Hello everyone,

you haven’t heard anything from me for a while. As always, I’ve been terribly busy, not only teaching at the University, but also taking care of my mom and spending time with my boyfriend who was diagnosed with cancer last November - again. He’s feeling good now, we’re waiting for the results to see whether chemotheraphy and radiotherapy was successful or if they need to treat him further. Anyways, sometimes I need to take some time for myself and I decided to write a very short oneshot about friendship for my best friend @musashikojironyarth <3 she’s such an adorable young lady and we hit it off right away. I love that we can chat on a daily basis and talk about everything that is on our hearts. Thank you so much for being my friend, dear <3 Enjoy this short story about Jessie and James... It was a late summer evening in Kanto. James and his gang members were gathered on the playground of the local elementary school, going about their usual activities of drinking, making fun of other people, especially of their troubled colleague James, and turning their Pokémon on each other in competitions. You could tell from a distance that this group of people had no good intentions. They were a notorious gang that scared off many with their behaviour. Among themselves they were extremely disrespectful. They scrounged money, mobbed passers-by and acted in a morally reprehensible manner. James kept feeling out of place. People regularly took advantage of his good nature and took him apart financially. If he ever made a little money on the street, it was, quotation marks, fairly distributed among the gang members. They left him out of it and had fun teasing him all the time. James would have liked to run away and go his own way. He had long dreamed of a career as a professional PokéRinger, but the unfortunate financial situation did not allow him to venture a dream. He was trapped in this world of disrespect and objectionable views, but he knew no one in the whole wide world except his gang members, Butch and Cassidy. Tonight, the group wanted to celebrate the weekend in style, with a case of beer and lazy sayings for the people passing by. Sometimes Butch and Cassidy allowed themselves to have fun with the little kids who just want to let off steam on the playground. They would sic their Pokémon on them and laugh out loud when the little ones took off crying from fright. James didn’t think much of his so-called friends. James would have preferred to follow his dreams independently, but the current situation did not allow him to go it alone, he was forced to stay under the spell of these ruffians, as if his fate had been sealed for years. How he would have liked to break out of this prison, he didn’t fit into this picture at all. His passion were Pokémon, getting to know them, training them and participating in legal competitions with them. But all this was denied to him. and he preferred to roam the streets with two evil villains than to stand there completely alone. “James has his head in the clouds – again”, Cassidy gave him a light shove in the side. She had a great time bullying him in all kinds of ways. He was her biggest victim, but even worse was the fact that James put up with it all. He was absent with his thoughts because he had just caught sight of a young woman. She was standing a bit off the side of the swing, and her facial expressions spoke volumes of mourning. She had a splendid magenta mane, a wonderful figure, but she looked completely worn out and intimidated. Cassidy followed James’ gaze as it rested on the foreign beauty. A sardonic grin spread across her face. “I’ve seen that girl over here a few times. She’s always out on her own, never brings anyone with her. Must be an obnoxious thing no one wants anything to do with. I’m sure she’s a cocky dumb talker who can make your life pretty miserable. I’d best not bother with her, James.” James had to pull himself together to keep from completely freaking out. How could Cassidy have such an opinion about someone she doesn’t know personally, with whom she had never exchanged a word? He loathed that about his oh-so-great gang. They were shallow, brash, and mean to others. They didn’t give anyone a real chance, but drove everyone away from their self-established territory. James was different, he always wanted to please everyone. Butch and Cassidy, his Pokémon, preferably the whole world. He was a very attentive young Pokémon trainer who used his powers to take care of his little friends and not to judge people by their appearance and mock them. This beautiful woman seemed quite lonely and it was his duty to get to know her, to find out something about her and to be able to help her if necessary. His Pokémon would certainly assist him in this. Regardless of Butch and Cassidy’s reaction, James joined the stranger. He approached her very shily and timidly and put on a smile that, in view of the suffering in this gang, was quite difficult for him. The young woman did not notice him at first. She was engrossed in a flyer and didn’t pay much attention to her surroundings. James cleared his throat.

“Would you like to see my Pokémon?” he asked cautiously. She looked up and gave him a withering look. “If that’s an immoral offer, I’ll pass, thanks! Have a nice evening and kindly leave me alone!”

James had not expected this reaction. But with this, the young woman already revealed a lot about herself. Fur sure, she had fallen victim to lousy and clumsy pick-up lines. Perhaps men hurt her deeply and that’s why she reacted so dismissively. He tried his luck again.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. My name is James and I really wanted to show you my Pokémon, my loyal companions who have never disappointed me”, he took out his Pokéballs and out jumped Victreebel and Mime Jr. The funny little Pokémon immediately clung to James’ neck and Victreebel showed his affection by draping himself over his trainer’s head. The young lady had to stifle a laugh.

“You really have your Pokémon under control. They hug you so tightly that you can’t breathe and smack your head with pleasure. I guess you are an excellent trainer. But it’s really sweet how your companions stick by you. My name is Jessie” she held out her hand to him, hesitantly at first, then firmly. James smiled gently, at least the ice was broken. But then her gaze hardened. She did not move a muscle.

“Listen, James! I can take care of myself quite well and don’t need anyone to stand in my way. Why don’t you go back to your friends? I’ve learned a lot from people. They befriend you, take advantage of you, and then drop you. I’m tired of being the rebound guy, so just leave me alone.” This statement hit James right in the heart. How could she get the insane idea that Butch and Cassidy were his real friends, they were nasty bullies who mocked everyone, certainly not the kind of friends Jessie imagined. But what was a real friend?

Perhaps his new acquaintance could teach him. She looked at him pityingly.

“A true friend, James, is someone who never leaves you in the stick, who always stands by your side and supports you in everything you plan. It’s someone who would cheer me on in my competitions, who would motivate me with words and actions to chase my dreams and never lose hope. A true friend accepts you in the bright as well in the dark moments of life when you are sky high or devastated. A friend is your faithful companion, who cares for you when you’re down, who rejoices with you when you’ve achieved a feat on stage. But what am I talking about? Believe me, James, there is no such person,” she packed her bag and prepared to leave.

But James held her back. Her words touched him deeply. Everything she had said was in line with his philosophy of life, but until now the right time had never come to do everything for a person to be happy with you. Staying in the gang was no option. Jessie had just opened up to him about what future might lie ahead. A future of bonding and mutual respect. And he would give anything for a teeny tiny chance.

“Jessie, let me prove you that I can be a friend. Give me a chance to put into practice everything you just said. I don’t know you, I don’t know who you are, but I want to find out, because you just made it clear to me that there is more out there than bad moods and bullying. Let me be your friend and I won’t let you down, I promise,” he smiled tentatively at her.

Jessie eyed him urgently. James seemed sincere, and the way he treated his Pokémon, she was sure he would treat people the same way. She could use a friend who would stand by her. She had had enough disappointments, men who only wanted to take advantage of her. James seemed different, down-to-earth and decent. She wanted to give him a chance, also for her own benefit of course. A smile flitted across her lips.

“All right, James. Let’s try the experiment. I have to warn you though, I’m aiming for a career as a Pokémon showcase performer, I practice every day to become the best in the country. I like excessive shopping, jewelry, makeup and most of all attention. I want to be pampered and wood. I want a friend who will stick by me, even though I can be a little moody sometimes. Do you think you can keep up?”

Meh, AniPoke official Twitter account is really making fun of us Team Rocket fans:

"We wonder if everyone is doing ok...?"

OBVIOUSLY NOT AND YOU ARE PLAYING WITH OUR EMOTIONSSSSSS WHAT ARE YOU PLOTTING we are heartbroken

I'm pretty sure this can't be the end for our Trio. They are up to something.

Maybe we'll see you again someday in the future, who knows. Until then, wishing you heroes a White Tomorrow. 🤍

白い明日ロケット団❗

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*I don't know who the original artist is, I edited only the tv screens. Credits to him/her/them ❤️🌷

My dear friends,

it’s been a while since I last posted an entry. Let me tell you why and what, besides Covid-19, made me pause from publishing fanfictions over the last couple of months. Of course, Switzerland was very affected by the pandemic and still is today. We had numerous lock-downs or as Swiss people call it “slow downs”. My mother got very sick last year, I almost lost her. The doctors said she would only live two or three more days, but my mom is a fighter. She had to stay at the hospital for months, she endured countless medical examinations, had to take meds and slowly learned to live again. I’m so proud of my mother that she was strong and determined to get better. When she turned back home, I started to take care of her and I hate to leave her on her own, even if we’re talking about half an hour or less. Right now, she’s doing quite good, actually, we’re on vacation and she makes a great effort to participate in life in Italy. She’s my role-model! She will never be the same as before, but she won’t give up, she wakes up every morning to make progress. I prayed for her and her well-being, I prayed every single night she might get another chance and now we’re here at the beach and dining in fancy restaurants. It’s been a horrible year for everyone, a year full of sorrow, tears and desperation, a year where I was constantly afraid, the hospital would call me with some bad news, but she did it! She survived and she fights for her life! So proud! Good news is: I passed my doctoral exams and I’m officially allowed to call myself Dr. phil. des. Melanie C. but that won’t ever stop me from loving Team Rocket so here it is - a brand new Rocketshipping-fanfiction for you guys. LOVE YOU! Night shift

Chapter 1:

It was past ten o’clock when that miserable looking guy entered the diner. He inconspicuously sat down in the farthest corner of the café and immediately hid his face behind the menu card. Nevertheless, Jessie the waitress could make out the pathetic expression on his face, how he was cowering like a whipped dog. She had seen quite a bit in this diner. Drunks, thugs, addicts and other needy people who asked for a sympathetic ear, compassion and understanding, but that guy was different. He suffered terribly, but did not dare to communicate, instead he hid from the world so as not to attract attention and quietly endure his fate. Jessie had to do something about it. Of course, she didn’t want to play the Good Samaritan. She knew the tricks of the men who entered this diner. Most of the time, they told the waitress tall tales, hoping to be comforted, whatever they meant by that. But this young man did not make a shady impressionHe was well dressed, looked well-groomed, and Jessie was especially struck by his bright emerald green eyes, the only thing in his face that had not yet been veiled by grief and sorrow. She decided to do something about his displeasure.

“Did you have a rough day?” she asked while disinfecting the table.

He looked briefly into her eyes and nodded. “That’s one way to put it,” he answered, the gaze immediately lowered again.

This would be a taciturn conversation, but Jessie didn’t give up easily, she was a natural at making even rocks talk.

“Listen! No matter what happened, I’ve seen or heard some things. If I can help you in any way, my name is Jessie and I’m in charge of this table today. Let me just get the gum out from under your seat and get you a cold drink. What would you like?” She pulled a spatula from her apron and rubbed away the remains of the spoiled brats that marred her diner.

‘Wow,’ the young man thought to himself. ‘A strong, self-confident woman who lends a hand herself and who’s not above cleaning up dirt.’ Their eyes met briefly, and he forced a wry smile.

“You know, kid. You can’t rely on anyone. If you want to get everything done, do it yourself and don’t trust anyone. This world doesn’t give you anything for granted!” She briefly wiped the back of his chair before disappearing behind the counter and pouring the young man an ice-cold Coke.

“I have rarely seen you so concerned about a customer. Normally you show yourself aloof and only take the order, so as not to get involved in embarrassing conversations. Must be a really great pike, this pathetic creature in the far corner. Could it be that you’ve got a tiny crush on this guy?” For Eddy, teasing his best friend was the greatest pleasure. He didn’t know her like that. Jessie usually resisted any kind of small talk. This was due to her dark past, when she had repeatedly fallen for advances from men who were never looking for a steady relationship, but for a quick fix. Eddy had witnessed this bad time of his friend, how her heart was broken, how she was badly played with, and how she was simply dropped like a hot potato. Jack was the worst example of them all. While Jessie was already hearing the wedding bells ringing, he was making love to the women of the Strip and deceiving Jessie night after night with other broads. Jessie was devastated when she found out Jack was cheating on her. She was furious, not even at her lying boyfriend, but at herself for having been so stupid as to trust a man.

Jessie gave Eddy a light pat on the head. “Don’t be silly! That time is over. I can take care of myself, I don’t need male support for that. I’m a big girl, I make my own dough, and I keep my head above water pretty well. No, not a chance, I’ve sworn off flirting.” Nevertheless, she caught herself as her gaze wandered to the young man in the corner. “Oh yes, this time is definitely over,” Eddy smirked.

“Jessie, could you bring us a side of fries, please?” Misty’s order echoed throughout the hall. The twenty-year old waved her hands. She was used to speaking loudly, almost shouting, to attract guests to her daily water Pokémon show. Sometimes she walked up and down the streets of the Strip all day in the blazing hot sun, trying to win people for her underwater attraction. As an excellent student, she could have taught at any college, but she had decided early on to get into show business and make her living doing what she really loved, joined by Dewgong and Starmie. Her parents had not agreed with this decision at all, it was wasted talent, they had claimed, and had summarily turned Misty out the door. Since then, she had been struggling through life on her own, but could always count on Jess, the diner and her two best friends, Ash and Brock, young people who were also not favoured by fate.

“Temper your voice, twerp!” Jessie couldn’t help but grin. She spread the ketchup bottles around the table, hoping Ash wouldn’t spill on himself and the diner again. His constant companion Pikachu immediately hopped on his shoulder, grabbed a fry and popped it in his mouth. Ash and his Pokémon were carnies. He had trained his friend well and attracted many spectators with his performance. Most of them felt sorry for the guy and tipped generously. That’s why Ash was able to invite his friends to the diner every night, a place that gave them hope where they could experience security. They were convinced that nothing would ever disturb this idyll and that fate, for better or worse, had taken its course.

“Who’s that guy over there?” Brock wanted to know. He had barely sold chocolate and roses tonight. The others held back, but they were certain that their friend was just too pushy with women and that’s why he only collected rejections instead of green bills.

“I’ve never seen him here before. Must be from another area. I can’t tell you for the life of me why he’s wearing a suit at theses temperatures, he looks pretty pathetic to me anyways,” Jessie replied.

“Maybe his car has stalled,” Ash suggested, “and now he was forced to wander through the desert until the tasty aromas from your diner brought him back from his delirium.”

“Or,” Brock interfered, “he had to flee his own wedding because his wife is a real pain in the ass, unlike our sweet Misty,” Brock oohed at his friend. “Forget it, Brock! You and me, this will never happen!” She gave him a gentle poke.

“Enough now with your naïve speculations! Just let him enjoy his drink. We’re closing soon, so get going,” Jessie dismissed their absurd ideas with a wave of her hand, but at this point no one knew how right Brock was.

Dark thoughts hunted the young man. He knew what he would face at home if he was late. Beatings, torture, rebuke, harassment, were just a few words to describe his failed relationship. Unconsciously, he stroked his scarred arms.

“Can I get you something to eat?” Jessie pulled him out of the maelstrom of bad thoughts, of course she had noticed the wounds, but maybe he had gotten those injuries at work. The young man rummaged some coins out of his pants and let them jingle on the table. “Is that enough for a cheese sandwich?” Jessie hated small change, but she would make an exception for him. A friendly smile, a quick nod, and she passed on the order.

“Something’s wrong with this guy,” she whispered to Eddy. “He’s scarred, bruised and pays with penny coins. Possibly a vagrant.” Eddy couldn’t help but grin. “That guy’s been keeping you busy all night, Jess. What’s the matter with you? Are you getting weak?”

The young man could not overhear the conversation between the waiters, but he was sure they were talking about him. He sure made a rather frightening impression, but that was a private matter and not something you shared with a waitress in a diner.

His gaze drifted to the daily paper, which had two faces emblazoned on it: Butch and Cassidy. He had never heard of this odd couple, but according to the news, theses two were causing quite a stir and were terrifying the Strip.

“Oh, so you’ve already spotted them, those two knuckleheads! They keep the Strip in suspense, and heads roll when the taxes don’t add up,” Jessie served him the cheese sandwich and gave him a slight smile.

“Can I get you anything else?” He thanked her and took a hearty bite of his dinner.

The last half hour flew by and the remaining guests left the diner to spend the night on the Strip, as very few had a roof over their heads. Jessie set about cleaning up and Eddy checked the register.

The young man stood up and made his way towards the door. But before he left the diner, he glanced back at Jessie for a moment. A sigh escaped him. What if…?

Jessie returned his gaze and watched him go until the young man disappeared. She walked right up to his table and found a little note on the receipt.

My dear friends, it took me so long to update my fanfictions, but you all know the reasons why. But, let’s not talk about the struggles that life gives you, let’s read about Jessie and James and how they get closer.... Chapter 3:

James went all out in his new role as a waiter. He served the few guests who presented themselves hungrily on the diner’s doorstep, mixed the most delicious milkshakes Jessie had ever tasted, and his talent for mental arithmetic left even Eddy speechless. Some of the visitors eyed the young man sceptically. They weren’t used to so much motivation and drive. Most of the time they looked through a veil of inertia and hopelessness, but James brought life to the place. He was extremely accommodating and friendly, had a smile ready for every guest and talked to the visitors as if they were old friends. Jessie couldn’t get out of her amazement. She hadn’t experienced such a relaxed atmosphere in months, not since Butch and Cassidy had been watching her warily, hoping only for financial disaster. Eddy was pleased whenever Jessie’s mood lightened. He knew her tragic story all too well to wish her all the happiness in the world. She didn’t have an easy childhood, got into trouble as a teenager and struggled as a grown woman. Constantly putting her foot in her mouth, constantly being taken advantage of and bullied from top to bottom, constantly being told how useless she was in this world. But now the tragedy seemed to take a turn, this guy James had taken a fancy to her. Eddy watched Jessie as she couldn’t take her eyes off the new waiter, she was almost magically drawn to his refined manner.

“I hate to interrupt your daydreaming, but I think we have a little problem,” Eddy’s gaze wandered to a small table in the corner of the restaurant. A rather upset woman was banging on the table with all her might, standing up angrily and slinging her purse around her shoulders.

“I’ve told you many times, Brock! Leave me alone with your pathetic hit ons. You’re not my type! You and me, it’s never going to happen! Let me through, please,” she snorted disdainfully and hurriedly left the diner. Brock was left behind, looking pretty miserable. He hung his head low, sobbed heartbreakingly to himself and dragged himself to his friend’s table.

James was visibly taken aback by this little incident, but when he looked towards Jessie, she merely rolled her eyes and tried to hide a smile. Were Brock’s rejections perhaps the order of the day? Was he a hopeless romantic in search of true love?

James approached the disappointed young man and put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. Someday you will find the right woman who accepts you as you are, with all your rough edges,” James wanted to encourage him, but Brock didn’t seem to be listening. He sobbed again and buried his face in his hands.

“It’s hopeless, no one loves me. I will die alone and completely isolated from society.”

Jessie couldn’t stand by and watch the drama any longer. She threw her cleaning rag on the counter, made her way through the guests, and without waring hopped onto the table right in front of Brock. This performance alone triggered long-forgotten feelings in James. He felt so attracted by Jessie’s though nature that he had to pull himself together no to weaken. What followed made his heart throb and almost break. Jessie spoke from his soul. She bent down to Brock and unconsciously opened up to each of the guests present her deepest desires that she had suppressed for so long. She cleared her throat.

“Let me tell you this, Brock! Ture love takes time. From childhood you will be involved in relationships that will tear you apart and make you despair. First, your parents abandon you, arguably the most important ratio a young thing like me would have needed. Suddenly you are on your own, struggling with the corrupt customs of society and still trying to fit in and please your social environment. Then one day you wake up and feel you were born to be a rebel. You have not been able to build up trust for a long time, your previous acquaintances have thoroughly spoiled your belief in the good in people. You become bitter, disappointed and have hatred for this world and its inhabitants. The word love becomes anathema for you, you would rather be alone than in bad company. This becomes your motto in life. You fight your way through, you are betrayed, robbed, exploited, and chased away, and yet every shitty day you adjust your crown and carry on. But then,” her gaze fell on James for a split second, “someone enters the door of your diner, metaphorically speaking, and with them comes that sense of comfort and well-being you’ve been missing for years. This person makes you think happy thoughts, ensnares you just by his presence, you feel attracted, you want to breath in this person, love and live him, you forget the infamies of the past and can start a new phase of life. This person helps you to gain self-esteem, he can put back together the shards of your broken heart, support you and give you the love you have never felt. Yes, such a person exists for everyone in this world, even though I’ve never met him. What I wanted to tell you with this monologue, don’t give up! Love finds its way! Even if it sounds corny. So stop banging all over my expensive furniture and act like a man!” She smiled at Brock before turning back to her mountain of dirty plates.

James was moved to tears. What would he have given to take Jessie in his arms now, to hug her until she could shake off all her terrible experiences? But there were other feelings at play. He felt aroused, so aroused that he would have loved to cup Jessie’s face and kiss her. He wanted to caress her mouth, taste her lips, let his tongue melt into hers.

“Get a grip, James,” he shushed himself. Somewhat ashamed of these lustful thoughts, he tried to hide is excitement as best he could and got back to work. Jessie’s words would haunt him for a long time.

Late in the evening, when all the guests had left the diner and Eddy was dismissed by Jessie with the words “I’ve found a new victim”, she and James were faced with an almost impregnable mountain of glasses, silverware, plates and leftover food.

“Let’s get to work! Do you mind if I listen to some music? It helps me recover from the stress of everyday life,” Jessie pointed to the old jukebox in the far corner of the diner.“Go ahead!” James nodded at her and stole a small smile from Jessie’s lips. He couldn’t guess her taste in music, but when the first notes of “Baby I don’t care” by Transvision Vamp sounded, he was all the more on fire for his supervisor.

There was eager cleaning, sweeping, boning, washing up and drying. It was necessary to scrub the floor, wipe down the tables, clean up the ketchup and mayo bottles that were scattered all over the place, but the time flew by. Jessie sang along to her favourite song, and to James’ amazement, she danced and lolloped in beat to the tune.

“Careful, James. Don’t let your eyes fall out of your head,” she grinned mischievously and threw a handful of wash-off foam at her coworker. James reacted with surprise at her perky behaviour, but promptly retaliated with a sponge fight until they were both soaked down to their underwear. They laughed and snorted when the other could no longer open his mouth full with foam. They kept each other from splashing the other wet, but soon James had to admit defeat. He had no chance against Jessie.

“I surrender, Jessie,” he laughed, “please, have mercy.” Jessie knelt over him and grinned widely. “Okay, whatever you say. I’ll get you some dry clothes,” she disappeared into the storage room for a brief moment, bringing James old jeans and a tattered shirt. Actually, she didn’t want to watch him change, but her eyes kept slipping to his naked torso. James was slim and was in good shape. She could not take her eyes off his strong arms – and his scars. Long, deep scars stood out on his skin. Some of them seemed to have been disfiguring his appearance for a long time, others looked fresh, as if he had escaped an ordeal by a hair’s breadth, which nevertheless left its mark. It was on the tip of her tongue, she wanted to ask him about the reason for these ugly marks, but she held back.

James felt her gaze on his body. It was extremely uncomfortable for him to show himself to her so hurtfully, so he dismissed everything with a broad smile.

“Would you like another milkshake before we close?” he offered her. Jessie nodded and James prepared her a creamy treat topped with fruits and a sweet ingredient she hadn’t guessed until now.

“Do you think we can put your ideas into practice and turn this dump into a respectable place?” she expressed her concerns. James reached for her hands.

“To be honest with you, there are masses of things to do here. The walls need a new coat of paint, the menu needs updating, we need a slogan and we need to drum up publicity. We need financial security, and we can’t have everyone writing in, but I also understand that you want to help people and I think that’s just wonderful, just like you helped me. I promise you that we will get this all done in no time, and I will stand energetically by your and Eddy’s side to get the store up and running. I can get the materials; we’ll do the work ourselves and in a week you can plan the reopening.”

His words were soaked in hope. Jessie could see perfectly well how she could make her place shine again. New curtains, peppy patterns, bright colors, just the way she liked it. James, who was a stranger just a few days ago, could make her dream of owning a noble restaurant come true. He really was a very special person. Quiet and introverted, but at the same time looking for adventure, courageous and creative. She had to admit that she felt a soft tingling deep in her stomach, that sometimes she was out of breath when she was near him, but maybe those were just misleading signs.

“You know, James. No one has ever given me such hope as you. The last men I met were self-centred, conceited bastards who demanded everything from me, and I do mean everything, just to cheat on me with the next best curb-crawler. You’re different, you’re almost a gentleman compared to those bullies. You are so respectful and decent, one could just fall in love with you,” she blushed, completely embarrassed of the words she just said.

James was also quite abashed. “Jessie, thank you. Thank you for being so open with me, I’m just a stranger in this world after all. I’m glad I met you and I’m looking forward to our project together. No matter what happened, sometimes you have to leave the past behind, even if it keeps knocking. Just lock the door and let’s change the lock. I’ll try to support you as best as I can.”

He glanced nervously at his watch. It was after midnight, he would reap blows again for this.“I have to go now, unfortunately, but I wanted to ask you one more thing. Do you want to…” he took a deep breath. “No, forget it, never mind.”

James turned on his heel, but Jessie held him back.

“Go on a date with you? I’d love to, James.” She smiled at him.

“Friday’s a day off. How about 8 pm at the pizza place at the end of the strip?”

“Sounds great! Good night, James.”