“I formed the impression that she knows what she’s talking about,” Athena responded, pressing the curve of her lips into a straight line. “I need to head out too, but I’m glad I ran into you. Getting in some pet therapy is just what the doctor ordered after that meeting.” She rolled her eyes, deposited Snuffles in Flash’s arms, and murmured, “I’ll fill you in later.”
“Do I get to see you tomorrow?” Flash asked. The creative side of her brain had been spinning with ideas for their next date, searching for something less conventional—and less expensive—with which to impress and entertain Athena. Surely she could come up with something besides watching TV that she could afford. Although she had tucked away some money from the extra shifts, Flash was saving that to take Athena on a trip somewhere … if there was anywhere she hadn’t already been.Why is it so hard for me to get past this money obstacle?
In a low, husky voice, pitched where nobody else could hear, Athena replied, “I certainly hope so. Call me?”
A satisfied grin lit Flash’s face. “Deal!”
The next day
After returning from her shift, Flash spent most of the day puzzling, planning, and plotting what amazing, surprising, innovative, inexpensive date she could devise. While going for a run, showering, munching on a sandwich, and playing with Snuffles, the wheels of her brain ticked away, crossing off idea after idea. She would enjoy indoor rock climbing or a romp around a Ninja gym but worried it might be too physically demanding for Athena. Thinking of her girlfriend’s strong suits, Flash researched all the escape room adventures in town, only to nix the prospect for being too close to what she did at work every day. It was too hot for a picnic in the park or bicycle riding; did Athena even have a bike? Bowling and laser tag were activities she and her crewmates engaged in for fun, except Athena … bowling?
“What do classy women in their forties like to do for fun?”
Snuffles eyed her curiously, flung herself off the couch, grabbed a bunny by the ear, and shook it so vigorously, Flash thought the stuffing might start flying out any second. It made her laugh. “No, pups, I don’t think that’s it!” Then inspiration struck. “Or, maybe you’re on to something.”
Flash was looking for a fun getaway from all the troubles, and what better way to do that than to revisit their childhoods? Arcades were popular in the ‘90s when Athena was a teenager. Flash remembered having a great time spending Daddy’s quarters at arcades at the mall as a kid while her mother shopped for hours on end.I wonder if they’re still around.
Running an online search, Flash struck gold. “Look, Snuffles,” she enthused. “This one has pinball, old games like Donkey Kong and Mario Brothers, shooting games, race car driving, and table games like foosball and air hockey. And look.” The dog sat attentively, her big chocolate eyes following Flash’s finger to the screen. “They’re all free play, just a fifteen-dollar pass each for all the games we want for as long as we want, and they even serve some classic fast-food selections. Do you think Athena would like to go back in time and be a kid again?”
Snuffles tilted her head toward Flash and licked a pink tongue over her black and white muzzle. “I’m sorry, but it says no pets. You’ll have to stay here, but this is exciting, don’t you think?”
The dog lay her head on her paws with an expression that screamed disappointment. “It’s OK. I’ll leave the animal channel on for you, and you can use your piddle pad. I’ll even put a treat in the dispenser to come out at nine o’clock for you, all right?” Flash rubbed her hand over Snuffles’ head and kissed it. “It’s just for one night. At least you didn’t get kicked out of the firehouse; that would have been dreadful.”
Skipping about like a kid headed to a candy store, Flash pulled out clothes and called Athena. “No emergencies? You don’t have to rush off to save the world from looming disaster tonight?”
“I suppose the world can wait,” came a cheeky response. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
“I’m packing you in the TARDIS and taking you back in time,” she proclaimed. “Dress casual and wear sensible shoes.”
“All my shoes are sensible,” Athena remarked.
“Well, shoes that are sensible for riding on the back of my motorcycle,” Flash clarified. She grinned when she found an old tie-dye rainbow T-shirt.
“And when must I be ready for this kidnapping to occur? I’m still at work.”
“One hour.”
“An hour?” Athena responded in disbelief.
Flash laughed. “I love you!” she sang in giddy delight and hung up the phone.
From themoment they walked through the door, Flash knew she’d hit the nail on the head. Athena’s eyes lit up as her mouth fell open. The arcade buzzed with music, dings, and flashing lights. She grabbed Flash’s hand, her head slowly rotating to face her. “I hear the Pacman theme,” she emitted in wonder. “I used to love coming to the arcade with friends from school when I was a kid, teenager, even. It must have been twenty years—gosh, maybe closer to thirty—since I’ve been in one. I didn’t even know they still existed.”
Flash bounded beside Athena, squeezing her hand with an ear-to-ear grin of satisfaction on her face. “Tonight, you get to be a kid again. No crimes to solve, no responsibility, just unabashed fun. You get to eat a cheeseburger, chili fries, or chicken nuggets guilt-free for one night.”
“I can’t even tell you the memories this brings back,” Athena continued to marvel. “And look—most of the people are adults, some older than me. You really did find a time machine. Was I ever that young, playing games like these? Oh!” She stopped, a hint of alarm in her expression. “Do you have enough quarters?”
Flash wanted to kiss her—right then and there. This smoking hot, incredibly brilliant woman had transformed into a little girl right before her eyes, and Flash loved her more than ever. It was so precious and unexpected. She smiled adoringly at Athena. “We don’t need quarters. I’ll handle the cover charge, and we get to play all the games for as long as we want. Although they close at midnight, so there’s that. But, by midnight, I expect to be engaged in a much more adult game, if you get my drift.”
“Sweetie, you never cease to amaze me.”
A ball of pure sunshine spun in Flash’s core at the look of delight she’d put on Athena’s face. She wanted nothing more than to repeat it every day from now until whenever. Maybe it didn’t even have to end. If she played her cards right, Flash might convince Athena to stick with her for the long haul.
After hours at the arcade, reminiscing as they played their favorite games, taking turns winning Street Fighter and Defenders, and indulging in the food offerings, Flash couldn’t wait to get back to Athena’s place and run her tingling hands and buzzing fingers all over her. Everything had hit the right chord, and Flash’s whole body hummed with anticipation. From the flirtatious glances Athena continued to throw her way, she suspected the feeling was mutual. If she hadn’t cared for propriety, Flash would have had her tongue down Athena’s throat before they got inside the door; she managed to restrain herself. Once inside, however …
Athena kicked the door shut and melted into Flash’s arms, heart still racing—maybe from the ride, maybe from anticipation. The arousing sensations of the kiss, the tantalizing touch of fingers on flesh, mingled with Athena’s beguiling aroma to spur Flash into a steamy fever. Unfortunately, nature was calling.
Flash eased away. “May I use your bathroom?”
