Good Things

What We Do for Love by J. Kim McLean

Water poured from the showerhead, hitting Alex with enough pressure to be pleasurable without being painful. She rested her head on her forearm against the back wall of the shower. Every single stress of the day melted away with the pounding pressure. As she watched, she saw black streaks of mud trailing down her body. It had been a hard day, but then every day seemed hard for the young woman lately.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, Alex reached for the shampoo and began washing her hair. It was not unusual to see mud streaks pouring into the tub anymore. Working for an environmental firm in Louisiana wasn’t what she thought it would be. Remediation was not what she had in mind when she studied environmental sciences, nor was walking through swampy lands trying to get water and soil samples to measure for contamination. One of the few perks of her job was the solitude. They had tried giving her a partner on more than one occasion, but they didn’t last.

It was unnerving for people when Alex could tell them what they were thinking before they said anything. She had been called a freak, or worse, but no one could argue with her work ethic, or the quality of that work. Not many people wanted to put on hip-waders and walk through the marshes where snakes, alligators, and other not-so-friendly beasties lived, but Alex didn’t mind.

The marshes and swamps of southeastern Louisiana were not hospitable unless you knew how to respect the land. Alex was a city girl, but in a short time, she had come to respect the wilds that made up her field area. The solitude her work afforded her gave her time to think...about past choices, past mistakes. Sometimes, though, getting too into your own head had its own issues.

The shrill tone of a cell phone pulled her from her silent contemplation just as she washed the last of conditioner and soap off her body. With a breathy curse, she turned the water off then stepped out, grabbing her towel and phone simultaneously. The caller ID made her frown as she hit answer and put it on speaker. “Alex here.”

“Alex, it’s Jesse. I’m in the neighborhood. Can I come up?”

Alex frowned as she started to dry off, and stared at the phone. “I don’t know, Jesse. I’ve had a long, hard day in the field...” Being in the neighborhood meant Jesse had made an effort to stop by, given that Alex didn’t live anywhere near the more populated parts of New Orleans. It wasn’t that she was antisocial, she was just social on her own terms.

“As if being tired ever stopped you from having a beer with friends before,” Jesse replied.

To this, Alex arched a brow and stared long and hard at the phone for several tense seconds. “Grab a six pack and come on over, then.” Truth be told, when her and Jesse were together, she never said no to a beer after work. Even the hardest, hottest days in the field wouldn’t keep her from enjoying a drink or two.

“Already got one. See you in five.” Alex thought she could hear the smirk in Jesse’s voice.

The line went dead. “Shit.” Alex finished drying off and walked naked from the bath to her bedroom closet. So much for PJs. No way she was going to look like an absolute slug for her ex. Instead, she opted for jeans and a simple black t-shirt.

Fortunately, Alex was not much of a slob, and the small house was passably clean, aside from the odd dish or two in the sink that she hadn’t gotten around to putting in the dishwasher. She poured herself a glass of water and downed it before Jess arrived, knowing she needed to hydrate after a day out in the marsh. As she finished refilling the water jug, she heard the knock at the door. About the same time as the knock, Alex felt the familiar presence of Jesse’s hyperactive mind encroaching on her.

Alex had long ago discovered her ability to sense other people’s thoughts and feelings. She struggled to find a way to keep others ‘out’ so she didn’t lose herself, though it felt like a losing battle. There was a reason she preferred to work and live alone, with few other souls near by. Her home was her sanctuary, and it took a lot for her to trust someone enough to let them in. Jesse was one of the few.

Before opening the door, Alex took a centering breath. Jesse and Alex were often like oil and water. Their passion had burned bright when they first got together, but both could be stubborn and neither liked to lose an argument. It made communication hard, despite Alex’s unique gift, and the pair had never quite figured out how to make it work. Alex still regretted that they hadn’t found common ground, because a part of her still very much loved Jesse, and letting go had been...a challenge.

Not quite smiling when she opened the door, Alex turned her brown-eyed gaze to Jesse, not expecting those alluring blue eyes to still give her the same pause as when they met. Since separating, the two had tried to maintain a friendship, though, admittedly, Jesse tried harder. It didn’t help that Jesse had since started seeing their mutual friend Jim. Alex did try to take some solace in the fact that Jim seemed to make her happy, happier than she’d ever been when she’d been with Alex.

Jim also kept reaching out to Alex, and she found it hard to turn her back on either of them, even though it stung a bit to see the pair together. She had a feeling that the two would eventually marry. While part of her was happy in that knowledge, another part of her felt...lonely. She did her best to smile at her ex, and stepped aside to let the woman in. “Do I dare ask why you were in the neighborhood? It’s not like I’m a hop, skip, and a jump away from any part of the city.”

Jesse just grinned goofily as she sat on the couch and slid the six pack closer to Alex. “Okay, so I went out of my way to stop by. Sue me! I needed to tell you, and this isn’t news to share over the phone. I’ve been out looking at venues.”

Sitting on the opposite end of the couch, Alex took one of the bottles and twisted the top off before taking a big pull of beer. She arched a brow as she looked back to Jesse. “Venues for what?” She did her best to keep from reading her ex, but in her soul, she knew what was coming.

Her ex’s grin grew wider as she held out her left hand. Sitting on the ring finger was a massive sapphire surrounded by two smaller diamonds. “Jim proposed last week!”

Alex felt herself grin while she also felt her heart slam into her throat. Part of her was happy that her ex had found happiness with Jim, but deep down? It stung. The grin was partly real, and partly forced. Jesse had no idea how much of an effect she still had on Alex. She looked at the ring before meeting those blue eyes once again. “Congratulations, Jesse... Wait, did you say last week?”

“I did!” Jesse exclaimed. “We decided to keep it secret, only telling our parents. We also wanted to tell you the news in person before announcing it publicly. I figured it was the least we could do,” she explained.

At least they had taken her feelings into account to some degree. The grin became a wry smile. “I appreciate it, but it wasn’t necessary, Jesse. You know I’m happy for you two...happy that Jim brings you such joy.” She also knew Jesse still cared for her, not just because she could sense it, but from what she said. She did her best to focus on the happy feelings, but it was easier said than done.

“I know, but... Look, Alex, I’m not stupid, you know? I know you still have feelings for me, okay? I still care about you, and love you...just not as a partner. I drove you nuts, right?” She smirked knowingly.

“Only as nuts as I drove you,” Alex replied. Jesse didn’t know the full extent of Alex’s gift, but she knew her ex had an uncanny ability to know what she was thinking. She never did put two and two together. “So...if you are looking at venues, does that mean you’re hoping to have the ceremony sooner rather than later?”

Jesse nodded. “Yeah. I think we’re going to see about having it in Audubon Park, and the reception at night at the zoo. I was thinking about holding it in Jackson Square, but it’s too...busy.”

If it had been in Jackson Square, Alex would have politely been able to decline the invitation. Jesse knew she didn’t like crowds, but with it in Audubon Park? There would be no easy way to refuse. “The park would be lovely, and the zoo at night... That’s got to be expensive?” Alex asked. She knew neither of them were wealthy.

“Jim’s parents are paying for the venue,” Jesse replied. “The thing is... Alex, we want you to be a part of the ceremony.”

Alex arched a brow and looked at her ex sidelong. “You want me to be... I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Jesse.”

Jesse’s infectious laugh filled the room, and Alex felt her heart skip a beat when she put her hand on Alex’s knee. “You haven’t even heard what we want. Look, you know I have no other family. I have no one to give me away. I’d like you to walk me down the aisle.”

It had always struck Alex as odd when she could feel her heart break. Jesse had no idea what she was asking of her ex... How deep her feelings still ran. There was a time that she had hoped to marry Jesse. Jesse did want to walk down the aisle with her, just not as partners. What made it all so hard was picking up on the pure joy coming from Jesse. How could she say yes and live with the heartache it would bring? At the same time, how could she say no and live with the consequences of crushing someone she still cared so deeply about?

Alex managed a weak smile and gave a simple nod. “Fine... I’ll do it, but only if I get to wear a tux.”

“Deal,” Jesse said as she took a beer and held it up to toast her friend. “To new beginnings.”

“New beginnings,” Alex mumbled, smiling but not feeling it in her soul. “So when is the ceremony?”

“Next month. August 28th,” Jesse replied.

Alex almost fell for it, but she picked up on the humor coming from her ex. She smirked. “I know you aren’t holdin’ your weddin’ on the aniversary of Katrina. Spill, Jesse.”

“How do you always know?” Jesse laughed. “Fine... We’re actually holding it on the tenth of September, so about two months from now. We don’t want anything super fancy, though Jim’s mom is hiring an event planner for the reception. She seems keen on planning it, and neither Jim and I are too bothered.”

Alex offered a warm smile. “Seems like you win, then.”

The two trailed off into light banter as they enjoyed their beer. Alex knew Jesse wouldn’t stay for more than one, which gave her a deep sense of relief. She feigned disappointment, though, when her ex announced she had to be on her way. As the telepath closed the door behind her friend, she rested her forehead on it and opened herself to the joy Jesse felt, even though only a very small fraction of it was meant for her. She missed the jovial spirit Jesse had when they once shared the small house together, and Alex found herself wondering if she’d ever find someone to share such joy with again.

Two weeks after learning about Jesse and Jim’s pending nuptials, Alex learned she’d once again been assigned a partner to help her in the field. She had learned not to argue with her supervisor, as the older woman thought she knew best, even though Alex got more work done when she worked solo than when she had a partner. She seriously considered arguing, though, when she found out who her partner was.

“So, Alex...the boss said you’ve been working at the agency for a while. Why are you still a field grunt?” the man asked.

For her part, Alex concentrated on the drive, but spared him a brief glance as she considered how to answer his question. She was also trying her best not to skim his thoughts, but he made it virtually impossible, as his thoughts almost drowned out his speaking voice for her attention.

Everyone says she’s a freak. She ain’t social, hasn’t had a steady field partner in the five years she’s been at the agency...and after five years is still in the field. She has enough experience to be the supervisor. She’s a dike too… Look at the short hair, and the clothes.

The thoughts came one after another, and it was all Alex could do to ignore them and focus on what he actually said. Casting another sideways glance at him, she started, “It’s Todd, right?”

“Yup.” Can’t believe Jesse ended it with me and started seeing her. Can’t see what Jesse saw in her. Not like she could do her better than me.

“Well, Todd, I happen to prefer the field to a desk. If I were to take a supervisor role, the chances of me getting out to the field are virtually nonexistent,” she explained. It was the simple truth, though she didn’t think it prudent to mention why she preferred the field. It also took a great deal of her self-control to call him out on his errant thought about her clothes, and even more effort not to cold-cock him for his misogynistic and homophobic thoughts about her and Jesse. About the clothes alone, she was dressed for the field... How feminine did he think she could get? Pink steel-toed boots, a pink safety vest, and a pink hard hat? She almost rolled her eyes at the thought, but stopped herself. As far as his thoughts of her and Jesse’s sex life, it seemed a typical and narrow-minded way of thinking.

Giving her a look of disbelief, Todd replied, “You don’t want a promotion? It’s better pay, and an extra week of vacation. Are you nuts?” There’s gotta be something more to the story, or she’s bat-shit crazy. Field work is for grunts and noobs.

Alex arched a brow and flashed a wry smile. “One person’s definition of insanity is another person’s definition of sanity, Todd. And yet here we are, you have been assigned to me as my partner. Tell me, how does it feel to have to learn from the freak of the agency.”

“Wh...what?” he asked. His nervous laugh gave him away, along with the various unchecked thoughts running through his mind.

Laughing, the telepath shook her head. “Think I didn’t know? People around the office talk. I’m not stupid, despite what some might think. No one who comes to the agency wants a field rotation longer than they absolutely must...except for the Freak of the Agency. It’s not like I care what anyone thinks, either. I happen to like my job, and have no desire to babysit a bunch of field whelps who complain when they get bit by ants.”

We do not need babysitting. Hell, I don’t even need to be here with her. I could do this by myself. Probationary field tech, my ass.

When Todd didn’t seem to have anything to add to the conversation, Alex opted for a little fun. She hadn’t been told he was on probation, and she shouldn’t be privy to something of that nature. “So, tell me... What did you do to get put on probation and sent to me?”

With a look of shock and dread, Todd replied with a high-pitched squeal. “What? No one’s supposed to know about that. What the hell, man? That bitch of a boss...”

“Boss didn’t tell me shit, Todd. People aren’t made my assistant because they want to glean from my experience. With the reputation of the Agency Freak, no one chooses to be my assistant. I just simply guessed,” Alex lied.

Cocky dike think she’s got one up on me. Whatever. I can still do the job better than her. I don’t deserve this. I was supposed to be assisting the GIS tech and training under her. Damn but she’s a sight hotter than this bitch.

Alex did her best not to smirk. “I bet I can guess something else about you, Todd. Up for a game?”

“You just tryin’ to prove you earned your nickname? You don’t know me, woman. Don’t know anythin’ about me. Guess away. You’ll be wrong,” he countered. If he’d been walking, he would have strutted like a peacock.

“Maybe. Though I suspect part of the reason you are so annoyed was you signed up to train under Emily, the GIS tech. Instead of her, you’re stuck with the woman who not just slept with your ex, but had a relationship with her. You also get to enjoy the near ninety degree temperatures, near one hundred percent humidity, the mosquitoes, moccasins, and ‘gators,” Alex explained, not trying to hide her smirk as she watched his mouth drop open.

Todd didn’t say anything for several seconds, before finally shaking his head. “Whatever, woman. Lucky guess. Can we just get going? Faster we get this done, faster I can get home.”

“By all means,” Alex replied as she pulled into what would be their parking spot for the day and put the truck into park. “You take the station south of here by about half a mile. I’ll take the one a mile north of here. Come back to the truck and wait for me, then we’ll go to the last station together.” She climbed out and started getting her gear together before pulling her hip-waders up.

Every so often, Alex would look at him as he tried to get his gear together. It was clear he was struggling, so she went over and offered a few friendly tips. “Two things you need at your fingertips are your clipboard and the GPS.” She showed him her clipboard that had a cover taped to it, and a pouch on the cover that held the GPS unit. “I modified my case to keep the paper dry so long as I don’t drop it, and put the clear pouch on so I didn’t have to keep fishing for my GPS unit. Feel free to copy the design when we get back to the agency.

“Other than that, keep your water handy. You need to drink more than you think you do. I tend to only snack at the truck, but that’s because I’ve lost one too many granola bars to the swamps. Any questions?” Alex asked.

I have to go on my own? This is nuts.

When his reluctance to split up was also obvious in his expression, she offered, “If you’re not sure about splitting up, we can go to each of the monitoring stations together. I read, you record. How’s that sound?”

Thank god yes!

“Eh, whatever. That’s cool,” came Todd’s verbal reply. He didn’t understand why she kept looking at him as if she knew what he was thinking.

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, though Todd still thought he didn’t need her help. She went easier on him, though, knowing he was as stuck with her as she was with him.

Two months passed rather quickly, and before Alex realized it, the rehearsal dinner was upon her. Jesse had a lot of friends, but not much family. None of her distant family was close enough to invite to the wedding. At the rehearsal dinner, it was just Alex, and Jesse’s three bridesmaids. Danika, Linda, and Penny had all gone to university with Jesse, and all four belonged to the same sorority. The foursome had pledged the same year and become fast friends.

Alex knew the three bridesmaids, of course, having met them when she and Jesse had been together. All three were outwardly nice to Alex, though Danika was much more superficial than the other two. Linda and Penny were always welcoming in both what they said and the thoughts that skimmed through Alex’s mind. Danika was another story.

If Alex had her choice, she’d rather not live with the ‘gift’ she had, especially when it came to ‘hearing’ what some people really thought of her. Danika would always think Jesse could do better. She was too polite to actually say anything, but Alex couldn’t avoid the thoughts that came to her when she was near Danika.

Linda, Penny, and Danika were fawning over Jesse as everyone waited for the minister to finish addressing Jim and his groomsmen. Alex kept to herself off to one side, doing her best to keep to her own thoughts, but failing.

I can’t believe she’s here... She’s the ex! What was Jesse thinking? She must feel sorry for Alex. It’s not like she could manage to find someone as good as Jesse.

Danika was certain in her feelings, and that certainty gave strength to the thought, making it that much harder for Alex to ignore it. She did her best, forcing one deep, slow breath after another as she went through the various checks she would do at any test station she monitored for work.

I can’t believe I’m marrying Jim tomorrow! I can’t believe how lucky I am! It never would have happened if it hadn’t been for Alex. I can’t wait to tell her I’m pregnant. I really hope she’ll agree to be the godmother. Jim and I would be heartbroken if she said no.

Alex did a double-take as she looked up and found Jesse standing right next to her. She hadn’t even realized her ex had approached. “Jesse,” she started, unable to hide her surprise.

“Did I startle you? I’m sorry, Alex. You seemed in your own little world. The minister says he is ready to begin.”

The rehearsal itself was a blur, as was the dinner that followed. With nearly twenty people in attendance, Alex found her senses overwhelmed during the meal, but did her best to participate in the conversation around her. She was sitting with Linda and Penny while Danika was off trying her best to flirt with one of the groomsmen. Alex thought to save the woman some embarrassment, as the man she was hitting on preferred the company of other men, but then...it wasn’t really any of her business.

As things began to wind down, Alex decided it was time to leave. The strain of so many ‘voices’ was starting to make her head hurt. Jesse and Jim pulled her aside before she could make her exit. Her ex was radiant, and the joy both of them felt seemed to radiate off them. She couldn’t explain why, but it warmed her own heart to know the happiness both her friend and Jesse brought one another.

“Before you leave, Alex,” Jim began. “We, well...we have more news, and another question.” He looked to his bride.

Beaming, Jesse took Alex’s hands in her own. “I’m pregnant, Alex. And...Jim and I were hoping you would be the godmother to our child.”

The warmth of Jesse’s hands as they took hers caused her heart to skip a beat, and this helped her look surprised. “Pregnant?! You guys...you want me as the child’s godmother? Are you sure about that?”

Jim answered in both words and thought. “We are one hundred percent certain, Alex. You have been so giving and supportive of us. We know it...it’s likely not as easy as you seem to say it is, but we also know the kind of person you are. We know you and your heart, and we want our child to know how to love as you love.”

Tears welled up in Alex’s eyes as she struggled to find words. The tears spilled over when she weakly replied, “I... Jim, Jesse, I am speechless. I, honestly, I have no words. Congratulations to both of you, I could not be happier. I would be honored to be the godmother to your child.”

Jesse and Jim pulled Alex into the biggest bear hug they could manage before letting a stunned Alex take herself home.

Alex stood in front of the mirror as she worked her magic on the dark blue bow tie that matched the blue in the blue and black vest that was part of her tuxedo. Once she was happy the tie was done correctly, and straight, she grabbed the tails to complete the look. Alex could be considered pretty, sure, but she was more handsome than pretty. As she adjusted the sleeves of the tuxedo shirt, there was a knock at the door. “Come!” She already knew it was Linda.

“Well, don’t you make the dashing figure,” Linda said with a smile as she came to stand behind Alex. She casually wiped away imaginary dust from Alex’s shoulders. “It’s time to shine. Have you seen Jesse in her dress yet?”

Alex turned to face the bridesmaid. “Not yet. And as dapper as I might be, it doesn’t compare to your radiant beauty in that dress, Linda.” She couldn’t help the smirk as she studied the woman who stood in front of her, admiring the dark blue strapless dress. She offered Linda her arm. “Shall we go collect the special woman of the hour?”

“Let’s.”

Danika was fussing over the train of Jesse’s gown while Penny helped the bride with her veil. It was all Alex could do to remember to keep breathing as they entered the room. Linda, though, saw the expression on Alex’s face. “Stunning, isn’t she?”

Not trusting herself to actually form words, Alex simply nodded, and rewarded Jesse with a warm smile when the bride looked up to see her and Linda enter the room.

“Oh my, Alex... You make a tux look good,” Jesse said before Alex could even compliment her on the gorgeous dress.

Yes, she does!

The errant thought came from Linda, and another one that followed nearly caused Alex to blush. She had no idea Linda thought of her that way, and wished she could bow out of the private thoughts.

A woman in a tux...not even a ‘woman’s’ tux. Who does she think she is?

The more venomous thought came from Danika, who moved herself between Alex and the bride. “Let me just adjust...”

“Danika, stop fussing, and step aside. I was talking to Alex,” Jesse countered, though her mood didn’t waver. She offered Alex a warm smile. “Thank you again for agreeing to give me away. I know there are a few people who think it is insane, but aside from Jim, you know me better than anyone, Alex. We both want you to know we consider you very much a part of our family.”

Once again, Alex found herself at a loss for words. “If you are not careful, you’ll get me crying, which will get you crying, which will get these three crying. I don’t think your makeup artist, or the photographer, would appreciate the smudged makeup.” She flashed a smirk, hoping humor would deflect from her just a bit.

Before anything else could be said, it was time. One by one, Penny, Linda, and Danika left the room, leaving Alex and Jesse alone. Jesse smirked. “I think Linda likes you, Alex. She’s single, you know.”

Alex couldn’t help the blush. “I was wondering...on both counts. Let’s see where the evening takes us, hmm? Besides. Today is not about me, but about you and Jim. Let’s get you hitched, eh?” The grin Jesse flashed warmed her heart.

On hearing the start of the bridal march, Alex offered Jesse her arm and the pair walked down the aisle just as they’d practiced the night before. The minister looked at the pair of them. “Who presents the bride?”

“I, Alex Randolph, present the bride to her future husband,” Alex replied. The minister nodded and Alex released her ex’s arm before approaching Jim. She offered him her hand, but he pulled her into a huge bear hug and whispered, “Thank you.”

Alex wasn’t one to cry at the drop of a hat, but she couldn’t keep the tears from flowing freely through the rest of the ceremony. A small part of her might have been sad, but she felt joy for everything else.

The venue for the wedding reception was the Audubon Tea Room. It was a building Alex had often seen from the outside whenever she visited the zoo, but tonight was the first night she’d gotten to see inside. It was huge, but Jesse and Jim had invited far more people to the reception than to the ceremony. It was an elegant venue, and the catering had thus far been superb. Alex was doing her best to relax and mingle, but there were a lot of minds and a lot of random noise buzzing around her head. It made it hard to concentrate. It also made her head hurt.

The telepath was thinking of calling it a night soon when a random thought caught her attention and made her blush. Not a second later, a hand appeared on her shoulder as Linda leaned down and whispered, “Jesse told me this might be the time of night you think about making your exit. I hope, for both our sakes, that is not the case.”

The bridesmaid was leaning over Alex and pulled back so she could look her in the eye. The smirk on Linda’s face was enough to hint that she might want more than just a dance from Alex. The string of very personal thoughts confirmed what had become Linda’s agenda for the evening.

Alex found herself smiling almost shyly as she looked at her lap. “Well, Jesse would normally be right, but perhaps you could convince me to stay.” She didn’t need convincing, but figured she’d play the game. The blush on her cheeks, though, was very real. She’d always liked Linda, and found her attractive, though she hadn’t thought Jesse’s friend was into women.

Without skipping a beat, Linda pulled Alex’s chair out just enough so she could slide onto her lap and let one arm casually hang around Alex’s neck. Her smirk didn’t waver as she leaned down and placed a gentle, yet sensual, kiss on the other woman’s lips. It was the briefest of kisses, but enough to get Alex’s heart nearly pounding its way out of her chest. Linda pulled back, her smirk replaced with a warm smile. “Convincing enough, elusive one?”

The butterflies in Alex’s stomach were doing flips, but she managed a warm smile of her own as her arms went around Linda’s hips. “I’d say it’s a good start.” She gave the bridesmaid a cheeky grin, and was about to say something else when the DJ put on Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper.

Linda jumped off Alex’s lap, took her hand, and exclaimed, “I love this song! It was my anthem when I was a teenager!” She didn’t give Alex a chance to protest and dragged her onto the dance floor. They half-stumbled onto the parquet wood floor, both already laughing up a storm as Linda started dancing. Alex did her best, but she wasn’t a big dancer, at least not to fast songs.

There was such joy and happiness throughout the room. Even though there were a ton of random thoughts that crossed Alex’s mind, the convergence of so much happiness, combined with Linda’s pure glee, was intoxicating. Alex found herself smiling bigger and laughing harder than she had in a long time, and it felt good.

As the song came to a close, Alex started to head back to her table. The lights on the dance floor went low and the DJ put on Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. Alex got one, maybe two, steps in before Linda grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

When Alex turned to face Linda, the bridesmaid’s green eyes met her brown-eyed gaze. There was something solemn in the way Linda looked at her, but what impacted her more than the look was the feeling coming from the other woman. There was a sense of longing, and it was one Alex felt as well. Linda slid her arms around Alex’s neck, and Alex found herself embracing Linda as the two began to dance to the song, which Alex had never given much thought to until that moment.

Part of her was terrified at the feelings rushing towards her. The feelings she picked up from Linda, along with her own. They seemed to become so intertwined so quickly, it was hard to differentiate between who felt what. Halfway through the song, Linda pulled her head back, locking her gaze on Alex’s once again, and then kissed her. This wasn’t a brief kiss, though it was just as sensual as the first kiss shared moments ago.

When they broke the kiss, Alex took a shaky breath and felt herself blush. The song came to an end all too soon, and she hadn’t yet recovered enough to have her wits about her. Fortunately, Linda wasn’t quite so distracted, and escorted Alex back to their table. It was time for the bride and groom to cut the cake.

No one seemed surprised when Jim was polite and fed Jesse her piece of cake, nor was anyone surprised when Jesse took advantage of the moment and rammed the mostly icing covered slice all over Jim’s face. After that, there was the usual delay in serving out pieces to the guests. Linda took advantage of the time to, in her mind, put Alex at ease. “Just so you know, I do like you, but I’m not expecting anything. If you might want to give me a call, perhaps go to dinner sometime, I would most likely say yes,” she said, offering a warm smile.

“You would most likely say yes? I don’t know. There’s still a chance for rejection,” Alex teased.

Poking the other woman, Linda laughed. “It’s no fun if it’s a sure bet, is it? We can keep it simple, if it puts you at ease, Alex.”

Tilting her head slightly, she looked at Linda with an arched brow. “Why would I need to be put at ease?”

“Because you haven’t dated since you and Jesse broke up, and that was ages ago. Because we haven’t seen you at all since then, and Jesse said you haven’t really been going out or being social. We are social creatures, Alex, even you. You should get out more. I’m offering to accompany you on a date,” Linda replied, her smirk turning to a warm smile as she took Alex’s hand in hers. “I meant what I said. I like you. I’ve always thought you were funny, attractive, but...not available.”

Alex found herself without any witty comebacks, and simply squeezed Linda’s hand. “Linda, you are being too kind to me. I would love to go on a date with you.”

Linda’s warm smile turned to a full on grin. “You would? You would! Excellent!”

Alex laughed softly as the bridesmaid squealed with delight. Underneath the joy Linda exuded, there was a hint of jealousy. Alex turned in time to see Danika approach and place wedding cake in front of both her and Linda. She looked flatly at Linda. “Thanks for helping with the cake.”

Rolling her eyes, Linda replied, “Relax, Danika. There are a ton of people helping to hand out wedding cake. The only one who misses my presence over there is you, and that’s because you want to try and hit on the groomsman again. I’m busy.”

Danika rolled her eyes and walked off, causing both Linda and Alex to laugh. “I don’t think she likes me very much, “ Alex admitted,

“No, but then she doesn’t like most people. Jesse, Penny, and I are stuck with her because we’ve known each other so damned long. We just call her on her crap. It’s effective. You should try it sometime,” Linda replied.

By the time the two finished their cake, it was time to see the groom and bride off. Linda and Alex walked outside to fall in line with everyone else. As she looked around, Alex realized the zoo was a busy place. She knew there were more events going on, but the parking lot near the Tea Room was full. There were a lot of people heading to other venues, and she started to pick up on some of the wayward thoughts from strangers who had nothing to do with Jim and Jesse’s wedding. Most people seemed full of joy, but there was an undercurrent that tugged at Alex’s nerves.

Looking around, the telepath tried to pinpoint what she was picking up on. The smile she’d worn since Linda first kissed her now waned, and she felt her pulse quicken. Something was not right. She scanned the crowds more frantically, looking beyond where the limo for Jesse and Jim was parked.

Anger. Hate. Confusion.

“What’s wrong?” Linda asked, her brows furrowed in concern.

Alex shook her head slowly, but released Linda’s hand as she turned around, still scanning the area. “I don’t know. It might be nothing, but...something doesn’t feel right.”

“Feel right? What do you mean?”

Death walks here.

The thought came in clear now, and chilled Alex to her core. She heard cheers off to her left, and it registered that Jesse and Jim had walked out of the Tea Room. Everything seemed to slow down for the telepath. Someone was not happy, and that someone was close.

The joy coming from those cheering for Jim and Jesse interfered with Alex as she tried to spot where the more troubled thoughts were coming from. “Alex, what’s wrong? You’re starting to worry me,” Linda asked.

Pausing for a moment, Alex looked at Linda. “There’s... It’s hard to explain, but someone nearby is angry. There’s more to it than that, but I can’t find them.”

“What are you talking about?”

Giving Linda a small smile, she reached up and gently cupped her cheek. “I will do my best to explain later. I need to find this person.” She gave her a quick peck and then walked behind the line of people, going in the direction of the black thoughts. Jesse and Jim had just passed Linda as everyone continued to cheer. They were almost to the car, and for Alex, the sooner they were in the car the better.

No one deserves love. Jesse... She should have been mine. They must die. Everyone must die!

Alex’s eyes went wide as the thought slammed into her clear as a bell. She looked at the end of the procession line, opposite to where she’d been standing, and saw him. Todd. The man looked deranged. She knew him, but not like this. He had come across as a bigot and a sexist, but a killer? Looking to her left, she saw Jesse and Jim closing in on the car, and her blood drained from her face.

The bride and groom were his targets, and she just needed to act. Time seemed to slow to a standstill as the man stepped into the middle of the procession line and brandished a gun. He aimed for Jesse as he kept thinking, Die, die, die!

Alex cried out, “NOOO!” She barreled her way through the crowd, and unknowingly pushed Danika to the ground. There was no hesitation as she inserted herself between the gunman and her friends. There was no hesitation as the man pulled the trigger three times before he was tackled by two of the groomsmen as everyone else screamed.

At first, Alex thought he had missed. She looked down, and thought it odd he missed at such a close range. Somehow she ended up on her knees.

“ALEX!”

Jesse, Jim, and Linda all seemed to shout her name at the same time. Jesse was at her side a moment later. She looked up to her ex. “Did...did he miss?”

“Oh, Alex,” Jesse said, her eyes welling up with tears as she gently laid her friend on the ground. One of the groomsmen knelt next to her and put pressure on her chest. It was then the pain hit her, and she found it hard to breath. She coughed and saw crimson droplets land on Jesse’s dress.

“Oh, Jesse...your dress. I’m sorry,” Alex said, turning her eyes to meet her ex’s.

Jesse cupped her cheek. “Shush, Alex. Stay with me, okay? I don’t care about the dress.”

Alex tried to swallow, then coughed again as she started to shiver. “Why is it so cold, Jesse?”

“Don’t talk, love.”

Her eyes started to grow heavy, and Alex realized what was happening. He hadn’t missed after all. She looked back at Jesse. “You...you and Jim be happy together, and raise that child right. I’m sorry... I’m sorry I won’t be here to watch her grow up.”

“Alex, shush, don’t talk like that. The paramedics are on their way,” Jesse said, tears pouring from her eyes. Jim stood behind her, crying with his wife. He knew Alex had likely saved his wife and his unborn child’s lives. She’d given everything she could to make sure Jesse and Jim could have their happily ever after.

Smiling weakly, Alex shook her head. “Don’t lie to me, Jesse...never works. Tell Linda I’m sorry we can’t go on that date. I really like her.” For the first time in as long as she could remember, there was silence in Alex’s mind. She looked at Jesse. “You and Jim should know...I love y’all like family.”

And the life went from Alex’s eyes.