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It was 1:30 when dispatch called. Nick had been dozing in front of the bus station, just waiting for the shift to end. She needed to go to home to bed. While the money driving a cab wasn't bad, and it paid tuition, the long days were getting to her. She could study between fares, but two years of this was a long time.

One more year to go. Shame about the scholarship; so stop feeling sorry for yourself. Your luck just ran out. You killed your knee. So ended the big sport scholarship, the fame, and your future in sports. That's why you were born with a brain.

The radio sounded, crackling loudly in the closed cab, interrupting her thoughts.

Now what? Let someone else take the call, please.

"Nick, I have a fare for you. "

"It's late, Mac. I'm almost done."

"You have it, Nick. Don't give me shit."

"So where?"

"Interstate 17, Exit 28, the rest stop."

"You're kidding!"

"No. Some dame needs a ride to the closest town."

"In the middle of the night? No way, Mac. I wouldn't get home until three or four. I have exams tomorrow."

"Tough shit. Exit 28."

"So whose the fare?"

"Some chick. She'll see you."

"If I get stiffed, Mac..."

"So take a chance."

"You know we never go that far, especially at night. Why ?"

"Look. You're up. Deal with it."

"Great."

"So drop her off in Full Moon and go home. See you. Unless you want to work tomorrow."

"No. I won't do another shift. Some people have a life outside of this cab, Mac. Thursday night through Sunday is enough. My life sucks as it is and if this is some prank..."

"The longer you complain the longer to get home. Can it."

"I'm moving. But you owe me one."

"If you can't handle it, quit."

"You are so sympathetic. Bite me. Later, Mac."

"Later, Nick." He laughed at her tough attitude. Mac scratched his thinning hair.

One-thirty. I should have just said no.

He replayed the conversation in his mind…

"Bateman Cab."

There was a pause before a tired woman's voice spoke up.

"I'm at Exit 28 on US 17, at a rest stop. Can someone pick me up?" Her voice was lifeless.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Is there a town...what's the nearest town?"

"Full Moon."

"Ok."

"You want to go to Full Moon?"

"If you can."

"It will cost you."

"I can't stay here. " Again, the voice sounded flat, lifeless. "I'll pay you back." Then there was nothing as she waited for his answer. She continued in a hopeless tone. "I don't know what else to do."

"Yeah, we'll pick you up. Look for a white cab. It will be a while."

"Thank you."

******

Shit, you know you should have sent O'Leary. He was up and working all night. Nick should be going home to bed, but the chick sounded like she could use a friend. So what, I'm a social worker now. I'm going soft for sure. See what happens when you hire women drivers? Nick will take care of her, whoever the hell she is. I'd love to see Nick's face when there's no money. Shit. No, I wouldn't. I'll never hear the end of this one.

He chewed on his cigar, and opened up his Ellery Queen short stories, wishing he had a fresh pot of coffee.

Whatever. If I drink anymore of my own coffee, I'll die young. Like you're young at 63? Young at heart.

He put the incident out of his mind, at least for the present.

Nick drove the 40 miles in silence. It was actually a nice night with fall just coming, the leaves just turning. She could almost imagine seeing the colors in the darkness. The moon was bright, beautiful over the mountains to her left.

Oh well, I wouldn't have fallen asleep right away, anyway, might as well take a drive. Full Moon is another 20 miles I'll be home by three. Then I can lay awake until five and feel like hell for my 9 o'clock exam, and be so alert for my classes all day. So, I'll drink a lot of coffee, just like I always do.

She flipped the radio on.

Maybe I can pick up something from Pittsburgh at this time of night. My hometown… for old times sake. Something classical. How about static? This radio sucks. Of course, the mountains have nothing to do with the poor reception. When did you start talking to yourself anyway? So, who else do you have to talk to, Miss Popularity? So, I don't have a life. I'll get through school, and then get a life. Yeah. And find love, and happiness. Yeah. Maybe I'll even get a job, something besides driving a cab. I'll head back to Pittsburgh. It's a big town…I'll find something, with all my connections, an athletic scholarship, and big dreams fallen through. Why did I stay in school anyway? I'll get a job, with or without my degree. Or else try modeling again. I'm just getting the degree for Mother anyway. She wanted me to be something she couldn't be and a promise is a promise, even if she's dead. Whatever. I'll get the job done. This road's so empty. No surprise there, genius. It's 3 am. I can't believe someone is at a rest stop at this time of night, without a car. I'm going to kill Mac for this wild goose chase.

She turned off the Interstate. There were one or two cars parked near the bathroom and snack stand. She pulled up in front of the lighted building, letting the taxi idle. No one seemed to be about.

Well, I'll sit here a while. See if anyone comes out. How long are you going to wait? I'll wait awhile. I'm already here.

Ten minutes passed, and no fare.

Wonderful. I should just call it a wash and go home. Well, I could beep or I could walk around.

She waited a few more minutes in the lighted cab.

Okay…I'll walk around. Creepy here in the middle of the night…

She turned off the engine, locking the cab behind her. She stood and stretched. Her 5'8 inch frame could only stand to stay sitting in a cramped cab for so long.

I'll walk around, make a pit stop, grab a soda, and go home to bed. I'm sure there's no fare here and I'm out the gas money, and the sleep. Whatever.

She shrugged, walking into the bathroom entrance. The small lobby smelled of soap, urine, and cigarettes. A man in his thirties was talking on the pay phone, looking weary and angry. There was no one else.

Okay, I'm looking for a woman.

Nick went into the woman's bathrooms, took care of herself, throwing some water on her face.

You look like hell.

She did look tired and pale in the harsh bathroom lights. She studied her profile a moment longer.

Why do you keep your hair so long? Just more work for you.

She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder, combing it quickly with a folding comb.

"It brings out the feminine side of you, dear."

She could almost hear her mother, imagined her smiling as she brushed the long silken hair of her daughter.

"You're a beautiful woman, Nick. You have your Dad's hair and eyes."

"And your charm and grace." She laughed easily with her mother. "I'm such a lucky girl."
"I hope so, honey. Beauty and brains, what more could you wish for? You should get an agent, Nick. I still have connections in the fashion business. I know you'd do well modeling. "

"Maybe I'll try it over the summer."

"Good. I'll set it up. I can still pull a few strings."

"You could go back to modeling yourself, Mom, if you wanted to."

"No one would want to look at a middle aged woman."

"You look great, Mom, and you know it. Think about it yourself."

"Well, maybe. We could do the circuit together this summer and see what happens."

"It would be fun."

"Then try school. See what you want to do then."

"I can't pass up a chance to play softball. I'd be a nut not to take advantage of the scholarship."

"I'm proud of you, Nick."

"I have to go to school, Mom. It's late."

"Ok, go! Now you look beautiful."

"See you tonight."

Everything ended that spring day...summer plans, modeling, and her mother's life. A hit and run accident ended it all. She drifted through the last month of her senior year of high school in a daze. She spent the summer with her uncle, and went off to college only because those plans were already made. It was easier to just do it, without thinking or feeling. She played two seasons before she blew her knee and quit the team when she couldn't play. They wanted her to coach. She had too much talent and insight into the game to just walk away, or so they tried to tell her, but she did just that...walked away from the team, from her friends. She got a small apartment, got a job, and just existed to finish her degree, to then go on, where she wasn't sure.

She shook her head, ending her reverie, still standing in front of the mirror, in the middle of the night at a roadside rest, lost in thought.

Get a grip. Stop it. Move it. Go home. Whatever. I'll look around, if I don't see anybody, I'll take off.

She dried her hands and strolled outside, heading for the snack machines.

A dollar twenty-five for a soda! Rip-off. Great… out of everything but orange soda. Can't stomach it. Coffee machine out of order. Snack machine empty. This is a good night.

She looked around at the picnic tables behind the snack hut. Not a single soul was about. No one had approached the cab. The man on the phone earlier climbed into a Buick and took off, fastening his seat belt as he drove. There was another car parked down the way, past the bathroom. She could see a heavyset man sitting behind the wheel, staring ahead, at what she couldn't imagine. His face, in the overhead lights, was greasy, eyes half closed, his head back.

He's probably jerking off. Fat slob.

She tried not to look at him as she strolled by, but saw him lick his lips, leering at her as she passed.

In your dreams!

She ignored him, walking around the rest room toward the last group of picnic tables on a hill. She could see someone sitting there alone in the dim light.

Looks like I found my fare.

She started to approach the tables slowly, but not before the freak in the car got out, an erection visible through his pants, zipper half undone. He leaned against the bathroom wall, looking with longing at a blonde woman at the picnic tables.

Great. An empty rest stop, a pervert, and me… and her.

She studied the blonde, sitting on top of one of the picnic tables, feet on a seat, head down.

Christ, she's crying.

She could see the small shoulders shake, and the woman suddenly wipe her face, almost as if in anger, as her tears continued.

Oh, Mac...what are you doing to me?

Nick studied the woman, as she got nearer. She was thin, with short blonde hair, dressed in jeans and a sweater, probably in her early 20's. Her eyes looked swollen from crying, even in the half dark, illuminated as she was by a nearby lamppost. When she finally did look up at Nicki's approaching form, Nick thought her own heart would stop. The woman was simply beautiful, with large blue eyes and full lips. Nick stood 20 feet away to talk to her.

"Did you call a cab?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you pull up. "

"Yes, well, I'm parked on the other side of the building."

The woman gave her a quick embarrassed smile, wiping her face again. She stood awkwardly by the table. Her eyes roamed over Nicki's tall frame before returning to her face.

"You're a cab driver?"

"Well, it pays the bills."

She turned and started to walk back toward the parking lot. She heard the blonde follow her hesitantly. Beth hurried to catch up with the cab driver, having finally looked around at the empty, dark rest stop, seeing for the first time the man leering at her from the shadows.

"Hey, baby...I'll give you a lift. Save you the cab fare." The stranger fondled himself crudely. "Make it worth your while. Come on, baby… I can be real nice."

Nick saw the blonde shudder and spoke up as the man advanced toward them.

"He your type? " Nick asked casually. The blonde shook her head.

"Keep it in your pants, sport. She's with me."

The two women walked past, but the man reached out to grab the blondee's arm.

"Don't. " Nick spoke with a low menace, staring the man down.

He dropped his hand. Then they were at the cab. Nick opened the door and the blonde sank wearily into the back seat. Nick crossed around the car, to sit in the driver's seat, watching the creep who continued to fondle himself in the darkness. She locked the doors and sat quietly a while longer, hoping the blonde would speak up. Nothing doing. The silence stretched and filled the cab. Finally Nick herself spoke, hearing the girl sniffle again, unwilling to face her tears a second time that night.

"So, you want to go to Full Moon?"

"Your company said it was the nearest town."

"You have family there?"

Nick spoke casually, watching the blonde in the rear view mirror as the cab pulled out, heading for the interstate. No answer. Nick already knew that the girl was in some kind of big trouble.

Finally the blonde spoke. "Did you say something?"

"Nothing important." She tried again. "Is anyone expecting you in Full Moon?"

"No."

Nick slowed the car, and waited in neutral.

"Just drop me there. I'll be fine."

"You ever been to Full Moon?"

"No."

"Didn't think so."

Beth really didn't want to bother this woman, but she had to ask. She was realizing more each moment how precarious her situation was.

"Why? What about Full Moon?"

"Let's see. There's a convenience store, 6 houses, and a gas station."

"And?"

"And nothing. So, if you don't have family, someone expecting you at 3:30 in the morning, I might as well take you back to the rest stop. At least you'll be out of the night air."

"I can't go back there." She spoke in a small voice.

Nick could hear revulsion and dread in her voice. "I know."

"Is there another town? I don't care. You already know I'll have to pay your company back for the ride. Just tell me your name. I'm good for it."

"I know." Nick was surprised at her own calm acceptance of the fact.

"You're very kind to...do all this." She turned her face toward the window, trying to compose herself. "I'm so tired of crying…" She spoke her thoughts out loud to no one in particular.

Nick watched her reflection in silence.

Mac, you owe me one for this, big time.

"You have any money?"

"No. Just the 50 cents for the phone call to the cab company. Maybe I should have taken that creep up on his offer." She laughed with a bitterness that felt like home. "How much do I owe you for the lift anyway?"

"Guess that depends on how far we go."

Nick had made up her mind. She pulled the cab back on the road, took the first exit, and doubled back on a parallel road to the interstate, heading toward Buffalo. They rode in silence, Nick watching her fare's sad face in the mirror.

I'm as bad as Mac.

"You hungry?"

"I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"I need a cup of coffee. You mind if we stop a minute?"

"Not like I have anywhere special to go."

"Okay."

"Thanks, by the way."

"For what?"

"Keeping that creep away from me."

"We girls have to stick together and nothing is worth letting something like that touch you. Don't talk like that again."

"I know. I...." She shrugged, looking out at the night. She never continued.

Thirty minutes later, Nick pulled the cab into the parking lot of an all night diner.

"This OK with you?"

"Sure. Go ahead. I'll wait here."

"Naw, come on in. I could use the company. I get tired of myself after awhile."

The blonde smiled in spite of herself. "You want to buy me some supper? Do I look that bad?"

"Nothing a bowel of chili can't fix."

"Chili?"

"The answer to loneliness, and misery; chili, cheese and cornbread."

"That's the answer?"

"Works for me."

"You're nice. I'm not sure why you're doing this."

"Told you. I could use the company."

"Um...I'm Beth, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Beth. I'm Nick."

"Nick? Short for?"

"I'm not sure I know you well enough to tell you that secret."

"Sure you do."

Nick smiled at her, glad to see her a little calmer, trying to be friendly. "Natasha."

"As in Boris and Natasha?" The blonde's eyes sparkled for a moment at the tall woman's embarrassment, making her face even more stunning.

"You say that again, and you'll be Boris for the duration."

"I can do Boris." She smiled at the brunette as they approached the diner's entrance. Beth touched Nick's arm softly. "Thanks for making me laugh. I needed it."

"Just stop with the Bullwinkle jokes. I'm a lot bigger than you are."

"You've just had more chili and cheese than I have. Makes for good stronk woman like you..." Beth continued in a heavy fake Russian accent.

"I've had more late night chili than I care to admit. But it always works better with company."

They sat down across from each other at a booth along the wall. Beth studied the taller woman quietly. " The kindness of strangers..."

Nick looked up from the menu, and caught Beth's open appraisal.

"What?"

"The kindness of strangers...I'm just in your debt. You don't have to be doing any of this."

"Well, don't embarrass me and just don't tell anyone. It will ruin my reputation."

"Oh, what reputation is that?"

"Your basic heartless bitch."

"You need to work harder on that image then. Your mask is slipping badly." Beth replied quietly, before turning her eyes back to her menu.

The waitress approached with a full pot of coffee.

"Yes." Nick pointed to her cup. "Beth?"

"Please."

"And I'll take the chili and cheese, and cornbread."

Beth smiled again at her. "You were serious."

"Very."

"Make that two." She smiled in turn at the waitress.

"Right. Coming up."

The food arrived quickly, and both women ate in silence for a while. Finally, Beth spoke up. "You were right. I do feel better."

"Of course." Nick smiled at the blonde across from her. She hesitated before continuing. "Want to talk about it?"

"Maybe. I don't know."

When Beth didn't volunteer more information, Nick finished her bowl...and signaled for more coffee. "I'll be right back." She headed off to the bathroom, hoping Beth would be there when she got back. She found the woman folding a napkin over and over into ever smaller triangles. She sat down.

"Look," she rushed ahead. "I'm a senior in college. I work driving a cab part time. I live alone. I have a one-bedroom apartment, outside of Buffalo." She continued nervously. "I don't smoke or drink. Don't do drugs. I'm going to head back there now...and you're welcome to crash there for a while, until...well, until you get on your feet."

"Nick, you don't know anything about me. You can't be taking in strays."

"Why not?" Nick looked up shyly. "I'll try anything once."

"You're crazy." Beth shook her head in quiet amazement.

"You like chili and cheese. How bad could you be? And you don't know anything about me, but I have a great couch. And I'd like to help." she added softly.

"Why?"

"Seems like the right thing to do...until you figure out where you're headed...if Full Moon is really the place for you," Nick added with a half smile.

"I like the name." Beth smiled back.

"But it's a sucky place."

"Does Buffalo have a...woman's shelter?"

"I think so."

"It's got to be bigger than Full Moon?"

"Slightly bigger, yes." Nick smiled.

"I do need to get on my feet. I wouldn't be a burden for long. Until I find a shelter or someplace...Or until I work off my debt to you."

"What, like an indentured servant, you mean?"

Beth nodded.

"Naw. I'm not into slavery. Anyway, the longer you stay, the bigger the debt, what with room and board, the company store. You've heard that old song. You'd never get out from under."

"We'd have to have a contract," Beth added seriously.

"A contract for what? All you really owe me is a bowel of chili."

"I'll think of something. I'll help you with your schoolwork...and do the wash."

"Can you cook?"

"A little."

"Okay. One load of wash, proofread my next paper, and some oatmeal cookies, and we're square."

"Your services come rather cheaply."

"I didn't say how many oatmeal cookies."

"Oh, I see. One of those open-ended contracts..."

"Until you get on your feet and put whatever is troubling you behind you. Don't do the shelter thing unless I get on your nerves. My place, however humble, has got to be better than a shelter."

Beth smiled in amazement. "Here I am, in the worst mess of my life, without a cent to my name, totally at a loss, and you drop out of the sky...protect me, feed me, house me, show me support and concern. Amazing. Like an unexpected gift, you know, especially memorable like when you thought everyone had forgotten your birthday. Well, I'm just going to go with it. What's the expression...if it feels right, it is right?"

"Life's funny." Nick agreed. "I certainly didn't expect to find a friend at a roadside rest in the middle of the night."

"Okay, friend, but I get to call you Natasha. It's in the contract."

"Okay, Boris. Let's blow this joint. I have an exam in the morning. Or shall I say in 4 hours."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. I wouldn't have slept much anyway."

"Why not? You have to be tired, working this late."

"That's a long story."

"We'll have to swap stories sometime. I bet I get the "You can't be serious" award."

"I don't know. What do they say, if I didn't have bad luck..."

"I'd have no luck at all." Beth continued. "Been there, done that."

"So, we make a good team." Nick smiled at her.

"Yes. Maybe we do at that, Natasha. Take me any place you're headed. I'm forever in your debt." She added more seriously.

"Oatmeal cookies. Think oatmeal cookies."

"I should feel some doubt, some apprehension going home in the middle of the night with a complete stranger, shouldn't I?"

"Well, I should feel some hesitation welcoming a stranger into my home, shouldn't I?"

"But you don't?"

"Nope."

"Neither do I."

Nick parked the cab a few houses down from her building, and watched the sleeping blonde a moment.

I have no idea what I'm doing. This is dangerous, you know. If she knew you were into women, she wouldn't be sleeping so peacefully now, or be so willing to come home with you. Well, I'm not going to take advantage of her. Don't I wish. She's beautiful and she likes you, trusts you. When was the last time that happened? Don't blow it. You could use a friend as much as she could. I could use more than a friend. Cut it out. Don't even go there. You and the creep with the hard on, waiting in line. Can't I just like her and want to help her? Right.

"Beth?" The blonde didn't stir. "Beth?"

Well, so open the door and wake her up.

The sound of the door's latch made Beth turn slightly, but she still slept soundly. Nick bent down, squatting, and shook Beth's foot.

"Beth?" Nick shook her shoulder. Nothing. "Beth?" She hesitated, and then cautiously she gently rubbed the girl's cheek to wake her, hoping not to startle her. Beth turned toward the hand touching her. Nick inadvertently touched her lip. Beth's eyes fluttered open.

"Oh..."

"You're hard to wake up. We're here." Nicki tried to cover her own embarrassment with a casual smile. "You must be tired."

Beth smiled warmly at Nick. "Exhausted." She sat up, moving closer to Nick as she waited outside the cab. "I can't believe I fell asleep like that."

"Hey, driving in a quiet car at 4 in the morning will do that to you."

"Not me. I haven't slept well in a long time."

"Then it's the boring company." Nick smiled, happy the girl felt at ease with her.

"That, somehow I doubt." Beth smiled.

"Come on. Welcome to Chez Nick."

"Chez Nick?"

"The original 2nd floor walk-up."

Beth followed Nick up worn and heavily painted porch steps, through a slightly warped but sound red front door, up carpeted steps. The carpet was thin, faded, but clean. She could smell the aromas of a thousand cooked meals that had soaked into the walls and carpets. Beth walked quietly, imitating Nick, through the hall toward the rear of the building, and stood while Nick opened a dead bolt, flicking a light on inside the small apartment. The place was utilitarian at best. The small kitchen was lit with overhead florescent bulbs. Nick headed there, for a bottle of cold spring water.

"Want something to drink?"

"No thanks."

With bottle in hand, Nick led Beth through the plain but cozy rooms. "Pardon the books and clutter. I use the kitchen table to study.

Here's the bathroom. I'll get you a clean towel. The bedroom is through there. I need to get you something to sleep in, if you want?"

"Sure. Okay."

"And let me grab a sheet and blanket for the couch. Help yourself to the bathroom, while I get organized."

She turned to go into the bedroom and her dresser, but found Beth just standing where she had entered the apartment, looking overwhelmed, on the verge of tears again.

"It's not much, I know, but...ugh, don't cry, Beth. Whatever it is, it will get better. It will be okay."

Beth sank down on the nearest chair, and cried, her shoulders heavy with racking sobs.

Shit. Nick hated to see the girl cry. She turned to grab a box of Kleenex from the bathroom and silently handed it to the blonde. She stood there awkwardly, shifting her weight from foot to foot, terribly troubled to see the stranger so shaken by life's hardships. Finally, she sat down on the floor in front of Beth, Indian style, tentatively touching her knee.

"Hey, it's not that bad an apartment. We do have indoor plumbing. And the roof doesn't leak."

"I'm sorry, Nick. You're being so nice to me. I'm such a wreck. You need to get some sleep." She tried to smile, and wiped her face, disgusted again at the helplessness she felt, but she wanted to explain. "When you were little, did you ever get lost?"

"Once."

"Were you scared?"

"After I figured out my brave adventure had backfired." Nick was surprised to find herself talking about her past. "I went into the city with my parents. I was four. We went into Kaufman's, the big department store. I thought I knew where the toys were, and dashed off, up the escalator, and found myself surrounded by the tallest strangers, all rushing by, stepping around me. I felt so alone in that crowd, until some woman in a brown suit and the ugliest hat bent down and talked to me. I just remember looking at her, wanting her to make it all right, and took her hand. I just stopped looking at all the strangers, and clung to her like a lifeboat in a storm at sea."

"What did she say to you?"

"Come on, little girl. It will be okay." Then she smiled, and I knew everything would be all right."

"Well, even though I'm crying like an idiot, I'm clinging to you like a lifeboat, Nick. Thank you, for helping me feel not so alone, or so lost, for sharing your refuge." She wiped her eyes again, and stood up with renewed determination. "Can I take a shower?"

"Sure. I'll get you a towel. And a new bar of soap."

"Just the towel is fine."

`"I steal my soap from the best hotels."

"It's the only kind I use."

Nick jumped up, went to a hall closet, and returned with a large fluffy bath sheet. "My one indulgence…nice soap and decadent towels."

"I'll get cleaned up."

"I'll make up the sofa."

"Don't fuss. Just a pillow and a blanket."

"Hey, I take good care of my indentured servants."

"I can see that."

"Go! Shower! There's a new toothbrush in the medicine cabinet."

"All right, already. I must really smell."

When Beth returned to the living room, only a small table lamp was on in the corner of the room, the sofa made up with sheets and blankets, a clean pillow case covered a down filled pillow. A large T- shirt was draped across the sofa's arm. Nick had closed the bedroom door. No light was visible from there, but Beth could hear faint strains of Debussy filtering from the darkened room. It was almost 5:30 in the morning.

Well, Beth, you wanted to regroup, to start over. And here you are, like a new babe, wrapped in a towel, with nothing but memories, a stranger in a strange place. Poor Nick. She doesn't know what or who she has sleeping in her house. Just a blonde. That's all I ever wanted anyone to see, though, isn't it? Just me.

She crawled gratefully between crisp, new sheets that smelled of potpourri, and was asleep as soon as her eyes closed.

Eight o'clock in the morning rolled by much too soon. The alarm sounded harshly in Nick's ear. The sun was too bright. She felt like cold spaghetti. She dashed into the bathroom, muttering to herself, until the shower woke her fully. She dressed quickly in jeans, a cotton shirt, and sandals. She paused a moment to smile at Beth, sleeping peacefully, hugging the blankets to her chest, like she must have done with a teddy bear or doll. Nick saw none of the anguish and sadness in her still face of repose. She folded her books quietly, stuffing them and her notebooks in her backpack. She paused once more before flying out to the cab and campus.

A note, leave her a note.

Morning, Beth. Hope you had a good rest. I have a 9 o'clock class. I'll be through by four. I don't have to work tonight. Make yourself at home. It's a bright new day. Nick

Beth stretched, opening her eyes to bright sunlight, and a strange room. She blinked, sitting up, puzzled for a moment, until she remembered Nick and her chili.

It's one o'clock. If I didn't have to go to the bathroom, I would have slept all day, but I do feel better, finally. Chili, a shower, a warm bed...I'm a new woman. Well, I am a new woman, I guess. Just Beth. Not a good name. Beth who? Beth Boris. Think Nick will figure that one out? Subtle I'm not. Still no one else will know.

Nick was surprised at just what a good mood she was in all day, despite not getting enough sleep. Rather than feel burdened by Beth's presence, she was looking forward to going home for the first time in a long time.

Pathetic, Nick. Are you so starved for friendship, companionship? Seems so. Stop deluding yourself about Beth. She's there because she has nowhere else to go, not because she chooses to be there. Wise up, before you get hurt. You've known her what, 3 hours? All right, already. It is still nice to go home to someone. Like you even know she's still there.

Her good mood was replaced by a more somber realism, as she walked down the hallway toward her apartment.

You're doing her a favor, Nick. Get a grip. She'll be gone in a few days, if she's not already . Your life will go back to normal. You are just a cab ride, and a couch for the night, woman.

She unlocked the door, hesitating before entering. Taking a deep breath despite herself, she opened the door, prepared to face an empty apartment and couldn't help but smile when she saw Beth in the kitchen, and smelled fresh baked cookies.

"Hi." Beth called to the tall brunette. "Hope you don't mind if I took over your kitchen? Or that I put your books back on your bed?"

"Great. I mean, no, I don't mind. Something smells good. How are you feeling today?" Nick spoke seriously for the moment.

"Better. I slept well. I folded the sheets and blanket, and stuck them in the closet. So you can use the couch."

"All right."

"How are you holding up?"

"Good. Actually great, thanks. I think I aced the exam. Classes were cool."

"You look different in the daylight."

"Good different, or bad different?" Nick smiled quizzically.

"Good different."

"Care to expound?"

"No." Beth smiled mischievously. "I made peanut butter cookies. You don't have any oatmeal."

"I'm surprised you found anything to make cookies with. I'm hardly home. I don't really cook. No, I can't really cook."

"Good thing, then, that you have an indentured servant."

"Beth," Nick sat down at the kitchen table, "I'm joking about the indentured servant thing. You do know you don't owe me anything. Right? If you have someplace you'd rather be, or need to be, I can..."

"Well, I... If you'd rather, I know I'm intruding," Beth replied.

"No, wait, Beth. I just didn't want you to think...I want you to stay."

I can't believe I just said that. Great, you're begging. She'll feel more obliged.

"You do?" Beth smiled incredulously.

"Well, yes, I do. I like you. I don't know why."

"I don't know why you'd like an emotional wreck either, who..."

"No, I didn't mean it that way. I... I feel like, well...I was looking forward to coming home. You'll think me a complete nut case. I'm not very good with words."

"I feel comfortable with you as well, Nick. Not just grateful. I'd like to be your friend. No matter what, you know? You're the first person in a long while that just cared...with no hidden agendas."

"You don't call oatmeal cookies a hidden agenda?"

"You don't even know if I can cook." She smiled wickedly. "It may have been my cookies that got me into my predicament. You did hear of the Great Cookie Scandal, didn't you?"

"No, but I've got all night."

Beth grew serious. "You probably have a thousand questions about me."

"No. Not that I'm not curious and concerned, but if you want to tell me, you will. I wouldn't ask for information you didn't feel comfortable sharing."

"See why I'd like to be your friend?"

"No."

"You're nice, kind, nonjudgmental."

"But then, I haven't tasted your cookies." Nick smiled at her innocently.

"Would you like a cookie?" Beth asked formally, holding the plate out for Nick to reach.

"Thought you'd never ask." She munched happily on the offering.

"Well, I know what I'm having for supper. What about you?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Did you eat today?"

"Well, no, but..."

"Not into peanut butter, Campbell's soup, and cereal?"

"Actually, they're my favorites, but..."

"But you're standing on formalities? Afraid you'll eat me out of house and home? Waiting to be asked?"

"I didn't want to presume."

"Beth, even indentured servants have to eat. I should go to the store and buy some real food, you know, fruits and all those funny vegetables, what with company and all. Are you up for some grocery shopping?"

"You're asking me with a straight face if I like to shop?"

"I take that as a yes?"

Beth nodded.

"Oh, and I need to stop at the cab company office to pick up my check, then we're good to go. "

"Which brings me back to feeling like a leech."

"A leech?"

"You know, one who sucks another dry, a freeloader, a..."

"Stop. I thought we had this conversation."

"It's my pride talking. I hate to take advantage of you."

"Just what did you have in mind, anyway?"

I didn't say that out loud! Sexual innuendoes are not cool.

"Oh, good one. Don't worry. I always pay well for special favors," Beth parried easily with Nick. "When I have cash."

Stop it, Nick.

But her mouth kept talking. "And when you don't?"

"Then we get back to the indentured servant thing. Or a very good line of credit."

Don't, Nick.

"Well, that can be arranged." Nick was suddenly embarrassed at the question she thought she saw in Beth's eyes. She stood, and tossed a cookie toward the blonde. "Have a cookie. They're very good. Let's do shopping. Hey, do you need anything? I mean, let's get you some clothes, so you can wash those."

"I think my line of credit is already stretched too thin."

" I don't think my stuff will fit you very well. If you promise not to tell anyone my secret, I'll take you to my favorite boutique. We can pick up some things your size."

"Really, Nick, I can't expect you to..."

"You'll pay me back, right?"

"Right, but..."

"What you don't know is just how exclusive my boutique is."

"All the more reason not to..."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Do you believe in careful spending?"

"For sure, right now I do."

"Do you believe in recycling?"

"Yes, but..."

"Do you try to help you fellow neighbors, support charities?"

"I have done so, but..."

"So, the store closes at 6. Would it gross you out to browse through the racks of the Goodwill Industry Thrift Store?"

"I guess not. I've never..."

"Maybe that sounded like I was unwilling to spend real money on you. We can go anywhere you want, but I really do shop there.

You know, stretch the old dollar; pre-washed jeans, great coats. Lots of the college students buy there, at least in Buffalo and after a good wash, but, if it grosses you out, we can..."

"No, let's do it."

"Are you sure?"

"I'll try anything once, Nick." Beth smiled as she repeated Nick's line from last night.

"Instead of a pair of jeans for $35, you can get 4 pair for $10, and shirts are a dollar. Sometimes they have a dollar-a-bag special."

"You really do get stuff there."

"I told you. Hope you don't think I'm some kind of a creep."

"You're on your own, right? Earning money working, paying your own tuition, and rent?"

"Yes. That's another long story."

"And you're doing just fine. So, teach me how to make ends meet. God knows I need the instruction right about now. And pre-washed jeans go for $60-$80 in the big cities."

"Suckers."

"Yes, I guess it is stupid, when you think about it. I would love to have something else to wear. These jeans are a little ripe."

"I don't do underwear at the Thrift Store."

"That's okay. I don't do underwear."

Nick raised her eyebrow at that statement, and Beth just shrugged. "Don't tell anyone my secret."

"My lips are sealed."

They walked down to the car with a camaraderie that just seemed natural.

"Now, for the fine points of Thrift Store shopping. " Nick held the door open for Beth, as they entered the storefront.

"Yes? I'm all ears."

"Don't look any of the other customers in the eye."

"Okay."

"It's easy to sort out the 'you should have just thrown this out' quality, from the 'you threw this out?' quality."

"Okay."

"Some big stores donate new merchandize at the end of the season, the stuff that didn't sell. Look at the tags, that's the 'never washed' quality."

"Got it."

"What size are you?"

" A six or eight."

"Are you genetically sleek or starving? I'm jealous."

"Ha Ha. Like you have anything to be jealous about."

"True. Not many of us are lucky enough to be nearly 6 feet tall, female, and be genetically barred from wearing heals."

"Hey, if you've got, flaunt it. That's what I always heard."

"Maybe you, but not me."

"You're kidding, right? How many five foot 4 centerfolds do you know? I need heels to just look out the window."

"Glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor. Come on. Let me find you a selection. What kind of clothes do you like? Designer jeans, silk blouses, ultraseude, right?"

"Well actually..."

"So, I got your number. Let's see what we can find." She started rapidly sorting through racks." Stop me if you see something you want."

"You're going too fast."

"Grab a cart. Over there by the door."

"All right. Be right back."

Beth returned to find Nick with six or seven jeans on her arm, a pair of corduroy slacks and a pair of navy wool slacks that did look new.

"Do you want to try these on?"

"Sure."

"The dressing room is that wooden booth with a curtain across the doorway."

"And if someone decides to come in while I change?"

"I'll be right over to guard the door."

"My hero."

"Well, since you don't wear any..." Nick smiled a crooked half smile.

"Don't spread it around, Natasha."

"Okay, okay...not so loud with the name. What kind of shirts?"

"You pick. I like your taste."

"Sweaters or sweat shirts?"

"Either."

"Blazers or wind breakers?"

"Blazers."

"Need a winter coat?"

"Not yet."

"Skirts?"

"Maybe one."

"Cool. I'll be over in a few minutes."

"You have this shopping thing down to a science."

"Well, I hate to shop. I just get something when I desperately need it, but it's kind of fun picking things out for you."

"Why?"

"Well, I never got to dress up dolls when I was little."

God, I'm flirting with her....

Beth punched her in the arm, and turned away, only to see a pile of hats on the counter near her. She found a blue and white conductor cap that looked new. She grabbed it, surprising Nick by pulling it down snugly on her head.

"What the..."

"It's you. I insist."

"Looks good?"

"Definitely. It's either that or the Indy Jones hat. Either makes a statement."

"I like Indiana Jones."

"Maybe you should take both."

"Go. Try on those slacks. The store closes in 20 minutes. "

"I can't go that fast!"

`"Sure you can."

"You're pulling too many things off the rack anyway. I'll never..."

Just then, the overhead speaker crackled.

"Shh. Listen."

"The Monday Store Special, until closing, a dollar a bag. All clothes except winter coats. Shoes excluded."

"Not a dollar a bag?" Beth asked in amazement. "Puts a whole new slant on high fashion!"

Nick smiled like a small happy child. "I can get a lot into a bag. You'll have a new wardrobe that puts mine to shame."

Beth rushed off to the single dressing room. She soon found two pair of jeans that really looked good.

"Beth?" Nick approached the curtain with an arm full.

"Hand them in. I'm half naked."

"I'll throw them on top of the rod."

Suddenly a pile of shirts, shirts, blazers, and slacks almost bent the rod. "Nick, what are you trying to do, wear me out? I have ten minutes."

"So, stop talking and move it, woman."

"Ugh. Nick?" Beth called to her as she waited outside by the racks.

"What?"

"Will you take back what I don't want?"

"Sure."

"How many should I take?"

"Well, let's see. A dollar a bag, ten or so items per bag, plus my hat. I have $25 on me. How about 50 items?"

"Okay. I get the point. Catch."

Three pair of pants and two shirts flew over and hit Nick in the face. "Hey, watch it!"

"You told me to hurry!"

The pile of clothes shrunk rapidly and more things flew through the air toward Nick. In five minutes, the blonde exited the dressing room, with a pile of clothes on her arm. She smiled at her new friend.

"This is amazing, Nick."

"Cool, yes?"

"Cool. Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm good. Except my new hat."

"My treat."

"You're too good to me, Boris."

"Naturally, darlink."

"You really have that Russian accent down."

Nick deposited the rejects in another shopping cart. "Didn't you like the blue blazer? It's an Ann Klein, 100% wool. I think it might even be cashmere."

"I didn't want to take too much."

"Did it fit?"

"Actually it did."

"Probably goes for $300 retail."

"You talked me into it."

The sales clerk tallied up the purchases, folding each item and laying them into a large gray bag. Nick pulled her hat off, "And this."

"That will be $3.00. The hat is a dollar."

"Two bags and a hat. $3.00." Beth repeated, in quiet amazement.

"Okay. " Nick reached into her pocket for the cash, but saw a wallet on the counter, and a new suede and corduroy baseball cap. "These too."

"Five dollars and fifty cents and we're closing in two minutes."

"Thanks." Beth picked up a large bag, heading toward the door, as the lights flickered, then shut off in the rear of the store.

"I think they are trying to tell us something."

Nick grabbed the other bag, setting the wallet on the top of it, and followed Beth out to the parking lot. The clerk locked the doors behind them.

"Made it. A new wardrobe in fifteen minutes."

"Incredible." Beth laughed, smiling as Nick placed the baseball cap backwards on her short blonde hair."

"Perfect." Nick paused dramatically to scrutinize the hat.

Beth laughed again. "Now I look like the perfect dyke."

"Hey, some of my best friends are dykes," Nick joked, trying not to reveal too much, the disappointment she felt at the slight she couldn't help but feel. Beth's next line gave her a reprieve.

"Mine too, Nick. Mine too."

Nick put the bags in the back seat, smiling at Beth as she climbed in the front seat with her. "I need to run over and pick up my check."

"All right with me."

"Then we'll do some groceries."

"I'll make supper."

"Or we could grab a bite."

"I actually want to look at all my new clothes. This is so neat. I love bargains and I just found the treasure cove of bargains."

"The mother of all bargains." Nick joined in the light banter.

"Really!"

"We should run a wash."

"I can do it tomorrow."

"Okay. The laundry is in the basement. "

"Anything you need washed?"

"You twisted my arm. I need to warn you."

"About what?"

"The price tags are stapled on. Expect some broken nails."

Nick parked the cab in the lot along with five other white Fords.

"I'll be right back."

"Take your time. I'm going to flip and find a station."

"The radio is worthless."

"I have to try."

"Knock yourself out."

Beth watched her disappear into a gray looking building next to a garage, and shrugged, shaking her head in amazement.

If I didn't know you any better, Beth, I'd say you were almost happy.

Nick strolled slowly toward the dispatcher who had looked up quickly, then chose to ignore her until she loomed a few inches from his face.

"Mac...." Nick let her voice drop into a deeper octave, and spoke with a low menace.

"Well, hello there, Nick. How are you this fine Monday? Get to class all right?"

"No, thanks to you," she growled.

"Now, Nick, don't do anything foolish."

"Mac...."

"I thought I'd hear from you this morning. I'll make it up to you. I included $15 extra in your check for gas."

"You knew the fare wouldn't be paid?"

"Now, Nick, she seemed like she was really in trouble."

"And...."

"And if I sent O'leary, she'd still be sitting there."

"You mean I wasn't even up?"

"Well, not technically."

"Not technically?"

"I couldn't send O'leary. You know he's such a cold bastard."

"And I'm what, Mac?"

"Well, I know some of the guys call you a heartless bitch."

"And?"

"And I know you don't take any shit from the boys."

"And?" she paused again dramatically. When he just shrugged, she continued. "So, I want the weekend off."

"Nick, you always work Friday and Saturday nights."

"For two years, Mac. Class Monday through Friday, and that miserable cab Thursday night, Friday night, then all day Saturday and Sunday. As a matter of fact, I should ask for Friday, Saturday and Sunday off."

"Nick, I can't cover all three nights, not on a weekend. You know people tip better on the weekend and a lot of short fares around town. Lots of tips."

"Mac...."

"Okay. How about Friday night off?"

"And Saturday."

"All of Saturday?"

"You owe me."

"All right, but then we're even."

"No, we're not. " She picked up her check, and pocketed it.

"What do you mean, we're not?"

"I just wanted to thank you."

"What did you say?"

"I said, thanks for getting me to meet her." She strolled out calmly, to the chagrin of the dispatcher.

"Why that wise-ass, manipulating bitch!" He smiled after her retreating form. "I knew she'd help the kid."

Nick looked happy as she approached the cab.

"Get a bonus or something?"

"Actually, you're entirely off the hook. As in free of your indentured servitude."

"What? No more oatmeal cookies?" Beth smiled, not sure if she was happy or oddly disappointed.

"Free as a bird."

"Why?"

"Because of you, I got Friday and Saturday off from work, the first weekend off in two years."

"Why because of me?"

"Mac felt guilty about sending me out on a freebie last night. He knew when I found out, I would kill him."

"You mean that you didn't know I couldn't pay for the ride before you got there?"

"Nope. It was a surprise."

"And you didn't just get angry, abandon me, whatever?"

"Nope. "

"And you're not mad at me?"

"Nope."

"And you still fed me and took me home."

"Yep."

"Why?"

"Don't know. Just glad I did."

Beth studied the brunette as she sat at the wheel, buckling her seat belt, and then backed out of the cab's parking lot. Nick was humming unconsciously. "I'm glad you did too, Nick."

Beth's words seemed to carry an emotion buried just deep enough for Nick to search for, but not quite find. She met Beth's eyes a moment, startled by the openness and affection she saw. She let her own eyes convey maybe more than she wanted, before changing the subject, disturbing the unsettling connection she felt with the blonde.

"Hey, you got the radio to actually pick up a station. Classical. Cool."

"Shall we go shopping? I think I'm hungry all of a sudden." Beth spoke up after a few moments of silence.

An hour and a half later, Nick pushed her plate away with a sigh of contentment.

"What do you call these?"

"Meat patties... just a little more flavorful than plain burgers."

"They were good. Thanks. Everything was good. Even those funny vegetables."

"I'm glad. Up for cookies and milk?"

"Definitely. "

"I'll do oatmeal cookies tomorrow."

"Wait until we finish these first." Nick regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth.

Like she's going to be around and make you cookies in a few days. Right.

"All right." Beth responded happily, speaking spontaneously, but then she grew embarrassed again about being a burden. "If you don't mind my hanging around a while," she added more quietly.

Nicki smiled with a confidence she didn't feel. "Don't mind at all. Well, I have to study."

"Let me clear the table."

"No. I can study in the bedroom. "

"I noticed you don't have a desk."

"I can flop on the bed."

"Not. Don't change your routine for me, or I'll feel badly."

"Maybe I'm glad to change my routine." Nick spoke her thoughts aloud and was embarrassed again.

Beth only smiled kindly at her admission. "Change is sometimes a good thing, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is sometimes. I'll go get my books."

"I'll clean off the table, and get the dishes done."

"I should help."

"Not. Work. You have some studying to do."

Nick smiled at the concern she saw in Beth's eyes.

The women worked in silence. Beth finished up in the kitchen and smiled as she walked by, seeing a frown on Nick's face as she read some problem, scribbling hurriedly. Beth was amazed that she felt unexpectedly comfortable here with Nick. There was just something about the tall brunette, something familiar, warm, and welcoming. She strolled toward a bookshelf she noticed earlier, but then changed her mind. The clothes.

She quickly emptied the bags, and unfolded each item. She tackled the stapled tags, one by one, trying not to tear the material, using her fingernails to pry open the back of the staples.

"Ouch!" She shook her finger a moment, having managed to pierce her fingertip with one of the staples.

"Been there, done that." Nick looked up to see Beth suck her finger. "Want some help? Or a knife to get those pesky stables out?"

"No, I'll get them."

"Clothes okay?"

"Really, they are great. I'll look vastly better once I get some clean clothes on."

"You couldn't look vastly better. You already look good."

Stop it Nick. Well, she does look good.

"Thanks, I think." Beth laughed. "Maybe later, you can show me where the laundry is?"

"I'm almost up for a break."

"No rush. I'm going to read. Hey, can I steal some paper and a pencil?" Beth asked in afterthought.

"Sure. What kind of paper do you want?'

"Do you have any unlined stuff?"

"Over there by the printer, and my still running 'despite being hopelessly outmoded' computer."

Beth walked over to find a package of printer paper.

"Thanks."

"Pencils and pens are in that mug."

"Got it." Beth moved to the bookcase, looking for a hard book. She found a high school yearbook, which was large enough to be a work surface. She kicked off her shoes, and crawled onto the couch, folding herself at one end. She studied Nick's face and hair, the lighting, the shadows on the table.

God, she's beautiful; the perfect subject.

She bent over her paper, her pencil quietly sketching and shading. She really didn't need the eraser that was missing from the pencil she had grabbed. It was a #1, soft lead, with a good point. Soon, she was lost in the artwork, the task of capturing the incredible woman who had taken her in. She was finishing the background of the drawing, the window and checkered curtains, the old-fashioned wooden wall clock, when she felt Nick looking over her shoulder.

"You like?" She smiled up over her shoulder.

"Wow. "

"Wow? That's all you have to say?"

"Double wow. You are really good. Have you studied? What other medium do you work in?"

"I like charcoal the best…pencil's fun. Watercolors I do. I hate acrylic and oil."

"Do you do landscapes as well?"

"I can, but I like portraits the best."

"You could sell your sketches. You have a real talent."

"You mean I could do one of those starving artist's displays?"

"Sure, on the sidewalk, on a quilt and a folding chair. Or portraits while you wait."

"I like your sense of humor there, Natasha."

Nick looked over her shoulder again toward the sketch. "Don't forget to sign that. Can I have it?"

"Shall I sign it Beth or Boris?"

"Boris, and as corny as it may seem, you really could sell sketches. I don't think I've ever seen such a good likeness."

"You're a pleasure to draw."

Pleasure to...Shut up, Nick. Don't go there.

Beth signed the sketch . 'Boris 9/99' and handed it to Nick with a flourish. "A token of my affection and gratitude." she spoke formally.

"I'm honored, Madame. I'll cherish it always."

Beth winked at her, and stood to stretch. "This is a comfortable couch."

"Well worn."

"Just broken in. Do you want to show me the laundry?"

"Gladly. I could use the walk."

"I could put a load on tonight."

"No. It's late. Let me show you the laundry room. And if you'll forgive me, I'm going to go to sleep. I think I'm beat. Long night last night. Do you mind?"

"Of course not. "

"I feel like I'm abandoning my guest, though."

"So what am I? A guest, indentured servant, or a friend?"

"Anything you want to be," Nick replied too quickly in an unconsciously flirtatious tone. Then she kicked herself.

Stop it, Nick. Stop the double entendre. You'll freak her out and she'll be gone.

She continued smoothly, she thought, covering her blunder.

"As the artist in residence, you get unlimited freedom of choice. You know, one of those extra perks, that have no real monitory value."

"Thanks, Nick. You are sweet and a gracious hostess."

"If I were a gracious hostess, I'd offer you the bed, not the couch."

"Not. You have classes. You need your rest especially since I kept you up most of last night."

"Yes, but it was worth it." She winked at the blonde, before they turned to walk down the steps into the basement.

Ugh. You are digging yourself such a big hole and if you're not careful, you're going to fall into it.

Beth didn't seem to mind as she chuckled, and blushed a delightful shade of pink.

"I do aim to please."

Beth, you are playing with fire here. You promised you weren't going to do this again. I know. You don't need another heartache.

"What?" Nick spoke up. "Did you say something?"

"I hope not." Beth answered softly, preoccupied.

Nick turned on the step to catch the blonde's expression, but Beth looked away, eyeing the dark basement. Down ten steps later, Nick stopped, turning quickly on the bottom of the dark stairway, to reach for the light switch and ran right into Beth as she advanced down the last two steps.

"Ump. Sorry." Nick jumped back, embarrassed by the close contact, and even more by her arms that had reflexively held the blonde upright. She pulled her arms away as if burned. Beth smiled at Nick's embarrassment.

She is so cute...and she feels so wonderful.

She mulled over her next comment before she spoke.

"I don't mind," she finally laughed. "You're not the first beautiful woman who's bumped into me in the dark."

Wow...I'm so bad, but I don't think I'm wrong about her and honestly; I really need some affection, some warmth right now. I'm just so tired of being alone.

She unconsciously blew her breath up her face, getting her bangs out of her eyes, to cool the flush she felt.

Nick was again surprised by the woman.

Is she hitting on me? Can't be. I better just stay loose, show her the washer and dryer, then get back up, go to bed before I make an ass out of myself.

Nick avoided the sparkling blue eyes that seemed to invite just the response she'd love to make.

"So," she turned away abruptly, "here are the washer and dryer. Laundry soap is upstairs, under the sink. The washer takes three quarters and it usually takes two runs for the dryer to get everything completely dry. I'll leave the change for the morning."

Beth heard, despite the matter-of-fact tone, the underlying nervousness in Nick's voice. She was, however, determined. She knew what she needed then more than anything. She stepped into Nick's space again, stopping inches away from the suddenly jittery brunette.

"Nick?"

"What?"

"Can I ask you something personal?"

"Well, sure. Maybe, I guess..."

"You don't sound too sure of what you want." She continued, trying to stay ambiguous herself, just in case she was wrong about the beautiful college student. Then she saw Nick's eyes darken, as her pupils got large.

"Oh, I know what I want."

Beth smiled, and let her eyes roam from Nick's intense eyes to her full lips.

"What did you want to ask me, Beth?"

"Well, I was wondering how my line of credit was."

Nick found her hand moving on its own accord to adjust a tuft of Beth's hair that had fallen into her eye. She smiled at the question.

"I guess that depends on how far we go."

Beth caught the fingers that lingered on her check. "Are we talking about the same thing?" Beth asked in a sexy voice.

"God, I hope so. " Nick's own voice was husky. "Because from where I'm standing, you could have just about anything you want. Your credit is that good."

"Anything?" Beth moved Nick's long fingers gently across her check, letting her eyes gaze openly into Nick's. She let the desire that was rapidly filling her thoughts show.

"You're not the first beautiful woman that's bumped against me in the dark either," Nick murmured.

Beth pulled Nick's fingers against her lips, and then softly kissed her palm.

Nick inched closer. "But it's been quite a while. Too long."

"Well," Beth kissed her palm again, but continued in a deadpan voice. "You know, I did promise to help you anyway I could think of."

Nick gave her a half smile.

"You do know you're killing me here, don't you?"

Nick bent her head closer to Beth's partly open lips, their breath mingling a moment.

"Nick...." Beth pulled back abruptly, suddenly unsure.

"What?"

"Maybe this isn't a good idea. I have a really fucked up life. I don't want you to get hurt. You don't deserve it."

Nick's mouth was very dry, her pulse already hammering with Beth's nearness. "What do you want, Beth?"

"I want you to hold me, kiss me, make love to me, but that's not the point. It's not too late to just stop this."

Nick let her free hand caress Beth's hair and cradle her head gently, her fingers around the back of her neck. "Yes, it is."

"Yes it is what?" Beth licked her lips unconsciously.

"Yes, it is too late to stop this. May I kiss you now?"

"Please."

Their lips met in gentle exploration, but it didn't take long for each to step still closer, to melt against the other. Nick welcomed Beth's arms that circled her waist. Nick pressed harder against Beth's lips that parted in invitation. She entered them delicately, touching the tongue that suddenly toyed with her own. She stopped reluctantly, stepping back, still enfolded in Beth's arms. She heard Beth sigh, and worried a moment.

"Not what you had in mind?"

"Actually, I wanted to do that all night."

"I'm glad."

" And I was just thinking," she closed her eyes, pausing while Nick's hand moved slowly from her neck toward her spine, unable to concentrate until it rested in the small of her back..

"You were just thinking what?"

"Well, I was thinking that I wanted to go back upstairs, and see just how late I could keep you up tonight." She gave Nick a look filled with such lust that Nick sucked in her breath involuntarily.

"I wonder," Nick spoke softly, "if you would mind not sleeping on the couch tonight."

"Who said anything about sleeping? Or are you turning me out?"

"I was trying to turn you on."

"You have succeeded beyond your wildest imagination."

"I have a pretty wild imagination."

"So do I."

"We'll talk about the wash later?"

"Much later."

"I'll get the light."

Beth stepped back to glance at the tall beauty, to openly take in her breasts and long legs. She turned to mount the steps. She was halfway up and turned to look quizzically at Nick who still watched from the bottom. "Having second thoughts?" she smiled down at her gently.

"Oh no. I was just enjoying the view."

"I can do better. Much better, if you give me the chance."

Nick started up the steps, smiling back.

"Have mercy. I'm out of practice here."

"Actually," Beth paused, waiting for her to approach. She wrapped her arm around the tall woman's waist, then walked up the steps together with her. "Actually, I am too. This is a luxury I haven't allowed myself for quite a while."

"Then I'll have to make it worth your while."

"Oh, Nick, you are very much worth my while. I'm not sure I deserve you."

"I was just going to say the same thing."

Nick opened the apartment door, allowing Beth to enter. When the door closed and was locked, she turned to see Beth watching her from the couch.

"Come here." She requested softly to Beth, her voice a deep husky whisper.

Beth moved slowly up to her, pressing herself close, wrapping her arms around Nick's long neck, and needing to arch her neck back to meet the tall woman's gaze. She smiled in almost childlike wonder.

"You are very tall."

"I know."

"I think I could kiss your breasts a lot easier than I could kiss your mouth, which is okay. I like breasts."

"That vantage point changes quickly when I lay down."

"I would like that."

"What?'"

"To quickly lay down." She pulled Nick closer for a hungry rough kiss, taking possession of her lips and mouth. Nick returned the kiss with a passion that swept her away. She broke the kiss.

"Can I ask you something?" She stilled Beth's hands that had moved to her shirt buttons.

Beth hesitated. " Too fast?"

Nick tried to slow her rapid breathing, enough to talk.

"Why me?"

Beth looked up with an amused expression, but then seeing the genuine concern in Nick's eyes, answered with delicate care and honesty.

"I think you are one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Your nearness is intoxicating. I am filled with lust and craving, a yearning for everything about you." She looked away a moment before continuing. "I want to loose myself in you, to forget everything that hurts and replace it with everything I discover about you. I want to sleep and wake in your arms, even if only for a little while. I want to reward your kindness and concern. I want to be surrounded and filled with your strength and safety. I want to take the loneliness out of your eyes, and I really like you," she added, smiling gently, kissing Nick's hand that she had reached for and found. She smiled again, seeing Nick shake her head in amazement.

"Not good enough?"

"Oh, it's very good enough. As a matter of fact, I'm speechless."

"Good. Because I don't want to talk anymore."

"I need to say one more thing."

Beth had resumed the task of unbuttoning Nick's shirt, pulling it free. She smiled up at the young woman." What? I am listening."

"All this...with you, really matters to me."

"I know, Nick or I would never have started. It matters to me very much, more to me right now than you could ever know."

"We need to talk about...everything...about you."

"I know, but right now, I am done talking."

"Oh, you are?'

"I have other things in mind I'd like to do with my mouth and tongue, besides practice my diction."

"I thought you said you were out of practice." Nick laughed as she found herself without a shirt or bra, standing in her bikini briefs before the other woman.

"Some things are hard to forget." Beth played with the elastic rim of Nick's pants.

"I'm glad."

"What are you glad about?" Beth closed her eyes as she felt Nick's fingers caress her breasts through her shirt, and then lift her shirt over her head, and off.

"That you..." Nick bent down to capture a nipple playfully between her lips, and then pulled away a moment later, smiling at the sigh she heard from Beth. "That you don't wear any underwear." She quickly unzipped Beth's jeans to leave her standing naked before her. "Come to bed."

"I thought you'd never ask." She reached out for Nick's hand and pulled her toward the bedroom.

Hours later, Nick lay with her eyes closed, trying not to cry, her heart rate slowing, almost returning to normal, her breath still ragged.

Beth lay wrapped over her like a quilt, her head resting between her breasts, her legs draped heavily across her thighs. Nick caressed the still damp skin across Beth's back, and the sweat drenched hair along the nap of her neck. She didn't have the energy or will to move. Yet she could tell Beth was awake.

Just then, the blonde head tilted up, and blue eyes looked up at her own. Beth smiled. "Are you okay?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you all right?"

"Wait a few minutes. I still can't think, let alone talk."

"Okay, no rush. I do like my new pillow. "

"Don't move."

"Don't plan on it."

Finally, Nick felt in control of her emotions and body.

"Come up here. I want to look at you."

Beth slid up on the pillow, resting her head facing Nick's, who had rolled on her side. Beth tried to read the emotions that seemed to cloud Nick's eyes. Instead of talking, Nick kissed the blonde's forehead tenderly, moving back to study her.

"Do you know what you've done, Beth?"

Beth was puzzled by the sudden question, and maybe a little worried. "I think I just made love to you."

"No. "

"No? Now I am worried."

"You have ruined me so that I'll never be able to appreciate another lover. No one else will ever make me feel like you just did."

"Like we just did."

"How can you know all that, have that power?"

"To weave passion and love together, pleasure and emotions, to break down and then restore? That's all I did with you."

"Everything I've ever known pales. Who are you, Beth?"

"Just a blonde from a rest stop."

"Beth, I'm so serious. Who are you?"

"I'm not sure, dear Nick, that I am ready to tell you what you want to know, but you have seen all of me, Nick. Very few have and welcomed me so fiercely, and completely."

"And you haven't even let me love you back."

"Go to sleep, beautiful woman and dream of me. I just want you to hold me and to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"For giving me this moment, this place, and this most precious of gifts, allowing me to love you."

Despite herself, Nick felt her eyes close. She gave over herself to the softness, the gentle warmth that surrounded her.