Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
As predicted, the weather was perfect for a Saturday afternoon stroll through Friendship Park. Joan studied the elaborate paint job on an Asian fusion food truck done in shades of red, orange and yellow. Two rows of trucks and other mobile vendors lined the large, open greenspace. The air was filled with conversations, mouthwatering competing scents, and happy pop music playing nearby.
Sadie took a bite of her shredded chicken empanada. She’d been very patient with Joan nerding out and asking the vendors a bunch of questions. “Thanks for humoring my curiosity,” Joan said, and gave her a smile. “In retrospect, this maybe wasn’t the best idea for a first date.”
“When you said you were interested in food trucks, I didn’t know you meant, like, interested ,” Sadie said, eyes widening in an exaggerated expression of fascination.
“I tried to warn you in my texts.”
“You did.”
“I’m learning a lot, so I appreciate it.”
“I don’t mind.” Sadie grinned at her. “It’s cute how excited you are.”
“Thanks.”
She looked cuter than cute with her old-school, curled red hair and 1940s-style green dress with little yellow polka dots and espadrille sandals. Her fire-engine red nails coordinated with her bright lipstick. The deep V on her dress highlighted the twin swells of her delectably more-than-a-handful breasts.
Joan took care not to drop any ground beef from her empanada on her buttoned-up, short-sleeved patterned shirt and black pants. In crowded situations, it was best to play it safe and blend in. Nobody needed to notice her. If anything, someone might stare at her bright white new kicks with red stripes.
She adjusted her black Wayfarer sunglasses—a necessity in public due to her eyes occasionally flaming up when something triggered her.
They walked past the big rock with a plaque commemorating the creation of the park. Its metal had tarnished with age, but one could still read the inscription about how a Supervillain attack had damaged the area’s buildings beyond repair. It lauded the Heroes for thwarting the worst assault in Vector City’s history.
Sadie chose a wrought iron bench beneath a large, shady tree. She set her cup of horchata between them. Joan did the same, then pulled her stash of business cards and menus from her back pocket. Mark had already scoped out the festival and texted her the names of a few specific trucks to check out. Their plan was to come back tomorrow and take extensive notes.
“So many,” Sadie teased. “The vegan truck is my favorite so far. That was the best chicken and waffles I’ve ever eaten, and it wasn’t even real chicken.”
“I’ve had their food before,” said Joan. “Everything they make is perfection.”
“My empanada’s really good,” Sadie said, poised to take another bite. “How’s yours?”
“It’s interesting. I’m trying to work out the blend of spices.” Joan munched on hers. Cumin, chili powder, a hint of oregano.
She flexed her sore hand. That arnica gel did help, but it took time to recover from smacking her gloved fist repeatedly into Catch’s facemask. That thing was made out of a lightweight but strong-as-hell material. She almost wanted to ask Darlene what it was.
Melvin. What a dick. Running away and letting someone else fight his battles for him. Unnecessary conflict was so…unnecessary. And Darlene thought all conflicts were very necessary. On the bright side, it’d caused Sadie to fuss over her. It might not be so bad to get clobbered if Sadie was there to take care of her.
Sadie smiled over her empanada. “You’re really trying to figure out those spices,” she said, laughing.
Joan blinked and refocused on her food. “Oh. Yeah. It’s rich and complex.”
“Do you want to try mine?”
“Sure.”
Sadie held hers out for Joan to take a bite. The chicken was missing one more layer of flavor. “Good, but I like mine better,” Joan said.
She offered hers for Sadie to sample. Sadie wrapped her fingers around Joan’s hand and took a small nibble. She chewed, nodded, then said, “Yours is better. I’d get one, but I have to save room for those fancy strawberry shortcakes.”
“Those look so good.”
They grinned at one another. The whole afternoon had been fun and relaxed. Sadie was really easy to talk to and joke with. Her warm brown eyes were constantly filled with good humor. Her whole vibe was so comfortable and comforting, you never wanted to leave its orbit. She was beautiful and charming and made you feel like you’d known each other your whole lives.
The way she’d fussed over Joan the other night… Plus, she’d texted every day to see how Joan was feeling. No one outside of Mark had ever done that.
And she was into learning more about Joan. Which wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be, since Sadie seemed to like nerdy foodies. Joan could give her nerdy foodie for days.
Ah, damn it. It wasn’t fair to pretend she worked at a fitness center. Another “gym injury” would for sure raise suspicion.
“So.” Sadie took a sip of her drink. “How come you’re so interested in food trucks?”
“It’s a dream of mine to have one someday,” Joan said. At least she could be honest about that.
“Really?”
“Yeah. My broth—” No, better play it safe and not call Mark her brother. “—cousin and I have been brainstorming ideas for what we’d do if we had our own food truck.”
Sadie’s thin eyebrows drew together. “You’d rather run a food truck than…work at a gym?”
“It’d be something different. And I’d get to make delicious food for lots of people.” More honesty.
“What kind of food would you serve?”
“I love hot gourmet sandwiches, so we’d do those. Easy things to eat on the go, like these.” Joan wiggled her empanada. “Mark—my cousin—is a genius with sauces and toppings. He’d handle those. He also makes really good ice cream. Simple meals crafted from quality ingredients.”
“That’s a great idea,” Sadie said. “Put your unique twist on familiar favorites.”
“That’s what we’re going for. Cool how you picked up on that.”
“I am in the food service industry.”
“I should be turning to you for advice,” Joan said.
“Anytime.” Sadie nudged her leg with one foot. “Do you have a name picked out? An overall concept?”
“We were thinking about calling it Hot and Cold.”
She considered that. “Hot sandwiches, cool prices? No, wait. Hot servers, ice cream to cool you down.”
Joan chuckled and couldn’t help saying, “You’re so cute.”
Sadie just grinned.
“We’d like a turquoise, pink and white theme. That’s why I asked you about designing logos. Maybe someday we’ll need one.”
“Sure. Just say the word.”
“I will.” Having a logo would make Hot and Cold feel more real. More attainable.
They finished their empanadas in silence. Sadie dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “It’s too funny that’s your dream. I’ve been saving money for years to open my own little café.”
“Really?” Joan said, pleasantly surprised.
“Yeah.” A dreamy smile played about Sadie’s lips. “It would have the same cozy atmosphere as my apartment. Comfy pillows and cushions, lots of color. It’d be drinks and pastries. I don’t want to deal with food prep. Oh, but maybe I could partner with you to sell your sandwiches pre-made.”
“Or you could open an adjoining food truck.”
“Or we could have one mega truck. Food out of one side, coffee out the other.”
“A food semi,” Joan joked.
“Or you could park your food truck in front of my café.” Sadie tilted her head. “I wouldn’t mind.”
They shared another smile, which seemed to be the thing they enjoyed most—grinning at each other like big dorks. “What’s the name of your proposed café?” Joan asked.
“I don’t really have one. Maybe something kitschy and catchy. Or something simple like Sadie’s Café.”
A loud pop banged nearby. Joan jumped up and fisted her hands. Smoldering fire burbled under her skin. She peered over her sunglasses to survey the area.
A little boy held the string of a broken balloon up to his parents. Whew. Just a freakin’ balloon.
She released a deep breath to let the fire subside. Just a kid. Just a balloon.
Sadie watched her with wide eyes. Joan pushed her sunglasses back and sat. “Loud noises,” she said, like that might explain.
“Yeah, that scared the bejesus out of me.”
Sadie snuck a glance at her. Whether she was respecting Joan’s privacy or trying to figure out how to ask What’s up with you and loud noises? , it’d be best to pretend like that hadn’t just happened.
Joan took a big gulp of horchata. The cinnamon-y rice drink heated as it traveled to her stomach. “So what’s the holdup on opening Sadie’s Café?” she asked.
“The cost.” Sadie made a face. “The initial expenses to get it going, but also the insurance. Banks don’t like to loan money to new businesses because they know you have to spend a fortune on property and liability insurance. Those rates are ridiculous.”
“Insurance is really that expensive?”
“It’s ludicrous,” Sadie stated. “Witness what happened at Vector City Coffee. Three property damage claims in one year. Our rates are always going up.”
“I didn’t know that.” Joan never had to worry about stuff like insurance. She couldn’t even go to a regular doctor due to the whole shooting fire as a preexisting condition thing.
“It’s part of living in any big city.” Sadie tapped her on the knee. “Definitely shop around for the best quote if you do get a food truck.”
Joan quirked her eyebrows. “Any tips on the best companies?”
Sadie gave her the inside scoop on insurance companies, and which grocery stores were best for buying in bulk, and how to get equipment and supplies at a discount. They inched closer, voices growing quieter. It felt good to sit there sharing secret dreams. Reassuring. Sadie had thought about this café as much as Joan and Mark had about their food truck.
Sadie rested her fingers on Joan’s forearm. “Can I admit something to you?”
Please don’t let my skin be burning hot. “Sure.”
“I’m scared I might not be able to run my own business. Like, do all the paperwork and hire people and worry about profit and loss statements. It’s a lot of work. I don’t know if I could hack it. I’m a creative type, not an analytical type.”
Joan hummed in sympathy. “Have you thought about a business partner? Someone who’s good at that stuff?”
“I have. I asked Amit about it once. He’s been the manager of Vector City Coffee since it opened. But he doesn’t want to start from scratch. He’s married and settled in a good routine. He likes where he’s at.”
Sadie stared down at her dress. It was the first time she hadn’t been upbeat and confident about something. This was a deep confession she was trusting Joan with.
Her heart twinged.
“I’m sorry, and I hear what you’re saying.” Joan rubbed her date’s cool hand. “For what it’s worth, you strike me as the sort of woman who goes after what she wants.”
“I usually am,” Sadie said. “I think I just want this so bad. Like, more than anything.”
“It’s scary to go for something you want that much. But I think you can do it.”
“You do?”
“I do,” Joan said.
Sadie dragged her fingers along Joan’s arm. “Can I tell you something else?”
“What else?”
“You have very sexy forearms.”
Desire bloomed from her core, flowing through her veins like warm tropical waves. She brushed Sadie’s thick hair back. “Now that’s a prime example of a woman who goes after what she wants.”
Sadie pinned her with a sizzling gaze. “I really want to kiss you. If that’s okay with you.”
Okay? More like hell-to-the-yes. Joan leaned in and murmured, “See? It’s already working.”
Their lips met softly but surely. No hesitation from Sadie. Joan returned the same energy, reveling in the feel of Sadie’s mouth, the slight taste of sweet drink and savory food.
They parted with smiles. Sadie dropped another quick kiss on Joan’s appreciative lips. Joan ran her thumb down her date’s chin.
Sadie sat back and exhaled deeply. “I have to admit something else.”
“Oh yeah?” Joan stared at those luscious red lips. “What’s that?”
“I know your secret.”
Time crashed to a complete stop.
Joan blinked and managed, “What secret is that?”
“You know.” Sadie glanced over both shoulders. “That you’re Catch.”
What? “I’m what?”
“You’re Catch.” She held up a hand. “I know you have to keep it a secret, and I don’t expect you to talk about it. I just wanted you to know that I know so you don’t have to hide it. I promise not to say a word to anyone.”
This was…just… what ? “What makes you think I’m Catch?”
“Your suspect gym injuries. You act weird around doorways. How you said you absorbed my energy the other night. The way you’ve been watching the crowd.” She touched Joan’s cheek. “But it’s your eyes that gave you away. They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
Damn it, her eyes would give her away. Joan pulled back slightly.
“Also, the mysterious payment after I told you about the window. I don’t know if it was you personally, or the Supers?—”
“It was me,” Joan stated. Those assholes were not getting the credit for her kind gesture.
Sadie’s smile brightened. “It was you!” She looked around, then leaned closer. “Thank you. That was so thoughtful.”
Sadie thought she was freaking Catch ?
Sadie thought she was a Superhero?
Sadie wanted to be with a Superhero.
Joan’s heart sank. “So you only wanted to go out with me because you think I’m…”
“No,” Sadie said, shaking her head. “I wanted to jump your bones the first time I saw you. You are one hot woman, Joan Malone.”
More than you know. “But it’s a contributing factor.”
“Well, I’m not gonna lie and say it’s not. But not why you might think.” She gazed down at her lap. “I totally admit I’m eager to please and help people out. I’m an open book, and that’s been taken advantage of. And yes, I’ve been attracted to bad boys and girls and other folx in the past. But you’re…” She waved a hand at Joan. “You’re better than a good guy. You’re the good guy. I feel safe with you. I hope that’s not weird to say. But it’s true. I feel like…”
She shook her head again, then covered her mouth. Then uncovered it to add, “I’ve admired you for a very long time, that’s all.”
Admired Catch.
Well, shit. Sadie wanted to date someone who wouldn’t take advantage of her. In theory, Joan fit the bill. She was overall not a terrible jerk and never took advantage of kindness. She hadn’t seen much of it in her life, and it was sacred.
But she was a Supervillain. And had broken a lot of laws. And she was lying to Sadie. Even if she denied being Catch, she’d still be lying about the gym. Lying about the true nature of her injuries. No way would Sadie have wanted to fuss over a Villain.
Sadie looked at her with those big brown eyes. She was the good girl here. And Joan really liked her and appreciated her.
A glimmer of something akin to hope flickered in her chest. She didn’t have to confirm or deny. And there could be a nugget of truth. Several nuggets. A pack of nuggets. They could get to know the truest parts of one another and see if anything more developed.
A lie of omission was still a lie, but it was the only way she could finish this date and possibly snag another one and, yes, get to feel Sadie’s soft lips again.
Nobody had ever accused Joan Malone of being noble.
“There are things I can’t tell you,” she said. “That’s true. It’s for your own protection. The less you know, the safer you’ll be.”
Sadie nodded in understanding.
“But I’ll be as honest as I can with you, okay?”
“I know you will.”
They were silent for a few moments. Sadie slipped her hand in Joan’s and laced their fingers. “Do you really want to open a food truck?”
“I really do,” Joan said, squeezing her hand.
“You’d give up fighting crime for that?”
“Like I said, it’s something different. I haven’t really been able to live a normal life. I wouldn’t mind the change.”
“But the city needs you,” Sadie said.
“The city will be fine without me doing what I do. Or, I don’t know, maybe I could do both. I don’t know if I can just walk away.” She really had no idea if Melvin would let her, or let Mark or Perry, either. He was so hell-bent on villainous victories.
A group of chattering teenagers settled on a blanket near them to take advantage of the shade. Having this conversation in a busy public place was not a good idea. Even kissing Sadie—lovely though it was—could attract too much attention.
Sadie followed her gaze toward the food trucks and crowd. “I’m sure you don’t want to talk about this here.”
“It’s safer if we don’t,” Joan said. “I am serious about that. It’s not in your best interests for anyone to find out you… I don’t want you to get dragged into that world.”
“Plus, we’re on a date. We’re supposed to be getting to know each other.” Sadie held out her other hand. “Let’s gorge on strawberry shortcake and ask each other embarrassing questions.”
Joan took her hand gratefully. She dropped a kiss on Sadie’s cheek, taking in the scent of her smoky rose perfume. The less they talked about secret identities, the better. And it sounded like she really did want to get to know boring old Joanie.
It was much safer for everyone if Sadie got to know Joan and not Spark, and definitely not the fact that she wasn’t Catch.
* * *
If there was a recipe for the perfect date, this was it. Sadie laughed with Joan as they approached her apartment. Delicious food, fun conversation for hours, sharing secret dreams, sharing secret identities, maybe sharing some other things very soon…
“So that ended my brief childhood aspiration of becoming a roller-skating veterinarian,” Sadie said.
“Too bad,” Joan said. “That’s an underserved market.”
“What did you want to be when you grew up?”
“Hmm. I don’t really remember. Nothing as cool as a veterinarian on wheels. I did want to help people, though.”
Sadie opened her mouth to ask if being a Superhero had been on the list. No, she didn’t want to focus on that. Didn’t want Joan thinking she was some fangirl interested in Catch. Which she sort of was, but she was mostly interested in this funny, confident, mind-numbingly attractive woman beside her.
She’d barely paused in front of her door before touching her fingertips to the row of buttons on Joan’s shirt. Their kiss had been hours ago. Every molecule in her body wanted to do it again. She was practically vibrating in anticipation.
“I think I still have my roller skates at my parents’ house,” Sadie said, fingering the button just below Joan’s throat. “We could go for a roll along the riverwalk so I can show off my mad skills.”
“I’d like to see those mad skills.” Joan tilted her head and lightly settled her hands on Sadie’s waist.
“So that’s a yes for another date?”
“A big-time yes.”
They leaned in. Sadie’s breath hitched in her throat. Joan’s lips were so warm. They captured Sadie’s, the pressure increasing from gentle, then more sure, then firm. Sadie glided her hands across Joan’s shoulders. Joan released a small sigh. Her fingers moved lower to Sadie’s hips.
She opened her mouth at Joan’s gentle prodding, moaning when their tongues touched. She explored the feel, the taste, the pulse of Joan Malone. Everything about her drew Sadie in, inching her closer until her chest mashed into Joan’s and her hands slid around to feel the band of Joan’s athletic bra through her shirt.
Joan kept the pace leisurely, swiping her tongue languidly across Sadie’s. A jolt of desire rocketed down her body, making her knees go weak. Whoa. Joan was such a good kisser, it was actually weak-in-the-knees good. Sadie sucked her tongue deeper and released a throaty groan.
Joan’s heat seeped into her like afternoon sunshine. So. Flippin’. Good. Her fingers bunched the skirt of Sadie’s dress, a clear sign she wanted to hitch it up and get underneath.
Despite the protesting in her head, Sadie drew back. Joan’s grip loosened. Sadie turned just enough to fish her keys out of her pocket and unlock the door. She grasped one of Joan’s hands and started leading her into the darkened apartment.
Joan hesitated, her captivating eyes bright amber. Sadie quirked her throbbing lips and murmured, “Come inside.”
“Oh, I, uh…”
No way was she misreading the situation. At least she didn’t think so from the way Joan appeared to be mentally undressing her. “Let’s continue this in private.”
“Believe me, I’d like to,” Joan said, almost painfully. “You’re, ah…” She reached up and skimmed her hand through Sadie’s hair. “You’re so gorgeous.”
Sadie pressed a lingering kiss on the back of Joan’s hand connected to hers. “I can’t stop looking at you. Can I see more of you?”
Joan closed her eyes for a moment. Then she gently extracted her hand. “Let’s take this a little bit slower. Get to know each other better.”
Oh. Okay. “Sure,” Sadie said. “If that’s what you want, of course. I didn’t mean we had to do anything. You can just come in for a nightcap.”
A rueful smile tugged at Joan’s lips. Probably from the way Sadie had unintentionally said nightcap all wink-wink, nudge-nudge.
“You’re great,” Joan said, sliding her hands in her pants pockets. “And you’re really sweet. I can’t wait for our next date.”
“Ditto,” Sadie assured her.
“I want to respect you. You deserve to be respected. So I’m gonna say goodnight now.”
Uhhh, thank you? “I respect your wishes, so…” She took a step closer. Joan met her halfway for a soft kiss. “Goodnight.”
“Sweet dreams,” Joan murmured.
“Oh, they’ll be more spicy than sweet.”
Joan laughed and kissed her again before moving away.
“Text me when you get home so I know you got in safe,” Sadie joked.
“I will.”
Joan slowly strolled to her place. Sadie’s gaze dropped to the tight ass inside those black skinny-leg trousers. The energy surrounding Joan seemed to fill the hallway, pulling at Sadie, taunting her.
Ugh, she had to go inside and deadbolt her door before she succumbed to it.
She sighed and melted onto her beige carpet, splaying her arms and legs. She was a little disappointed and would definitely need to take care of the throbbing in her pink panties. But Joan liked her—respected her—enough to not rush things. She’d listened to and acknowledged Sadie saying she’d been too open too soon in the past.
Joan didn’t want to be like the others, but she was already nothing like them. A heroic person in real life as well as her, well, professional life.
Sadie’s phone vibrated in her pocket. A giddy grin stretched across her face as she wrestled with her skirt to retrieve it.
Made it home safe and sound.
Then another text appeared.
Today was perfect. Thanks for everything.
“Today was perfect, Joan Malone,” Sadie said. She squee-ed and rolled onto her stomach to type her reply. The night didn’t have to end just yet.