Page 113 of September

As they made their way downstairs and outside, Juliet listened to Gwen tell more of the story about how she’d come across the van, the old woman, the fact that it only needed an oil change, which she would get later, and how excited she was about having her new business.

“I still need to really flesh out my business plan, pricing, how many clients I need, and all that before I can get started, and I want to pay someone to redo that logo.”

“Why? I like it. It’s cute,” Juliet said, squeezing Gwen’s hand as they walked.

“It’s just a cartoon me,” Gwen shared.

“I know. That’s why I like it,” she replied as they made their way out to the street.

Juliet thought about how happy Gwen was to be taking this step in her life, and while she continued to listen to her girlfriend tell her about the miracle van, she thought about her own career and how she’d yet again not said anything to her boss about how much she wanted to fix a broken system. The company had grown so fast, and it hadn’t really looked back on the things that needed to be updated. When Southern Roastery had been founded, they’d only had a small portion of the office space they occupied now. Today, they could easily host classes there when they couldn’t have in the past.

“So, what do you think?” Gwen asked, pulling Juliet out of her thoughts.

“It’s a van,” she said, looking at it.

“I know it’s stupid to be this excited about a van… It’s not like it’s a luxury car. But it’s mine.”

“Babe, it’s great. Show me the inside and tell me how it’ll all work.”

Gwen let go of her hand and unlocked the back doors.

“Okay. So, I’ll have the tub over here, and I’m thinking supplies and stuff will go on the other side.” She motioned with open hands once she climbed inside. “And I’d like to have enough space for two people if I can get it, in case the humans want or need to be in here with their dogs.”

“That’s a good idea. Is it possible?” Juliet went to get inside but stopped. “Permission to board, Captain?”

Gwen smiled at her, held out her hand for Juliet to take, and then pulled her up, closing the doors behind them.

“There. Privacy,” she said, wrapping her arms around Juliet’s waist. “You’re really very cute.”

“I am?” Juliet asked. “Or are you just really happy about this van thing?”

“It can be both,” Gwen replied. “Want to know something?”

Juliet wrapped her arms around Gwen’s neck and said, “Yes.”

“When I got in this thing and was about to drive home, I knew where I wanted to go.”

“You came here.” Juliet smiled. “That’s really romantic, Gwendolyn.”

“Oh, you never use my full name,” Gwen said with a lifted eyebrow. “I like it. It’s kind of hot.”

“It is?”

“Yes, Juliet,” she replied and pressed her forehead to Juliet’s. “Say it again.”

“Gwendolyn, that is really romantic,” she said, placing her hand on Gwen’s cheek. “And I’m glad you came over to tell me about this. I’m happy that you’re happy.”

“I’d be even happier if you kissed me right now,” Gwen told her.

“Oh, yeah? I think that can be arranged.”

Juliet leaned in, captured Gwen’s lips with her own, and they stood in an empty van, kissing until Gwen’s hands moved under Juliet’s T-shirt and up to cup her breasts.

“Babe, we should go inside,” she suggested.

“Christen this thing with me,” Gwen requested as she moved her lips to Juliet’s neck. “I want you.”

Juliet opened her eyes and looked out the windshield. There was a truck parked in front of them, but if people were to look close enough, they’d be able to see them.