Catch and Release

Shadow

Jesse spent the next two days gathering all the information she could. She felt like a stalker, but it was for a good cause. Athena was in the US. Still as beautiful as ever. She hadn't heard from Nicole, which was unusual. She knew she was busy with that Maria lady anyway. What they were doing, she didn't know.

On Wednesday, she finally decided to grow up and talk to Athena. She stopped by the florist and picked up two dozen pink, white and red carnations. Athena'a building wasn't far from the bar they had saw each other. Walking in, she noticed the chic design. Marble floors and counterparts accented by black walls. It screamed class.

"Hello welcome to Sarantakos Entertainment. How can I help you?" A blond asked.

"Hello. I'm here to see Athena Sarantakos. Is she available?"

"And who are you?"

She had wanted to say Jesse but she knew that wasn't going to fly.

"Officer Stevens. From Portsmouth County."

Jesse saw the girl stiffen. "Right this way."
*********
Athena sat at her desk looking throughj the mountain of paper work. "Ms. Sarantakos, there's an Officer Stevens here to see you."

Slipping off her reading glasses she nodded. "Send him on."

Not bothering to correct her, the assistant left. There was knock at the door followed by two dozen flowers blocking the man's face.

"Can I help you sir."

Slowly Jesse slowed the flowers. "I was hoping we could talk."

"Jesse! What are you doing here? I'm calling security."

"I'm positive I can take them. So is that really useful?"

"What do you want?" Athena said with malice.

"I want to tell you I'm sorry. I was an idiot. I was young and foolish and scared. I thought I'd die out there so I didn't want anyone to care. I didn't think anyone did."

"Is that all, Officer Stevens?"

"Will you go out with me? Not as a date but just to talk more. You have work to do and I have so much more to say."

Athena felt the 18 year old returning to be claimed by the charm that Jesse possessed. Her heart speed up and that warm feeling overwhelmed her. However this time, it was shadowed by the darkness of fear, regret and anger.

"Drinks. Crossroads at 8." She said.

"Thank-"

Jesse was cut off by Athena. "If you are so much as one minute late, you will not see or hear from me again. Now if you'll excuse me."

Athena sat back at her desk. Jesse set the flowers on the table by the door.
*********
It was 7:45 when Jesse arrived at Crossroads. Hollis was at the bar.

"Jesse, where's Nic?"

"She's working." Jesse replied.

"Oh. You come to hook up?"

"No. I'm here for a meeting."

"Oh really?" Hollis knew what Jesse meant. She was here for a woman. "Well you need anything, let me know."

"Yeah thanks Holl."
**********
Athena was terrified. She had gotten to her apartment changed clothes and sat in her bedroom wondering if she should go. At 7:30 she headed to the bar. It was a twenty minute walk from her house and she knew that it'd help her nerves.

Ten to eight, she walked in and saw Jesse at the bar. Their eyes locking, Jesse made her way over. "We can sit at a booth."

Athena just nodded. Jesse helped her out of her coat. "See you haven't lost your charm."

"Just trying to lay it on so you'll actually talk to me." Jesse replied.

"I wasn't going to come at first. I thought you'd be the late like in the past."

"Well, we all grow up. I was 19, nothing mattered than but money and my job."

Jesse saw the sadness settle in Athena's face. "I was new to this country. I wasn't expecting to meet anyone."

"I'm glad I met you."

Silence had covered the table as they sipped the drinks they ordered. Neither one wanted to poke the elephant in the room. It was a bright pink elephant. Jesse knew she had to say something. After all she did ask the woman here to talk.

"I'm sorry. I know what I did was wrong and I want to prove to you I've changed. Even if you don't want me romantically again, I just really want to be your friend. Please Thena."

"No one's called me that since I last saw you. I wouldn't allow them to." Athena said, all of a sudden finding her hands interesting.

Jesse reached across the table, taken a hold of her hands. "I'm so sorry. You deserved so much more. So much better."

"I want you in my life Jesse. I just need time. Can you give me that?"

"Of course. However long."

They spent the rest of the night telling of the journeys they've done. Athena listened animatedly as Jesse told the travels she had in the army. It was easy for her to fall all over again for the soldier.

"It's late. I should get you home." Jesse said.

Athena looked at her watch. It was just past 12 and she started to feel the effects of her last few drinks. "Yes, I do have a meeting tomorrow."

"Do you need me to call you a cab?"

"No. I'll walk I don't live that far."

"If you will allow, I would like to walk you home. The city streets can be a dangerous place."

"Well Officer, that's kind. Thank you."

They headed north from the bar. Jesse felt that tonight was a success. Athena had forgiven her. She was getting a second chance and she was determined not to ruin it. She had changed and she was going to prove that to Athena. After all, the 19 year old in her was still smitten with the woman. 'Yup J, she'll be yours again' she thought with a smile.

"What are you smilling for?" Athena asked.

"Nothing. Just excited to walk you home."

"Sure." Athena said. 'She's still so cute. You'll have her. One day Athena, one day.'
*************
Two chapters in one day. Only because classes were cancelled and I aced target practice at the academy. Let me know what you think. I'll be sipping my tea waiting.

Much love

-M