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 cuddled close to the sleeping Akira and found a peaceful sleep.


Hours later, Akira’s single shriek woke Jade. Akira was sitting up, shaking her head. Jade turned a soft light on.


Mom came in through the half-open door. “What’s going on?”


Mom sat on the bed, holding each girl with a hand. “Akira, do you want to talk about it or get your mind off of it? We can sing Christmas carols.” Something Mom did as long as Jade could remember when bad dreams or high stress were involved.


Akira sort of groaned. “I dreamt I was standing outside the convenience market after work, and there was a terrible accident at the corner. In one car was my drunk dad. When I went to him, he was dead, but had a smile, a happy smile, on his face. What’s it mean?”


Chapter 28