Open Hearts

The Lioness was one of the hottest bars in town. The owner Josie Carillo put in blood, sweat and tears to make the bar what it was now.

Josie stepped out of her office to check on the commotion coming from inside the bar. "Hey, Randy! What's going on in there?" She asked her resident chef."

"Just two finance bro's embarrassing themselves boss. But Tuck just went over there to sort it out, no worries."

"Good. I heard your taco's was a hit tonight."

"Oh yeah! Hey, as long as I can put together some good food for our customers then I'm happy."

"You're doing great Randy." Josie said with a smile.

"Thanks boss. I'll put some aside for you."

"That would be so nice since I was planning on having leftovers for dinner."

"I got you."

Josie left the small kitchenette and made her way in behind the bar. "Need any help Kyle?" Kyle was her main mixologist and a real crowd pleaser.

"Well it's Friday evening boss, we're getting busier by the second. I won't mind a bit of help if you're willing to get your hands dirty."

Josie rolled her short sleeves over her shoulders and got to work.

__________

"Hey Carrillo!"

"Bobby! How are you? It feels like I haven't seen you in ages."

"Yeah, I heard you were out of town for a bit."

"Right, I was helping Camila and her husband pack up their things. They're moving back here."

"They both still in the real estate business?"

"Yes. They want to start a family now which is why they're moving back."

"Oh cool. Yeah I guess it's better that way. Then she'll have the support of you and your sisters and your parents."

"As they say; it takes a village."

"That's true. Well I think you'll make an awesome aunt."

"Yeah because I'm so fun." She said making Bobby laugh.

"But hey, it's good to see you Carrillo. This place was kinda boring without you. And that Ken doll over there was a real pain in the ass." She nudged over to Kyle.

Josie slid a beer over to Bobby. "On the house. Kyle has a bit of a weird personality sometimes, don't take him too seriously."

"Oh, I'm definitely not. By the way I'm actually not alone tonight. My colleague is just on a call outside."

"Are we talking about the new detective that you were so skeptical about? Your new partner?" Josie asked with a smug grin.

"Okay, okay. So maybe I might have overreacted. Turns out, she's fucking cool."

"Oh come on Bobby. Don't tell me you're trying to sleep with her already."

"Why do you say that like it's a thing that I always do? And for the record she is absolutely not my type. I'm kind of offended that you would think so little of me."

"Boss! A minute please."

"Sorry Bobby, duty calls. Introduce me to your new best friend before you leave."

"We are the furthest thing from being best friends but sure, I'll introduce you as long as you don't embarrass me. My work colleagues think I'm a very serious person."

It took Josie almost 20 minutes before she found time to circle back to Bobby. But when she walked over there, the stool was vacant and her half full beer unattended.
Josie was hardly paying attention to the abandoned beer on the counter though because someone else caught her attention.

"Hi. I see you're empty handed. How can I help?"

Cruz kept her focus on her phone screen. "I'm good thanks."

"Okay, well are you waiting on someone?" Josie asked, studying this dark haired woman.

"Yeah. My colleague just went to the bathroom. Actually, you know what.." Cruz placed her phone face down on the counter then looked up at the person who's been trying to get her attention. "Can I get uh- Wow. Hi." One thing about Cruz, she appreciated a beautiful woman.

Josie giggled, "Hi. Can I get you a what?"

"Bourbon. Neat." Cruz answered while holding eye contact.

"Okay."

"And maybe another beer for my colleague."

Josie halted and turned back. "Wait, are you with Bobby?"

"I am. You two know each other?"

"We're friends. I'm Josie by the way."

Cruz shook her hand in the most gentle way. "Cruz. Nice to meet you Josie."

"Yeah you too." Josie made quick work of getting Cruz' drink. "Working with Bobby must be exhausting." She said jokingly.

"She can be a bit intense sometimes but that's not a bad thing in our line of work."

Bobby waltzed back with a smile on her face. "Captain Carrillo, I see you've met Detective Manuelos."

Cruz' eyes dart between the two of them. "Captain?"

"I used to be a firefighter. I was interim captain for a couple of months and this one won't let it go."

Cruz was impressed. "No shit. You were actually a firefighter?"

Bobby snickered and nudged Cruz with her shoulder. "That's not even the most impressive thing about her. Tell her what you did before becoming just a regular firefighter."

"You're ridiculous."

Cruz laughed along. "Oh now I have to know."

"I started out as an aerial firefighter. You know, the one's that get to fly helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to waterbomb some of the wildest fires."

"That has got to be the coolest thing I've ever heard."

"It was a lot of fun especially since I had a serious fascination with helicopters as a kid. The job was stressful as hell but so satisfying when you succeed, you know."

They talked a little more until Josie was pulled away again.

Cruz watched as she left. "She's something.."

Bobby grinned as she looked at Cruz. "I know a crush when I see one."

"Thanks for tonight but I should get home."

"Tomorrow's Saturday though. We barely had any work for the past two weekends Manuelos, what's the rush?"

"No rush. It was just a long day. And you know damn well crime can pop up any time, any day. We've been getting lucky having two whole weekends off back to back."

"Well say we get lucky again, what are your plans for the weekend?"

"I'm still getting my apartment sorted out and I should definitely go grocery shopping. My fridge and pantry is bare."

"Why don't you ask Carrillo out for dinner." Bobby teased her.

"Oh she's. .?"

"Like you couldn't tell!"

"I mean I didn't want to assume. Well that's great news."

Bobby received a text message and got up. "I gotta dip, Manuelos. See you monday."

"The fuck? You were just trying to convince me to stay longer."

"Yeah but I just received an invitation that I can't decline, if you know what I mean."

"I drove here with you Bobby. How the hell am I supposed to get home?"

"You're a big girl, you'll figure it out. See ya!"

"Asshole!"

Cruz slowly finished her drink and opened the notes app on her phone. She took the time to make a grocery list and a to-do list for the weekend, if she doesn't get called into work. She then moved on to read through her emails.
She didn't even realize how long she was on her phone but when she looked up the bar was basically empty. Staff were busy cleaning up.

Josie appeared from the back and walked right over to her. "You helping us close up tonight?"

"Sorry. I lost track of time."

"Hey don't worry about it. It's fine. Did Bobby leave?"

"Yup, abandoned me for a date. Can I ask you something?" After her second bourbon Cruz now felt much more relaxed.

"Sure."

"Why did you leave the fire department?"

"There was a lot of politics involved. And I kind of almost died as well."

"You guys definitely risk your lives out there, that's for sure. Politics though?"

"My father was a politician. He got caught up in some shady business. It came to light and he had to step down from his position. It was a big scandal. I was in the running to become captain at the fire station and that got taken away from me because of him."

"That's not fair."

"I know but I let it go. I still gave it my all on every shift but it got exhausting and I didn't enjoy it as much anymore. The day he got sentenced I was on duty. My head was all over the place and I messed up, which is how I almost died."

"Was it a tough decision to make?"

"You could say so because I knew I was a damn good firefighter. But at the end of the day I had so much more that I wanted to do so I got out and I started this business. I have a lot more time on my hands now that's for sure. And I don't get suspected of being cut from the same corrupt cloth as my father."

"Oh so you own this place? That's awesome. "

Josie had a shy smile on her face. "I do. It's my pride and joy."

"Where does the name come from?"

"The Lioness. It's just for the strong women around me. My mom and my sisters."

"That's nice."

"Is your dad still in the picture?"

"He took his own life in prison."

"All done boss! We're good to go. See you tomorrow."
Josie gave her staff members a thumbs up as they left.

"Sorry about that. Sorry for asking so many questions too. I think it's the detective in me."

"No you're good. It's okay."

"I should get moving. You probably want to get home as well."

"Do you live close by?"

"Yeah, I wanted to get a place close to work and everything else."

"And how are you settling in? Moving to a new city isn't always easy."

"It's been good so far. I just need to unpack some more boxes and find a car then I'm all set. Speaking of a car, I should get an uber to get home."

"I could give you a ride."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, come on." Josie locked up and lead Cruz to her car.

"Do you miss it? Firefighting?" Cruz asked as they drove.

"Sometimes. The adrenaline rush when we got called out will remain unmatched. Did you always wanted to be a detective?"

"I was raised by a single dad. He was a cop and I looked up to him. Basically I wanted to be just like him. My dad, he died after a short illness but I'm just glad that he got to see me following in his footsteps and making him proud. I've only been a detective for three years now. Not as much action as being a cop but I still get to kick ass every now and then."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"It is what it is, you know. He was a good man and we had a lot of amazing years together. So how did you and Bobby become friends?"

"She was just one of the first regulars at the bar. We'd chat and I guess our friendship just developed in that way."

"You know..you are a very interesting person Josie."

They were silent for the rest of the drive.

"This is it. Thanks again for the ride. I appreciate it."

"No need to thank me."

They both got out. Josie leaned against the car. Suddenly the attraction and tension between the two was very real.

"You should go." Cruz said in a desperate whisper. Although her feet did the opposite and carried her forward until she stood inches away from Josie.

"Do you want me to go?"

After intensely gazing into each other's eyes they were stumbling through Cruz' apartment door. Heated kisses being exchanged. Hands exploring each other's bodies.

Cruz cursed as her ankle hit one of her unpacked boxes. That didn't stop her though. She pulled Josie back in and hoisted her up; carrying her to the bedroom.

Cruz woke up the next morning with a leg draped across her waist. She carefully moved on her side to get a better look at the woman who basically matched her freak all night long. That is something that had never happened before.
She maneuvered herself out of bed to start coffee.

Cruz settled on the couch with her coffee and her laptop. She heard footsteps and when she looked over her shoulder she had to suppress a moan at the sight. Josie had her white button-up shirt on. Only the shirt.

"What?" Josie asked ever so innocently and sat down next to her. She took the cup from Cruz and drank from it. "Oh that's good coffee." Then handed it back to her.

"Yeah and it's also mine. I made enough for more than one person so maybe get your own?"

"Is this how you treat your guests?"

Cruz put her laptop and the cup on the coffee table and pulled Josie onto her lap. "I don't usually give my guests multiple orgasms."

Josie smirked and kissed her. "Last night was fun."

"Definitely."

"We should do it again."

"You look good in this shirt."

"I was going to put my jeans on but I was a bit sore in some places. Not that I'm complaining. Is it okay that I just grabbed your shirt?"

"It's alright."

"I mean if you want it back you could just take it off of me right now."

Cruz chuckled as her hands slipped underneath the shirt, feeling Josie's smooth skin. "You're so bad."

"Me? Never." She grinned and latched her lips onto Cruz'.

_________

They have been seeing each other more regularly and hooking up. This time they were at Josie's house.
Cruz had Josie pinned on the bed while making her squirm with pleasure.
Josie barely had time to catch her breath when Cruz removed her fingers, replacing it with her tongue. "Fuck!" She held Cruz' head down between her legs and began thrusting her hips.

After they took turns to give each other incredible orgasms Josie decided to cook dinner and Cruz wasn't opposed to the idea.

"This is actually really good. Wow."

"Oh? Do I not look like I can cook?"

"That's not what I meant. I've just never had pasta that tasted this good in a long time."

"That can't be true. You're giving me a massive ego boost here Detective."

"No, seriously. Being raised by a single dad, I mean he did what he could in the kitchen and then there's me who's even more useless so, yeah.." She said totally nonchalant.

"Now I'm really curious to know how you survive on a daily basis."

"Peanut butter and protein powder."

"You're joking!"

"Not really. That is my go-to when I don't have the time or energy to order takeout. I can't cook to save my life. Sandwiches are my specialty."

Josie put down her fork and smirked, "None of your girlfriends ever taught you how to cook?"

"Ha! Unfortunately not. Or maybe it's because we never make it that far for cooking lessons."

"Well I'm glad I could satisfy you in more ways than one."

"Yeah, you're really good at that. Really good." They share a laugh.

"Hey there's a lot of pasta left, I can give you some to take with you." Josie could tell Cruz was about to protest so she interjected quickly, "I'm offering. And if you don't take it I'll be upset."

Cruz chuckled. "Wow, okay."

"Oh! I have to make you my famous burrito. It's a classic in the Carrillo household."

"I'm going to be busy these next few days but sure, we should make it happen."

"Great!" Josie was genuinely excited.

They actually just hung out and chatted after dinner before Cruz announced her departure.

"Oh by the way, Bobby has been a pain in my ass about us hanging out."

"Hanging out is certainly a much more appropriate term for what we've actually been doing."

"Yeah well she doesn't need to know all that."

"Just so you know, she's not gonna back off. Bobby thrives on being annoying. Anyway, you should go and get some sleep. It's getting late."

"Thanks again for the food." Cruz said bashfully, holding up the tupperware.

"My pleasure."

"So..I'll uh- Can I text you? Like, when I'm not so busy anymore."

"Of course. Goodnight Cruz."

"Goodnight Josie."

______________

"Josie! Your phone. Someone's calling you."

She had all of her sisters over for the night. A night which involved homemade pizza, wine and music.
Josie rushed around the kitchen counter, wiping her hands on her apron as she went. She smiled when she saw the caller ID.
"Hi."

"Hey. Sorry I was busy all day and I just checked my phone and saw your texts."

"You do sound tired."

"I just haven't had a moment to myself all day. But how are you? How was your day apart from the asshole that almost drove into you." That's what Josie's double text to Cruz was about. Her almost accident.

"It got better. Wait, can you hear me okay, because there's music playing on my side."

"I can, you're good. Are you still at the bar?"

Josie moved out of the kitchen anyway because the music and her sisters curious glances were distracting.
"No, at home. Having a little get together with my sisters."

"Oh okay. Sounds like fun."

"We're making pizza from scratch. Why don't you stop by, I bet you didn't have dinner yet."

Cruz snorted. "I've been surviving off of coffee all day."

"Now that's just unacceptable."

"I'm fine though. I'm about to leave the office then I'll just grab a burger or something. You enjoy your time with your sisters."

"Please?"

"I won't be good company right now. Plus I'm not really good at talking and with all your sisters there I might embarrass myself."

"You're an excellent talker. You talk to me."

"You're easy to talk to. I like talking to you."

"I like talking to you too."

"You want me to meet them?"

"I just thought it would've been nice to have you here but you've had a long day and you need rest. Plus they can be a lot and that's not what you need right now."

"I'm sorry. Another time?"

Josie chuckled. "It's okay Cruz." She could hear a car door closing. "You going home now?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Well, thanks for calling me. It was nice to hear your voice."

"Same. Have fun with your sisters. Can I see you tomorrow maybe?"

"Of course. Goodnight Cruz."

"Goodnight Josie."

Josie returned to the kitchen with a smile.

"Oh look who's back. Was that the girl you've been talking to?"

"Yep."

"Interesting. Is she coming over? Do we have to leave?"

"She's not and no."

"Okay because you're smiling a lot right now. If you're cheesing this hard from a phone call, I don't want to know what you're like in that girl's presence."

Lucía handed Josie a full glass of wine. "Well if she's not coming over then why did she call?" She asked.

"None of your business. You do realise I'm your oldest sister, right? Stop trying to interrogate me."

"We're nosy, it's that simple. So are you guys official now?"

"No we haven't really talked about defining what we're doing."

"You sure are acting like a couple."

"No we're not."

"Well she makes you blush and smile like a lovebug. It is far beyond hooking up. Show us a picture of her."

"We don't take pictures because we're not a couple."

"Do you want to be her girlfriend?"

"Lucía you're asking a lot of questions. Put your pizza in the oven and top up your glass."

Their bickering continued throughout the night. And after they have opened one too many bottles of wine it didn't take much convincing from Josie's sisters for her to video call Cruz.
"If she gets mad at me for this I'm never talking to any of you again." Josie said trying to sound serious but failing miserably. She was way too giggly.

"She won't." They were all hovering over Josie to get a view of the screen.

Camila chimed in, "I mean it is pretty late."

"You're the one that started it! You told me to call." Josie argued and then they all went silent when a face appeared on the screen.

"Hiii." Josie said, blushing.

"Are you okay?" Cruz asked to make sure. Because in her field of work, getting a phone call this time of night was never a good thing.

"Mhm. Perfect!" Her sisters were all giggling behind her like a bunch of school girls.

"Josie.." Cruz said with a hint of a smile. "It's 1am."

"They forced me to call you." She blurted out in order to maintain her innocence.

"I see. And what was the reason for this call?"

"Because they're nosy!"

"Hii Cruz!" They sang simultaneously.

Josie winched. "Sorry."

"Hey, it's okay. But you guys did wake me up with this call though."

"I'm gonna hang up. I'm sorry. Go back to sleep."

"I'll call you tomorrow."

Josie laughed as if Cruz just said the funniest thing. "It is tomorrow, silly."

"Yeah, I guess it is. Well then I'll call you later, okay? You guys have fun."

"Can I come over?"

"You've been drinking. I'm not letting you drive over. Besides, it's late."

"Fine." She huffed.

"I'm gonna go back to sleep."

"Me too."

"You're going to sleep too?"

"Yeah. I'm tired now."

"Okay then. Bye ladies. Goodnight Josie."

As soon as the call ended her sister's were all over her. "What the hell Jos, she's gorgeous!"

"I know."

"And sweet."

Again Josie said, "I know."

"Oh mamá is going to love her."

"No! You can't tell mom Camila."

"Why not?"

"Cruz and I are not in a relationship."

"Not yet. You'll make it official soon."

"I'm going to bed. Tell your husband to bring us breakfast when he picks you up in the morning. Goodnight."