Ruby sees you

"Hey, Sweetcheeks!" Ruby exclaimed with a big smile and a wave of her hand when she saw you and Bridgette get out of the car. "How goes the war on crime?"

"Just fine, Ruby, and it's Officer Shaw to you," you said, trying to be professional and not think about how damn good she looked.

"Right, sorry about that, Officer Shaw. Good to see you too, Officer Unger," Ruby said with a genuine friendliness that couldn't be faked.

"You too, Ruby, but could you tell us what you ladies are doing here?" Bridgette asked.

"What? A group of friends can't talk outdoors now?" The Hispanic woman said testily.

"Relax Sophia, they're cool," Ruby assured, cutting off her friend. "The old man inside thinking we're trying to turn tricks out here?" She guessed.

"Pretty much," you reply.

"Shit, I got a place people go to willingly with heat, air conditioning, good music, approachable staff, killer booze, and with a zero tolerance asshole policy. If we were going to proposition anybody it'd be there. Ariel, Sophia and I just stopped for a sec because Ariel's shoe came undone, and we started chatting while she fixed it and lost track of time," Ruby explained.

It sounded plausible. Ruby was right, she nor any girl who worked for her had to resort to street corner soliciting. Ruby had confided in him about her days on the street, and that the first thing she did upon getting real money was getting women off the street and working somewhere safe and away from pimps and sadistic clients they had. You look over at Bridgette and guessed she was processing things on a similar track.

"I believe you, Ruby, but you are technically loitering," you explain. "If you're heading to the club we can give you a ride there?"

Bridgette gave you a raised eyebrow, not sure if you were being logical or letting old feelings influence your decision-making.

"Chauffeured by the police? Sounds like fun, Officer Shaw. You ladies up for it?" Ruby asked.

"Nah, we were going to get something to eat first," pink-haired Ariel explained. "You go ahead. We'll meet you there later."

"Sounds good. Later you sexy bitches," Ruby said with teasing fondness as she joined you and Bridgette.

You all got into the car and began the drive to Ruby's club, Twilight.

"So you back from your honeymoon, James?" Now that they weren't in public, Ruby had no issues speaking to you in a familiar tone. You didn't correct her, she was still a friend after all... or maybe you just liked it when she said your name.

"Yeah, it was great," you say honestly. "Felt like it ended all too soon."

"He was trying to spout bullshit about being happy to be back to work," Bridgette added. Seemed that now that they didn't have to put on airs, Bridgette was falling back into her easygoing natural state.

"Ha! Never been married, but I know people who are, and they told me during that time the last place you want to be is away from your spouse!" Ruby had a big smile on her face. "That reminds me, Bridge, I wanted to ask you something?"

"What is it?" Bridgette asked.