Jen ran her fingers through her hair and removed her sunglasses as she entered the large bookstore. Although she shivered a bit in the air conditioning, it was a welcome contrast to the humid summer air outside. Stepping away from the entrance, she paused to allow her eyes to adjust. Jen glanced around and was surprised that the store wasn't busier for a weekend.

Maybe people don't read as much during the summer, she thought. Although she understood that people might be involved with outdoor activities, she always had a book to fall back on. If the checkout line in the grocery store was moving at a glacial pace, she pulled out a paperback and read a few pages. As far as she was concerned, if there was time to wait, there was time to read.

Finally, acclimated to the cool air and the comfortable lighting, Jen started scanning the tables with the latest releases and special values. When nothing grabbed her attention, she moved towards the science fiction and then the mystery aisles.

After making her standard circuit, she moved between the tall bookcases towards the lesbian fiction. Glancing at the psychology and self-help section, she wondered if the store manager was sending a subliminal message by placing the gay and lesbian offerings next in line. She was so engrossed in her speculation she didn't immediately notice that she was not alone in the aisle.

Jen's eyes swept up the tan legs and khaki shorts to the white tank top. The woman was flipping through a book, sampling passages, and then moving on. Jen tried to see the book's title but the mystery woman's hands covered any clue. Jen hoped she was family but she could also be reviewing a book about serial killers. The real crime books were in the adjacent section and Jen was sure this was another indication the store manager was biased. Jen turned towards the bookshelf and tried to be inconspicuous with her attention.

The woman continued to flip through the book as Jen covertly glanced at full firm breasts, toned trim body, and dark auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail. Please, please be reading a lesbian romance. Please, please, please. The object of her desire closed the book and slid it back into place on the top shelf. As the stranger reached for another, Jen stilled her chant when she saw the bruises on the inside of the woman's arm. Jen felt her stomach clench with fear before her anger flared. How could anyone hurt this woman? How could she allow herself to be hurt? No. Not again. No. No! NO!

Before she realized she had even moved, Jen was next to the tall red head. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I noticed your bruises. I know you don't know me, but I can help you. Well, maybe not me personally. But I know people who can help you. You don't have to put up with that sort of behavior. You're better than that. I mean, I don't know you, like I said. But I know you don't deserve to be hurt."

The startled woman looked down into concerned hazel eyes. What the hell is she babbling about? Glancing at her arm, still raised towards the shelf, she noticed the bruises the little brunette was so concerned about.

"Whoa, whoa. It was an accident, Tracy didn't mean to do it." She looked around hoping no one else in the bookstore was watching the show.

"They always say it's an accident. It's called denial."

"No, you don't understand. Tracy's a dog."

"Honey, all men are dogs."

"Tracy's a girl!" Lori could feel the situation slipping completely out of control.

"In that case, she's a bitch. Say it with me, Honey. Bitch. BEE-AH-CH. Bmmmff." Two fingers softly pressed to her lips, muffling Jen's words.

Lori leaned in and stared into Jen's eyes. "One word, edgewise. That's all I ask. Just one word. May I?"

Confused by the request and the fingers still pressed to her lips, Jen could only nod.

"Beagle." Lori dropped her hand, already missing the feel of those soft lips.

"Beagle?" Jen licked her lips and cocked her head as she looked into warm brown eyes. What the heck is she talking about?

"Tracy is a beagle," Lori explained, understanding Jen's confusion. "Tracy has epilepsy and she had a seizure the other day. When she seizes, I get down on the floor and kind of hold her to keep her from hurting herself. She was pressing against my arm with one of her paws. It really was just an accident. She's a very sweet dog."

"Please, God, take me now." Jen could feel her face flame. It was as if the store's air conditioner had been switched to a blast furnace. "I am so sorry. I'll go now. I am so sorry," Jen whispered as she backed up.

"Hey, wait. Don't go." Lori reached for the shorter woman. "Please, don't go." Jen's stricken expression tore at Lori's heart.

"No, I'm really sure that I'm going to die from embarrassment and I don't want to do it here."

Lori grinned. "I'm almost sure that isn't possible."

"I wouldn't bet on it," Jen mumbled.

Lori gently grasped Jen's hand. "Please. Let me to buy you a cup of coffee or tea. The coffee shop in here makes a nice iced cappuccino."

Jen looked down at their interlocked hands. "Okay. I'm not sure why you would want to associate with a complete idiot, but something cold would be nice."

"Excellent." Lori's wide smile was dazzling. "Come on. You grab a table by the window and I'll get our drinks. My treat," she added seeing the brunette reach for her back pocket.

Jen nodded and moved towards an empty table. "Idiot, idiot, idiot," she mumbled to herself as she pulled out a chair. She looked through the window to the sun-baked parking lot and tried to figure out how a perfectly normal day could take such a bizarre and sudden twist. "Oh yeah, because I'm an idiot," she groused.

Jen watched Lori wind her way between the tables as she carefully carried two cups. "I hope this table is okay," she said as she reached over and pushed the other chair out for her companion.

"This is perfect. Here you go. My name is Lori Halston." Lori smiled and stuck out her hand.

"Jennifer Wenright. My friends call me Jen." She shook Lori's hand, appreciating the firm clasp and soft warm hand. Feeling awkward, she picked up her cup. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." Lori stirred her drink and watched as Jen looked everywhere in the café except her face. "Thank you for what you did back there."

"What are you thanking me for?" Jen asked, startled. "I practically accosted you."

"Yeah, but you had good intentions. Not a lot of people would do that."

"I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions." Jen slumped in her chair and sipped her drink. "And I'm sorry I embarrassed you."

"You didn't embarrass me. Actually, I'm flattered you noticed me and impressed with your bravery."

"Believe me, it wasn't bravery. More like stupidity or insanity." Jen paused and looked away. "Or guilt," she whispered.

Looking over the rim of the cup, Lori's eyes went wide. "Guilt?"

Jen just nodded and poked at the ice cubes in her drink.

"Someone close?"

"Yeah."

"Is she okay now?"

"Yeah. That last trip to the emergency room convinced her."

"I'm sorry. May I ask who?"

"My sister. I thought I saw signs early in her marriage, but I didn't say anything. I figured she'd tell me if she really was in trouble. Ever since, I've wondered what would have happened if I'd spoken up. Maybe she wouldn't have gone through all that pain and terror."

"Surely your sister doesn't blame you for her problems?"

"No, she doesn't. I just wish things had been different. I told myself afterwards I wouldn't be silent again. I'm sorry I freaked out on you."

"I'm not," Lori grinned. "I got to buy a beautiful woman a cappuccino. I wouldn't have had the guts to say anything to you."

Jen laughed, raised her drink, and tapped her cup to Lori's. "To Tracy. I'm sorry she has epilepsy, but I'm glad she has a caring owner."

"To Tracy. Speaking of which, I need to get home and let her out." Lori glanced at Jen before looking into her cup. "I don't suppose, I mean if you had time. I drove here and if you drove you could follow. Or if not, I could give you a lift. You're probably busy, but if not, maybe you cofltd . . ." Her words were cut off by two fingers pressed to her lips.

"One word, edgewise." Jen grinned as she felt her new friend's smile and slow nod. "Yes."

Lori sighed as Jen removed her fingers. "Yes?"

"Yeah, I'd like to meet Tracy."

"Great. Did you want to look at any books first? I wouldn't mind waiting. If you didn't see anything here, you could borrow whatever I have."

"That's generous of you. I'm always looking for something new to read. I might have to stop by often."

"No problem, Tracy and I like having company. But I have to warn you, Tracy considers all visitors her best friend and will drive you nuts wanting attention. She'll either coerce you into a belly rub or try and convince you she needs a treat."

"She sounds like fun. I don't have a dog right now and I miss having one around. I drove today, so I'll follow you."

Lori stood and stretched her hand to Jen. "That sounds promising."

"You never know. Let's go, Tracy deserves a belly rub for introducing us."

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