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

“Never, never attack a police officer.” She pummeled him. She thought she heard sirens and car doors slamming, but she got tunnel vision. All she focused on was Rosey’s attacker.


Two people pulled Akira off the guy. She realized they were uniformed officers.


“I’m friends with 7X10. She’s hurt. This guy tried to get her gun and punched her. Arrest him.”


They believed her, and the two officers let Akira free and cuffed the wounded man.


Akira ran to Rosey, being attended to by officers. They called for a second ambulance for her. Rosey’s face ran with blood, and she was clearly in pain. Akira leaned into her and hugged.


Akira was allowed to ride in the ambulance with Rosey. She texted Jade and Mark, at Rosey’s request. Atthe hospital, Akira paced, hoping she hurt the idiot who attacked Rosey. She watched as two officers escorted the injured attacker into the emergency room. He was cuffed, belligerent, and limped badly. Akira smiled.


Chapter 42