The Politics of Love by Jen Jensen

Author:Jen Jensen [Jensen, Jen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635556940
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2020-05-29T22:00:00+00:00

* * *

Shelley was content to let Rand drive. She came to her apartment and Shelley sat in the front seat with one bare foot tucked under her, flip-flops waiting on the car mat below. They’d crossed to Peoria on surface streets, avoiding the busy freeways, and Shelley watched unfamiliar areas of the city unfold.

She wished there were more colors to the city, but it was her only complaint. Otherwise, she liked the dry air, the wide streets, the impeccable, organized infrastructure. On the East Coast and in Atlanta, the streets felt laborious, difficult to navigate, but in Phoenix she felt as if she moved with greater ease. She focused her attention on Rand.

“How are you?” she asked. “I’ve been so consumed by my own issues, I’m not sure I’ve checked in with you.”

“You’re fine. I’m okay. A bit tired, to be honest.”

“Too tired to go?”

“God, no,” Rand said. “I perked up when you called.” Shelley flushed and waited silently for more information.

None was forthcoming so she spoke. “I’ve drafted your countersuit.” Rand sat quietly, driving. “It’s pretty scathing. Emotional distress. And so on.” Rand smiled but still said nothing. Her posture stiffened, and Shelley noted the change in the energy between them. “Rand, I won’t do anything without your consent.” Rand acknowledged her with a thumbs-up but still said nothing. “What they’re doing isn’t fair, ethical, or right.”

“I know,” Rand said, shifting in the driver’s seat as if she wanted to flee. Shelley thought if they’d been on land, Rand would have run. She imagined chasing her across a parking lot into a busy intersection. “It’s just that, well…” she hesitated and shook her head.

“It feels gross,” Shelley answered for her. “I know. We can explore different options. I mean, I can represent you. We reach out to their attorney. I tell them that if they don’t drop the suit, we’ll countersue. Before I actually do it…” Shelley trailed off, waiting for a reaction.

“Can I think on it?” Shelley watched Rand’s hands on the steering wheel, how her knuckles slanted with delicate strength. Her forearms were thin but strong too, and Shelley’s gaze traveled up to her profile. The sun caught the gray in her hair, and Shelley flushed with desire. She wanted to touch her and instead pulled her gaze away.

“You can do whatever you need to do. Just let me know. You can bring it up next time, okay? It’s your show.”

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