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A plump young white guy in glasses chugged past them, looking up and down from his phone. Kind of a strange thing to be doing in dress clothes, but to each their own.

They reached the bus stop where Nyah would catch her ride home. “Don’t stay up too late trying to get out of the factory,” Sadie teased.

“You know I will,” Ny said.

They laughed and waved goodbye. Sadie hastened her steps, settling into her Single Woman at Night pace. Not because she felt unsafe. Flight was nearby, or could be if she needed him. It was just the reality of being a woman.

She passed one of the old buildings original to Vector City, its cornerstone stating its completion in 1903. About the same time people with unusual abilities began to be reported across the globe. Many theories had been posed as to why, but the overall consensus was some humans had simply evolved. Sadie supposed this was why a lot of people distrusted the superpowered. Not all human beings had evolved to embrace differences rather than fear them.

The storefront that used to be a mattress store was still available for lease. It wasn’t the right fit for a café. At least not her dream café. The location was okay, but she didn’t get aYes!vibe from it. It didn’t feel like the right time, anyway. She didn’t have enough money saved up.

Her phone buzzed again. Another text from Ferret Guy.

Ill pay you ok?

Ugh. She didn’t need money that badly. Was it any wonder why someone would be more into Superheroes than regular joes? They saved busloads of kids and upheld truth and honesty and made her feel protected. People like Ferret Guy…did not.

She had to reply, if only to get him off her back. She typedWill you also pay me the money you promised last time, but deleted it. That made it sound like she’d be up for it. Better to be more direct, less wishy-washy.

Sorry, not available.

She almost added something likeGood luck finding someoneorHave a good vacation. “Don’t do it,” she told herself. Sayingsorrywas bad enough, but she didn’t want to be mean. Even though she had a right to.

She sent the text and put her phone on Do Not Disturb before he wore her down. She’d ignore any more texts from him. Should probably delete his number, only seeingFerret Guyreminded her that she’d changed his contact name to remember what he’d done. And similar things others had done.

A pizza delivery guy held the door for her as he exited her building. They shared a hello.

Sadie paused at the alcove of mailboxes. Might as well check, even though hers would probably be empty. Who knows? Maybe her hot new neighbor would be around.

Her heartbeat tapped in double-time as she glanced at the mailbox for apartment 714.Joan Malone.

Joan Malonesounded like a character from a classic detective movie. Though she looked like anything but. Sadie’s style fit the bill more, with her love of vintage everything. Joan had a more modern flair with the undercut and tight pants.

Since Sadie worked odd days and hours, the likelihood of seeing one another again was either really good or really bad. Hopefully good, because Joan Malone washot. That smile could let her get away with anything, and hereyes…

She hadn’t been able to get those eyes out of her thoughts.

Footsteps echoed closer until someone rounded the corner. Her pulse catapulted at the sight of Joan Malone. Tonight she wore another short-sleeved shirt with a little diamond pattern and black skinny jeans.

“Sadie Eagan,” Joan said, shifting her gym bag from one hand to the other.

“Joan Malone.” Sadie tugged at the hem of her bright violet sleeveless top.

“Nice to see you again.” Joan’s voice was low and smooth, like the finest whiskey.

“Nice to seeyou.” Sadie grinned. “I was just thinking about running into you.”

“So you manifested me.”

“I guess I did.”

Joan looked at her with those amber eyes. There wasn’t a word to describe them other thanremarkable. Like they could reach inside you and take care of you.

Those eyes would get Sadie in more trouble than that smile.

Joan unlocked her mailbox. She stepped to the side and slid her hand in awkwardly sideways. Didn’t most people shove their faces in to make sure they got everything? Or was Sadie the weird one?

“How was work tonight?” she asked, distractedly fumbling with her keys.