Ronnie stared at her computer screen. On her screen was the link to download the autopsy report to find out what had happened to Jolene. It was two months after the funeral, and Ronnie was getting maybe two hours a night of sleep even then.
Ronnie had a good track record of never crying during a funeral, but she was a mess during Jolene's. She had a full meltdown when she approached the coffin. Carol held her up as Ronnie wailed and choked. Jolene had so many people show up to pay their respects. Honey Lo came out to stay with Ronnie to make sure that she was looking after herself.
Ronnie stared forward and fiddled with her track pad. She was sick enough from not eating and dry heaving as it was. There was something that prevented her from opening the document, as if there was something incriminating, or as an indictment on Ronnie.
She decided to open the PDF, then get up and get some pineapple juice. She stood by the sink and drank it, feeling better that she was getting some fluids into her. She made her way back to the kitchen table and looked at the document from the Maricopa County coroner. It was only because of Jolene's excellent health and young age that the pathologist decided to investigate.
Ronnie read the findings--an ischemic stroke. They assumed that there was a blockage that started in Jolene's heart, then made its way up into her brain. The blockage could have formed well into her youth, and was more likely, since Jolene had such a low-fat diet into her adulthood.
Ronnie sighed, then her eyes misted up. She felt so guilty for so long, and now she found out that the cause of her death was something that might have been preventable.
Ronnie was still running her own business from home. Ginger was now a full partner, and she was helping out a great deal with operations. They now had four technicians as well as Ronnie, who would handle the scheduling and customer calls.
This was further complicated by Jolene leaving her controlling interest in the gym. She felt like she could manage looking after the purchases and the payroll, but she did not have the same physical acumen that Jolene had. She thanked God for Heather being there. She seemed to know how to handle the customers, at least. Ronnie knew about Jolene's plans to expand the drive-thru drink idea, seeing as it suddenly became wildly profitable.
The weeks went by, and Ronnie sulked in the house as she worked away at the businesses. Every once in a while she would glance at a picture of Jolene hanging on the wall, some from her competitions, others of her in studio portraits. Ronnie would think back to how old-fashioned her wife seemed sometimes.
Six months after Jolene died, Ronnie allowed herself a chance to enjoy herself again. She went out to Maddie's bar to see what she could find.
Patty was tending bar that night, and noticed Ronnie come in. Cobra had come in from the door and rested an elbow on the bar.
Patty flicked her chin at Ronnie, who had already found some company. "Haven't seen Ron in so long."
Cobra nodded. "I'm glad she's back. She needs to get back out there."
"You don't think it's too soon?" asked Patty.
"Nah, and I would never tell someone that, especially a good customer." Cobra whistled as she saw the girls Ronnie was chatting with. "Jolene was one-of-a-kind. Ronnie's not gonna do any better, but she can try and do something to feel less lonely."
Patty gave Cobra a playful punch in the shoulder. "How come I never see you hitting on any of these babes?"
Cobra gave Patty a baffled look. "I'm straight, dude." She walked away from the bar.
Patty made a face. "The fuck? Really?"
Ronnie had ordered drinks for her new friends. The fun one was Devi, a dark-skinned slender babe with thigh-high dark socks, and a mini-skirt and vest that looked like a schoolgirl outfit. She had brought her friend, Peyton, who seemed nervous to be there. Peyton was in a plain buttoned-up blouse and black slacks.
Ronnie had on her green deep-vee and capris. It felt good for her to get out and socialize. She was loving the new people she met, even if Peyton was being quiet and a bit weird. Devi was a little firecracker of deep laughs and flirty touches. Every now and then she would rub her leg up against Ronnie's thigh. Ronnie was getting warm every time she looked at Devi's deep brown eyes and her shapely cheekbones.
After a few drinks, Devi tapped Ronnie on the leg. "Meet me by the bathroom in two minutes, okay?" Devi got up and slid out of the booth to go near the back.
Ronnie tapped the table as she watched Peyton try to hold her hand over the candle. "Yikes," Ronnie mumbled as she got up. "Hey, don't go anywhere, okay? I just have to do something."
Ronnie headed to the back as well, and Devi was leaning up against the wall with her hands flat on her thighs.
The two of them clutched onto each other and kissed. Ronnie's head swam as she felt the heat coming off of Devi. The ambient music pulsed in her body while her hands explored Devi's slender body. The scent of alcohol and sweat hung in the air--the smell of sex. Devi ran her fingers through Ronnie's soft brown hair, while Ronnie had her hands resting on Devi's lower back, tempting her to grab two handfuls of sweet ass.
The two of them pulled back and smiled. "Wow," remarked Devi. "You wanna get out of here?"
Ronnie nodded. "What about your little weird friend?"
Devi pulled her lip back and grunted. "I can't abandon her. Can we...bring her along?"
Ronnie's eyes went wide. "Wow. Is she down for that kind of thing? I seriously thought you two were dating."
Devi laughed. "She's...kind of a friend, kinda something else. We're not sure yet."
Devi clasped hands with Ronnie, then took her over to the booth. She practically ordered Peyton to come along with her and go back to her place. The three of them got out and got into a cab.
Peyton sat in the front seat and played with the window, while Ronnie and Devi sat in the back and stared at each other. Ronnie did not want to upset Peyton by putting any moves on Devi, nor to give the creepy cabbie a free show.
They stopped at Devi's place, a basement apartment with a separate entrance. Ronnie guessed that Devi was just young enough to be starting out in life. They got in, with Devi tossing her keys onto the counter and kicking off her shoes. Ronnie took her own off, while Peyton went to get a bottle of water.
Devi and Ronnie put their arms around each others' waists and went into the bedroom. They sat on the bed and kissed. Ronnie made herself comfortable and laid back while Devi got up on her hands and knees.
Peyton walked in and sat down at the desk chair while Ronnie and Devi made out. Ronnie let her eye wander over to Peyton, who was watching them as she sipped her water. Devi kissed Ronnie's neck while Ronnie stared at Peyton.
"Hey," Ronnie said to Peyton. "You just like to watch or what?"
