Good Things: An Urban Fantasy Anthology

by Mia Darien

  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.”<
br />
  “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.<
br />
  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.