Akira Watanabe’s greatest issue isn’t being a lesbian, but rather having a father with the maturity of a teenager. He’s a heavy drinker and hardly works, so she supports them both with a job at a local convenience mart. It’s there she befriends police sergeant Rosey Garatino, who frequents the store and lives in the same complex as the Watanabes. Akira has the hots for a Goth girl named Jade, but unfortunately, Jade likes guys, and she also drinks and smokes. One night when Jade comes into the store, drunk, and tries to steal some beer, Akira stops her. Jade gets sick, and Akira helps her outside. Sparks fly between them, but nothing happens. Later Akira hears rumors that Jade is a lesbian. The heat that smoldered between them now sparks into a fire, especially when Jade promises to quit drinking and smoking. Akira’s surprised to learn Jade is Rosey’s daughter. Growing up can be difficult in the best of situations, but the neighborhood where Akira and Jade live is dangerous, too. As their friendship deepens into love, will they be able to protect each other and find their happy ending?

Saving Akita

“Jade. I’m Jade. I’m still in trouble at home and can’t go Goth for a week. I truly am sorry. You’reway cool. Thanks.” She faced her mom. “I’ll wait in the car.”


After she left, Rosey rested her palms on the counter and hunched her shoulders.


“I didn’t know she was your daughter. I’m sorry about this.”


“Don’t be sorry. She’s the one who did it all. I don’t know why. She won’t talk about it.”


“Tried it. We both disliked the person.”


One customer came in, bought beer, paid, and left.


Rosey tilted her head toward the door. “Come out with me. I need a smoke.”


Outside, a warm breeze blew, and the sky was clear. Both were quiet for a while.


Akira couldn’t contain herself anymore. “Can I say something?” Rosey nodded and sucked deeply on hercancer stick. “When you try to talk to her, is it always face to face?”


“Of course. Done it when I was mad, calm, depressed, loving. Nothing works. She won’t tell me what’s inside.”


Chapter 12