Unbeknownst to their husbands, Elisa and Des were having their lunch break coffee. As it'd been with the trios? They're merely on the other side of the establishment. So not in a direct line of sight. They enjoyed vanilla lattes, roast beef sandwiches, and a single cheesecake slice. It was a pleasant way to spend lunch for sure. The detective looked more exhausted then her pastor companion.

However, Des was more pooped then she let on. She'd spent the entire morning supervising the replacement of a stained glass window in the church. Some kids unintentionally busted the previous one. Considering it was an expensive window? Plus, hazardous glass? She'd assisted the foreman to ensure no one had been injured. Or any damage during the installation.

"You look like you've not slept in days, Elisa. What's going on? You're not working on some big case, are you?" Des asked, flicking her blond hair over her tan shoulders.

Elisa yawned before replying, "More like I'm seeking to avoid filing a restraining order. I've been designated a new partner. Jason Conover," she paused to sip her beverage.

"He's quite fine-looking and charming. However, he doesn't seem to comprehend that I'm married with children. He's made a few passes at me. I'm trying to keep things professional.

However, if this harassment persists, I will have to discuss it with the Captain. He's a nice enough fellow. Plus, a reasonable police officer, however, I do not like this unwelcome attention."

"If I were you, Elisa? I wouldn't wait any longer to report him. As soon you're back at the station? I advise you to report his conduct to your superior immediately. You don't want this to escalate further," Des replied firmly.

The biracial officer sighed before nodding. "Of course, you're right, Des. I'll do that when I get back, I promise. Have you ever dealt with any undesired attention from men before?" Elisa asked curiously.

She paused to take a big bite out of her sandwich. Des frowned for a second. She was quite insistent on good manners. However, she decided to overlook it this one time. So instead, she answered her friend's question.

"Yes, in university, I dealt with a degenerate, Iago. Oversized ego and no brains. He stalked me to the point I was terrified for my life. Finally, Othello convinced me to file a police report. Last I heard, he's in a correctional institution after assaulting another woman. I try not to think about it too much."

"I don't blame you. Sexual predators aren't something anyone wants to think of. Speaking of the slammer? At least Dracon is serving his proper sentence now."

"Toni must be delighted her bio father can't hurt her anymore. But, tell me, how much as she improved under yours and Goliath's care?"

"She's become far more confident. She's able to stand up for herself now. Plus, she's become more forthcoming with people. So, we're content regarding that."

"I'm pleased to hear that. What about Vixen? How is she doing?" asking regarding Elisa's biological daughter.

"She's looking forward to the soccer season beginning. She and Tabby can't wait for it to start. Vixen is quite athletic between soccer, swimming, and gymnastics. However, she's been a tad irksome recently. She's been bugging me if she could spend some time at Angela's new apartment. However, so far, I've declined to ask Angela."

"Well, I'm fortunate to have been blessed with one child, seeing how I've PCOS. So, it's next to impossible to get pregnant. However, God answered my prayers."

"I'm happy you're able to have such an outstanding son to raise. He's an excellent companion and quite philosophical."

"I'm quite proud we raised him to be a righteous young man. So I cried joyfully for a week when he told me he's planning on becoming a minister."

"Well, I'm already proud of my daughters. No matter what they end up doing with their adult lives? As long as they're happy? Then Goliath and I'll be happy."

"With one child leaving the nest, are you anxious concerning when the other two leave? I'm already undergoing empty nest syndrome."

"We can only give our children two things, Des. Roots and wings. Plus, it's not like they've moved to another planet. Just into a different apartment. Were you capable of finding a suitable apartment for Gabriel?"

"We located a reasonable one. However, I'm only hoping he doesn't have intimacy until he's married," Elisa looked confused, so Des clarified. "He and Ophelia have moved into together. So yes, we have the same living arrangements as you do with Angela, as do Ophelia's parents. However, I'm still not 100% alright with an unmarried couple living together."

"Well, to be honest? Most people don't wait until marriage anymore. I'd be more concerned if they're utilizing all possible birth control, given how the idiotic Supreme Court took away a woman's right to have an abortion. I'm sorry if my being for a woman's choice makes you furious. I firmly believe I cannot force my will onto others.

Each person has to decide what is best for them. I'm not the person in question. So since I don't know their circumstances? I can't have an opinion on it. Unless you're the person in question? You shouldn't think you've got the right to tell them what to do with their own body."

"Elisa, you've not angered me at all. I've continuously believed all souls end up in Heaven. Whether its a miscarriage, stillborn, or an abortion? Their souls will still end up with the Father.

So, there is nothing to agonize about, for He'll provide them with an enteral life in Heaven. Even if they'd never have an earthly life, Elisa? They'll still live forever in the Kingdom of God."

"I'm glad you think that way. It's a refreshing perspective. More people should realize that."

"Truthfully? I wish more people did come around to looking at it from that POV. Now, I'm afraid we must get back to work. Our lunch break ends shortly, and we need to get back to work."

"Oh, God, you're right. It's been nice to have lunch with you. Oh, before I forget? Do you and your husband want to join Goliath and me for a weekend spa day?"

"If your husband hasn't suggested it to my husband yet? I'm already saying yes for both of us!"

"Great! We'll see you Saturday! Bye!" as the two women hurried back to their workplaces.

"Man is his own star and that soul who can be honest? Is the only perfect man."