Page 16 of Passionate Hearts

They sat in relative silence for a few more minutes before Brianna’s alarm went off. A clear sign that she needed to get back to her workday.

“You ready to go?” Brianna asked.

“I am,” River smiled.

That evening Brianna pulled too many clothes out of her closet to try on. She settled on something simple, black jeans, a white T-shirt, and her favorite flannel. It was the kind of outfit she knew would fit in at just about any show. She was meeting Miranda, a cute blonde woman with a fun sense of humor. With her feelings for River evolving, it was nice to be going out on a date with a viable option.

River was sitting on the couch on her way to the door.

“You on your way to your date?” River asked.

“I am. Is Tiff coming over?”

River gave her a shy smile.

“She is.”

“Good, I’m glad she can make it,” Brianna said genuinely.

“Me, too. Have the best date, friend,” River smiled.

Whatever connection was forming between them, Brianna was glad they still wanted what was best for each other.

“Thanks, friend.”

Brianna opened their front door and almost collided with Tiff.

“Sorry about that,” Brianna laughed.

Tiff gave her a look that was somewhere between boredom and annoyance.

“Where are you off to?” Tiff asked.

“Brianna’s got a hot date,” River shouted.

“Must be nice. Going out on the town,” Tiff answered low enough that only Brianna heard her. Molten lava flooded Brianna’s veins, but she quickly calmed herself.

“I don’t know. I think it would be nice to have someone to stay in with,” Brianna retorted quietly. Tiff gave a half-hearted shrug before walking through the door. Tiff closed the door behind her, clearly Brianna’s cue to leave.

Miranda was waiting for her at the bar. Her face lit up when she saw Brianna. That was always a good sign on a first date. Brianna put in her order at the bar. She grabbed her beer from the man serving the bar customers and opened up her tab. Miranda directed her to the row of tables outside on the patio.

“My friend should be playing her show out here in a bit. But this gives us a chance to talk first.”

Brianna’s smile widened.

“I would like that. How was your day?” Brianna asked.

“Pretty good. Today was my light day as far as classes go. So, I only had to be at school for a few hours.”

“Oh, are you a student?” Brianna asked.

She had met Miranda at a show, which had been too loud to exchange much information.

“I am. I’m taking business classes.”

“Are you at WaterColor University?” Brianna asked.

“I am. This is my third year.”

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