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

Rosey parked a block from the boardwalk, and they hooked arms, trotting forward, singing Lions, tigers,and bears, oh, my! Up the steps to the boardwalk and down the far side to the beach. Leaving shoes at thesteps, they walked in the sand and wet their feet in the perennial waves.


Rosey had them sit in the dry sand. She and Jade hugged her from the sides. “Akira, close your eyes and listen to the waves. Feel the energy of the ocean, of mother earth, and all that is around us. Let it take your anger, fear, and upset from you. It’ll be replaced with courage and an open mind, so the universe can give you a solution to your troubles. Until that solution arrives, know you have friends right here on each side of you who care about you. Take slow deep breaths. Surrender your problems to the universe, or if you believe in God, then surrender it all to God.”


Chapter 27