The Corner

“Crap. Crap. Crap.”

The soft sounds of Kara’s whispers, pulled me from a deep sleep. I rolled over, grabbing the pillow she slept on. She was rushing around my bedroom, shirtless with wet hair, searching for something under dressers and chairs. I smiled as memories of last night washed over me like the sun peeking through the curtains. Even the small glimpse of her bare back had me breathing deep, feeling the delicate aches in my body. Then I caught sight of the scars littering her skin. They were her history, her story, and when I ran my fingers across them as we made love, I finally understood. I finally understood how deep my love for her ran, and I finally understood the time wasted. The time I wasted. Time I’d never waste again for the rest of my life.

Kara pulled her shirt off the top of my dresser, huffing as she slipped it on. She grabbed her watch, frowning. “Shit.”

“Usually my one night stands creep out in the middle of the night, not in the morning as I lay boneless in my bed.” My voice was raspy from sleep and pure happy exhaustion. I shifted, propping her pillow under my head. “Unless you thought the thorough ravishing you gave me last night would have kept me in a blissful coma until afternoon.”

I grinned at Kara blushing, tugging on the edge of her shirt as she walked towards the bed. “I’m super late for work with no clue where I threw my clothes last night.” She sat on the edge, leaning forward to kiss me.

I sighed into her kiss. “How late are you?”

“About two hours?” She scrunched her face up, her eyes roaming of the spots of my bare skin the blankets didn’t cover. “I can’t call in sick, I’ve used my work from home days, and my article is due by end of day.” She sighed. “I’m a terrible employee.”

“I agree.” I chuckled at the shocked look Kara gave me, kissing her once more before gently shoving her away. “Go, before I have to be called into another HR meeting.” I scooted up, tugging the blankets over my chest. Kara frowned, sliding off the edge of the bed. For a split second I debated pulling the boss card and telling her stay with me, stay in bed until the sun set again. Stay with me forever. I bit back the last thought. Slow down, Lena.

“Winn is going to question me for wearing yesterdays clothes.” Kara bent down, collecting her sweatshirt from under the bed.

“It’s a good thing I have Jess delivering you a fresh set to your office.” I set my phone back on the side table. I watched her for a moment. It was as if she stood taller than yesterday, like there was another set of weight falling away. “Dinner?” I whispered the words out, incredibly shy.

The grin on her face told me her answer before she said it. “Of course.” She stared at me for a moment. “I really hate my job.” She sighed, checking her watch and cursing under her breath silently before running out of the bedroom. I heard the front door close in a hurry.

I let out a breath, slinking deeper into the pillows with a smile. I’d never felt this happy or complete in ages. I wanted this. I wanted this every morning I woke up. Kara rushing around because she overslept, or couldn’t find her notebooks. Kara staring at me like I was a lost treasure only she knew about. 

I glanced at the clock. I was due at the labs in the next hour to review results with Claire. Then it was to Catco for a late afternoon board meeting, then to LCorp for a conference call. I groaned, rolling to the edge of the bed. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t eager to get to work. I wanted to stay in bed and soak up the morning sun, dwindling the day away.

I stood up, stretching out sore muscles. I picked my phone up to message Claire I was on my way, a text popped up from Kara.

-I don’t hate my job. I love it. I get to see you every day, and write. Please don’t fire me. I’m sorry I rushed out. I had this whole breakfast in bed plan, but you also wore me out. I wanted to show you I finally learned how to make waffles without burning a house down.-

I laughed, remembering the one time Kara tried to make me breakfast and almost burnt down her apartment and half the city. I swiped to message her when another text popped in.

-I love you, Lena. More than I ever did as a silly college student. I love you.-

I blinked back the tears, my heart skipping a few beats. I fired off a message to Jess, asking her to do me a favor, before climbing into a hot scalding shower to ease the achy muscles.

XXXX

Kara

“Why do you look like you pulled an all-nighter studying for that horrible biology midterm we all failed?” Winn squinted at me, leaning against the door to my office. “Your deadline isn’t until next week.”

I buttoned the last button on the pale pink shirt I found in a neat pile on my desk, along with perfectly tailored grey slacks, and new lace up shoes I’d never be able to afford on my Catco salary. “It was a late night, I overslept and didn’t get my coffee.” I smoothed the shirt with my hands, smirking at my reflection in the window. Of course Lena would know what would look good on me. I never wore pink, but it was a nice change from the dark colors I assimilated in since embracing National City.

“Mhhm. And Lena Luthor’s personal assistant arriving at Catco with a package that looks a lot like the one over the corner, has nothing to do with your late night and running in here in old sweats and your shirt on backwards.” Winn cocked an eyebrow, smiling.

I sat down, reaching for my notebooks. “Winn.”

“The last time I saw you smile like this was after your third date with Lena. You burst into my dorm room, shit eating grin on your face, declaring you were going to marry her.” He grinned. “If the walk of shame brings you back, I’m all for it. It’s been a long time since we all saw a Kara Danvers super grin. The one that lit up an entire room.”

I blushed, fidgeting with my glasses. “I love her. More than I ever have before.” I looked up at one of my oldest friends. “I don’t care what anyone thinks. I love her.”

Winn nodded, stepping forward to my desk. “Just invite me to the reception and make sure it’s an open bar.” He glanced at his watch. “You’ve got forty five minutes before the next meeting. Coffee run?” He backed out of the doorway and was halfway down the hall.

I sighed with delight. “Heck, yes.” I stood up, shoving notebooks into my bag when Alex sauntered in, tray full of coffee from the Last Drop. I smiled, swallowing the sudden lump in my throat. Alex thought I went home to sulk in my misery, not spend the night with Lena and break every rule I set for myself over the last ten years.

“Hey you. Just checking in. How are you doing? I didn’t hear from you last night, figured you drowned yourself in ice cream and sad rom coms.” She cocked her eyebrow, handing me a double espresso latte.

I smiled, taking the cup from her. “I’m good. Tired.” I held up the coffee as I moved to my desk. “This will help.” I glanced at my phone, Lena had sent a picture of a large mark on her collarbone, gently complaining about how much makeup she’d need to cover it. A mark I knew I left on her last night. I cleared my throat, blushing. “So, what’s up?”

“What did you do?” Alex squinted at me, sitting on the corner of my desk.

I shrugged, pretending to sift through mail on my desk. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”

“Oh no. Please don’t tell me we’re about to endure another ten years of moping.” Alex sighed, leaning over my desk to pick up a notebook. “Maybe you should write some angsty romance novel. Lock yourself in your room and just write it out. Then sell it and make millions, become the next Jackie Collins. Then you can hire me as your personal security and I can retire.” She shook her head, taking a large sip of coffee. “Kara.”

“I should write an angsty romance novel. I could do it under a pen name, make it sweeping and dramatic. Romance sells, it sells a ton more than war journalism. Maybe I can do both? Write a hard hitting expose of the world’s evils, and then spend my nights writing pirates stealing defenseless maidens and falling in love.” I chuckled. “Remember when we found Eliza’s stash? I was never more mortified about male anatomy and the descriptors used.”

“Oh my god, yes. Probably why you and I both ended up on the far end of the kinsey scale.” She glanced at me. “She still reads them. I spotted one tucked under a pile of textbooks on her bedside table the last time I was in Midvale and needed to borrow her phone charger.”

My phone vibrated again, Lena sending another text. I blew out a slow breath, turning the phone over. “Um, so. How’s work? Catch any bad guys?”

“Plenty. Works good.” She paused. “Kara, what’s up. You called me last night, crying, angry and I had to talk you down. Now, you’re evading and deflecting like a two dollar crook. What did you do last night when I got off the phone with you? Also, Lena called me, I told her to leave you alone. So don’t go casting the blame net her way. Unless.”

I groaned, leaning my head back on the chair, looking up at the ceiling. “Um. We. Uh.”

Eve popped her head in with a bouquet of white lilies. “Ms. Danvers, this came for you just now.” She grinned at Alex, whispering a hello as she set the flowers in front of me. “I can move them to the window if you’d like, or give them to reception like the last bouquet.”

“Oh, no. I can take them.” I went to reach for the card, knowing my face was a bright red. Before I could grab the card, Alex snatched it up, hopping off the edge of my desk. “Alex!”

She laughed, peeling open the envelope to read the card. “Oh! A suitor! Is it from a secret admirer? I saw the way the receptionist downstairs ogles you every time we come in through the front. Or maybe it’s from one of the many publishing houses vying for your manuscript. I heard the rumors from Winn, everyone is drooling over your book.” She flipped the card over, her grin dropping into a playful disgusted look as she threw the card at me. “Oh my god, ew. Ew.”

I picked up the card. Lena had written one line that made me blush a deeper red color. I tucked the card under a notebook, clearing my throat. “Oh, so. Lena and I.”

“Nope. Nope!” Alex held her hands up. “I do not need to know details.” She shook her head, shivering. She let out a breath, looking at me with a soft look. “How do you feel? Clearly something happened, aside from the obvious. Are you good? Or was it a pity…”

“It wasn’t a pity anything.” I sighed. “I love her. She loves me and I know the future is super unpredictable. I’m still healing, she’s still healing. But I can’t ignore the fact that I’m always drawn to her, no matter what. Angry, sad, scared, broken. I always look for her, and after last night, it solidified everything. It’s like after ten years, everything I’ve been through, was oddly worth it to get to here. To get back to her. The her now, the me of now. I don’t know, Alex. Maybe we had to go through what we did to understand how deep the love between us is.” I looked at my sister, blinking back tears. “Or maybe I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Alex shook her head. “You’ve always known what you were doing, even when you ran right into the mouth of hell. You always, always, know what you’re doing, Kara.” She smiled, motioning to my phone. “Just make sure I’m the maid of honor. And let me pick the bridesmaids dresses.” She leaned forward, kissing my forehead. “For what it’s worth, you’re happy. I can see it all over your face, you’re happy. Even if you don’t know what the hell you’re doing, run with this feeling. I love you, kiddo.”

I grabbed her hand, squeezing it. “I love you, sis.” I let out a breath, picking up the phone. “I was thinking of making you the best sister, maid of honor feels old fashioned.” I glanced to see a few emails from the editing team. Reminding me of the meeting I had in ten minutes. “Dinner this weekend? You can meet Pepper and help me pick a topic for my book.”

Alex grinned. “Friday night. I’ll bring the ice cream.” She walked towards the door, shaking her head when she saw the card on my desk, pointing at it. "I think Lena would make a good sister in law. You two can take the heat off of me when mom starts in on why I haven’t settled down.”

I chuckled. “Kelly would make a great sister in law too. It’s probably why Eliza gets on your case. There’s very few people who can handle your potty mouth and your gross crime scene stories.”

Alex rolled her eyes. “They’re good stories! I mean, you all have a direct line to the best true crime podcast out there. Me.” She winked, laughing as she left my office, hollering over her shoulder. “Oh, you better buy me a bottle of whiskey so I can burn the image of you and Lena getting physical. That’s worse than any crime scene.”

I laughed, shaking my head as I grabbed the card and notebook. Blushing as I grinned. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, but Alex was right. I was happy for the first time in a very long time. I wanted to hold onto that for as long as I could, maybe longer.

XXXX

Lena

“Are you sixteen? You sent her flowers after a night of passion? Including a sassy sexy note card, thanking her for making you sore in places you never knew you had?” Claire gave me a look as she waited for the images of my arm to upload onto the monitor in my lab. “Christ, Lena. I thought you were smoother than that. You have a reputation in numerous cities of being a shadowy seductress.”

I almost choked on my tea, gasping for air as I glared at my friend. “Shadowy seductress? What cities? And who has ever said that? You and I both know I’ve been fairly abstinent for years, almost borderline nun like.” I wiped the corner of my mouth, still coughing.

Claire smirked, tapping on my last xray. “National City. London. Dublin. Glasgow. Edinburgh. Chicago. New York. Metropolis. And Paris.” She squinted, looking at how the fracture in my arm was healing. “You’ve left an indelible mark in those particular cities. Your galas and charity benefits are ripe with gossip. How you tease, flirt and seduce your way into the hearts of so many. Opening their pockets along the way.” She looked over her shoulder. “If you never inherited the Luthor empire, I feared you’d make an incredible grifter.”

I frowned, tugging at the sling at my elbow. “Why are you my friend? You make it sound like I’m a harpy. A slutty harpy.”

“I bet there’s a few old men who would say exactly that. Usually two minutes after you’ve taken over their corporation.” She swiped on the monitor. “You’re healing well. I think we can forgo the sling, unless you over extended the muscles last night?” She bit back another smirk.

“I truly hate you.” I sighed. “What’s wrong with sending flowers to Kara? I already embarrassed myself with the pornographic doughnuts. I don’t do romantic well.”

“By the glow on your face, and the dreamy sighs. Dear Ms. Danvers properly, and heartily, took on your request to fill your…”

“Don’t! Don’t repeat that.” I held up a hand, standing to walk to the monitor. “The flowers are her favorite. White lilies. I just wanted her to know that it wasn’t just a romp last night. It was more. And there is no one else. There will never be anyone else, no matter what the Sloane’s of this world wish to imply.”

“Speaking of Sloane. Rumor has it her dear brother cut her off and she now is working at the family non-profit for minimum wage for the next year. Apparently the family felt it was best she learned humility.” Claire smiled. “It looks like the whole world is all for you and Kara to ride that horse into the sunset. Or maybe just each other.”

I smacked Claire in the shoulder, wincing as the move pulled sore muscles. “I swear to god, how can you be the world’s best ortho, speak with such elegance and intelligence and then behind closed doors, you become a thirteen year old.”

Claire laughed harder, rubbing her shoulder. “I’m just happy to see my friend happy. So, what comes next in this love story? Pull the ring out of retirement and lay claim on the most eligible bachelorette in National City?” Claire held up a hand to stop me, reaching for one of the many trashy supermarket magazines she read. She held up the cover to the National City Inquisitor, Kara on the front cover with the headline Kara Danvers, mysterious journalist and most eligible bachelorette in National City. “If you turn to page eighty three, you’ll learn Kara loves long walks in warzones and giving back to the community.” The sarcasm dripped heavily in her tone.

I snatched the magazine from her hand, scanning over the cover. It was an old picture, taken last year when Kara was named Journalist of the year by the Times. I felt a pang of jealousy flicker in my heart.

“You can’t be jealous, Lena. Your relationship with Kara is office gossip at Catco. To the rest of the world, Kara Danvers is single and ready to mingle outside of a warzone.” Claire tugged the magazine free from my hand. “She’s yours. You’re hers. You know that Lena. Don’t fret over clickbait to get housewives in a frenzy.”

I nodded, swallowing down the anger. I almost had half a mind to call up Jess and get the ball rolling on a corporate buy out of the Inquisitor. “It was easier when we were kids, and nobodies.” I looked at Claire. “Am I moving too fast? Should I ease back, maybe let Kara be single, breathe and find her footing. She’s only been home for a few months. She hasn’t slowed to a full stop, and here I am. Standing at every corner, trying to find my redemption with her.”

Claire laid a hand on my shoulder, turning me to face her. “If she didn’t want you, she would’ve made it abundantly clear. The woman is a force of nature who doesn’t back down. Her articles, and scars, prove that. Life changes, life moves in directions you cannot control. And yet, you and Kara always moved together through the changes in direction, even when you were apart, every step you both took led you back to this point. If that’s not kismet, I don’t know what is.”

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “Kismet. Who knew an old woman with whiskey on her breath would predict my future?” I nodded, glancing at my friend. “I want to marry her. I want the rest of forever with her. No matter what.” I spoke the words with a tremble, afraid of what it could mean if I actually said them. Threw the ideas out into the world, hoping.

“Then go get it, Lena.” Claire winked at me before turning back to the monitor. “So, let’s lose the sling and remove half of the pins. We’ll leave the rest for a few weeks, but it looks like the bones have set nicely and stronger than a traditional break.” She reached behind us, handing me a file. “I’ve also drawn up a few new plans for a bio sling.”

I flipped open the file, reading over Claire’s notes while she continued on going over the data from my arm. We were on the verge of a breakthrough. I smiled, as was I.

XXXX

Kara

I’d never get used to meetings in an office setting. I was bored beyond reason, having a hard time staying focused as the Draiocht team went over the next issue. Everyone was on deck, the design team, editing, journalists, photographers, Winn, and the marketing department. I sat in the far corner, doodling on my notebook wishing I’d gotten another extra large coffee before this meeting. I was exhausted. I smiled at the thought of why I was so exhausted, and reached for my phone. I clicked it on, grinning at the picture of Lena from dinner last night. The light hit her just right as she laughed at one of my dumb jokes. I snapped the picture before she caught me and saved it. The smile on her face was one only I could ever give her. No one else, and it made my heart skip knowing after ten years, I still had my Lena. I looked up at the PowerPoint presentation, pretending to be actively listening, before I swiped open my texts.

-Is there anyway I can be exempt from meetings? I literally have no idea what anyone is talking about. I’m used to submitting my articles on broken Wi-Fi in a jeep, then leaving it to someone else to figure out where it fits next to an ad for Chanel No. 5-

I hit send, hoping Lena would give me a hall pass, when I hit Winn’s contact.

-I need coffee. Bad.-

I watched Winn grin and nod.

-Teddy is on it. Triple espresso vanilla latte?-

I met his eyes, nodding with fervor. He winked, typing away on his phone. I let out a sigh of relief, shifting in my chair, making another attempt to pay attention as the photography team pulled up the images I gave them to accompany my article. I smiled when half the room glanced my way at the mention I’d been the photographer for most of the images they were looking at. I shrugged as Sarah cleared the air, telling the room I often had to fill in as photographer and journalist when I was deeply embedded and under fire. I tipped my head down, fiddling with my notebook again when a few people gave me looks of awe. Making me a little uncomfortable.

“Excuse me, Ms. Danvers?” Eve politely knocked on the doorway to the conference room. I looked up.

“Um, yes?” I squeezed my notebook as more of the room began to look at me.

“There’s a visitor here for you. She isn’t on the expected list today, would like me to tell her to wait until after the meeting?” Eve gave me a small smile, looking around the room as she easily sensed my discomfort.

“Uh, no. I can see her now. I, uh, was waiting for a source to get back to me, it could be her coming in person.” I gathered my things, silently grateful for the excuse to leave the meeting. I smiled at Sarah. “Ten minutes? And I’ll be back?”

Sarah smiled, waving me out of the room. I mouthed a thank you. Sarah had already begun to pick up on how awkward I could be in closed room meetings. Hence why she never said no to me taking them from home or getting notes from Winn.

I followed Eve. “Did this woman have a name? And please tell me it isn’t another weirdo trying to ask me out on a date. That damn Inquisitor article has made me uncomfortably popular.”

“I understand, Ms. Danvers. I would never let anyone past the elevators if I suspected they were after you for ill intent. Ms. Luthor would have my head.” Eve chuckled with a wink. “Her name is Jamie Sinclair, I didn’t want to announce to the office in case it was a personal visit.”

I stuttered a step. “Jamie Sinclair? Doctor Jamie Sinclair?” The words came out in a broken rasp.

“Yes. I verified her ID.” Eve rounded the corner to her desk. A tall woman with auburn hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a dark grey fitted pantsuit and heels that made her a few inches taller, stood in front of Eve’s desk.

Jamie leaned against it, digging in the candy dish on the corner. I stopped, staring at her for a moment. A thousand memories rushed over me as I stared. She turned to look at me with bright hazel eyes, a huge grin covering her face the moment she met my eyes.

“Dr. Sinclair? Ms. Danvers is ready to see you.” Eve moved to sit at her desk, removing the candy dish and the handful of empty wrappers left by Jamie.

“I don’t believe she is. If the shocked look on your face is anything to go by, Kara.” Jamie smiled, her posh English accent throwing me even further back into memories. “I save your life, and all I get in return is gawking?”

I swallowed hard, blinking back tears. “I thought.” I shook my head, sucking in a deep breath. “I thought you were dead.” I whispered the words out, barely loud enough for me to hear.

“Not hardly.” She took a few steps to stop right in front of me. “I just had to disappear after getting you out. I pissed off a few very dangerous men. Men who are no longer an issue.” She grabbed my hand. “I heard you finally stopped and I had to see for myself.”

I met her eyes, emotions overwhelming me. I yanked her hand, pulling her into a smothering hug as a sob slipped free. “How?”

Jamie squeezed me harder, whispering. “By the grace of god and no one else.”

I nodding, swallowing hard as I closed my eyes. The tears running down my cheeks as I fought the memory of the last time I saw Jamie, then hearing the news she had been killed.

“Oh, Good Afternoon Ms. Luthor. We didn’t expect you today, did you need me to grab Sarah and the Draoicht team?” Eve’s voice pulled me from the haze of old broken memories. I opened my eyes, to lock on bright green eyes staring at me with a clenched jaw.  

Lena clenched her bag with white knuckles as she spoke to Eve, still staring at me. “That’s alright. I just stopped by to check on accounting.” She shifted, and I spotted the white bag from my favorite deli down the street. She cleared her throat. “Ms. Danvers, shouldn’t you be in the meeting? I do recall your article is the front page story for this issue, and there’s been some concern about citing proper sources. Unless you exempted yourself from team meetings?

Lena was angry. She'd come here to surprise me with lunch, and instead she walks in to see me crying in another woman's arms.

I leaned out of Jamie’s arms, wiping away tears as she wiped away hers, still holding onto my hand. I took a moment to clear out the shock of Jamie appearing out of the aether, and let go of her hand “Um, Lena. This.” I took another breath to calm down. “This is a old friend, a dear old friend.” My shock wasn’t allowing me to think straight, my memories were fighting off a sudden PTSD episode. My hands shook as I shoved them in my pocket. “Lena, I.” I paused, taking deep breaths as my body wanted to collapse and give in to the past. Too tired and too fragile from holding it together for the last few months, to have this surprise standing next to me. No matter how good it was.

Lena’s jaw twitched ever so slightly. If you didn’t know her like I did, you’d never see it. She was hurt, angry, and I honestly didn’t blame her. What she just walked into would’ve pissed me off too, me hugging Jamie like a long lost lover.

Lena nodded, took a step forward and set the white bag on Eve’s desk. “Eve, please enjoy lunch on me today. I’m not very hungry. Can you call ahead to Sharon in accounting, I’d like to review last months figures. I’ll meet her in her office. Thank you.” Lena glanced at me, her eyes drifting to how close Jamie stood next to me. “I’ll speak with you later, Ms. Danvers.” She turned away, her heels clicking an angry staccato as she headed towards accounting.

I let out a slow breath, my hands trembling as I pulled them out of my pockets. “Jamie.”

“That woman is beyond in love with you, Kara. And by the deadly green eyes pointed my way, I’m going to make a guess and say, that’s her. Your Lena.” Jamie gently took my wrist. “And I see you still think of therapy is wishful thinking for the weak.” She laid a thumb over my pulse. “Let’s get you sit down somewhere, calm you down and call Ms. Luthor to your office before she finishes plotting my murder.” She grinned, looping an arm through mine. “I do see why you refused to die, she’s worth defying death.”

I tipped my head down. “She’s mad at me. Pissed off. We just got back together, maybe it was too soon.” I shook my head as my brain still struggled to latch onto what I needed it to. I looked at Jamie. “How are you alive? I saw the explosion. I read the reports. I saw the autopsy report.”

Jamie chuckled, guiding me down the hall as I pointed to where my office was. “Let’s get you sat down and some water. After you get you settled, I want you to call Lena and bring her down here for a proper introduction. I’m nothing more than a lowly doctor.” She held up her left hand. “A very married lowly doctor.”

I blew out a laugh as we entered my office. “Married? I vaguely remember you telling me you’d never settle down. I did ask you to marry me that night before…everything.” I slowly sat in my chair, unlocking my phone, hoping Lena had sent something.

“Escaping death changes perspectives. I met my husband in France while recovering from the jungle. I think I had my a-ha moment after saving you. I wanted to reach out to you so many times, Kara. To tell you it was okay, I was okay. But I couldn’t. I was bound by governmental red tape and the threats of a few drug cartels.” Jamie sat across from me, handing me a bottle of water from the small fridge next to my desk. “Did you ever give her that ring? The one you carried everywhere in that disgusting tea tin?”

I smiled, taking slow sips of water. I stared at the edge of my calendar, fighting off the sounds and smells of the explosion I thought killed Jamie. I could still smell the fire, the burning oil from the airplane, the image of a massive fireball as the Gibbs and I escaped in another plane. “No. Almost.” I looked at my friend. “Should I?”

“It’s all you ever talked about, Kara. More when you were delirious from infection.” Jamie tipped her head down. “I should’ve called before I came here. I hope I didn’t ruin anything, I was just excited to hear you’d finally stopped and pried yourself free from the jaws of the world.”

I shook my head. “No, no. You didn’t ruin anything. I might have. I’ve never really told Lena about everything I went through. She’s only seen the scars on my body, not the ones I hold inside.” I sighed, looking up. “If I call her down here, would you like to meet her?”

Jamie chuckled. “As long as she doesn’t have a bat in that purse of hers.” She grinned. “Yes, I’d love to meet her and explain you and I were just a one night stand.”

I grabbed my phone, swiping open Lena’s contact. “Oh god, let’s save that for another day. I was such a drunken mess, fumbling like a teenager boy and drunk on jungle moonshine and expired motrin. I actually vaguely remember you passing out before we got any clothes off.” I hit Lena’s contact, my heart racing as it rang. Jamie shook her head, laughing.

“Yes, Kara.” Lena answered in two rings. Her tone nothing but professional, biting.

“Can you come to my office? I’d like you to meet my friend Jamie.” I cleared my throat, still shaky from spotting my dead friend very much alive.

“I do have meetings for the rest of the afternoon. I’ll look at my schedule and see if I’m free tomorrow.”

“Lena.” I paused. She was angry, and I wanted to be angry at her for being angry. “Doctor Jamie Sinclair is my friend. She was the doctor I mentioned I met in jungle after I was stabbed. She saved my life when infection set in and turned septic. I couldn’t get out of the jungle as the drug lords my team ran from, hunted us. She kept me alive.” I paused again, my voice trembling. “I thought she died when they bombed the tiny airport we used to escape. She shoved me on the airplane, saving me and my team. The last I saw of her.” I swallowed hard, fighting off the fireball threatening to consume my vision.

“Hi, Lena? It’s Jamie. Do you recall a random courier package landing with your vaccine research team in the Congo? Setting you on the path to Kara? Also, the random tips of Kara’s whereabouts each time she fell off the grid and you couldn’t find her?” Jamie looked up at me. “My husband was the man feeding you intel, as a favor to me. Kara only ever spoke of you. The love of her life, her reason why. Even though I couldn’t tell her I survived, I was damn dedicated to make sure she survived and found her way back to you. I can’t help our dear girl here is stubborn and wouldn’t take the signs and stop. Stop and look for the guardian angel with green eyes.” Jamie winked. “I know what it may have looked like, watching us hug like forgotten lovers. I do love Kara, but her love for you, is far greater than anyone could compete with. So, how about you grab the lunch you brought her and left at the front desk, come down here and we can share stories about Kara.”

There was an awkward pause when Jamie stopped. I stared at my friend, desperate to ask her a million questions about her husband and everything in between, when Lena spoke. I could hear the tears in her voice.

“How about we all have dinner this weekend, my treat. And I can apologize for my behavior.” She paused. “Kara, please call me when you leave the office. I’ll be at my place. But please, spend a little time with your friend.”

I nodded. “The second I leave, Lena. I’m all yours. I love you.” I watched Jamie grin and shake her head with pride. Lena whispered the words back, but hung up before she completely broke down. I felt my heart slow down. “Did I mention things are still shaky between us?”

“Jealousy is a stupid emotion, a motivating one, but stupid. To me, it looks like you both need a solid kick in the arse to make that final leap. She’s only jealous because she’s afraid to lose you, again.” Jamie sat back in the chair. “If I were you, I’d give her that ring and start the forever. End your reign as the most eligible bachelorette in National City. Then live a quiet life worrying about who hogs the covers more.”

I laughed, feeling the weight lift off my shoulders. “As long as you come to the wedding. And who is this mysterious husband with access to classified intelligence?”

“Eh, a beautiful MI5 agent who couldn’t resist my charms. But, that’s classified. Speaking of classified, how’s the dear federal agent sister, Alex?” Jamie cocked her head. “She got quite close a few times, revealing I was still alive. My husband might recruit her if they ever meet.”

I leaned back in my own chair. “I’ll make sure to sit you at the same table for the reception.” I pushed my glasses up. “I keep talking about weddings, marrying Lena, and yet. I have a dusty old ring in a dented tin, nowhere near her finger.”

“Then let’s make a plan to get it on her finger. What say you?” Jamie raised an eyebrow.

I waited a moment, staring at the ceiling as my mind continued to settle down. I had a thousand reasons why I should wait, why I should do this or that, but in the end my heart spoke before I could think. “I say yes.”