Copyright: The characters are mine though they may resemble other fictional characters physically. The story is mine and I hold the copyright to it.

Adult Language: This Uber story contains some foul language to assist in the story telling and its plausibility. If you are offended please do not continue.

Love/Sex Disclaimer: This story depicts a loving/romantic relationship between two consenting adult women. If you are under the age of 18 or this is a prohibited form of literature in your life please do not continue.

Adult Uber Alternative Story

Comments, Feedback: Please feed the bard: roamer3_00@yahoo.com

Copyrighted 2006 by A. Tietz (Birdee)

Summary: High School wasn't too far back for these two friends, but they fall back into the friendship mode easily after a time of geographic distance. And the lesbian of the two is not too sure if her friend is her Valentines benefactor or not.

This story is character driven, not plot driven nor explicitly sexual, its very much about romance, not too complicated.

"Thanks for the blinker you a…….ahhhhh, grrrrrrrr," she tried not to cuss though the words were flying around in her head. Why had she made that stupid New Years resolution?

Mindy slowed down about a quarter mile from a red light, "Oh sh……….shirts, what now."

Her car was stuck, boxed in on all sides she couldn't even turn around. She yawned lovingly thinking of the cappuccino she'd buy if she could just get to work. This would have to happen on the morning her toilet overflowed making it almost impossible to get to work on time and now this.

When she opened the door she bulged her eyes and crossed them looking at her silver haired receptionist, "Some mornings Jit happens ya know," she shook her head and her receptionist just smiled.

Penny was always on time, always ahead of the game, always working, always perfect and she wanted to hate her but Penny was just too wonderful for that, too warm and generous and kind and the list could go forever.

Caroline piped up as Mindy shed the coat and put down her backpack making her way to her desk, "You're still eons ahead of Boss Man. My bet today is 8:37am."

Mindy looked at the clock and was thankful it was only 4 minutes passed 8am.

"The luck I'm having today I totally expected Clueless to be here a half hour early," she sat down with a sigh.

Mindy got into the routine though slowly, checking email, voice mail and her calendar. And before she was swamped she wanted cappuccino, "You want anything preggers,"

she smiled at Caroline who was her other employee in the cube next to hers.

"Oooo, Oooo yes my daily crunch please," Caroline handed her the huge plastic cup she munched ice from all day.

You had to release the button when the cup was ¾ full because the foamy liquid continued to pour out of the spout after the release and if you waited too late it was cappuccino volcano and it took a lot of napkins. She would have done so today like all other days except for the woman she saw walking into the snack shop as she casually glanced at the door. There could only be one set of blue eyes like that in the world and she knew the owner.

"Ouch, Ahhh shit………." Mindy pulled her scalded hand away as the liquid kept pouring making it Lake Cappuccino on the counter.

She started heading for the napkins but before she could, that blue eyed beauty was beside her with another cup to catch the wayward liquid and the napkin dispenser, "See what the caffeine habit can do, I keep telling ya, Mind."

"Bite me, ouch daaaa……ng, this hurts."

The tall blue eyed woman went to the ice machine, got a few chunks and came back to hold Mindy's hand and apply the soothing cubes to red flesh tenderly.

Mindy took in her breath at the cold but it felt good and the hand holding hers also felt very soothing. She looked into the incredibly blue eyes that held a sweet warmth and she smiled a warm greeting in return it had been so long. But this lovely exchange and the warmth in her eyes quickly turned into a squint and her lips pursed, "It's not February. You said the 6th. Have you looked at a calendar Cleo? I haven't even taken down my Christmas tree for Chr…..ah Goodness sakes!"

"Um, it'd probably still be there in Feb Mindy," the beautiful eyes took on the look of a scolded sheep dog.

"You little sh……..you…….that's not the point. What the begeeebaz are you doing here early, especially since there's snow on the ground and in Hawaii its probably 67 degrees this morning and this afternoon you could be on the beach," she looked incredulously at the person who was still gently bathing her scalded flesh.

"Told ya, I'm done with the beach. Besides I'm suppose to be here," Cleo glanced at the woman she'd come into the break room with who was trying not to stare at the two people who obviously knew each other.

Mindy knew Michelle and had a few occasions to use her expert coding knowledge, she hadn't seen her come in, "Oh, morning Michelle, the cappuccino bit me."

"I can see that, the secret is to release the button right after half full, are you okay?"

"Oh ah yeah, the ice feels good," she smiled at Cleo who was looking a little self- consciously at Michelle.

"Well um I guess, ah, Mind, you should go get a paper towel and keep it cool. I don't want to keep you from work. How bout we do lunch? I'll meet you say here at 12 and we'll go and we'll talk. "

Mindy looked a little perplexed and wondered why Michelle was just standing there still looking at them but Cleo chimed in, "Okay, you head off to the bathroom and run cold water, I'll see ya at 12," Cleo, still holding her hand and now wrapping an arm around her shoulder was walking Mindy to the door into the hall followed by Michelle.

"Wait I need to take this to Caroline, they're gonna think I got lost, it's just the door across the hall, could you do that for me before you leave. You can't miss her she's a skinny minny and 5 months pregnant," Mindy looked at her friend then a little puzzled that she noticed Michelle had followed them.

Cleo looked a little at a loss, "Oh ah…..well, I guess maybe um…….."

Michelle piped up helpfully, "Oh I know Caroline, we'll take it into her and leave your cup on your desk. Cleo needs to know where the Construction Admin Division is anyway."

Mindy's brow wrinkled and her face registered how odd she thought Michelle's comment to be, then slowly she began looking at Cleo as if pinning her to the wall walking toward her while Cleo took a step backward, "So you need to know……….you……..this………you mean this is the job. You got a job here one floor down from me, in the Stockroom, AND it wasn't suppose to start till February. Would you have even seen me today if……..……."

Cleo looked again self-consciously at her new boss Michelle then put her hand up in front of her with an apologetic face, "Um yeah, yes I was, it's a long story. We'll talk at lunch okay," she looked from Mindy to her boss and back to the angry blonde pleading, "Please, at lunch. I gotta go Mind."

Mindy calmed down realizing it was Cleo's first day, she was working here whether she'd bothered to tell her or not and she didn't want to get her friend in trouble, "Right, lunch. Um, thanks for helping me out Michelle. I was just surprised to see Cleo; we're um friends, email, anyway, not really expecting her till next month. So um noon Cleo. Thanks see ya," she squinted hard at Cleo since Michelle was going back into the snack shop for the cups, then she turned abruptly and headed toward the bathroom.

Mindy sat down at her desk her hand feeling a little better and Caroline asked, "How's your hand, Michelle told me what happened. And that girl that was with her - Cleo, she um, is that……"

"Yes, yes that's Cleo, my friend Cleo."

She raised her hand before anything else came out of Caroline's mouth, "Don't ask, I probably don't know anyway. We're friends but apparently not good enough friends for her to tell me things like she's in town much less mentioning she got a job where I work and she's starting earlier than expected."

"Oh, K," Caroline could tell Mindy needed a little space.

She kept all Cleo's emails, that's mainly how they'd kept in touch when the girl went off to college in Hawaii to become a Marine biologist, before dropping out and getting a job at a Market loading and unloading freight at night to spend days on the beach for the last 4 ½ years.

Mindy reread her last message, "Wrapping things up here. Gonna have a luau before I leave, those are a blast, catch my last waves before I take off. Be home in February, I'm hoping the job starts on the 6th. Dad's gonna pick me up, my plane gets in really late Saturday and I'll probably be recouping on Sunday. He's too excited and I am too, but kind of nervous a little. Anyway, we'll get together; I'll call you after I get settled a bit. I'm hoping for no snow till I'm there for a few weeks. It says it's been clear online. I'm sure you're hoping for snow but you've got plenty to ski, chickie. Don't be greedy. Gotta run; catch ya when I get back. Love C."

Mindy looked at today's date, January 9th. She got lost a moment before trying to put her mind to the task of daily duties. She'd seen pictures of Cleo over the years, usually at the beach and usually surrounded by good looking guys and a few girls. So its not like she'd not seen her in 4 & ½ years, but Cleo hadn't returned home after her mom died shortly before high school graduation. It had really thrown her friend into a very bad place. Cleo wasn't too shy, but she wasn't overly gregarious either, and the girl had been truly close to her mom. So had she been, whenever she was at Cleo's house for homework or some good food after a basketball game that Cleo's tall form was always part of. They weren't best buds in school but they were pretty good friends. Cleo hadn't dropped her like a hot potato as had most others when she came out in her junior year. In this small old fashioned town it wasn't like it was too popular to be a lesbian in the middle of Good Ol Boy country. But it had been really too hard to resist the hot chick from New York who'd come to the Sierra Mountains for some good skiing and some good times over the Christmas holiday. Hot tubs would never be the same.

She clicked on her pictures folder where there were several of the tall black haired, blue eyed beauty from her years in Hawaii. Bikini clad at a BBQ or standing next to her surf board, that one was her favorite, only one of three she had of the girl just by herself. She looked back at the email and thought of the periodic communications she'd get that had gone from every week at first to one or two a year for a few years, then they came two or three months apart and in the last 4 months sometimes each week. Cleo was finally missing home perhaps and getting ready for the return, reconnecting. Mindy wondered who else the girl might be emailing. It wasn't such a small town that she had to know any of the losers from school, they didn't like lesbians and she didn't like dumb asses.

Cleo's mom's family lived in Hawaii, native to that state. Her father was Caucasian which is where she got her height and the gorgeous blue eyes, but her incredibly shinny black hair came from her mom's Hawaiian genes. Her mom's sister and family was in Kauai though Cleo had stayed in Honolulu since she'd gone to college for 2 years until her grandmother died and Cleo just quit school and started the work in the day and play the rest of the time phase. She'd never been a partier too much, but she liked hanging out with friends and mostly sports. That's what kept her busy, volleyball, bike riding, surfing, and an occasional game of basketball.

Mindy looked at the picture of the pretty girl again standing by the surf board having that look on her face like she'd just had the best ride and such fun. It was a real picture of real life, nothing fake and it looked so good on the naturally beautiful Cleo. She stopped herself from looking too long. They were just friends and could always and only be that. It was time to get back to work. And she was gonna make sure Cleo caught hell for being here and not even telling her.

"Hey Cleo, gee what brings you here, haven't seen you in a while, how was your plane ride," Mindy let the sarcasm drip.

"Okay, I get I'm in trouble, just lets go to lunch I'm starving. You'll ah have to drive, I don't have wheels yet," Cleo looked a bit irritated at that.

"Are you still a freak for McDonald's, they've got a dollar menu."

"Any day and every day."

"Oh, don't say that, I am so over high school, I don't need de ja vu, thanks."

"Are you sure you can handle it or should I just walk across the street and we'll take a break later," Cleo sounded sarcastic herself.

"Yeah like you're getting off that easy. As they say, get in, sit down and hold on."

"I'm so getting that car fixed," Cleo rolled her eyes as she buckled up.

"Hey, people can change; I'm not so young anymore."

"People can also win millions buying lottery tickets," Cleo looked doubtful and gripped the door handle for support.

So Mindy backed out ever so slowly and crept up to the street. And when she did make her move into the street, it was good that she had a smaller size Suburu car since that was all the room there was between the oncoming two cars she as she maneuvered the squeeze.

"Still buying lottery tickets, huh," Cleo said pushing her body as far back in the seat as she could since it wasn't for sure they weren't hitting the car in front of them coming to a stop at a red light.

"Oh, shut, um hush, we've only got an hour."

"I don't think Michelle would be too happy if I called from the emergency room on the first day," she looked earnestly pleading at Mindy who was passing a car while the driver was using very poor sign language.

"So, ah, they hired you like over the phone, they don't do that with the state. Or did you even have a job when you got here? And by the way when was that, have you been emailing me from Mulligan street for the last several months?"

"You know, this is not a topic for you while we're in the car, let's wait for Mickey D's.," Cleo looked at the driver skeptically.

She put her hand out in anticipation to keep from hitting her head on the windshield at McDonalds, though Mindy surprised her and it wasn't all that bad.

"My treat Mind. Whatchya want."

"It won't help."

Cleo sighed deeply, "I know, now what do you want?"

Sitting down Mindy looked at the two Big Mac's and two fries in front of Cleo.

"And I'm thinking my quarter pounder with cheese, NO fries and diet coke is a splurge,"

her eyes bulged.

"Told ya I'm hungry, didn't have breakfast. Clark was running late and barely slowed down to drop me off, I've really gotta get that car working."

Mindy looked puzzled and Cleo talked around her full mouth, "Clark bought a new truck last weekend and is giving me his old Mazda, but the transmission needs work. Sooooooo, I've got an appointment next Saturday since I'm working all week."

"Yeah um working just down a short flight of stairs from me. So was it a game, how long can I keep her in the dark," Mindy's face was clearly hurt.

Cleo took a deep sigh and another sip of coke, "Okay so it didn't quite go like I planned it."

Mindy's eyebrows shot up, "Plan………what, you Planned it Cleo………."

Cleo raised her hands "Okay, Okay, Mt. Mindy, give me a chance here. Clark's girlfriend works for the Dept of Health. She said there's no getting on at the state without a test except for clerical trainee, which pays really bad. I didn't have a lot of choice though since I was in Hawaii and all. She knew Michelle and that she was desperate. I spoke to her quite a bit over the phone and she begged me to come sooner. So I did and interviewed when I got here three weeks ago. They called me the end of last week and so I started today. I didn't tell you because, because I wanted it to be a surprise. Plus I didn't know if I was gonna even get it. I was busy looking in the paper and figuring out where to apply if I didn't get the job and how to take tests and stuff. And well, coming back, it's been a long time and I'm staying at dad's. I was planning on finding you at my first break looking forward to seeing the surprise on your face. Oh and no emails from here, my last one was really from Hawaii. Besides you know dad and computers, they're the anti-christ, Clark doesn't even have one, but he's at his girlfriends, Lois most times."

Mindy almost spit out her food laughing, "Lois and Clark, you are not serious."

Cleo had a huge smirk on her face and was nodding.

"Well I hope she hasn't got any stupid ideas, I mean unless he's radically changed, Superman material he's not," Mindy looked skeptical.

"At least he's got a job. Probably bought a way more expensive truck than he can afford, but he lives at home. So do I but that will change. Sorry about he cappuccino. How's your hand," Cleo put down her sandwich and reached over gently touching skin that was still slightly red.

"I think the ice right away kept it from really burning and it isn't that bad," she willed herself not to have goose pimples as Cleo softly brushed the top of her hand as if being sure Mindy wasn't hiding anything.

"Um so, I know Michelle, you could of told her I knew you, I would have raved about you."

The tall one softly squeezed her hand and this wasn't helping she should have talked about skiing or something.

Blue eyes regarded Mindy seriously but a bit shyly, "I, I didn't want to ask you that. I mean, it's been a long time, and its not like you know how I work. Basketball practice doesn't qualify. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings," her hand was still gently held by Cleo and the concern was plainly on her face.

Mindy raised her free hand, "Ah, nah, I just would have been happy to help you."

"Thanks," Cleo smiled, squeezed again softly and finally went back to eating.

Mindy offered helpfully around her own mouthful, "You know, the tests for Admin Assistant's and stuff aren't that hard, but you don't want a desk job do you?"

Swallowing a big bite and reaching for her diet coke Cleo looked at her through raised eyebrows, "I'm sure you know that's not me. I'm hoping maybe something at the State Printing plant or State Purchasing. My dad is really pushing the state thing for security and health insurance. Plus he so wants me to go back to school. But I'm not getting a marine biology degree in the desert on a satellite program."

Mindy wondered how long Cleo would last in the middle of the cowboy country surrounding Carson City Nevada, "I know we come home again sometimes, I did. But its not like Reno is very far, have you thought of going up there? I'd still live up there if I could find my kind of job in Reno, the commute just takes too long, especially if it snows."

"I wish the dang snow wasn't so much in Tahoe, the summer would be great up there, but I don't want to have to spend all winter behind a snow shovel. Plus it's too damn expensive by yourself. So how's the skiing this year? Hit the slopes much, spied any pretty snow bunnies," Cleo smiled teasingly.

Mindy smirked, "Well there's always the scenery, but I honestly do go for the slopes. Heavenly is easy to get to and Mt. Rose, Kirkwood is too far. This year the pack is good, so I average once or twice a month. I wish more, but money and things like laundry, grocery shopping, and shi….um stuff gets in the way."

"God, I haven't been skiing forever. Oh wait, it's still cold right," the sarcasm was thick.

They were finishing up and walking out to the car, Cleo mentally preparing, but Mindy was still thinking of the slopes, "Now hold on," she stopped the girl in mid stride.

"Last time you went, it was like this frigid day, and didn't you go with that guy, what's his name, Rex. Yeah, and he was so cheep he rented the skis but not the clothes, you like were there in jeans and your own coat right?"

"Yeah, I guess, mostly what I remember was he was a sloppy kisser and the only reason I made out with him was because I was so damn cold. He kept asking me out after that and I had to finally tell him to get lost and go find someone who liked to be slobbered on. I can't believe you remember that."

"I forgot about the sloppy kissing part, but remember the story because you were so cold and it ruined any possibility of fun, it made me mad, I thought he was so fu…….frigin cheap."

Cleo smiled down at the blonde, "Look we've got plenty of time to get back to work so have mercy on my first day and pretend I'm your ninety year old grandma that will perish of fright if you go above say 35 miles an hour," she stuck out her lower lip pleading.

"You brave giant waves and my driving scares you. Can you see my trouble buying your claim?"

"I just don't want to lose my lunch. Gee Michelle I was late cause I was pukin on the lawn. Not a good first day impression."

Mindy burst out laughing and shaking her head. She did her best on the ride back and they made it without incident also no puking.

"Do you need help out of the car granny?"

"Funny, you're funny."

Caroline looked up from her desk at Mindy's much improved countenance, "So um, have a good lunch?"

"Yeah, probably haven't had McDonalds grease in 4 and a1/2 years but it was worth it."

"Oh my God, she got you to go to McDonalds, I had no idea she had such pull. I'm definitely getting better acquainted, we need yellow tablets. I'll just waddle my way, see you in an hour."

"Sit your as…….your rear end down Prego, we don't need tablets, Penny would never let that happen. I'm sure there'll be a time I can't prevent it, but give her room, it's her first day," she shook her head in playful frustration.

Mindy looked at the clock and didn't know how it got to be 4:55pm. Monday's were always busy.

"Hi, can I speak to Cleo please."

"Hello?"

"Hey, just called to see if you need a ride home. Sorry didn't call earlier."

"Clark'll be here after he gets off, 5:15 maybe. But thanks."

"Okay, well if you need me to take you home, anytime. Oh and I promise, just the speed limit granny."

"Ha, right. Thanks but Clark's going home anyway. I'll keep it as a last resort if he bails on me though, if it makes you feel better," she heard a click and was worried when she didn't get an answer though she dialed right back. Cleo would have dashed up the stairs but it wasn't 5pm and it was her first day.

When she did get upstairs Mindy was already gone and she couldn't believe she was already in trouble again.

Mindy was pleased she wasn't dashing into work to beat the clock, proud she had 5 minutes to spare, she was calmly walking to the back door when she heard her name.

Cleo was right, Clark barely slowed down and had Cleo not been athletic she would have lost the two cups in her hands.

The woman ran up to her, "I ah, I don't know if you like Starbucks but I promised Clark if he stopped at Starbucks, he wouldn't have to worry about getting me tonight. He has bowling and he wasn't looking forward to driving me home and coming back up here from Gardnerville to make his game in time. Is the offer still good, can I strap in tonight after work," Cleo handed Mindy a cup and opened the door for her.

Mindy tried to keep her mind off the strap in part and said, "Ooooo, ah yeah well, Cleo I um, sorta got a date sooo……."

Blue green eyes looked apologetic at Cleo hoping the girl would take the bait.

Cleo was obviously surprised, "Oh. Yeah, um, well I shouldn't have assumed. I'm sorry. I, I'll get a ride, no problem. I ah, hope you like their cappuccino. I figured you can't go wrong with Starbucks."

The blonde didn't have the heart to tell her Starbucks cappuccinos weren't sweet enough for her, "Yeah, thanks, that was really thoughtful."

"Have a good day," Cleo smiled before she disappeared down the steps.

Mindy sort liked playing with her a bit and felt only slightly bad for lying. But it served her right whining about her driving. She emailed Cleo right away to get things straight, "Um, Cleo you know, stupid me, Friday night is date night, not Tuesday. So unless you really want to go for a long 15 mile hike, you can um strap in as you put it and I'll try to land safely in good ol Gardnerville."

"I'd say lucky me it's Tuesday, but the lucky part I'm not sure about. If I can find an oxygen mask, you've got a passenger captain," Mindy smiled at Cleo's reply on her monitor.

When 5 pm arrived, as they were both strapping in, Cleo pulled a small brown paper sack from her coat pocket. Mindy looked at the bag and then at Cleo.

"In case of air sickness. Best I could do for today."

Mindy squinted her eyes which made Cleo's stomach already get queasy, "I'm really gonna need this huh?"

"You're fault, you brought it and I'd hate to see it unused."

"Oh God," Cleo braced herself as Mindy did her best to become airborne out of the parking lot.

Fortunately for Cleo, there was quite a bit of traffic between the smallish capitol city and the smaller towns of Gardnerville and Minden to the south. It was the closest the small area could come to having a rush hour and Cleo kept giving up prayers of gratitude, traffic never looked so good. To Mindy's credit, she didn't do the bob and weave dance as much as Cleo had expected especially through Main Street. Even Mindy was leery of the cops in Gardnerville, having grown up there and no doubt getting her share of tickets.

"So um, you've stopped contributing to road way improvements, I'm impressed."

"More like stopped helping the da…..ng donut munchers with an easy quota."

"Thanks for the ride Mind. Safe landing and all, no strap bruises on my body, very nice."

Mindy hoped the whole strap reference would disappear it was a little distracting.

"Anytime you want to ah, catch a flight let me know."

Cleo smiled, "Hey you're mom still live on Patty's Place?"

"Nah, not sure where and with what boyfriend. I may pop in to see my sis since I'm down here, depends on how much I want to listen to her yell at her kids," Mindy looked doubtful.

Cleo hadn't asked about the blonde's family yet because it wasn't the best subject in the world. And she let it drop smiling warmly, "See ya tomorrow then."

Mindy swallowed, she'd forgotten how dazzling that smile could be. She definitely needed a date.

The week moved along, they had a few more breaks and there was a steady stream of emails. Mindy became Cleo's map quest for work as she'd often get a call asking where is this division, who do I talk to when I get there, do you know so and so and is she really the bitch she seems, etc.

Thursday morning before work she got a call, "Hey Mindy, um, can I strap in again tonight, my brother wants to go to Reno after work and you know home is in the wrong direction for that."

"Sure, no problem, just bring yourself and the little brown bag at 5 and we'll take off."

There was traffic again thankfully and they chatted along the way home.

"So, I guess you'll have a car next week."

"We'll see. I hope so. If they can't fix it this Saturday maybe, but might have to be the following Saturday. Dad tells me there's more wrong with the car than transmission. So its gonna be diagnostic mostly this time. Hell it might be cheaper if I found a rent a wreck."

Mindy tried not to be pleased that the girl may still need a ride once in a while, "Well, you know when this flight leaves so no problem there."

"Um, this is nice, but why a station wagon, are you practicing for being a mom with two kids and soccer equipment," Cleo teased about the blonde's white Subaru.

"I thought a truck was too butch and too expensive. This is handy for carrying skis and luggage and stuff. Like the trips to Costco. And I'd be hauling a dog before kids. Single mom ain't happening for me."

"Well if you want a dog, be sure to tell you're date up front. You don't want to have to get involved and find out about an allergy later. But then maybe you've covered that already," Cleo's inquisition was clever.

"No I've never gone out with my date, because pathetic me I don't have one. Which I should really work on, it's been boring since the festival in Tahoe."

"What festival?"

"They had a gay festival kind of weekend up there last year. The Indigo Girls were in concert and they had crafts and other bands and the weekend was geared toward the LBGT crowd. Skiing was great and the scenery was even better!"

"So are you gonna go try and catch a snow bunny this weekend?"

"Nah, gotta wait for pay day."

"Thanks for the safe landing, how bout lunch tomorrow Mindy?"

"Oh, sounds great, um but McDonalds?"

"You pick, surprise me, see ya tomorrow."

There was that 100 watt again, damn she needed a date.

Friday morning there was another Starbucks cup on her desk. She was gonna have to tell her tall friend that Starbucks only made good Frappuccino's.

"I'm in the mood for Quizno's so bring your paper bag cause its not real close to work," Cleo read the email and wondered if her stomach would get sick before or after the ride or both.

The bob and weave dance lasted the whole ride and Cleo slowly got out of the car. Inside, Mindy wondered why the normally healthy eater only ordered soup.

"I thought a light meal might mean I won't be cleaning your car this weekend," Cleo explained.

Mindy's eyebrows raised, "Ah go ahead, order a sandwich extra everything, my car could use a good cleaning."

Cleo squinted, "I'm not into wasting money or perfectly good food, thank you very much."

She eyed the blonde when she pulled out the cash for the food and Mindy offered, "Well it's the least I could do given you're gonna be really hungry for dinner."

"See, I'm tellin ya, your lead foot is costly. Next time, I drive, and we come back here just to show you it can be done without risking life and limb."

Mindy squinted playfully, "Are you sure you wanted to say that before I handed her the money."

They both laughed.

"So what are you're big plans for the weekend," Cleo inquired.

"Don't I wish? Getting my laundry to dry the first time around so I don't have to pay extra will be the highlight. Dam…..ah, Darn landlord is such a thief. He rigs those things to almost dry your clothes, but not enough. My apartment ends up looking like some dry cleaning store, things hanging every where."

"Too bad you don't live closer, you could use our washer and dryer no cost. But gas getting there pretty much takes care of that," Cleo made a face.

"Hmmmmm, I just might take you up on that sometime Cleo, just out of spite. Besides, the company is a nice benefit," Mindy smiled.

"Awwwww, gee shucks."

"So what about you, anything exciting besides seeing how much the car will cost?"

"You probably remember Darla, well she saw me at the grocery store and so we're having lunch on Sunday after she gets out of church. She invited me but was cool when I said I wasn't a morning person. Is it an extra sin do you think about lying to get outta church? Did I maybe grow another horn?"

"Well don't tell her your still friends with me or you're hell bound for sure," Mindy looked a bit irritated thinking about the holier than thou girl.

"Yeah, I'm really slummin huh? But you bought lunch, so I get something outta the deal," Cleo teased.

"Well now I know my place, just a meal ticket, thanks a lot."

"You know, if I had her phone number, I'd call and cancel saying you and I had a hot date for lunch and um a movie but that I could come to church in the morning with her, Ha."

"Careful, she'd call the preacher and you'd be in for a hell fire and brimstone sermon. Then they'd introduce you to some hot looking churchy guys, so you could go to bed with them instead."

Cleo raised her eyebrows with intense amusement dancing in her eyes, "Instead, huh. Instead?"

Mindy was sure her face was not just pink, it must have been crimson.

It only increased Cleo's amusement as she chuckled, "You know, you should consider buying a red ski outfit it's a good color, you might catch a snow bunny."

"Yeah well right now I'm sure I could use some snow or ice. Hey let's get Starbucks before we head back, its not busy," Mindy was looking for an out, "Have you ever had their Frappuccinos. They're my favorite and um cold."

"Yeah, their good but I like Jamba Juice better and um cold too."

Mindy cleared her throat, "I love that place, the fruit flavors are so good."

They both got a frap and again Mindy paid, causing Cleo to promise next round was her turn. The trip back was much the same as the flight to and Cleo was glad she'd selected the soup.

The weekend came and went.

Caroline often got in early, trying to rack up extra time she could use on maternity leave and she nodded toward Mindy's desk, "Your morning delivery boss."

There was a Frappuccino on her desk and Caroline noticed it made Mindy blush.

"So, um how was your weekend, anything new and exciting happen," Caroline probed.

"Well my apartment looks like Ming's dry cleaners again and I didn't burn the meatloaf. Those were the highlights," Mindy smiled sarcastically.

She learned that the car would be in the shop all week, the transmission getting completely replaced, having a major tune up and new brakes where required.

"Well thanks for the Starbucks, but no more treating me Cleo, that free car sounds costly," she emailed her friend.

"Tell me about it. I'd look for a used car myself but the mechanic tells me that this one is okay, just needed some long over due attention. It should last me a while till I get a better job, get my own place and can afford a car."

Tuesday was bowling again and Mindy drove Cleo home.

"So how was your lunch with born again?"

"Oh, informative. She's married to Rex; I tried not to laugh and was surprised her face didn't seem chapped. And Kent, remember the band geek, he's in some band and plays the local casinos and clubs I guess. She knows this cause occasionally he plays sax for their church band when someone gets sick or something like that. She heard Stephanie Morely is stripping in Vegas for a living, and of course she's praying for her soul. Manny I knew had gotten married. Clark had heard it was to Sheila but wasn't sure, I guess it's been only a year. She's expecting. She's trying to lure me with the church hotties you talked about. How does a lesbian know there are cute guys at that church?"

"This lesbian has gone to that church with the family at Christmas. Uncle Max and Aunt June were pleased that they got mom to go and I went along just to see what would happen. Its funny, cause their kids Thea, Ben and Danny don't go to church much either. But they thanked us all for coming and it wasn't bad really. I didn't feel like anyone was pointing at the lesbian type thing. It was a pretty service with Christmas carols and candles and stuff. Thea said the only thing she really liked about the church were the cute guys and she might just have to go to that church more often if she didn't live in Reno."

Manny had been Cleo's steady boyfriend of a few years until toward the middle of their senior year when she got dumped for Sheila. Shortly after the dumping Cleo's mom was diagnosed with the brain tumor and Cleo hadn't spoken much about Manny or her mom. So Mindy wasn't sure if she should ask but she was concerned.

"Wow, so pregnant huh? Was that kind of surprising?"

"Nah, not really. But I bet it was cause they weren't careful enough and they got married cause she's pregnant. Maybe not. It doesn't matter."

"Hey, stupid me, geezs, so you think your car will be done this week huh," Mindy asked quickly.

"Yeah, I hope. Not looking forward to the bill. Still it's cheaper than buying. I'm actually really thankful," Cleo sounded like she might have been distracted.

"Well another safe landing, see ya tomorrow," Mindy said hopefully.

"Yeah, hey lets break in the morning if you're free and feel like risking the cappuccino machine."

"I doubt another long lost high school friend will show up early, so I should be safe."

"Thanks for the ride again. See ya at break," Cleo winked at her friend.

10am came and Cleo walked into the break room to see a pair of friendly blue green eyes greeting her.

"Hi, are you busy down there?"

"I'm still new but there's not a lot to it, mostly labor you know. I'm pretty lucky; Michelle was gone, so Brenda, me and Kevin played nerf basketball. It's better than sitting around. I've gotta take those tests. So you having a cappuccino?"

"I had one earlier, I'm good."

"Okay, that's not the deal. See I didn't get you a frap, but was gonna buy your coffee. Least I could do, since you won't let me pay for gas."

"Well, you're gonna let me use your washer dryer sometime so it's even."

"Does this mean your weekend will have you doing laundry again? God how many outfits do you wear a day?"

"Ha Ha, nope I'm hitting the slopes."

"Ah ha, snow bunnies look out. Have you bought that red ski out fit yet?"

She didn't want to blush but knew by the amusement in Cleo's eyes she was crimson again.

"Mine is green thank you and no complaints. Plus ski equipment and stuff is expensive. Ask for it every year at Christmas. Got gloves and goggles this year."

"You mean you were a good girl. Darla will be shocked."

Mindy laughed, "Apparently Santa doesn't have a problem with snow bunnies cause um well you know and I ah still got presents."

"Oh I see, so maybe it was the snow bunnies who thought you were good and wrote Santa on your behalf."

Mindy's eyes were huge, she shook her head and felt the heat on her face for sure, "Oh you're, You…….Just wait till I tell Darla the things that come out of your mouth."

Cleo laughed, "She better not tell the church boys she's wanting to fix me up with about your being a good girl, it'll just make em horny and they might get struck by lightening."

They were both laughing hard when Caroline waddled in, "So um, you two seem to be having a good break."

"Hi there," Cleo smiled.

Caroline looked at the tall woman noticing Mindy's eyes doing the same thing, "You know Cleo, you have a positive affect on my boss, so keep her laughing for me K?"

"Oh, so more laughing means less work for you," Cleo asked.

"No. More laughing means a happier Mindy and Penny and I both like that."

"Ah so she can be a bit testy as a boss, huh?"

"Well, we all have our days," Caroline winked at her boss, "but honestly, I couldn't work for a better person."

Her voice got low and she continued, "Just don't tell anyone, we don't want her to get in trouble for being a wonderful human being, they don't tend to encourage that in supervisors you know and Penny and I are protective."

Cleo nodded almost whispering and looking around suspiciously, "Okay the supervisor thing is safe with me, but I can't promise I won't brag about her being a wonderful human being," Cleo smiled warmly at her friend and Mindy wondered if there were pills you could take to keep you from blushing.

So Mindy did the best she could, "Well preggers, I've gotta crack the whip, we gotta get back to it, mush mush."

"Okay, but if you don't let me waddled down the hall, you're gonna have a mess."

"Then by all means waddle, I'll filler up for ya," Mindy took her big cup and filled it with ice.

"See ya, have fun with shootin hoops," Mindy said to the retreating Cleo.

"Yeah can't wait for those tests."

Another week went by with friendly emails, a few breaks and lunch that Cleo insisted be consumed at Arby's so they could walk across the street and she picked up the tab.

Monday came and there was a cappuccino on the desk and she got an email first thing, "How were the slopes any nice scenery for ya?"

"The skiing was good; I went with my cousin Danny. But we went to Kirkwood, he's a really goooood skier, I almost never saw him. We had two runs together then he went to the more difficult runs. We stayed all day Saturday and I'm still sore but it was fun. Plenty of scenery in the lodge where I took refuge after a nasty fall. Hot chocolate never tasted so good. Thanks for the cap, but you bought lunch."

"I drove to work. Praise the Car Gods my car is healed. Runs pretty good. I'm hoping nothing else pops up needing fixing for a while. But it was worth the investment. See ya later."

"Glad about your car, have a good day."

There were plenty of emails during the week and they had a few breaks but no lunch. Cleo was making friends with people she worked with and Mindy didn't want to be jealous of her going to lunch with them, but she was. She reminded herself that friends aren't obsessed with each other and shouldn't have a crush on one another. So she tried to distance herself some the following week, not as many emails, shorter responses, didn't ask to take breaks but didn't refuse them either. She met a friend over the weekend she hadn't seen in a long time and went to a bar for a drink and some pool.

"What's new girl," Dee Dee asked as they racked up the balls.

"Not too much. Been skiing some this winter but not as fun as the festival last year."

"Do you still write what's her name Kylie, from what state?"

"Colorado. Yeah I email with her sometimes. But she's gotta a girlfriend and it keeps her busy."

"Damn girl, how'd you let that happen? Bet she's not as hot as you," Dee Dee looked her over appreciatively.

Mindy wiggled her eyebrows, "Bet she's not as good at pool either."

Dee Dee chuckled, "Or other things?"

Mindy smiled at her friend, Dee Dee was always good for her ego. They were friends and Dee Dee made it clear she'd be quite open for mutual enjoyment, but accepted that Mindy wasn't a real casual kinda gal.

So short stuff, "Did you ever get a mangy mutt?"

"I just feel too guilty you know. A dog would be alone most of the day in my small apartment. I don't want to do that to a poor little furry thing."

"You're too nice Mindy; half the people in America have dogs and most work and go to school. Fido is fine with a bone and food and he's a great greeter when ya get home. I wouldn't know what to do without my Banjo," Dee Dee was referring to her cocker spaniel poodle mix.

"Well, I ski too and I just don't feel like I'm home enough you know. It's not fair."

"Then you need a cat, a bird, some company, unless there's some company you been keepin."

"God I wish, no such luck."

"You need a job up here girl. Carson is like Hickville. The only family there hangs out at Lowe's and has a joint checking account."

"I know, but you can't beat the job I've got and I can't afford the commute. I can look for another job but I've got it so good where I am," Mindy felt the truth of that and wished she could find something as good in Reno.

"All work and no play makes me sad for Mindy. You seemed down on the phone when you called, what's on you mind sweet thang."

"What nothing. I'm fine. Hey, how bout we go to Faces at Tahoe next weekend. I'm skiing Saturday I hope, Heavenly."

"Only if you promise me some close dances with that short little body of yours, as close as I'm gonna get," Dee Dee look a little lustfully at her.

"You know me Dee Dee; I need you as my friend. But I can spare a few close dances."

"Then it's a date, mind if I leave with another girl though."

"I'm sure you will. No problem," Mindy smirked and sunk the eight ball.

Monday came and she found a Frap again.

She emailed, "You've got your own car. What's up with this? Its yummy but you shouldn't."

"I'm gonna concentrate on the yummy part. How was your weekend?"

"Good, yours?"

"I saw Kent. Yeah my dad, brother, his girlfriend and I went to dinner at the Carson Valley Inn. I stayed and played some slots, haven't donated in a long long time and well I'm good for like 5 years now. But then I saw a few people who looked familiar and it turns out they're some people from school who had come to see Kent play. His band is good, I really liked it. Even danced some, remember Freddy, short guy, he was in band in school. Anyway we danced and I talked to Kent. He's not so geeky looking anymore. Real curly dark hair, kind of unshaven, and at least he's not short. Anyway, he enjoys playing and that's how he makes his living. They play all over the area, Reno, Tahoe, Carson. He's playing up in Tahoe at the Lakeside Casino next weekend and invited me to come see them play. I might. It was fun. Anyway another week in the dungeon."

"I'm glad you had fun. Sorry gotta run, busy."

Mindy knew that Kent was a good reminder, Cleo was straight and they could be friends. That was it.

"I got your order, mam."

"Oh good, thanks Cleo," Penny saw the light in her bosses eyes as she turned around from the copier.

"Nice of you to bring it up. I'm older than I used to be and my bones appreciate it honey. Thanks for spoiling me."

"No problem, anytime Penny."

Mindy walked by, "Hi you. Thanks for bringing this up."

"Sure, gets me outta the dungeon. Hey you wanna go to lunch Mind? Short notice but my treat," Cleo followed the blonde back to her desk.

"Ah bribery, sorry I um have some errands. Gonna eat on the run."

"Well maybe another time, how's Thursday?"

"Oh, I ah, promised lunch with a…..friend."

Cleo looked a bit put off but nodded, "K……I can see you're a busy lady. Well if you can ever pencil me in let me know," she forced a smile and began turning away.

Mindy didn't want to hurt her friend and felt bad, "Wait, how bout next week. Email me a good day when you get back to your desk and I will put it on my calendar in bold capitals," she chuckled and smiled warmly.

"Wow, you'd put me on the calendar, careful, it's gonna go to my head."

"Stop it. I live by this thing here at work. So email me a time."

"Well my Outlook is really open don't really need the calendar thing so name a day and we'll go," Cleo smirked.

Mindy opened her calendar and typed in the empty lunch space for Tuesday, "LUNCH WITH CLEO."

"Oooo now its official, I feel so important," Cleo teased.

When she got back to her desk she had to laugh that Mindy had sent her a reminder of their lunch, which she accepted, and emailed, "Gee, I'm so glad you sent this reminder, otherwise, I know it just would have slipped my mind."

The return email, "Bite me."

And Cleo couldn't help but tease, "I didn't know that was an option. Hmmmmmmm."

Mindy blushed and wished the girl wouldn't do that.

Friday Cleo emailed to have a break and she didn't refuse.

"So what's up this weekend, you're skiing again right?"

"Yeah, Heavenly."

"Listen, do you want to go hear Kent that evening or will you be too tired," Cleo asked.

"Oh, ah well, I um, I'm kinda meeting a friend at another place, It's a gay bar."

Cleo nodded and tried not to look disappointed, "Snow bunny got it."

It made Mindy feel a bit guilty. She could do both, hang out for a few songs with Kent, make Cleo happy and still meet Dee Dee at Faces.

"It's not a date, we're friends and she doesn't ski. Plus the bar isn't too far from Lakeside Casino really. What time is he playing? I could probably pop in for a bit. I don't really remember the guy, so I'm kinda curious," Mindy sounded casual.

"They start at 10pm I think, is that too late?"

"Not for me, what about you granny?"

"Listen I can still surf and stay up on the beach to watch the sunrise. So I'm good," Cleo sounded proud.

"What's the band's name?"

"I think its Bourbon Street."

"Okay, I'm not sure I'll be there at 10pm, but I'll try before 11. Dee Dee might come along; she loves music, especially saxophone."

"I'm sure the more the merrier. He said they'd be playing big band stuff, smooth jazz and some dance classics, some good ol rock and roll but not a lot of new stuff, like pop music."

"Sounds good, see ya then."

"Have fun skiing."

Saturday morning at 7:30 am Mindy was reaching for the phone to hurl it across the room then suddenly registered that Cleo's voice was on the phone not in her dream, "Cleo," the question in her voice sounded groggy.

"Ewwww, bad call, I thought I'd have to catch ya early Mind. Call me when you wake up, I'll be here."

"Cleo, what's up? Something wrong honey?"

"No, no, look Mind, just sleep as long as you want and call me before you leave for the slopes okay. I'll talk to you later, go to sleep, you are very sleepy, the phone is falling out of your hand……"

"Okay, I'll call in a bit."

She needed to get up and get her butt moving anyway, she could sleep all day Sunday if she wanted. After some java with french vanilla cream she dialed Cleo.

"You didn't go back to sleep huh, damn sorry."

"I needed to get up Cleo, takes time to get ready all the gear and get up there, and yadda yadda. So I needed to get my as……butt outta the sack. What's up? No Lakeside tonight?"

"No, No I'll be there. Just kinda well, I don't want to intrude on your plans. I know you're meeting a friend and well, I didn't know if, maybe um……well if you guys were eating dinner together before the bar or I don't know maybe you ski late I ah………." she let the question trail.

"Oh, ah, no we're just meeting at the bar around 10pm. She's coming from Reno so anyway," Mindy wasn't sure if Cleo wanted to go to dinner.

"Ah, well um, like I said you've probably already got things planned, but if you didn't, I was wondering if you're eating dinner anyway, maybe we could eat together," Cleo sounded hesitant yet hopeful.

"Well, I'm usually starved after skiing, so I hit this great hamburger joint up there. It's like an old Fosters Freeze if you ever ate at one of those. I know, greasy spoon, you're shocked. But its sooooooo better than the cardboard at McDonalds. There is just no comparison."

"Hmmmm, hamburgers. Well you're right I wasn't ready for that, not from you. But if your heart is set on that and you don't mind company………."

"We don't have to go there, if you want to meet somewhere else. It really is just a burger joint with terrific shakes and fries. Filling but anyway, did you want to go somewhere else?"

"I was looking online at work and asked around. They've got a really good restaurant at the Casino, the Timber House, have you heard of it?"

"Yeah, that's way nice, kinda too rich for my pocket book I'm afraid. There's other places though, not quite as expensive," Mindy was thinking of where to suggest.

"See, here's the thing. I haven't been out out to dinner in a while. And well Kent actually asked me but I didn't want to go with him by myself. So I said maybe, that I'd have to get back to him. I know it's like asking way too much probably, but I was wondering if you'd come with us. Then it wouldn't be a real date and…….well, are you mad that I'm even asking."

Mindy felt her heart sink since moments ago she thought Cleo was asking her to dinner, even just as friends. She tried to sound casual, "Well…………you would owe me big time. Like drive me up to Tahoe for a ski run on your gas tank so I'm not out the gas money kinda big. You like the guy, but not too sure huh," Mindy was glad to be going to the bar later that night.

"I don't really know him and I don't know that I want to date yet. But sounds fun to have dinner out like at a real restaurant. And no problem about the gas for a skiing trip, you got it. And I will buy you dinner or we'll skip Kent and just go to the burger place."

Mindy really wanted just the burger place, but they were just friends and friends do this kind of stuff for each other, "Okay, I'll order something inexpensive. What time?"

"Is 6:30pm too early," Cleo questioned.

"Nah that's actually a good time. So I'll meet you at the Timber House then."

"Mindy, you are so sweet to do this. You're too nice to me. And don't you dare order something cheap. Cause it will force me to order for you and I don't know if you like Fillet Minon or Lobster Tail better and I'd have to order you both."

"I see it could be an expensive um not real date for you."

"Ha, you're the best. Have some good runs, be safe, and I'll see ya at 6:30pm."

The Timber House has a nice lodge atmosphere and was said to have really good food and after her day of skiing she was really hungry. Her mind was busying toying with ordering something cheap to see if Cleo would really order like she'd described. So she was preoccupied while walking toward the restaurant pondering and when she saw the gorgeous woman approaching her she just wasn't prepared and tried not to let her eyes bulge and jaw drop.

The tall form was wearing a royal blue silk kind of blouse and warm charcoal slacks. Her lovely neck was adorn with a pretty silver necklace of a silver heart shape pendant hanging from it having a tear drop of a shinny smoky looking onyx jewel in the middle. Her earrings were the same design and glistened against her hair, which unlike usual, was flowing softly around her face except of course for her bangs. The beautiful eyes held a smile as did her pearly whites and she was so stunning Mindy stopped walking forward without knowing it.

Mindy had never ever seen Cleo dressed up like this, never, not even in school. The girl had been pretty much into sports, most always having the healthy athletic tomboy look. The Junior and Senior prom Cleo looked beautiful but Mindy knew how uncomfortable Cleo was in a dress and heals. She had to spend some of the time during the proms making her pretty friend dance with Manny or the hunk of the entire school Jake the jock. But Cleo had been a girl in school, a friend. Mindy knew she was attracted to Cleo, but had still regarded her as her old high school friend. And tonight, tonight, Cleo was an absolutely drop dead gorgeous woman and she was so taken with the sight of the tall woman she lost the sense of where she was for a moment.

The beautiful smile was fading and a concerned frown was beginning to crease the lovely forehead as the tall shapely form began moving forward. It was then that Mindy came to herself, hating that she'd ever said okay to this night. How the hell was she going to keep her eyes off Cleo?

She swallowed hard and put on her best buddy smile as well as she could, "Hey gorgeous. Um, I gotta say, you must like this Kent guy. I mean, um you look extremely nice. I don't think he'll even know I'm here."

"Hey, how do you know he doesn't like blondes?

"Even if he did, I doubt he'd remember that tonight. I ah didn't change as you can see," Mindy motioned to her snow pants and dark green sweater.

"They get skiers here all the time, I've seen a few already, you're fine. You fit right in little snow bunny," Cleo was looking around obviously trying to see if he was in the Casino.

"Not here yet I take it," Mindy stated the obvious.

"Anytime I'm thinking," Cleo looked at her watch which was also different. Instead of the normal sports watch she was wearing a very pretty silver watch that looked like it went with the whole ensemble.

"Did he make reservations I hope?"

"I asked at the desk and it doesn't seem like it. So I put my name in," Cleo casually looked around briefly again.

"So have you been here at all before, the casino or anything," Cleo questioned.

"Nope, I heard it had the lodge feel though, it's nice," Mindy was looking around trying not to look too much at Cleo.

"Cleo, party for three?"

Cleo shrugged her shoulders at the short one and they were seated.

Seeing Cleo look at her watch again after they sat down, she suggested, "Why don't you go out there and have another look? You can tell them who you're expecting and they can send him in?"

"See I knew I asked you here for a reason, got brains," she winked at her friend.

Mindy drank all her water and asked for a pitcher if possible.

When Cleo returned solo, "You know, I'm lucky you're here or I might be eating alone."

"He'll be here, probably band stuff or something. Does he have a cell or anything?"

"I don't know, I don't have one. Not yet. Those tests, there's one in late February for a Machine Operator I'm applying for. And Brenda said to just take any and all tests, to keep my options open. She understood about not taking the Admin stuff, but told me that not all jobs mean sitting at a desk. I do too much of that now. I might take a construction aid test, but I don't know about road crew duty," her face was a smirk.

They ordered beverages and looked at the menu since they weren't sure if he'd show. Mindy was half hoping he would and half hoping he wouldn't.

"So what looks good Miss Snow Bunny," Cleo cocked her head and smiled teasingly.

Damn she was in so much trouble, but she quickly looked back at the menu and found her voice, "Um, not sure yet. How bout you?"

"I haven't had good seafood in a while, since I got here that is. But I'm gonna hold off on that till I'm absolutely craving it. Then my disappointment probably won't be so bad. Hawaii is hard to beat for seafood if you know where to go," blue eyes surveyed the menu and Mindy stole a glance.

"Now don't go nuts, but I love prime rib and I know its on special but I really do like it. A baked potato and the works sounds so good too. So I'm leaning there," she looked questioningly at her beautiful friend.

Cleo squinted her eyes leaning a bit forward looking hard into eyes that seemed more green tonight, "Are you telling the truth Mind? I hear they have really great Fillet Minon."

"I'm sure they do, but prime rib sounds so warm and filling. I am starved like I said. Please," she pleaded with the amazing blue eyes reminding herself that the testostorone would be arriving any moment.

Cleo sighed, "Okay, okay, but someday I'm not letting you get away with it."

Mindy smiled liking the sound of a future dinner together, though she quickly cautioned herself that it would be platonic always.

A dark curly headed guy about Cleo's same height approached the table, looking at the beautiful tall woman making Mindy's premonition come true, she might as well have been the floor or a lighting fixture.

"Cleo, wow, I'm soooo sorry I'm late. We had equipment trouble and I just finally had to bail and tell em to deal man. I'm really sorry."

He was having the same trouble as Mindy with not drooling.

"You're just in time, we haven't ordered," Cleo looked at her friend warmly and smiled.

"This is my friend Mindy, the skier I told you about. Do you remember each other at all?"

"Oh ah, I'm not sure, did you have civics Junior year with Kimmey?"

Mindy's eye brows raised, she felt bad she didn't remember him, "Yeah, yeah, were you um in that class. I didn't pay a lot of attention in civics."

"Yeah, it was way boring. My mind was usually playing a tune to drown him out," the man smiled looking again at Cleo.

"I had Thompson and believe me, still boring. And it was so much worse cause she was like so excited about government/politics and all that drivel. She had us do projects and a speech. You got off easy with Kimmey, plain, monotone, hair piece Kimmey," Cleo looked sweetly at Mindy and then smiled a trust me look to Kent.

"Oh God, were you there when Jake gave him a baseball cap, saying he wanted the support of the team. Kimmey put it on and Jake took it off really quick saying it needed adjustment and the hair piece tried to come off with the cap. I know Jake planned it like that, and I just couldn't help but laugh," she was smiling at Cleo and looked at Kent with the questioning face wondering if he remembered it.

"God Jake was such a turd. I hear he's selling cars. I always thought he'd wined up in prison but he chose the legal route for being a criminal," his eyes barely took in Mindy, then looked back at the beauty across the table.

They ordered and Mindy commented, "I thought Jake would get a football scholarship."

"He did but got caught cheating a few too many times on the academics, so ah no more scholarship I heard," Kent looked rather pleased.

"So ah Jake wasn't a favorite of yours I take it," Cleo smiled.

"Let's just say band geeks are easy targets."

"They are also really great musicians. I told Mindy about your band, how good you are," Cleo encouraged.

The man beamed at the compliment and Mindy was still firmly in place as a light fixture but she offered anyway, "Yeah, can't wait to hear the sound. A friend of mine might come later and she loves the saxophone."

"So do I," he smiled again at Cleo.

"So are you playing here all weekend," Cleo inquired pleasantly.

"Yeah, we usually play Thursday through Sundays. Not always at one location. But we're booked for the next month. And in Spring and Summer, its always jammin man," he smiled warmly at the tall woman.

"People like good music," she nodded.

The conversation wasn't incredibly entertaining but not too boring. They chatted about school, about Hawaii, a little about skiing and music of course, a lot about music. Mindy chimed in when Cleo looked for her too, which was more often than perhaps Kent wanted. It wasn't as unpleasant as she'd expected being the third wheel. Cleo really didn't make her feel like that at all, though Kent still clearly regarded her as a wall hanging. Around 9pm one of his band members came looking for him and he regretted having to leave.

Addressing Cleo, ""I'll see you later, we get breaks between sets. So I'll come sit with you. Dinner was really cool, hope you enjoy the music. See ya soon," he left some cash and asked if they could let him know what more he owed.

Cleo was gracious and Mindy doubted Kent heard her say goodbye.

Blue eyes regarded blue green, "Well snow bunny, do you want hot coco or coffee?"

"Nah, I'm good."

"So um, tell me about the slopes today, you didn't say too much. Was it a good day or no?"

"It was too cold this morning. Warmed up some in the afternoon and I had a better time then. I don't ski in cold weather a lot, especially if it snows, really hurts when you wipe out. It snowed some this morning so I stayed in the lodge and had my fair share of coco."

"You didn't have to get up so early after all huh? Please don't hold that against me."

"Oh stop, I would have gotten up in like a half hour, an hour would have been too long. But I should of checked the weather again before I left, dahhhh."

Blue eyes seemed very content to enjoy conversation and she kept it up, "So where's your favorite, Heavenly?"

The blonde looked serious considering, "Um I'd say, Sierra, Heavenly, North Star and Alpine in that order. I ski Heavenly most cause it's so close. Mt. Rose isn't on the favorite list but it's cheaper."

"Do you go by yourself a lot?"

"Danny and I go. Janell calls me sometimes, but when I call she's not often available. You have to book her in advance I guess. She skis like every weekend and sometimes at night. She lives in Tahoe; I might see her tonight at the bar. She's there a lot after the slopes on Saturday."

"Janell, huh. Is she one of those snow bunnies you tend to like," Cleo's tone was a bit teasing but honestly curious.

Mindy smirked and rolled her eyes, "Well um yes actually. But she's pretty much in demand if you know what I mean."

"Ah ha, those skiing skills are um well known then?"

"I guess you could say it like that."

Cleo had an extremely mischievous face when she asked, "Do you happen to be familiar with her skills Mindy?"

The blush was full blown, "I, you…….we ski and well," she rolled her eyes.

"Sorry, just ah, well, you know there's more to life than skiing and I guess you know that," Cleo looked a bit self conscious yet still very curious.

After a moment the tall woman continued, "You know, I want to like skiing, it looks great on TV. But it's not cold on TV when you're on a warm couch with popcorn."

"Ah come on beach bum. You're gonna let a little cold air scare ya away."

"I'm still thinking about it. But it's not like I know anyone but you. And I'm so bunny hill that you'd be bored stiff. Not that I'm inviting myself."

"Mt. Rose or Boreal would work for you. And if you want to try it, we'll pick a warm day. I'll scope the weather and before the season ends, I get you on a bunny hill at least. This time with the proper gear. And I just bet the natural athlete in you will love it," she looked into pretty blue eyes and hoped the woman would say yes.

Cleo cocked her head and screwed up her face, "Are you volunteering as my instructor for an hour or so?"

"You bet, best hour investment or however long it takes if you end up liking skiing. If you do I might just get a ski buddy out of the deal, that would be sweet," Mindy wiggled her eye brows and Cleo's return look was adorable.

"You do the scoping of warm weather and we can go, if it's warm," her tone warning.

"Got it, warm. Now we just need mother nature to hear my prayer."

"Ooooo I gotcha praying, Darla would be so proud," Cleo chuckled.

"Geez, don't ruin such a lovely evening Cleo. I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Blue eyes regarded her watch and found involved blue greens looking back when she looked up. Cleo smiled warmly but said nothing holding the gaze wondering what went on in the blonde mind.

Mindy's mind was thinking she could have sat there all night with the lovely woman, their conversation was so easy. Even though Cleo was stunning, somehow she didn't often stay nervous around this tall beauty with a warm appealing good nature. Except when Cleo had that incredibly interested or involved look like now and made her blush. Mindy broke the eye contact and tried to cover with wiping her mouth and scooting back her chair, "Ah what time is it Cleo, I have to ah go meet Dee Dee."

"It's 25 to 10," blue eyes continued to stare at her with a pleased intrigued smile.

"Oh, ah, then I need to get going probably. If she doesn't want to come back I'll pop over by myself for a few songs. But I bet Dee will be with me."

She stood up so needing to leave the blue fog she was in for a while.

"The Prime Rib was sooooooo good Cleo, thank you."

"I think that's my line snow bunny. I so appreciate it, I mean that. And when we ski I'll definitely drive."

"Chicken," Mindy wanted to get back to their easy more comfortable banter.

"Hey now, I was talking about the gas thing I owe you."

"Right, the gas thing, not the brown bag thing."

Cleo wanted to protest but she was caught and she giggled.

"I'll see ya in a bit chicken."

"I'll count on it, little snow bunny," she smiled the 100 watt and Mindy would have sprinted out of the restaurant if her knees had of cooperated and it wasn't so obvious.

Dee Dee was more than happy to come listen to a jazzy sax and they returned at around 10:15pm.

The band was playing and Cleo was on the dance floor with a well dressed, short, brown man with a neatly trimmed mustache and goatee.

Dee Dee was already moving to the music but had her eyes glued to the gorgeous creature on the dance floor. She leaned in and said, "Damn at Faces she'd make the floor melt. Wish I could cut in."

Mindy offered, "Oh ah, she's straight trust me."

"I don't know yet, don't count her out girl just cause of stubby there. Maybe straight but maybe curious," Dee Dee had that expression Mindy understood to be enjoyable anticipation of a challenge.

"Dee, um remember I mentioned meeting a friend of mine here…….."

Dee whirled on the blonde, "Oh no girl, you don't tell me, that's………well damn. How do you know each other?"

"High school."

"You've known that vision since high school. Oh my God, I don't know if I envy you or pity you. Has she always been well, look at her, like that freakin ah, well has she?"

"Always pretty, but um, I've never seen her look like this before."

"Were you then and are you now really good friends. You must have seen her at school dances when she was there. She didn't look this stunning then?"

"No, we were and are pretty good friends. Hell she works where I do now."

Dee Dee's eyes bulged with extreme curiosity and the short blonde held up her had to quickly continue, "Long story. Its just, well I've never been out with her as a friend, like to dinner before or somewhere that she'd dress up. School dances yeah, but we were high schoolers. Girls. She was more of a jock. Still real athletic."

Dee Dee's brown eyes were like saucers, "You mean she's got that kind a body under those clothes, nice and healthy baby."

"Dee, stop! She's my friend and she sees us, be good," Mindy's voice was course with her warning.

Cleo was smiling warmly, "Hi, back so soon, great. They just started. Aren't they good?"

Dee Dee was staring and Mindy replied, "Yeah, sounds nice. So you been dancing already I see."

Freddy had followed the tall one and Cleo made big begging eyes at Mindy taking a deep sigh, "Yes, ah we have. Mindy, do you remember Freddy?"

"I'm not sure. I didn't know a lot of people in the band. Hi Freddy," she smiled to eyes that took all of her in, "This is Dee Dee my friend. Dee, Cleo and Freddy."

Freddy's brown orbs took in all the females he was introduced to, "My pleasure, lovely ladies, my pleasure," his accent seemed Latino as he bowed graciously.

Dee Dee quick for any opportunity moved in took Freddy's hand casually and quickly moved on to Cleo, "Likewise, Likewise. You're right Cleo honey, that sax sounds great. You've got a lovely ear for music it seems. Makes ya wanna dance. Ya know just sway to the sounds, its rich."

Dee Dee hadn't let go of Cleo's hand and had begun swaying to the music slightly.

"You know, I need to excuse myself a moment. Dee, would you join me please. We'll be right back."

Freddy said smoothly, "I will be hoping to save you a dance."

Cleo tried not to chuckle and shrugged her shoulders at Mindy who was pulling Dee Dee along.

Mindy waited till she got in the bathroom with Dee protesting the whole time that she was leaving bruise marks.

"Dee, I told you. She's fucking," she turned down the volume, "straight. I'm painfully aware of that. So just stop it!"

Dee looked exasperated, "You didn't have to bruise me. I'm dark but I still bruise. Damn, it's those ski poles you strike the mountain with, you're a vise," the woman was pulling up her white sleeved blouse.

"Look, we're not at Faces. If you dance it's probably with Freddy," Mindy's tone was still sternly warning.

"Well, if you promise not to bruise me more, I'll dance with you, you promised."

"Yeah when we're at Faces, I'm not so sure it's too comfortable in this place."

"Mindy Meredith Collier, you are not in the closet. Who the EFFing cares what they think? And please, please, please girl don't tell me gorgeous is a homophobe weirdo with a les friend."

"Nooooo, no she's fine. She's pretty much the only one who didn't wipe me off like a bad virus in school. Cleo is as lovely as she appears. But you keep your paws off her! If you have to paw someone, I volunteer for the night if it keeps her safe. But I'm dancing with Freddy if he asks so hold off on the up close and personal with me till I do."

"Okay, Okay mad mother henny. Shit girl chill."

They used the facilities and as they were walking back Dee Dee got a brainstorm, "You mean, this Cleo is that friend from school. Yeah, I remember, played basketball, went to Tahiti or somewhere."

"Hawaii, to college. She just got back like four weeks ago."

"Girl, you work with her, huh uh?"

"She's in the stockroom downstairs. We have breaks and sometimes lunches. Be good," Mindy emphasized pointed her finger in Dee Dee's face.

Dee Dee made a show of crossing her heart and winked.

They were on the dance floor again and Mindy spied the suffering look on Cleo's face. The band announced one more song before they took a break and so Mindy went out to the duo.

"Hey there, they do sound good," she was swaying a little.

It worked, Freddy stepped closer and she realized he wasn't a bad dancer at all. She'd danced with plenty of guys especially before her outing in school. Dancing was fun and she was pretty good at it, so she enjoyed their dance. He obviously was securely hetero in his persuasion she noticed as his eyes enjoyed the view even in snow pants and a sweater.

The song finished, they joined the others and she found that Cleo had ordered her a root beer, one of her favorites.

"Thanks Cleo, you're a sweet heart," she smiled warmly at blue eyes who returned the warmth.

Dee Dee was quiet and she thought that unusual. She squinted briefly and got an innocent expression. Cleo looked unmolested though perhaps a little quiet, but she relaxed a little.

Kent came to their table and sat across from the blue eyes, "So ah, are you all enjoying the sounds?"

At least his words took in the others if his eyes didn't.

Dee Dee was a good charmer male or female, "Those notes just make you want to dance. How long have you been blowing maestro?"

He enjoyed the compliment and smiled a little pleased, "I started playing guitar in 4th grade. They offered it in school and I loved it. Switched to brass in junior high. Glad you liked it," he managed to look at Dee Dee during some of his reply because she had her hand on his arm.

"Well, well, maestro wasn't too far gone, how many instruments do you delight the audience with music man," Dee was laying it on.

"Besides the guitar, alto and soprano sax, a little flute and some piano."

Dee Dee kept up the questions until he had to go back, and it was fairly clear he enjoyed the attention though his replies often included looking at Cleo who smiled nicely and seemed to be paying attention though quietly.

"Mr. Music, can you play Get Here by Brenda Russell for me, gotta love that," Dee asked as nicely as possible.

He nodded and smiled at Cleo before leaving.

Dee Dee waited for a moment before saying, "Gorgeous, I'm sure you're used to catching any fish you want with those blues, but he's so hooked darlin it's messy."

Cleo chuckled and shook her head like she was exceedingly aware of the problem, "You do have a way with words Dee Dee. The visual is a little much but anyway."

"Yeah, Dee never at a loss huh," Mindy wondered exactly what those two talked about while they danced.

Cleo excused herself and Mindy was quick to take the opportunity to question Dee Dee since Freddy was dancing with another lady who apparently knew the band or was a girlfriend of another band member.

"So Delilah, just what did you two talk about sitting here sipping your rum and coke?"

"Not much."

"Deeeeee."

"Please, hands to myself at all times. Not even a lot of eye contact, though who can help some with those glorious orbs, mmmm baby," Dee Dee had that lustful look again.

"You seem chummy, what did you say, spill it," Mindy was warning again.

"Just the truth, put the claws back in, damn."

"And what was your version of the truth," Mindy was still highly suspicious and worried that this very gay woman would behave herself.

"Okay, I could be wounded but we're dancing this set. I told her she was one of the most drop dead gorgeous women I'd ever seen, and I knew what I was talking about cause I'd seen and enjoyed every inch of many drop dead gorgeous women. That I didn't know whether to envy or pity my lesbian friend Mindy who was like a mamma protecting her bear cub when it came to her. That you made me promise to keep my mitts to myself and though I'd normally test the waters a little more cause her beauty made it just too damn tempting, I decided to comply with your instructions since I had never seen you sooo intense before and since you'd already bruised my arm. True every damn word just try to deny it," Dee Dee turned her brown eyes daringly at her blonde friend.

Mindy opened her mouth but nothing came out. Dee Dee was right, but she hadn't expected the woman to lay it out on the table so plainly. She just sat there for a few minutes wondering what the hell Cleo thought of Dee's speech.

Before the woman returned she managed, "Was she, I mean did she, ah say anything."

"She nodded several times while watching you dance, looked a little puzzled and all she said was I see, okay then, um thanks. Hey you need to dance with mambo man again before that song I asked for comes up, cause my blonde baby you owe me and oh am I collecting," Dee smiled warningly.

Mindy raised her eyebrows a little precariously wondering just how up close and personal it would be. She found the smooth moving man and was dancing when Cleo came back and sat down at the table with Dee Dee returning the smile Mindy offered from the dance floor.

A fresh root beer and some bottled water was waiting for her when she got back.

"You're a mind reader, thanks," they exchanged warm smiles again.

Dee Dee got up and snagged Freddy before he could get away much to the man's delight.

"So um, Dee, she's she's, well she's actually really cool. We seem to be able to pick up in our friendship wherever we left off. I mean I met her in college. She's kind of blunt, but it grows on ya."

Cleo smiled brightly with a hint of delight in her eyes, "She's informative for sure and pretty up front. It's refreshing. I had a friend not unlike her in Hawaii. But she moved back to Kauai about a year ago. We still email, but she got married and is busy having a kid. Did I ever mention Rita?"

"Yeah, you sent me a picture of you two at a luau. I think I still have it. She was the one the Hawaiian hunk of man was holding over his head like a bar bell right?"

The blue eyed gaze seemed to warm with the thought, "That's Rita."

They paused to listen to an excellent solo by the saxophonist.

"Wow, he can really play, he's good," Mindy admitted.

"Kinda funny, Jake's a car salesman, and this guy could like cut an album or something," Cleo sounded a bit melancholy.

"He seemed to like that turn of events, did I read that right," Mindy wondered.

"Oh yeah, I got that. Jake thinks quite a bit of himself as a ball player. Not my type, I relate more to him as a competitor. The senior dance he wanted to be a little more than competitive. At least he wasn't a sloppy kisser. Sorta too strong, kinda meaty, but well it's better than messy."

"I'll ah, take your word for it," Mindy nodded.

"You know I only went out with him for the prom cause his date got sick and I didn't have one. Not a good night for poor ol Jake. He um wasn't my idea of romance you know."

"So are Hawaiians romantics?"

Cleo turned an incredibly interesting look on her, "Hawaii is or can be romantic. Same is true for Hawaiians or anybody else, can be, is the operative expression there," those blue eyes were so penetrating.

Mindy was feeling the blue fog again; she wasn't sure how to reply and was saved from it by the return of Dee Dee.

Cleo said, "You seem to enjoy dancing as much as music."

With a flirting tone Dee Dee looked a bit lustfully into blue eyes briefly and said, "Depends on who I'm with for both. Freddy's a smooth mover, not bad," she looked suggestively at Mindy who looked away rather quickly.

Since the next song wasn't theirs Dee Dee suggested, "You ah, my want to powder that sweet little nose short stuff come on."

Back in the restroom, "Dee, lets not get thrown out okay. I mean we aren't at Faces."

"I won't kiss your lips, but I can't promise about your neck, those freckles are too damn cute."

Mindy blushed, why weren't there pills for that, "Okay, we'll dance one dance here, then we can go back to the bar. You can have as many dances as you want there."

"No I can't."

Mindy looked puzzled and Dee Dee explained, "I can only take so much beautiful. I'm getting laid tonight and I know it's not with you so a few dances just to interest the dandies and we'll see who plays."

"Great to be a fishing lure."

"You know you can be the catch of the day at any moment sweetie. Your choice not mine."

Mindy's laugh was warm, "At least you think I'm a pretty lure?"

Dee laughed softly amused, "Oh you are the loveliest little blonde pretty treat of a lure sweetie, the very best, trust me."

Upon their return Dee Dee curtsied to Cleo and said, "Still beautiful aren't we."

Cleo just smiled mostly at Mindy.

They sat down and took a drink, "Did we miss any other song beside this one," Dee Dee was making sure.

"No, don't think so," Cleo assured.

Mindy hadn't known the song Dee Dee asked for so she wasn't sure just how seductive the music would be.

When the song began playing Dee looked at her directly, "Our turn sexy."

Cleo watched them take the floor and was a little surprised at Mindy.

The short one was very grateful at the tasteful choice Dee Dee had made. Still it would be an up close and personal dance. Dee Dee had already pulled her close and was guiding their bodies together softly to the sound of the notes humming along. The woman's dark slightly taller more supple form seemed quite a contrast to the smaller form with white skin and blonde hair.

Mindy's arms were wrapped around Dee Dee's neck and the woman's hands were unhurriedly caressing Mindy's torso as they moved together. Dee Dee buried her face in the neck of the smaller woman, kissing a freckle and looked over to a table where a pair of blue eyes were riveted to their dance. She didn't let her smile be seen by the gorgeous eyes and continued to cuddle Mindy close through the rest of the sounds. The next piece was a musical version of Celine Dion's Falling into You. They both knew it was a bit spicy and invoked a light salsa type feeling so Dee Dee didn't let go of the blonde knowing Mindy enjoyed this tune too.

"Come on Mindy, let's have fun girl. One more, show em how it's done by girls and we'll leave, they'll never know what hit em," Dee wiggled her eyebrows encouragingly and Mindy laughed loosening up a bit.

It was a fun slow salsa and though they didn't burn up the floor with it, it did get warm as somehow Dee Dee made even snow pants seem sexy. She was sure to kiss another freckle on the woman's neck as she leaned her back, seductively moved her hand over Mindy's face and whispered the lyric, "So close your eyes and let me kiss you."

Blue green eyes flashed into Dee Dee's brown orbs revealing that there was definitely a libido in the sweet smaller woman. And they finished the dance with most eyes, especially blue, watching them.

Dee Dee kept her arm wrapped around Mindy's waist on the way back and instructed playfully, "Polish off that water girl, you're gonna need it."

Then she turned to Cleo who looking at them both but mostly Mindy and without missing a beat Dee Dee said, "No one can know a woman like a woman can know a woman baby. Nice to meet you gorgeous. Don't kill anyone with those stunning eyes. And if ya ever wanna dance, ask Mindy cause I'm still caged," she gathered her coat, smiled at the blonde and said, "I'll wait outside."

Cleo was now staring at her intently with what appeared to be something like intrigued amazement.

Mindy didn't know what to make of the expression, since she was straight it couldn't have been attraction, but she was a little unsure, "Um, I kind of, well, I have to go. I promised her I'd, more dancing, we're going to Faces."

There was disappointment clearly written on the woman's face then it relaxed into a reluctant acceptance as she sighed and nodded, "Yeah, really glad you came at all. And I so owe you. Thanks so much."

"Ahhh, no problem sweetie. And dinner was scrumptious, thanks. I'm really glad we came, it was fun. I ah, I'll see ya at work Monday then?"

She was trying to get back to casual though the blue eyes seemed not so causal.

Cleo cleared her throat, "Sooooo ah, Monday. Have fun, um a good…………..well rest of the weekend. Tell Dee Dee bye for me," she nodded unsure of the departure.

"Okay, thanks again. Enjoy the music and Kent," Mindy smiled and left.

Mindy and Dee Dee melted the floor some at Faces, though not a lot of people noticed a little too busy with their own melting. But to Dee's good fortune there were a few interesting dance moves that caught the eyes of some. So Mindy trekked back down the mountain to her little empty apartment and decided against a cold shower.

Sunday was a late morning and Monday was a morning too ungodly early as always.

A cappuccino and a card was on her desk when she arrived and she didn't really notice Penny and Caroline exchange glances as she opened up the card. There were two little girls one with dark hair, one with light hair on the front holding hands, and the card just said Thanks. But inside was a hand made gift certificate for a free ride up to the slopes warm weather permitting or not anytime.

She didn't know if she should email or not and debated till right before lunch when she finally decided to say thank you.

"The cap was great but not necessary, thanks. The card is adorable; it made a Monday much nicer than normal."

"I was glad to find that card, it kinda fits. Thanks again," was the email reply.

Penny and Caroline put up Valentines decorations, though this wasn't the norm. They did Halloween and Christmas, but not Valentines Day usually. Mindy looked at the calendar and saw it was next week on Thursday. God's she wished for a date. Remembering that she didn't take a cold shower Saturday night and feeling a little uneasy that Dee was getting so much harder to resist. But she put on a good face and encouraged her employee friends at how festive it looked.

The next day there was no cappuccino but a beautiful ruby red rose with a lot of baby's breath and some greenery in a vase that should have held a dozen roses but there was only the one. Her desk had been decorated by the ladies the previous day so there was festive valentine garland lacing her desk shelves and a shinny heart cut out pinned up in the middle. Only today there were a few dark green heart confetti scattered in a perfect circle on a shelf near her window. The vase was in the middle of her desk and she couldn't leave it there, the dark green confetti turned out to be the perfect fit as though the confetti had been placed there while the vase stood on the shelf. She looked around for a card and then noticed the ladies both standing behind her.

"Did you two, ahhhhhh that's so nice….……"

But the ladies were shaking their heads and Penny said, "I don't' know honey, Caroline said it was here when she got here at 7am."

The pregnant lady nodded, "Cleo?"

Mindy chuckled loudly her dismissal,"Um, no. She's sweet but not this I'm sure. I mean it's just odd."

She looked around everywhere again for a card while they watched.

"We all know what team I hit for, so there is no way it's a secret admirer unless he doesn't realize what side I'm on."

"Maybe she does, whoever she is," Caroline was optimistic.

Mindy shook her head, "Well, okay I'll just um, enjoy the flowers………………"

Then thinking it could be a project manager from their office who'd really screwed up big time she said with dread, "Oh God, you don't think the guys did something way stupid and they're trying to butter me up so I won't erupt so badly?"

The ladies looked at each other and Penny being a lady just shook her head but Caroline a self proclaimed Broad said, "Are you kidding, like they had an understanding brain cell in their body."

They all looked perplexed then Caroline offered, "Nope this has class somehow, like there's more coming. I'm so getting here early tomorrow."

Knowing Caroline she instructed swiftly, "There will be no hidden camera's in this office, clear?"

Caroline's lip protruded but she nodded and went to her desk sadly. Penny chuckled and rubbed the girl's shoulders and Caroline said, "Oh you're hired. Boss can you order her to do that so I can be more productive."

Mindy rolled her eyes and walked over, picked up the large cup and walked to the snack shop without a word, as she left she heard Penny say, "I didn't hear an order but I'll give you 5 minutes."

She didn't hear from Cleo, not even an email and Mindy wondered if the weekend had been a lot more than her friend wanted it to be. So she waited, though it was hard. The small woman didn't know what was up or what to do, it felt a little weird and she thought space to be best.

The next day there were two red roses this time lying on her seat and a tiny bit more confetti since there was now some red mixed in and Caroline almost cried throwing up her hands, "6:30 and nothing, they were here."

When she opened up the Outlook there was a message, "How goes it caffeine junkie?"

"Um it's a Wednesday, a weird Wednesday but at least the middle of the week, how bout you?"

"SDDD >>>> same dungeon different day. But basketball may be coming my way."

"Good luck with that."

"So there's no secret supervisor code, you're not gonna rat me out one boss lady to the other?"

"Nah, don't need to, she's got it covered," Mindy typed with a playful smile.

"Ah a veiled reply, intended to make my wheels spin. Hmmmmmm, spinning in progress please stand by………………………………….okay I'm out, what gives?"

"Like I said, Michelle, she's a, well she probably knows you're an excellent shot," Mindy was being very devious, knowing even if Michelle knew about it she didn't care.

"More spinning………………………………...Still out, come on."

"Tell ya what, if you want me to ask her how many shots you make this afternoon, no problem, can do," keeping up the rouse hoping the very intelligent Cleo would possibly think there might be a hidden camera lurking about.

Soon she read Cleo's response and chuckled, "Negatory, no spinning needed, exnay on the pointsnay asking say."

"Huh?"

"Hiding the ammunition, oh nothing, never mind," Cleo's emails, much like her, were so funny. Looking at the monitor feeling so amused, Mindy realized, not for the first time, that she had really missed this woman who was across the sea for so many years.

Mindy smiled broadly, her friend seemed in rare form and she typed, "I gotta run. Catchnay later say."

"Mam, Yes mam, am working hard, have no time for frivolous emails, thank you mam," Cleo had become the boot camp cadet.

It was now Thursday and one more rose appeared lying on her keyboard, this time more greenery was also in the vase.

Caroline begged for a hidden camera and was denied.

The email was, "Working hard, still no one suspects I am from the Hawaiian mafia, working out the floor plans so operation Office Caper can be carried out. More later…….shhhhhhhh"

"Do you lie in bed dreaming this stuff up; I'm a little worried about you."

"More like at computernay bored to tearssay, mind wanderingay. So how's caffeineville, feeling like someone is watching you, wait who's there, I saw, I think I saw……hmmmmmm another sip, yes something, someone is there, more liquid, it's pink, fuzzy maybe."

Mindy chuckled out loud, "Note to self, tell Michelle to reinstate basketball, it seems to act like a calming agent to some people's central nervous system and that could be considered essential to like breathe much less work."

Her phone rang and she got heavy breathing.

Mindy waited saying nothing with a huge smile on her face until there was a click.

"Penny, give me something to order. I don't care, batteries, note pads, posties, something."

The woman looked a bit puzzled then nodded, "Oh, K, um let me think. Actually I do need some staples and we could use a box of blue pens."

The small woman walked downstairs and began filling out an order form.

"Why Miss Collier, its nice to see you. What may I do for you this lovely morning," Cleo was playing the professional role well.

She finished filling out the form not looking at blue eyes so she wouldn't crack up, "I just need to get a few things please."

"Is Penny unwell, say she's peachy please."

Mindy looked up into the beautiful eyes, which were striving to remain as innocent as possible and she tried not to laugh.

"She's fine thank you for asking Miss Weatherspoon, I just felt the need to stretch my legs and we needed these so here I am."

Brenda walked up casually, "Hey Mindy, what are you slummin for, you've got flunkies."

"Hi Brenda. I knew I could get candy," she plucked a cinnamon wrapper out of the candy dish on the counter.

Brenda looked up, "Whatchya got, what is it," the tall woman dangled the order well above Brenda's head and the woman spent a few minutes leaping in the air to no avail.

Brenda put her hands on her hips and said, "Okay, but give me a head start or I'll trip you, I will."

Cleo rolled her eyes, "You short people," she looked at them both, "Like it's a handy cap. Fine, One, Two……." Brenda was well on her way but Cleo counted to five and sprinted toward the back. The race was declared a tie since they both came back with an item even though Cleo was first.

Mindy said, "Such speedy service. Listen um if you notice anything out of the ordinary you'd let Michelle know right," she addressed Brenda.

"Sure of course, we both would, she's the sup. Why what's wrong," Brenda inquired.

"Ah nothing really. I did get a heavy breather on the phone this morning, and while it was seemingly harmless, it was rather distracting. You know I usually prefer those like late at night before bedtime, much more enjoyable. And here, well it's just, it doesn't work as well. Too many other things going on like wayward flowers and pregnant moods and then there's the work duties that seem to always be clamoring for attention and a perfectly good phone call gets under utilized. So I guess I'm just hoping you haven't suffered the same fate down here."

Cleo said, "Nah heavy breathers are kinda normal down here in the cave. Only one time I told the breather a blonde joke and so got him to laugh. Can always count on the blonde," she did her best to try and make Mindy blush.

And it worked because the woman pinked up but quickly took her items, ducked her head and said, "You've got it covered I guess, carry on," she began to walk out but stopped.

Turning around she spoke to neither one of them specifically, "You know, we'll have to check it earlier than 6:30, got nothing again this morning," she squinted her eyes slightly still looking at no one and nodded as if satisfied and walking away she said, "I'll see Michelle tomorrow. Bye ladies."

The message on her computer when she returned was, "Thank you for allowing us to be of service Miss Collier, I trust your meeting to compare supervisor notes on us lackeys will include our speedy assistance regarding your Office supplies request. Gracious, Mahalo, Dunca, Tank you bery much."

Friday the one rose was lying on one of her desk counters an another rose was lying on the other side of the desk.

Caroline whined she couldn't do earlier than 6:30 and Mindy looked at her email after arranging the roses and placing them on the shelf noticing maybe a little more confetti.

The phone rang as she looked at her email, "How's my little caffeinated snow bunny?"

She picked it up to hear more heavy breathing finally broken by a raspy whispered, "Someday's I must, I watch you. Your beauty makes me just want to………………………breeeeeeeeeeathe," click.

Mindy tried to laugh without being heard, she just didn't want to explain to Caroline. She typed, "You know if you put your head between your knees and look at the floor, you won't hyperventilate. Oh and not caffeinated yet."

Walking to the snack shop, Mindy was still chuckling at Cleo's return email, "Hiding under desk until java IV has been successfully injected. One one thousand, two one thousand, three….……….would you hurry, desks are made for short people. Email me when your veins run brown."

"Much better. So how was your commute," Mindy typed.

She really didn't think the flowers were from Cleo but the woman hadn't asked for a break all week, she hadn't been by at all which wasn't terribly unusual but they normally saw each other during the week and she didn't feel like yesterday counted.

"No problems, normal for me anyway, why?"

"Oh just heard something on the news its nothing."

"I take Jack's Valley Road sometimes just to break it up ya know. Did something happen?"

"An accident with a semi according to the news. Backed up traffic, good thing you took the other way."

"Awwww, man, I hate that. When did it happen?"

"About 7:40 in the middle of your commute."

"I hope all is well, I don't even want to know if not. I'm so not good with that…………Another subject please, so um laundry calling your name again this weekend?"

"Maybe one load. But I'm doing a Costco run and some errands, not much. Hey do you think I should get a dog?"

"A dog, um I don't know. They're furry and cuddly and up to you."

"Dee really thinks I need a furry critter, but I don't know. Hey I gotta run, how bout lunch," Mindy asked.

"If you email me I can put it on my calendar so I don't forget," even with typing Cleo's sarcasm was thick.

"Just for that I'm driving and this time it's In N Out on the south side of town. Bring a bigger bag."

Cleo immediately tried to correct the error of her ways, "Did I mention how lovely you looked yesterday? Did you know there is a special day like valentines for smaller height beautiful people. Skiers are reported to be some of the best looking persons in the world and of course the healthiest, young, sought after. And the latest doctor's survey says that blonde jokes contribute to better health for many American's due to good healthy-fun-light humor and we should all be thankful for the blondes among us that allow us such a gift."

Mindy typed, "Bigger bag. And bring one up here for the horse doo doo."

At 12:04 Penny said, "Oh Mindy, I forgot, Cleo called and said she'll meet you outside she's running a bit late."

Mindy was suspicious of why Cleo hadn't called her directly as she walked outside to find Cleo in her car at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her. She walked over, "Decided no lunch today huh?"

"Come on Mind, the car's already running."

"Have a good lunch. McDonalds will be crowded you'd better get going," Mindy walked away, through the sidewalk picnic area to the other parking lot.

Cleo showed up in her silver Mazda, parked and sullenly got in the white Subaru.

"It was worth a try."

"Awwwww honey, no it wasn't, it was hopeless. Strap in sweetheart," Mindy's evil eye did not match the thick sweetness of her voice.

Cleo had the bigger bag and almost had to use it.

Nothing had been said during their drive except for Mindy failing to keep her New Years resolution.

The tall form followed the smaller one and watched Mindy order not doing the same.

"Getting mine to go, I'll order a little a later," her face was pinched as if saying thanks ever so much Mindy.

Mindy ignored this, sat down and trudged forward, "So, I told Dee I feel like getting a dog and having him stay in a lonely apartment all day wouldn't be any fun for the poor thing. I ski too so in the winter, not home as much. She said most American's work or have school and Fido is good with a bone and food till they get home."

Cleo asked starting to reach, "Would you slap my hand if I stole a fry."

"Yes, you know how to get your own," Mindy warned.

Cleo snuck one anyway and Mindy squinted, "Cleo, you're impossible, go order if your stomach has returned."

"No not yet. Dogs I'm listening."

"If I do get a dog it shouldn't be till later in the Spring right? I mean that's the best for the dog."

Cleo had been honestly looking into blue greens and listening though her stomach was rumbling so she couldn't help it and slowly reached over to get another fry being sure Mindy saw her so she'd get her hand slapped and it worked she got a whap.

She stuffed the fry in her mouth, "Thanks for keeping your word, and oh thanks for the fry too," she wiggled her eyebrows and got the color she so loved to see.

Cleo never let those eyes go and got up, leaned over and sweetly touched the soft cheek putting on the same thickly sweet voice, "Awwwww honey, its not hot in here its just you. I'm gonna go get my food now pumpkin, be back soon, miss me."

When she got her bag she turned back to the tables and Mindy was gone. Cleo swallowed hard wondering how the hell she was gonna tell her boss she was late because she'd gone a little too far in flirting with Mindy this time.

She spied the blonde slowly walking to the White Wabbit as Mindy had dubbed her wheels. She caught up with the woman and sweetly asked, "Um, any more room on that eat crow flight?"

Mindy didn't say anything till she was at the driver door and Cleo was at the passenger. She stopped and looked into Cleo's blue eyes flashing a little lust and said, "If you can find a strap in to strap on, and hold on because the ride is really wild I promise, then you're welcome to fly with White Wabbit," then she licked her lips slowly.

This time Cleo was the one needing non-blushing pills.

The tall one did hold on trying to smile all the way but completely silent.

Mindy had said absolutely nothing on the ride back; she hadn't given Cleo a second look, like she wasn't even there.

So Cleo cleared her throat when they stopped safely in the parking lot and instead of saying Thank God she said, "Um, thanks Mind," still nothing.

So before they parted she tried one more time, "You know, about the dog. You've mentioned it more than once. You obviously want one, that's clear Mind. You don't need anyone's permission. And you might try and think of it from the point of view of one of the doggies in the pound. They'd prefer your laundered apartment any day to their prison."

Mindy stopped walking, "Oh my God, I hadn't even thought of the pound. I was like you know, a puppy, it needs training. Oh my God Cleo. I am so shallow," she shook her head irritated at herself.

"Mindy, I did not say you're shallow. That is no way, I…………"

The small hand came up, "No Cleo, you didn't. You didn't, you wouldn't. But it just shows me how limited I've become. My own tiny little world……………Thanks."

Cleo caught the woman's hand and wouldn't let her walk in the door. She looked deeply and honestly in the eyes of her friend and said, "Mindy, you're not shallow. And I won't let you say that about some one I care so much about. Mindy's my friend. My really good friend and I would pound anyone who ever talked that way about her. So don't make me hit you with a nerf ball."

Mindy felt Cleo gently squeeze her hand and saw the real care in those eyes. She let herself look back into the pretty blue for a long moment and squeezed back with a smile, "I hope you get to eat that before its cold."

Cleo smiled, "I won't unless I get back and fast. Thanks Mindy. See ya later."

The weekend was uneventful but Monday brought more flowers. There was more confetti in a wider circle like they'd been rescattered. And something new was added, a pink heart made out of construction paper like you get in kindergarten. It was made to look like the hard candies people crunch during this holiday that had sayings stamp on them, like, Sweetheart, My Love, Be Mine, Pretty girl, My Valentine. The construction paper one had the same kind of writing on it and said You're My. It was placed on top of the two roses on her chair.

Mindy sat at her desk for a long time, not being disturbed, holding the flowers and looking at the home made candy. Whoever was doing this was taking so much time and effort she felt it had to be someone she knew. And she didn't want to believe it, she told herself it was sooooooo stupid, that there was something here she wasn't seeing. She was reading too much into it. But she just couldn't stop thinking of the pretty blue eyes and the sound of her voice on Friday.

Mindy was a hard worker, she'd earned everyone's respect because of that even from Clueless. So she didn't feel bad that she just sat there. Caroline and Penny saw it and were a bit concerned but let her be for a while.

Mindy knew she was wrong. She knew there was no possible way. Or if this was happening, it was as a friend right. Cleo thought she was putting mystery into her life. Thought it was just a fun thing to do. Thought it was innocent and meant just that she valued her as a friend. She had to figure out how to find out if this could be Cleo.

Finally she opened her email and read Cleo's note,

Webster's Dictionary, SHALLOW,

Opposite: See Mindy Collier

1: having little depth

2: having little extension inward or backward.

3: a. penetrating only the easily or quickly perceived

b. lacking in depth of knowledge thought or feeling

Webster's Dictionary, FRIEND

Etymology: Old English frEon to love

Synonym: Mindy Collier. May also refer to Beautiful

1: a. one attached to another by affection or esteem

2: a. one that is not hostile

3: A favored companion

A tear slid down her face. Cleo Weatherspoon was not in love with her as anything but a friend and she closed the email so she could respond later and went about getting busy.

It was noon before she knew it and she dashed off an email, "Hey oh mighty esteemed one. Are you trying to impress me with your book learnin you college young un? Sorry kind a busy up here, things are coming up roses in one place and going to the pig sty in another. Where are you taking me to lunch this week, I need to pen you in?"

"How bout tomorrow, that sandwich shop in the Mall?"

"Wow, sounds healthy, are you okay, fever, anything, drink rose petal soup, I'm sure it'll help."

"Okay, I'm going to the sandwich shop, that should be enough. I refuse to join the goats and start consuming directly from the garden, no soup for me. I'll meet ya in the lobby and we can walk over."

Mindy chastised herself for even thinking that Cleo might have selected a place to walk to that must take them in the opposite direction of her division, thereby avoided meeting her in this office.

On Tuesday she found another ruby red rose lying on top of her computer monitor with more greenery added to the vase. She smiled and arranged yet another flower wondering what I all meant especially if it was Cleo.

Their walk to the Mall was filled with reminders of Valentine's Day as the Mall was just across the street and they had to traverse the main portion inside to get to the sandwich shop.

"You know Valentines was the original made up holiday I'm sure, by like Hallmark. They were in a rubber room trying to come up with an idea for cash flow when some love sick puppy stumble across the thought of fleecing America for the sake of love," Mindy was hoping this tactic wouldn't run up the red flags.

"Mindy, um, okay, interesting take on Valentine's Day. Hallmark probably is in the mix, but you really think it was a poor schmuck kinda thing?"

"No, I just meant, look at all this stuff. They do it for Valentine's Day and now for Halloween, St. Patty's Day, you even see stuff for 4th of July, like cards. Who's gonna buy a card for 4th of July. But sure enough some woman with more time than brains and more money than God buys a bundle and makes the Post Office happy mailing them out. Valentine's Day I get, and it can be nice, but come on I want a fire cracker not a card on the 4th. I'm saying it's just so commercial. Even Valentines, candy, cards, and the guy gets in trouble if there's no flowers so he orders a dozen through the secretary the afternoon before he goes home. Then he's proud of himself standing there with something he didn't even lift a dialing finger to order."

They were now standing in line waiting to order, "So um, no cards, no flowers, no candy for you huh? What maybe an onion or a lump of coal left over from Christmas," Cleo's eyes bulged and she smirked.

They ordered and sat down waiting for food, "Um it's healthier and not known for speed my friend. But it's not too busy. Good thing it's not Valentine's Day yet or we'd be called at 3pm to come pick up our food on break."

"Dinner's more the ticket right? Or is that a no no too in your book?"

"I guess nothing's a no no really, except something hurried and thoughtless. If you love someone, lucky enough to have a special person in your life when Valentine's Day comes, then any giving of gifts or gestures would be from the heart. Wouldn't you like that more than something done at the last minute or just cause the calendar says you have to?"

"Yeah, Valentine's Day is a celebration of love in all its forms. For ah that special person, well yeah whatever is done should be special too," Cleo sounded kind of light hearted about it, not worried or serious.

They got their food and munched.

"Brenda wants to go out to lunch on Valentine's Day. She's gone through a divorce this year and wants to not be bitter but doesn't want to spend too much time thinking about it either. So she wants to go to BBQ Highway a block over. She says the more the merrier so you're welcome if you don't have plans. Michelle might come too I think," Cleo took a bite of her melon side salad.

"I was gonna be impressed with the side salad and your tuna sandwich until I heard that."

"What," Cleo sounded surprised.

"BBQ Highway doesn't exactly have bottled water or a Fresh Spinach Salad with no fat dressing on the menu."

Blue eyes went wide a minute then she nodded with an odd expression as if not knowing how to respond and so she said nothing.

Mindy got the whatever, forget your pill today idea, and felt bad for being so caustic, "You know a lunch with just the girls would be nice. Brenda has the right idea."

"So you doing something with them then," Mindy thought Cleo's voice was light but maybe forced. Then she told herself to stop it.

"I think BBQ sounds fun. Why don't you come up and ask Caroline and Penny? I don't want to take credit for the idea."

"Then I'll have Brenda call and ask. Her idea."

Mindy told herself she should stop but so wanted to know, have any hint.

"Changing the subject I know, but is Kent playing any where on Valentine's Day or the weekend?"

"I don't' know. Probably, sounds right considering what he says about the schedule and being booked. Does um Dee Dee want to go dancing again," Cleo smile slyly at her.

"Dee's probably got grand plans. No doubt she won't be alone on Valentines. But I was just thinking Kent's kinda music would be in demand. Soft, rich, sometimes um well romantic and you know."

"Yeah, he's talented you gotta give him that."

"Sounds like you don't want to," Mindy was thinking Cleo might be interested in the guy an Cleo's voice sounded the opposite.

"Oh, he's not my type, but he can really play," Cleo smiled a little self consciously.

"So, no more dinners, party of 3 or otherwise, huh?"

"Not so much no."

"Well, he probably wasn't real happy to learn that, sorry, um, so how's you're brother. Think he plans anything?"

"You did not just ask that. It's Clark, and Lois hasn't got a Superman. As to Kent, he didn't pass the friend test," Cleo shrugged.

"The friend test? Not friend material?"

"No, not when he treats my best friend the way he did. I know he was interested in me or he wouldn't have asked me out. But he didn't really listen to you to listen. He was putting up with you since I wouldn't go out with him any other way. A bit too much into himself for me, thanks," she winked at Mindy.

Mindy was still kind of amazed at being elevated to best friend level.

"Ah, I see. Did he know he was on trial," she chuckled trying to be light and still think about the whole best friend comment.

"Nope, you either, huh," Cleo looked amused.

"You mean I was on trial," Mindy was a bit unsure.

"Ah, come on sweetie, the roots are blonde, but I know you better than that."

Mindy looked pleased and told herself that was no reason to blush.

"I knew you wanted to chat with him without it being a date. And he had to know that too, unless, like you say too into himself to know. But I didn't really consciously think you were watching how he interacted with me. Thought I was just security kind a thing. If you two hit it off, then my meal ticket was short lived," she laughed.

"You didn't remember him did you?"

"Nah, zero, nothing. I felt bad. I'm telling you, I love the Webster's, but I need to work on some things."

They were walking back and Cleo responded, "Come on, cause you don't remember a guy you had no cause to know."

"My friend, friends can let friends be imperfect. Its okay I need to look at some things. Like Valentine's Day, great idea Brenda had. My beautiful Penny and Caroline sooooooo deserve me to get the bright idea that Valentines would be a great time for me to treat these two who I could never run the office without. I've been distracted true but geez."

"You're too hard on you. What's so distracting, the dog or not the dog dilemma?"

"Well, its just Valentine's Day has been a bit surprising for me is all, hard to explain, maybe we need another lunch just us friends."

"Oh no, Mind, honey I gotta go pick up some drugs for my dad and I was gonna do that at lunch tomorrow plus go to the State Printing human resources if there's time but most likely that'll be Friday and Thursday's the girls lunch thing."

"Ah no biggie," Mindy was dismissing it lightly.

"You can call me at home; we have no time limit to talk then. If you need to chat or talk something out," the tall woman had the same concerned gentle tone as last week.

"Maybe I need to do laundry, Ha."

"You wanna come over this weekend? How bout dinner? I can actually do more than boil water occasionally," Cleo's face was bright and hopeful.

"To be honest, I wanted to save up more laundry than I got now, but I'll try and be really messy the rest of the week," they laughed.

Mindy thought about the rest of the week and that today might be her best bet in getting Cleo up here so she could see the look on her face about the whole flowers thing. So she told Penny to request Cleo bring a cart up for her to use and help put some archive folders on it from a really high shelf.

Of course she had put the thing up there herself like two years ago, then the stupid step stool broke and she'd forgot about the folder even though they had a new step stool, out of sight out of mind.

When Cleo arrived she heard Penny say, "Oh, it's just in there above Mindy's desk."

Walking into the room she shared with Caroline, you looked directly at Mindy's cubicle and the roses couldn't be missed.

As Cleo walked in she turned around to see the face and Mindy felt the twinge but she lied, "Our step stool is broken or I'd get it."

She moved out of the way for the tall form, who had to get even closer to the flowers to get the file. The task accomplished Cleo said nothing walking out of the room with the file. Her face had seen the flowers, Mindy watched the eyes register but she couldn't tell anything. Only not saying anything what did that mean.

Cleo turned back around casually and said looking at the roses, "Nice flowers Mind. Um who's the lucky snow ah, the lucky lady?"

"Oh, I'm ah getting not sending," she watched.

"Okay, same question though, who's the lucky person sending you flowers. Or sorry is it a secret? None of my beez wax," there seemed to be a real question there.

But she was again thinking about the best friend comment earlier and weighing it against the comment about the lucky person. The question hadn't changed; Cleo had maybe known Mindy was on the receiving end and asking who was the person lucky enough to be attracted to Mindy and feel the desire to send flowers. Or was she reading into everything just what she really wanted it to be.

"Mindy honey, where did you go? I'll withdraw the question, no problem. Very pretty," Cleo smiled warmly.

She was still caught in the haze of blue directed into her own eyes.

Cleo squeezed her arm as she stepped by the frozen blonde, "Do they smell? Oh yeah, very fragrant. A lovely gift for a lovely lady. Are there a dozen, it doesn't look like it?"

Mindy blushed and stammered, "Um, um no…………………ah"

Penny was still standing near awaiting instruction about the office archive file and knew Mindy knew perfectly well where the step stool was so she intervened a little, "Well it seems our wonderful Mindy has a secret admirer. She's been getting a few more roses each morning. There's also the homemade heart," she pointed to the heart saying You're My propped up on the shelf next to the flowers.

"Wow, well at least they have excellent taste," Cleo smiled at Penny then Mindy.

The blonde cleared her throat, "My luck, we don't play on the same team, or maybe its some long lost friend of mine, who knows," she rolled her eyes.

"Hmmmmmmm I guess maybe you'll find out on Valentine's Day," Cleo's expression seemed honest.

"Well, I really hope I do, otherwise it would end up being kind of a let down you know," she wanted Cleo to reveal herself and not leave her hanging if it were her, though she really doubted it.

"At least you've got beautiful flowers and Valentines hasn't been boring, one could even say distracting," Cleo looked at Mindy wanting confirmation that this was the distraction she'd spoken about.

"Well yes maddeningly distracting. Do you think that's what the person intended," she looked directly into blue eyes.

"I wouldn't know Mind. I doubt it was intended to be maddening. Pleasant probably, something beautiful for someone beautiful," the tall woman looked a long while into blue green eyes.

Mindy felt the blush again, just when she thought no way, then the woman says something like that and looks like that, it was maddening.

"Well, I better get back, unless you need help with anything else," Cleo looked at Penny and then Mindy.

Penny smiled pleasantly, "I think that was it. We're lucky you're so tall and so helpful. Thank you dear."

"There is one more thing, Cleo I think you were gonna ask Penny and Caroline something about Thursday."

"Oh, um well it was Brenda's idea. She wants to have a Valentine's Day lunch at BBQ Highway Thursday. I told Mindy about it and you two are invited too if you want?"

Mindy piped up, "If you want to go ladies, it's on me. You two are certainly due a treat. It would be my pleasure."

Cleo remembered and quickly said, "Caroline, I will drive you there, no problem. Its not too far to walk, but not if you're walking for two I'm sure."

The invitation was accepted happily and Cleo went back to her dungeon. Penny and Caroline exchanged looks as Cleo left and Mindy sat at her desk looking at the flowers. She went back to wondering about the tall one who had said she was lovely and beautiful and looked in her eyes and made her melt. If she was doing this, it had to be as a friend, it had to be friends can say things like that, they could, well probably.

The next morning seemed to fit the whole friend idea if the secret admirer was Cleo. It was Weds and this morning there were two new flowers, more greenery and another homemade heart, it read Friend.

So far the message was You're My Friend, but Mindy knew she wished the roses to hold so much more even if it wasn't Cleo. She wanted love. She wanted someone to love her. This whole valentine's roses thing seemed to come with so much thought and time. Would Cleo do that for just a friend? Mindy knew she was certainly nice enough and sweet. But why Valentine's Day, why roses, why keep it a secret. If she wanted to make a friendship gesture, it was more like the dinner she suggested while Mindy did laundry. She arranged her roses and homemade heart and opened her email.

Not surprising there was one from Cleo, "Hey there. Did you get anything this morning like you have been?"

"Yes, I did. Guess."

Cleo's message read, "Given what I heard yesterday I'm going with more flowers right?"

"And," Mindy probed

"And what," Cleo asked.

"Not tellin."

"Okay. So how many do you have now," Cleo questioned.

"How many what?"

"Come on blondie."

"I have 11 roses. So I guess I just get one tomorrow. Wanna break at 10?"

10 o'clock came and Mindy wasn't in the break room. Cleo waited a few minutes and went to check.

"Forget about me Mind," she walked in to find Mindy alone holding a heart.

"Caroline's not here and I forgot Penny had a doctor's appointment and left a few minutes ago, so I can't leave the office cause of the phones. But you can keep me company a few minutes, have a seat."

"Okay, but first, can I smell them again? I love the smell of roses."

Mindy said suspiciously, "You do huh? Anyone ever get you roses Cleo?"

"Manny did once when he was in big trouble cause I thought he'd slept with Sheila. He swore he didn't and now somehow I just don't believe him," Cleo's expression looked like stupid me as she shook her head lightly and leaned over to smell the flowers.

"Yeah, well he never struck me as extraordinarily bright."

"Oh Please, Sheila can have him. I still like roses though," Cleo looked down at what Mindy was holding and since she saw the one on the shelf her comment was, "Oh you got another one. Are you gonna let me know what it says or are you um not tellin?"

Turning the heart around for her as Cleo was sitting down, Mindy said, "So I guess it's from a friend of mine. What do you think Cleo," she was trying to get some reaction.

"Or maybe someone who needs a friend or wants to at least start as friends," Cleo shrugged.

"I think it's a lot of trouble to go to. I mean it seems like a lot. I think it's really sweet. And I really appreciate it. Never got flowers before myself. It's been nice every morning. Like I said, a little maddening wondering who. Do you think I know the person well especially if it's a friend of mine?"

"Dee Dee, maybe," Cleo's face was questioning.

"Well, she's a great friend, but um no. She lives in Reno, unless of course she has a culprit. Does she have a culprit Cleo, did you two work out some deal while I was dancing with Freddy, or is it you, are you my friend with roses Cleo," Mindy squinted her eyes.

Cleo laughed, "Yeah, Dee Dee just met me and asks me to be the rose delivery person. Don't look at me. Hell I'm envious; I think most women would be. Getting roses is so nice; it's fun, and the mystery well that would be fun too. Only you seem more irritated by it."

Mindy was quick to respond, "No way, I'm not irritated but I do really really want to know who it is. I've been hoping its not some guy who I have to disappoint you know. That would just be too sad and I'd wish it had never happened. I admit I've been racking my brain but I just don't know anyone sweet enough to do this," she looked at the blue eyes for a long moment, then said, "except you."

"You are really trying to put this on me. I told ya, I'm innocent in this whole thing