Not even another text from Dan could break the golden light radiating from her spirit.

The message was a paragraph of rambling apologies and feeble compliments, as they often tended to be, and soon delved into frantic threats and hateful insults, as they often tended to do. Normally waking up to one of his rants would have had her looking over her shoulder a little more often, but this time she was too enamored, too otherwise occupied, with someone who made her feel safe.

Even skimming over gems like no wonder your father is a drunk barely registered before she deleted and blocked him again. She wondered if he was ever going to leave her alone. It had been so long now, several months since she last saw him, and yet his texts or calls still came somewhat regularly. She could usually expect to get something from him every other week. He must like the waiting in between, making her think it was finally over, letting her guard lower ever so slightly, and then jumping back into her life again.

But that didn't matter anymore. There was so much distance between them now, miles and months, and her life had changed so much already, it was like Dan was tormenting her from another lifetime, or another plane of existence.

Where she was now, in life or in spirit, she had Boomhauer.

The two of them had since dropped the casual facade after their exchange in Leah's living room. Leah didn't have to keep a cool distance anymore, and Boomhauer didn't have to worry about coming across as embarrassing. When Boomhauer was out drinking in the alley, or if Leah was out in her garden, they would meet together and talk for awhile, sometimes even stealing a kiss or two. Peggy even invited the two of them over to have dinner with her, Hank, and Bobby one evening.

Boomhauer was different when they were alone together. He was more open, more expressive, softened and sensitive. He felt comfortable with her, understood and unjudged. She didn't push or pry, instead let him talk at his own pace, in his soothing Texas drawl.

They both had an unspoken agreement that it was best to wait to get together at each other's houses again. The physical chemistry between them was too strong, very nearly irresistible, made even more difficult, of course, following the hot evening of passion and sensuality in Leah's bedroom. Even though they didn't go all the way to sex, everything else they did was more debauched and primal than either of them had imagined it would be. It was certainly difficult to think of much else over the following week.

He was really looking forward to taking her out on a date again. The next weekend finally came, and finally he had his chance to spend more undisturbed time with her. When it came to past dates, he had his usual spots he took them, his usual tricks to romance them, but he didn't want to be like that with Leah. She deserved something different, something as special as she was.

Leah was brimming with joyous energy, a bright beam of sunlight emanating from within her. Every time she saw him, it was as if her very spirit was re-energized and she felt new again. It almost felt the same as when she went on a long morning run, or had a particularly satisfying meditation session. She was excited for the upcoming evening, to see him somewhere other than in the alley, to have a new atmosphere around them.

The late morning sun was high overhead, heating up the summer air. Leah was leading Peggy, Nancy, and Minh through an aquatic yoga session in her pool. The other three were having trouble with their balance in the water, while Leah moved as steadily as a rock in a stream.

"I'm not sure how much meditation I'm getting out of this," Nancy sputtered, having just stumbled into the water again, "but I like any reason to get in the pool."

Leah carefully swept her hands together, high above her head in the North Star pose, grounding herself on the pool floor. "I feel so at home in the water."

Peggy imitated Leah's movements. "I am highly adaptable. I can feel at home anywhere."

"A Jane of all trades," said Minh, smoothly changing poses.

"So, Leah," addressed Nancy, "I have to know: where is Boomhauer taking you on your little date tonight?"

"I'm not sure. He said it's a surprise."

"Ooh, I bet it's 'That's Amore,'" Peggy speculated, "It's the most romantic restaurant in Heimlich County!"

Minh shook her head in disagreement. "Nah, too formal for him. He's more of a rose petals leading to the bed kind of guy."

Nancy giggled at the thought.

"You're going to have a good time tonight," Peggy said to her. "And Hank told me he hasn't seen Boomhauer this happy since the Longhorns took home the Heisman trophy."

"No pressure," joked Minh.

Nancy stumbled again, but caught herself before hitting the surface of the water. "I should mention that John Redcorn still wants to go out with you. He's pretty beat up that he missed your last date."

"John Redcorn is old news. Leah only has eyes for Boomhauer now."

Leah had to agree with Peggy's assessment. John Redcorn was probably a decent guy, but she didn't really see herself spending time with anyone except for Boomhauer.

A new thought occurred to her: did he feel that way, too? Was he still going to be seeing other people as well as her?

"You'll have to tell us all of the dirty details tomorrow," asserted Nancy.

"It's going to be a hot night in Arlen," Minh jested.

Why did Leah get the feeling those two were living vicariously through her?


Leah wasn't sure what to wear. She preferred dresses, but what if tonight's situation called for jeans?

After some deliberation, she decided on a light grey summer dress, the color of a cloudy morning sky. Something soft and chic for a night out, wherever that was going to be.

She left her hair down in beachy waves, and did her makeup only a little fancier than her usual work look. She never could figure out how to do the more glamorous looks, try as she might.

She was anticipating Boomhauer's knock on the door, yet still felt a rush of excited fluttering when she heard it. Her fluttering was also mixed with slight confusion, as he had come to the front door rather than the sliding back doors facing the alley like he usually did.

"Hi," she smiled brightly, and let him inside. "Why did you come to the front door?"

"I don't know. Just seemed more polite."

She laughed, which made him smile.

"You look nice," he told her.

"Thank you. Am I overdressed?"

He was wearing a simple black T-shirt and jeans, his typical attire, causing her to wonder.

"No, that's great. Perfect, even."

Leah kissed him happily before saying, "Ready?"

They drove to the edge of the city, almost to the outskirts. The evening air was warm, the sky a faint shade of lavender. Boomhauer played soft rock on the radio, adding to the dreamy atmosphere.

He took her to Bigal's Cafe, a cozy place with large windows taking up much of the wall space.

"This reminds me of the "Nighthawks" painting," Leah noted as they headed inside.

"I always think of that diner on Seinfeld."

It was much more ambient than that, however, with soft lighting and upholstered dining chairs. The hostess took them to a table in the back corner, tucked away from the rest of the world.

They looked at the drink menu, and Leah decided on a peach chardonnay.

"And let me guess… You're going to order an Alamo?" she grinned.

"You know me so well."

"I don't know about that. There's got to be more to you than beer and Steve McQueen movies."

Boomhauer shrugged. "I'm a simple guy."

"You couldn't be simple if you tried."

He smiled.

But his smile was cut short as the server appeared at the side of their table. Pretty and red-haired, she looked down at him with disdain, and begrudgingly took their orders.

After she left, Leah asked, "Do you know her?"

"Yeah," he sighed. Dale was probably right… He must have fucked half of Arlen by now.

"Ex-girlfriend?"

"Not even."

Looking amused, Leah said, "Well, I hope she doesn't spit in our food."

"Nah… She'd just spit in mine."

Leah laughed. "What happened with you and her?"

"Probably never answered her calls or something," he mumbled.

"You can't remember?"

Not really. This girl was just one of many. Very many. But most of his trysts usually ended in similar fashions...

Boomhauer shrugged. Thankfully, Leah dropped it, yet still retained her amused expression.

The server returned with their drinks and later their food orders. Leah chose a portobello mushroom panini, and Boomhauer chose a chicken cobb sandwich.

Their conversation was enjoyable, as Leah spoke happily with bright eyes. They talked about movies, about music, about the places they've been. There was so much they had in common, which, for some reason, didn't surprise either of them.

Boomhauer thought of Bill, and remembered he was going to ask Leah if she had any friends he could go out with.

"Not really," she said, "Not so much anymore."

"What happened?"

"Well, to be honest, my last boyfriend pretty much cut me off from them."

"What?"

"He was jealous and controlling. I couldn't talk to anyone without him getting pissed off. I couldn't do anything, really. I could never wear a dress like this one, or else he'd accuse me of trying to show off for other guys."

"Shit. Are you, um, okay?"

"I'm getting better. Moving really helped."

"Good. I mean, I'm glad you're doing better. I'm sorry you had to move because of something like that, but I'm glad you're here."

Her eyes never lost their sparkle as she smiled at him. "Me, too."

After they had finished eating (and Boomhauer left their server a bigger tip out of guilt), they walked back to the car and buckled in.

"Are you ready for the next thing?"

"You mean there's more?" Leah asked excitedly.

"Of course."

They drove a short ways away, close to the edge of the city limits. Leah hadn't been out this way very often, so everything was largely unfamiliar. Wherever he was taking her, she was certainly in for a surprise.

Leah held his hand as they walked down the city block, illuminated under the streetlights. She felt, in some strange way, privileged to be out with him. He was so intriguing, so enigmatic. And he chose her to spend his time with, to give hidden parts of himself to, as if she were someone special enough to him to deserve it.

They rounded the corner and walked beside a high brick wall veiled with creeping ivy. A large, twisted metal archway opened to the inside, with a wrought iron sign overhead reading 'Vitello's Garden'.

"Have you been here before?" Boomhauer asked nervously.

"No, I haven't even heard about this place."

He was happy for that. It would make it all the more special.

They crossed under the archway and Leah's eyes shone in widened amazement. It was a huge city park, almost as big as an entire block, with rows separated by trimmed hedges or iron fence posts, each row displaying garden after garden of flowers. Flowers of all types, sizes, shapes, and colors. It was like a greenhouse, except all outdoors, exposed to the natural elements of the Texas weather and atmosphere. The occasional statue or sculpture stood along various paths, and in the center of the garden flowed a tranquil fountain.

"This is amazing," Leah marveled, wide eyed. She had seen something similar in Oklahoma City, but this one was somehow much more special.

"Thought you'd like it," Boomhauer said, smiling at her awed expression. "Come on."

They walked down the mosaic pathways, between the shrubs, around the flowers, enjoying every single sprout of life the garden held. They even found a throng of rose bushes, beautiful blooms of many colors. Leah leaned down to the pink ones and smelled them.

"These are nice, but yours are better," reckoned Boomhauer.

"They're all so beautiful," she said, admiring every rose she saw.

The light shining from overhead was artificial, but the graceful, celestial air that illuminated Leah was entirely natural, as pure and organic as the flowers she was surrounded by.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured.

Leah smiled shyly and bit her lip in that alluring way she often did, the way that made Boomhauer want to kiss her...so he did, there in the garden, in the thick of the flowers...


He must have been outside. He could smell the blossoming flowers as clearly as if he were laying in a garden.

He felt so good, so relaxed and blissful, absolutely elated… the longer he lay there, the more he remembered about last night, with Leah, and the diner, the park, the bedroom…

A grin crept across his face when his mind hit upon that lovely track of thought. He was practically ready to do it all over again.

He opened his eyes, and promptly realized he wasn't outside. He was just smelling the side of the bed where Leah had slept, the lingering scent of flowers laying in the sheets next to him. She was gone now, and he was waking up alone.

Leaving before the other person woke up was kind of his M.O. But he usually only did it if he didn't want to see them again.

Leah didn't feel that way about him, did she?

After sitting up and stretching, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand, and saw with a slight pang of disappointment that Leah hadn't texted him either. But, he assured himself, why would she need to? She was going to see him soon. Their night together was incredible, otherworldly. They had connected on all planes of existence and spirituality. Surely she still wanted to see him again.

He showered and got ready for the day, then went outside to meet Hank, Bill, and Dale in the alley.

"Morning," Hank greeted him. Boomhauer nodded in return.

He looked towards Leah's house and saw her car in the driveway. So she was home… He wondered if he should go over there soon…

"So, how'd your date go?" asked Hank.

"Good."

"Think you're going to keep seeing her?"

"Well, yeah. Why wouldn't I?"

"Because you never see the same woman for very long," answered Bill.

"I keep telling you, this is different. She's different."

"Well, I think it's great, Boomhauer," Hank nodded, "It's good to see you finally starting to slow your roll."

Hank's approval always carried a significant weight, but Boomhauer was still a little annoyed to have his past behaviors scrutinized.

"So," Dale smirked, eyes narrowed slyly on him.

"What?"

"I noticed Leah went home with you last night-"

"How?"

"You know I have cameras all over the alley," he dismissed. "So, how was it?"

Boomhauer aid nothing.

"Finally slept with her and she dips out on you before sunrise…" mused Dale.

"Shut up."

"She really left? That's what you do!" Bill guffawed.

And to think Boomhauer was nicely trying to get Leah to set Bill up with one of her friends.

He remembered what Leah said about that… her ex had cut her off from her friends… he even controlled the things she wore…

Boomhauer had a feeling the transgressions didn't stop there. But he was glad she was away from her ex now, safe and able to do what she wanted again.

He drank his beer with his friends for most of the morning. His thoughts never strayed from her, and he hoped very much that things were still fine between them.


Leah had woken up early, before dawn had broken, as she normally did every day. Her internal clock hardly allowed her to deviate from her usual routine.

She was in Boomhauer's bed, a luxe comfort of a plush mattress and satin sheets. He lay beside her, his chest rising and falling gently with each breath. Languidly she recalled their night together, a flow of romantic moments and gentle gazes, surmounting to a most otherworldly, intense obscurity of passion. She could have lain there all day, in the quiet darkness, in the soft sheets, against Boomhauer's sturdy chest.

She decided to do just that before taking a quick look at her phone. She had only wanted to check the time, but instead she was faced with a text from an unsaved number.

It was a video this time. A video of her, face and all, entirely naked and…

She clapped the phone face down onto the wood of the night stand, her heart racing. As the video replayed over and over in her mind, an sickness settled into her stomach. She felt so dirty, so used, so degraded.

The atmosphere in Boomhauer's room was sullied now. She couldn't bear to keep still in it any longer, so she hurriedly pulled together her things and left.

She slipped out the back door and down the alley towards her house, when a smug voice spoke to her from across the street.

"Walk of shame?" Dale smirked.

What the hell was he doing out here so early?

"Stride of pride," Leah corrected, and kept up her fast pace all the way home.

She immediately jumped into the shower, nearly scrubbing herself raw, trying to attain some semblance of clean. She was so dumb to have ever agreed to pictures. She should have known he would have made videos, too.

Later that morning, she tried to center herself with meditation and a chakra cleansing. It helped a little, but the root of her problems was still there, and it was only a matter of time before they resurfaced again.

As she expected, Nancy called to invite her over for brunch, and, of course, to dish about her date with Boomhauer. Being with friends would certainly help her feel better, even if they would be pressing her for personal details.

"My, my, you look radiant!" Nancy exclaimed. She was already at the kitchen table with Peggy and Minh, pouring cups of coffee for everybody.

Minh pulled out the chair beside her. "Alright, now sit and tell us everything!"

Leah sat with them and took a sip of coffee. Nancy had put in almond milk, just the way she liked it.

"Well, first we went to Bigal's Cafe."

"Ooh, I've never been there," said Nancy, with deep interest, "How was it?"

"Very nice. He picked a good place."

"He has an eye for detail," Peggy nodded.

"And then?" Minh prompted.

"We went to Vitello's Garden, that park heading out of town."

The other three sighed in delight.

"Now that is romantic," swooned Nancy.

Peggy agreed. "What I wouldn't give for Hank to take me there…"

"He really knows what you like," Minh gushed.

"He really does. I had a great time with him."

Pressing for the real details, Nancy asked "And then what?"

"Um…"

All three pairs of eyes were on her, waiting in hopeful anticipation.

"Okay, we did it."

They all burst out in cheers and Leah blushed, but she was amused by their playful joy.

"How was it?"

No sense in trying to change the subject.

"It was… amazing."

Nancy clasped her hands together. "Ooh I knew it would be!"

"How big was it?" Minh asked. Leah laughed nervously but didn't answer.

Minh held her hands several inches apart. "Was it… this big?"

Peggy squawked in embarrassment.

Minh widened the distance. "This big?"

"I'm not going to say!" blushed Leah.

"Do you think you'll keep seeing each other?" Peggy asked.

"I'd like to. I really like him. I think he feels the same way."

Nancy looked delighted. "Well, I'll be! Boomhauer is finally in love!"

"We're not exclusive or anything," Leah mumbled under their dreamy sighs.

"Semantics," Minh waved off.

"Do you think he's going to date other people still?" Peggy asked.

Nancy's eyes narrowed. "Not if he knows what's good for him."

The back door slid open and Dale strode inside.

"Afternoon, ladies." He tipped his hat to them.

His eyes landed on Leah and he smirked. She knew she was in for it.

"Ghosting Boomhauer, eh? Intriguing."

"What are you talking about?"

"You ran out at the crack of dawn and have been ignoring him all day. But, I get it: do it to him before he does it to you. Smart move."

Peggy, Nancy, and Minh looked confusedly at Leah, who was looking confusedly at Dale.

"You have it all wrong," Leah said, shaking her head.

"Hey, it's not me you need to convince."

Did Boomhauer really think what Dale was saying? She needed to go see him.

Leah crossed the alley to Boomhauer's house, where he was working on his car in the driveway. He wasn't wearing a shirt, either, and Leah felt a surge of hunger flare through her body.

"Hey," she said, trying her best to keep her gaze on his face.

"Hey." He wiped his hands off on a towel and stood there, looking back at her, his expression unreadable. The air between them felt stiff and vague. Did she really make that much of a mess of things?

"I had a great time last night."

"Did you?" he wondered, his tone betraying the slightest hint of worry. She could see it in his eyes, too.

"Yes, absolutely. Did you?"

"I… It was one of the best nights I've ever had."

His posture was rigid, but his face displayed his vulnerability.

"Me, too… I hope we can do something again soon."

He drew in a breath, leveling his emotions.

"When I saw you left, I guess I got kind of worried."

"I'm sorry. I wanted to stay. But…"

How could she explain it to him? It was all so embarrassing and shameful. And now it was seeping into what she was building with Boomhauer…

"But what?"

"Nothing. Sorry. I didn't mean-"

"Leah." He came closer to her, searching her face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"Is it me?"

"No!" she burst quickly, "Never. You're incredible. You're-"

"You can tell me…"

His soft brown eyes were filled with worry, and maybe even a little sadness. How could she let him feel like he did anything wrong?

"I got a text early this morning. And, um, I just needed to get up and move, I guess."

"What text?"

He was going to think she was so stupid. But she had to tell him the truth.

"My ex. He keeps sending me things. And I just get shaken up by it. But, if he had not sent me anything, I really would have stayed. I could have stayed with you all day."

His brows were creased with concern and an attempt to understand.

"The controlling ex?"

"Yes."

"He keeps harassing you?"

"Yes, since before I even moved here."

"Have you told him to leave you alone?"

Nervously, she responded, "No- Well, in the beginning I did. Then I got a new number. But he must have asked someone I knew for it and they gave it to him. Not many people know he was abusive."

"What!" Boomhauer suddenly exclaimed, "He abused you?"

She hadn't meant to reveal that, and under Boomhauer's widened gaze she wished she had kept her mouth shut.

"It's fine-"

"Fine? Leah, that's not fine! Did he hurt you?"

She looked down at the pavement. His worry for her was too much to endure. Wordlessly, she nodded.

She heard him gasp in disbelief, and was surprised to find his hands grabbing her elbows. Not sharp and demanding, like what she had been used to in the past, but gently, supportive, like he wanted her to feel safe.

"Leah," he said, his tone serious, "He will never hurt you again. I will protect you. Okay?"

She shook her head, tears beginning to form. This is what she was afraid of… she didn't want to be his burden to bear. "I'm fine. I didn't mean to worry you. I just wanted you to know you didn't do anything wrong. I need to learn to not let him affect me. It's my fault."

He gently lifted her face to look at his, where she could see his honesty and compassion. Gingerly he wiped her tears away, and hugged her against him, against his strong chest, and she realized again how safe she felt with him.

"Nothing is your fault. Don't ever think it is." He pulled away from her, just far enough to see her face. "I'm here for you. You don't have to go through anything alone. Okay?"

He was so genuine, so true, and she knew he really meant it. She was beginning to see him in her future, in some capacity. What else but cosmic fate could have led her to him? Like they were meant to be.

"Okay," she whispered, and he kissed her with all the sincerity held within himself.


She had told him about Dan.

She talked about those dark two years of fear and misery. About having her things destroyed because she upset him in some way. About having her car keys hidden so she couldn't leave. About the times he'd grab her, rough and forceful, his eyes wild and inhuman.

Boomhauer listened quietly, no interruption, but growing more and more livid the more she divulged. And this psychotic fuck was still tormenting her, after all the time that had passed, despite her never giving him the reaction he craved. It was enough for him to simply imagine what her responses must be, to picture the fear reflected in her brilliant green eyes.

She tried to explain why she took so long to leave. It was embarrassing that she allowed it to go on, that she kept rationalizing his behavior and assuring herself that he would change.

"I was really lost when my mother died," she began. "My dad had basically stopped talking to me, I think partly because he was so lost, too, but also partly because I look a lot like her. My brothers were off dealing with it in their own way. I would go out with my friends sometimes, but I just felt like I was merely drifting through the motions. It was hard finding joy in anything."

Boomhauer lightly squeezed her hand. She felt a profound comfort in that small gesture, and felt steady enough to continue.

"Eventually I met Dan through mutual friends. He was nice at first, even charming, and I was kind of starved for love and affection I guess. So I let myself ignore the red flags." She huffed, jagged and scornful, and shook her head as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I don't know how I could be so stupid. And for so long."

"Hey," Boomhauer said gently, and wiped her tear away, "You're not stupid. It's hard to see how things are when you're in the middle of them. And you got out, and you came here, you did what you needed to do to preserve yourself. That's very admirable."

He was so sweet, but he still didn't get it. Her idiocy was nothing to be admired.

She shook her head again. "What would my mother think? I let someone abuse me and I'm still letting him. I'm even letting it ruin the time you and I have together."

"She would think you're very brave. She would be proud of your resilience. She loves you, and she would be happy that you're happy now. The past is past. What matters is what you're doing now. And you're doing pretty great."

Leah sniffed, but his words seemed to be sinking in. "You think so?"

"Absolutely. And hey," he said firmly, "Nothing is ruining our time together. I cherish every minute I can be with you. And every minute I know that's to come."

She smiled sadly at his tender words. "You're spending your time watching me cry."

"I'm spending my time being with you. I want to support you. You can always come to me for that. I'll always be here for you."

She felt more tears starting to form, so she buried herself in his hug instead. Recounting everything felt cathartic, and his support was a vast place of solace. He was incredibly kind and affectionate, and treated her so well...why couldn't she have found him those few years ago instead of Dan?

But he was right. What's past is past, what matters is what she's doing now. And now she was with him.

They sat together for longer, and she was feeling much better, though still a little embarrassed from crying in front of him. But he never made her feel weird about it, instead continuing to talk with her like he always did.

The sun had all but disappeared and night began moving in. Boomhauer didn't want her to leave. He never wanted her to go, really, but tonight he especially wanted to hold her and be with her. He didn't want her to be alone.

"I'm not sure if I have much in the way of vegan ingredients," he said, motioning to the kitchen, "so how about we order in?"

"That sounds great!"

And it was. They ordered from a nearby Chinese restaurant, Leah choosing vegetable lo mein and Boomhauer picking out kung pao chicken. They had just as much fun sitting together in Boomhauer's living room as they did going out.

Leah fell asleep beside him before the movie they put on had finished. Even after the credits finished rolling, and the room was washed in the TV screen's soft blue light, Boomhauer continued to hold her and feel the rise and fall of her breathing laid against him.

He looked down at her cute pointed nose, the eyelashes fanned out over her cheeks, the delicate contours of her beautiful face. The knowledge that somebody out there had hurt her, had scared her, and was continuing to do so, was enraging him.

He was delving deeper and deeper in thought.

He gently brushed the side of Leah's face, which made her stir slightly. Sleepily her eyes opened and she smiled at him, then hugged him. Her breathing slowed again and she was limber and still, settling back to sleep.

His mind was made up. No one was going to hurt her ever again.