Free Safe Passage by Kate Owen Page B

this for days and she hadn't been alone with Gen when they weren't at work. Jules buried her hand in Gen's silky blond hair, something her fingers been aching to do since she'd met the woman on the first teacher in-service day in August. The kiss deepened and Gen scraped her short nails across the nape of Jules' neck. Then, she pulled back. "Jules, if we don't stop we're going to miss dinner, and give Jake a show he really doesn't want."
    Jules nodded, then the words actually sunk in and she backed up just enough so she could think more clearly. "Sorry."
    "Oh, please, don't be sorry."
    "Good, 'cause I'm really, really not." Jules gave Gen a half smile and raised her eyebrows.
    Gen laughed and looked over her shoulder. "Jake, we're heading out, take care of Belle, please."
    "No problem, girls. Have fun."
    Gen led Jules to the door, but Jules opened it for her and Gen smiled. They walked out to Jules' car and Jules opened the passenger side door for Gen. "You know, I love all the chivalry, right? But I don't expect it."
    "I know, but I expect it of myself, if that makes sense."
    Gen kissed her cheek then got in the car. "It does."
    Jules shut the door and walked over to her side of the car, took of her jacket, placed it in the back seat, and got in. She plugged her iPod into the aux jack and started a playlist for background music.
    "So, now will you tell me where we're going?"
    "Nope."
    "Tease."
    "Takes one to know one," Jules shot back.
    "Oh, I promise, I will follow through eventually."
    Jules eyes widened and she gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles were white. "Gen, I do want to get us there in one piece."
    Gen laughed. "And there would be?"
    "Gen, you'll find out in ten minutes."
    "Fine, fine." Gen sat back in the seat watching Jules drive.
    "So, how long have you been living with Jake?"
    "Since I moved back here, so about two years."
    "He's a character."
    "He is. Sorry for the surprise of him opening the door. I thought I'd told you about him."
    "Nope, but it's fine."
    "Okay."
    Jules pulled up to the front of the restaurant and Gen grinned at the sign.
    "This is a great surprise."
    "Glad you like it."
    The valets opened their doors and Jules walked around to the passenger side and Gen took her arm as they walked into the restaurant. Lakeside Sushi had walls of windows that overlooked Lake Pontchartrain. Jules walked over to the maitre d' and said, "reservations for Delacroix."
    "This way, Ms. Delacroix. How's your father?"
    "He's doing great. Too busy, but he loves it."
    "I'm sure he does."
    After they were seated, Jules glanced over at Gen who was looking out the window. Gen turned toward her. "How did you get these reservations; you only asked me out on Tuesday. Weren't they booked?"
    "Having a family in the restaurant business in New Orleans is kind of like being in the mob. We are all connected," Jules said, doing a terrible Marlon Brando impersonation.
    Gen laughed. "Okay, well, works for me."
    They ordered their drinks and looked over the menu. A waiter came back and made some recommendations and they ordered.
    Gen looked over at Jules and smiled. "So, this is our third date, right?"
    "I was debating that earlier, I wasn't sure."
    "Well, you made me a fancy dinner, that should definitely count." Gen took a sip of her wine and leaned forward as she talked.
    "Okay, but does you bringing me breakfast the next morning count?"
    "No, because there were students present."
    Jules laughed. "Ah, of course, the no students rule. Got it."
    "Right, but then I brought you take out."
    "Okay, yeah, very casual date number two."
    "Yep, and now you're taking me to a great dinner."
    Jules nodded and grinned across the table. "Yeah, I guess if you count it that way, then it is our third date."
    "Good. We don't have to have any first date weirdness."
    Jules took a sip of her drink, an aromatic creation by Lakeside Sushi's celebritender that combined Gin with some cucumber, lime, and sage. "Okay."
    "So, you know that Jake is