"Light"
By Emily Mills, 1/10/05
She was officially depressed and blamed the sun. Or lack thereof. There had been a time when the cold and snowy months had been her favorite part of the year, but then, it had been easy to love winter when there was no need (or ability) to drive to work or pay for heating bills. And this particular winter hadn't even had the decency to produce snow, instead dumping only ice and slush onto the dirty streets. And it was cold’Äîa bitter, spit-freezing cold.
Ashley wiped a mitten-covered hand under her nose, trying to wipe away the snot before it froze to her skin. A most unappealing accessory for her impending date.
"It's not a date," Eshe remarked wryly as she walked alongside her stalwart companion.
"I can call 'em whatever the hell I want," Ashley shot back. Eshe chuckled and patted the taller woman on the back. The thud of glove against coat echoed lightly off the buildings that lined the alley they moved through.
"You could call it a tea party for all I care," Eshe went on, her brown eyes bright with mirth. "But that doesn't change the fact of what you're doing, mistress."
The last word came out like it had been spoken in italics, a cheap shot taken in light hearted jest. Ashley spun on her heels, an action made very awkward by the long, thin spikes of the shoes she wore and the slush underfoot. She had meant to level her most steely, un-amused gaze at Eshe, but instead found herself trying to remain standing. Eshe offered a stabilizing hand, but Ashley brushed it off and kept on walking.
"Are you happy with what you do for living?" she asked defensively. Eshe snorted and shook her head.
"Oh yes, I simply fucking adore my life as a claims adjuster."
"At least what I'm doing is interesting," Ashley muttered.
"Great fodder for those stories you're always never getting around to writing."
Ashley said nothing, but stopped walking and just stood staring up at the great white dome of the capitol building. The sky behind it was dark gray, a lovely change from the light gray it had been during the scant hours of daylight, she mused.
"I miss the sun," she breathed. Eshe moved up beside her and grasped her arm affectionately.
"I would have figured you white folks would prefer it this way."
"Funny," Ashley deadpanned. "You, on the other hand, could be soaking it up in Mozambique. Remind me why you prefer it here?"
"Oh easy, the good company," Eshe laughed and pushed her friend back into motion. "And opportunity. Which is why I'm so surprised by your choice of occupation. You could be doing anything, so why this?"
Ashley opened the heavy wood door to the bar they'd headed for and followed Eshe inside. The interior was dimly lit, smokey, and smelled like fried cheese and sweat. Eshe found a seat at the bar and turned to face her still standing friend.
"Good pay, flexible hours, working on my own terms," Ashley finally answered.
"Hell of a way to put yourself through grad school. But I do admire your creativity and dedication."
"Thanks," Ashley replied drolly.
"By the way," Eshe went on easily as she turned to face the bar again. "Your leather corset is showing."
"Wha--?" Ashley turned a fierce shade of red as she looked down and quickly tightened her coat around her to cover the outfit underneath. Sitting down the way, a fat man with an impressively unruly beard whistled appreciatively and took a parched swig of his beer.
"You should go before you're late for your...'date'," Eshe urged as the bartender eyed her warily, waiting for an order. Ashley nodded, reigning in her desire to get back at her friend for pointing out her wardrobe reveal.
"Don't want to keep the assemblyman waiting," she quipped. Eshe's head snapped around in surprise. "At least, not until I'm on the clock. He might be into that." Eshe's jaw nearly grazed the peanut shell strewn floor. Ashley pushed her gaping mouth closed with a click and then kissed her lightly on the mouth. "Don't wait up for me," she added and then hurried to the back of the room and through a door that led to the staircase to the second floor.
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