A percussionist with the local orchestra, Ashlee sometimes has very little to do, so she daydreams about the new bass player, Michela. When Michela asks her out to dinner, her dreams seem to be coming true.<br><br>But is Michela gay? Ashlee didn’t think so, but her goodnight kiss plants the seed of hope.<br><br>Over their second date, they review Michela’s portfolio. Could Ashlee help Michela start her career? Before they can find out, their third date is interrupted by Michela’s angry and violent ex. Is the fourth time the charm?

That Amethyst Jacket

“Jessie!” Mickey exclaimed. Then she turned to me. “I’m sorry. My friend here seems to think she can still run my life.”


“Run your life?” she exclaimed. “You’re the one who ruinedmylife. You’rethe one who walked out!”


“And I had good reason. I couldn’t live like that anymore. You really need to see someone about your temper.”


“Fuck you, Michela. I guess you’ve made up your mind.” She got up quickly and pushed past me.


When she did, the glass flew out of my hand and bumped into Mickey’s drink. The deep red liquid from both glasses splashed down the front of Mickey’s jacket and shirt. Her friend never stopped to look but stomped out of the bar. A minute later, we heard tires screeching and a car speeding off.


I turned to Mickey. The bartender had seen what happened and helped her wipe the drink from her clothes and face.


“I’ll never get this out!” Mickey moaned as she tried to wipe the cranberry juice off her jacket.


Chapter 10