thought of being driven by Hollis. “Okay,” she said.

  HOLLIS WOKE to a noise in the night and got up to see what it was. She saw Ava outside on the balcony. “Hey, is everything okay?” Hollis asked.

  “Yeah, I just had some trouble sleeping,” Ava answered.

  “So thought I’d come outside for some fresh air.” she finisehd, as Hollis walked out to stand next to her.

  “Is the room okay? Do you need anything?”

  “Well, you are awake, too. So maybe the same issue is plaguing both of us,” Ava said, laughing lightly and making

  Hollis smile at her.

  The two were quiet for a while, letting the cool breeze touch their skin. “We haven’t really talked about what happened that night,” Hollis mentioned, finally breaking the silence to talk about the proverbial elephant in the room.

  “It’s okay. It was a heat of the moment thing, I guess. You don’t have to explain.”

  “Yeah. Yeah, I have it under control,” Hollis said, as she found herself drawing closer to Ava. Hollis felt as if she were under a spell.

  ““Totally. It . . . it means nothing. We can both be mature about it and, uh . . . nothing will happen,” Ava said. “Nothing has to happen. It was just a one-time thing. Everything is under total control,” Ava fumbled with her words as Hollis stepped even closer to her. Hollis’s perfume filled Ava’s senses and she wanted more of it.

  “Vivi really likes you,” Hollis said, trying to change the subject. “Thank you for being so good to her.”

  “Well, I should thank her,” Ava answered with an airy laugh. “After so many weird, meaningless relationships, at least she adds some value to my life.”

  Not able to stay away anymore, Hollis grabbed Ava’s waist and turned her around, crashing her body against Ava’s.

  Ava’s breath hitched as she looked up to meet Hollis’s gaze.

  Her green eyes had grown darker and swirled with emotion.

  “H-Hollis . . . I—you . . . um,” she stuttered, wanting to take a step back, but realizing that her back was now firmly against the balcony railing. Hollis gripped Ava’s waist more tightly, but not enough to hurt her. Just firmly enough to keep her from getting away.

  “You are very beautiful, you know that?” she asked. “I know you have seen me looking at you. The truth is—I can’t stop looking at you.” Hollis’s voice was husky as she kissed Ava’s ear. A shudder of pleasure ran down Ava’s spine as she

  clutched Hollis’s loose t-shirt, her hands fisting the material. Ava’s breath quickened as she felt Hollis’s racing heart.

  Hollis pulled back and looked into Ava’s deep black eyes, getting lost in the pools as she bent down a little toward Ava’s face, brushing her nose against Ava's. Ava couldn’t look away and she pressed herself against Hollis, earning a low groan from her.

  Their lips were now an inch away, and Ava felt Hollis’s warm breath on her face. She felt strong arms wrap around her, pulling her closer and so Hollis could seal their lips together. The kiss was deep and passionate, with their tongues clashing in each other’s mouths.

  “That was . . . ” Ava began, her breathing coming out in pants.

  “Amazing,” Hollis finished for her, as Ava joined their lips in a chaste kiss once again. Hollis looked into Ava’s eyes.

  She brought up one hand to softly stroke her cheek, while Ava leaned into the touch. They stood there, eyes locked and bodies pressed together, neither making a move to let go.

  Hollis finally let a grin change her face.

  Ava’s eyes widened. She had never seen Hollis like this . . .

  this happy! She felt her own lips curve to a smile as Hollis pulled back, only to grab her hand once again and lead her away from the balcony. Ava didn’t realized what Hollis was doing until Hollis’s room came into view. Then Ava quickly understood. Hollis looked back at Ava, hey eyes questioning.

  Ava nodded at her with a smile and Hollis breathed out. It was as if she had been holding her breath until Ava gave permission.

  They quietly entered the room and Ava walked towards the center before strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist, resting on her stomach. Ava turned around in Hollis’s arms, hugging her waist and looked up at her.

  Feeling brave, she kissed Hollis’s jaw, making Hollis’s hands drop to Ava’s ass. Hollis grabbed the cheeks firmly. Ava let out a hushed moan, kissing Hollis’s neck this time.

  “You’re playing with fire, little one. Careful now,” Hollis whispered into Ava’s ear, making her bite her lip before looking straight into Hollis’s eyes.

  “Maybe I want to get burned,” Ava said, breathing out, her lips close to Hollis’s. A growl filled the room as Hollis claimed Ava’s lips once again. This kiss was rougher—full of fervor and need. Desperate need.

  Hollis bent down slightly, pulling one of Ava’s legs up to wrap around her waist, hinting at what she wanted. Ava understood and wrapped her legs around Hollis’s waist, letting the strong woman carry her to bed, never breaking the kiss. Hollis put Ava on to the bed and parted her legs with her thigh as she got on top of her. She whispered in Ava’s ear, “I’m going to fuck you now. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. Is that ok with you?”

  Ava used all her strength to roll Hollis over onto her back.

  She straddled her and leant down, so their faces where only an inch apart. “I’m going to fuck you, too. I, too have been thinking about it for a long time. Don’t go thinking that you’ll be in charge in the bedroom, Hollis. You know damn well that I’m not just going to lie back and take it. This is going to be equal,” Ava instructed.

  “Okay, Ms. Ava. Whatever you say,” Hollis said with a smile. “You look fucking incredible straddling me. You can do anything you want to me, Ava, as long as you are quiet. I really don’t want my ex-wife or my daughter walking in!”

  “Perfect. I’m in charge now, then,” Ava told her. “Take o your clothes,” she whispered, climbing o the bed.

  Hollis sat up and obeyed, stripping o at the same time as Ava did. Ava smiled as she saw the lean, muscular beauty of Hollis’s naked body. She had the sort of body that looked as

  though it could climb a mountain, run a marathon, do one-hundred push-ups—or all three! Ava imagined those things were necessary in the army.

  She pushed Hollis back onto the bed. Ava kissed her way down Hollis’s body, over her small breasts and hard nipples, down over her tight stomach. She ran her tongue down over Hollis’s mound, teasing around her inner thigh. Teasing her labia. Teasing literally everywhere with licks and feather kisses. Hollis groaned with want. “God, I need you, Ava. I need you so badly,” she whispered.

  “Say please,” Ava ordered. She raised her head and smiled.

  “Please, get your face in there. I need your mouth on my clit so badly.” Hollis threw her head back with need. Ava’s mouth inched closer and she took one of Hollis’s labia in her mouth and sucked. Then the same on the other side. Ava could smell and taste Hollis’s arousal. She enjoyed how Hollis’s hips moved and her breathing changed. Ava plunged her tongue inside and Hollis gasped, grabbing the back of her hair. “Oh god, yes!” Hollis responded.

  Ava flattened her tongue and ran it up Hollis’s wetness with repeated strokes. Up through her folds and over her clit.

  Hollis’s whole body responded and her hips pushed up towards Ava’s mouth. Ava continued to work with her tongue and her mouth, slow and purposeful, getting every reaction from Hollis. She reached up with her left hand to hold Hollis’s hand in hers.