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

“Akira, I don’t know if this is the right time to ask you, but Mom and I talked it over. We want you to move in with us. You can rent your condo and use the money for whatever. And I know what you’re thinking. No, we don’t want rent money from you. You’re part of our family. You’ve helped Mom and I heal the rift between us, and that’s a priceless event.”


Akira simply turned into Jade and hugged her as tight as she could.


“Is that a yes?” Jade’s smile could light the city. Akira nodded.


On Rosey’s days off, the three of them worked to clean Akira’s condo and move things to Rosey’s placeand donate other things to charity, including her dad’s stuff. After a long day’s work, they all showered and went to Valley View Restaurant in the east foothills. It overlooked Silicon Valley. The view was awesome any time of the day. When they walked in, Rosey excused herself and went to talk to a man in the lounge. They had a brief hug and walked arm in arm to the girls.


Chapter 40