A HEALTHY LOVE

CH. 14:Getting To Know Each Other Again

A beautiful week passed since their secret lunch in closet. McCullough was now meeting with Alex in their closet to play cards every day, and she often accompanied Alex on her rounds with the book cart. They suggested books, movies, or songs for each other to check out. However, they hadn't crossed the line beyond friendly conversation and companionship. McCullough was too nervous to try anything for fear of wrecking how well things were going. In fact, she hadn't even dared to ask what had changed.

As for Alex, she was still hesitant to take things further. It wasn't like she had forgotten about her wife. Yet, it was getting easier to compartmentalize and put Piper out her mind. She didn't want to even ask herself why.

Alex and McCullough had met for cards on this particular afternoon. McCullough was laughing as Alex recounted her worst dates. "And that's when she tells me she's a furry. Right there, in the middle of a Michelin star restaurant in Manhattan, she dressed up as a poodle. Leash, collar, the whole thing" Alex said. The two woman shared a laugh over the horrible date tale. "You can't be serious" McCullough chuckled.

Alex: "I am so very serious. When the server asked if we were splitting the check, she started barking at her."

McCullough(sarcastically): "Wow. Sounds like she was a real bitch."

Alex (paused with wide grin): "Did you just make a joke? I don't believe it. Arty McCullough actually has a sense of humor under that stoic expression."

McCullough:"I'm sorry... Arty McCullough?"

Alex: "Yes. Arty. You need a nickname. Unless you want me to call you Felicia Mountainview."

"Arty works" McCullough said with a smile. "Did you find that book I told you about?" Alex nodded lightly as she slapped one of her cards down with playful authority. "I did. I started reading it this morning. It's so good" Alex said.

McCullough: "You don't have to say that. If you don't like it-"

Alex: "Stop that. If I didn't like it, I'd tell you,trust me. It's good so far. Did you like that movie I told you about?"

McCullough: "I watched it twice last night. I didn't get to bed until almost three."

Alex: "It's a good one. I hope you don't mind that basically every movie I've suggested is lesbian as fuck."

McCullough: "That's my favorite thing about them."

"Good. I'll make you a list of some other gems. The gayest ones are yet to come" Alex said, smirking. She won their game with victorious flare. "And that's that. Another win for Vause" McCullough huffed as she playfully threw her hands down. "You're good at everything" McCullough said proudly.

Alex: "Hardly. But thank you for the compliment. Same time tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Okay" McCullough agreed. As Alex collected her cards, McCullough prepared to leave,but she stopped short of the door. "What do you want to eat? I'll bring lunch." Alex scoffed and lightly shook her head,eyes still on the blonde CO. "No, you won't. Save your cash. I think I've had enough junk food to last me a good while" Alex replied.

McCullough: "It doesn't have to be junk food. It can be whatever you want. I have the money. I decided to save what I normally spend on cigarettes."

Alex: "You've quit smoking?"

McCullough: "At least I have this week. So seriously...what do you want?"

Alex: "Something..fresh. Getting tired of fast food."

McCullough: "You've got it."