Page 44 of Rookie Days

“Hey, Jan. I didn’t know the gym was your thing.”

Lia, in running tights and a sweat-stained sports bra, stood smiling at her.

“Hello, darling. Yes, I finally decided to incorporate weight training into my routine.”

“Nice. Quinn got me into that too.”

“Huh-uh.” Janet nodded. “She’s been bending my ear over it for as long as I’ve known her. Can’t wait to see her smug little face when I tell her I finally caved in.”

Lia grinned with a telling mushy look on her own face; the same one she always got whenever her wife was mentioned. It made Janet want to roll her eyes, laugh, and sigh, all at the same time.

“Your personal trainer any good?”

“She is, actually. Excellent.”

“Why,‘actually’?”

“Because,” Janet snorted, “she’s like aspirin.”

“What do you mean?”

“Bubbly to the point of effervescence. Irritatingly upbeat.”

“Aw, that’s a little harsh.” Lia chuckled as she joined her on the stretching mat. “Being upbeat and cheerful is not that bad, is it?”

“Nah.” Janet shrugged. “She’s okay. But I’m not used to so much cooing and praising from a woman who’s basically still a child.” She faked an exaggerated shudder. “Give me a freezing cold and silent ocean any day of the week, I tell you!”

“Right!” Lia smiled approvingly. “Same here.”

“This being said, I may also be turning into a grumpy old woman.”

With an amused grin now, Lia made a point of looking her slowly up and down.

“Trust me, Janet, you don’t look old. And just as alluring as ever, in fact.”

“How ‘bout grumpy?”

“Oh, yeah. That, I can’t deny.”

“Well, at least you’re honest. I appreciate that.” Janet was able to hold the question in until after they both came out of the shower and changed. Then it got too much. She just had to bring it up. “Hey, Lia. Can I talk to you about something?”

“Sure. What’s up?”

She’d put on an L.P.D. t-shirt that belonged to Quinn, Janet noticed, and experienced a tug of envy at the implied intimacy of it.I am losing it… Big time!

“Remember when you and I first met?” she smiled. “And I was a bit suspicious of you?”

“Oh, more than just a bit.” Lia laughed as she recalled the day. “You were so on guard! Very territorial about Quinn.”

“Well, she was and still is my best friend.”

“Yes, and you were protective of her as such. Have to say, Jan, I liked you instantly for that.”

“You never told me. Really?”

“Totally.” Lia walked to the vending machine in the corner, got herself an orange Powerade, and raised an eyebrow. When Janet nodded in reply, she got her one too. Came back to sit on the bench. Flashed her a gentle smile. “So, my friend. How are you doing?”

Janet did not expect tears. Hell, no! But once again, with no warning whatsoever, she welled up nice and proper. The way Lia eyed her in return, with such love and acceptance, actually made her sob once.