-Chapter 6-

-2 Months Later-

Lauren spent the last two months, going over and over again the conversation she had with Bo. She dissected every aspect of what Bo told her and she came up with one conclusion, she feels exactly the same as Bo. She wanted so bad to say yes to a dinner date with Bo, but her overwhelming fear of rejection kept her from saying yes. Ironic as it may be, here she was afraid of rejection, yet she rejected Bo. But Lauren couldn't help but think that once Bo knew the truth about her, once she learned how damaged she really was, and how much baggage she had, there was no way Bo would want her. That's what her over analyzing brain told her, but her heart, her heart told her to let Bo in. To give it a try, maybe Bo could be the one to help her heal. Bo had already helped Lauren regain some confidence, Lauren was starting to feel better about herself, and she knew without Bo and trick and even Kenzi, she wouldn't have started the healing process. Bo made her feel good, she made it a point to always complement her when she did a great job, and Bo was always pushing her to make eye contact and stop looking away. Every time Bo lifted her chin so there eyes could meet, Lauren's heart swelled a little more. Lauren wanted Bo, there was no doubt about it, but her past haunted her enough to stop her from exploring the possibility of whatever this thing is, or was with Bo.

Things had changed since she rejected Bo for a date. For the last two months they barely spoke to each other, unless it dealt with work. Bo avoided Lauren at all costs. Every now and then Lauren would look up as she bused a table and catch Bo looking at her, but she would always turn away before Lauren got to smile at her. Truth is Lauren was really missing Bo and she didn't know how to approach her. They never did talk about what happened that day in the kitchen.

Lauren removed herself from the bed to get ready for the day. As she finished buttoning her white button down blouse, she grabbed a medical journal and went upstairs to eat lunch. Lauren placed her order and sat in a booth in the corner of the Dal, she opened up the journal and waited for lunch to be served. Lauren was so lost within the pages of the medical journal she was reading that she didn't see when her lunch was placed in front of her nor did she realize that Kenzi had taken a seat across from her.

"Alzheimer's research and therapy? That's what you pick to read for fun? A medical Journal on Alzheimer's? Who are you?" Kenzi asked as she pulled the journal from Lauren's hands.

Lauren pulled back the journal and placed it next to her on the table. "Differentially charged isoforms of apolipoprotein E from human blood can be potential biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. It's fascinating research, did you know that more than 5.4 million people have Alzheimer's Disease in the United States alone, and it has been calculated that, by the year 2050, 11 to 16 million Americans will have the disease. Characterizing the Alzheimer's Disease-specific proteome and its dynamics will increase our understanding of the initiation and the progression of this disease, potentially allowing the development of specifically targeted treatments and strategies to prevent its onset. Alzheimer's disease is the major cause of dementia among the elderly. Therefore, finding blood-based biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis is urgently needed." Lauren mentally kicked herself for going on a geeky rant about Alzheimer's research. But she couldn't stop her brain from automatically taking over the conversation, especially because prior to leaving Los Angeles, Lauren was heavily involved with Alzheimer's research. She spent long hours in the lab with the same doctors and scientists who published the findings she was now reading about.

"Wow! That was kinda hot, now I know why Bo gets so turned on when you geek out." Kenzi stated as she jokingly fanned herself.

Lauren rolled her eyes before she caught on to what Kenzi just said. "Wait….Bo gets turned on by my geek outs?" Lauren couldn't believe what she just heard.

"Dude, if you have to ask that, then you really haven't been paying attention have you?" Kenzi sighed. "Anyway, that's not why I'm here."

"Then why are you here? Not that I don't enjoy the company, but…."

"I wanted to talk to you about Bo."

"Kenzi, she hasn't really even spoken to me in almost two months unless it deals with work. There's really nothing to talk about." Lauren shrugged as she moved the food around her plate.

"I beg to differ. Look, Lauren, Bo really likes you. But, you really hurt her when you rejected her."

"That wasn't my intention Kenzi. The last thing I want to do is hurt Bo." Lauren put her head down.

"I know, I believe you Lauren. I see how you look at her; I see how she looks at you too. A blind man can see that you guys have feelings for each other. I've been best friends with Bo for a long time now. Believe me when I say, Bo has never felt what she feels for you with anyone else. Not even Kyle…..and don't ask that's her story to tell." Kenzi took a deep breath before continuing. "You know after what happened between you guys in the kitchen that day, she planned on going out, getting drunk, and bringing someone home to fuck you out of her system."

"Oh…..did she accomplish her goal?" Lauren asked sadly.

"For the most part…..we did go out; she got belligerently drunk, and made out with some blonde on the dance floor. I thought she found the one she would take home…..but she told me she couldn't do it. She said that woman was just a cheap imitation of you, and that she didn't want a cheap Lauren knock-off, she wanted the real thing." Kenzi waited for Lauren to look up. When their eyes met she continued. "Oh and a side note, she hasn't been with anyone since meeting you, which is like a total record dry spell for Bo. Anyways, where was I? Oh yeah, so I ended up sitting in a booth at the club for the next two hours, listening to her go on and on about you. How beautiful, smart, and sexy you are, to how frustrating you could be with your OCD way of doing things, but at the same time how incredibly cute it is, and not to mention how turned on she gets when you geek out, but also how much she hoped one day, you could see in yourself what she sees in you, and how she wishes you would open up to her."

Lauren's eyes welled up with tears as she heard Kenzi speak. Lauren was starting to realize that Bo really did care for her. That maybe this thing they had can actually be something real. Maybe Bo really did want her for more than just a fling.

"What are you running from Lauren?" Kenzi asked as she looked deep into Lauren's tear filled eyes.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about Ken-"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. I know a runner when I see one Lauren. Especially because I did a great job of running for years until I met Bo." Kenzi took a deep breath before continuing. "I ran away from home when I was 12 years old because of an abusive step-dad. He used to get drunk, and then take his anger out on me. You know my mom never once stopped him. She used to just sit there and watch him as he slapped me around. One day I had enough, so I ran. I had no money, no family, and no place to stay. For 3 years I was just a common street rat, stealing from local markets or pick pocketing tourists just to get something eat. I eventually enrolled myself into school, not because I wanted an education, but because I wanted at least one guaranteed meal a day. Well at least Monday through Friday. That's where I met Bo. I was getting bullied by the 'popular girls' of the school one morning, they were making fun of my clothes, and pushing me around, and laughing. That's when Bo stepped in. She told them to leave me alone or she'd make them. They thought she was bluffing. Long story short, after she was done with them they never harassed me again. From that day on Bo protected me, took me under her wing, and we quickly became best friends, and have been inseparable since. I often wondered back then, why someone as popular as Bo, would waste her time on a common street rat like me. I mean, not only did she protect me and become like a sister to me, but she took me in and gave me a home. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized, Bo is unlike anyone you'll ever meet. Yes, she can be stubborn as a mule, childish at times, she never thinks before she reacts, she always jumps in head first and deals with the consequences later. She lets her heart make most of her decisions, and that tends to get her into trouble a lot. But she's also, brave, kind, loyal, she protects the people she loves, and she has the biggest heart of anyone I know."

"Why are you telling me all this Kenzi?" Lauren was trying to hold back her tears.

"Because it's time Lauren, it's time you let her in. Whatever it is that has you running, you have to confront it so you can move passed it. Bo will help you through it, she will stand by your side and do everything she can to protect you, we all will. You are no drifter Lauren, moving from town to town getting jobs in bars to survive. Nah, you're someone special, someone who is a lot smarter than the average schmo busing tables or mixing drinks. Whoever that Lauren is, you keep her locked away, and it's time to let her out. Let Bo in Lauren, and I promise you won't regret it. Let her in in whatever capacity you want. Whether it's just as a friend, or something more, it's up to you. Just don't let a good thing pass you by. You may never get another opportunity."

Lauren's tears were steadily streaming down her face. "I'm scared." It was barely a whisper.

Kenzi reached out and put her hand on top of Lauren's. "I know…..but I guarantee you she's worth the risk."

Kenzi slid out of the booth and stood next to Lauren, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Talk to her, I'm not saying you have to do it today…..but soon." Kenzi gave Lauren's shoulder a squeeze before walking away.

"Kenzi?" Lauren called out. When Kenzi stopped and turned to face Lauren, Lauren slid out of the booth and hugged Kenzi tightly, whispering in her ear, "Thank You."

"Anytime…..I'm here for you if you need me hotpants." Kenzi released Lauren and walked to the bar to order a drink.

Lauren sat back down in the booth, contemplating on what Kenzi had told her. Kenzi was right, it was time to open up and let Bo in. If Bo was half the things Kenzi said she was, then she knew Bo would understand. Lauren just hoped that it wasn't too late; she hoped that Bo hadn't given up on her yet. Lauren finished up her lunch; glancing at her watch she realized it was time to get ready for work. She gathered up her belongings and went to her room to change. She had no idea when she would have this talk with Bo, especially since they really weren't talking at the moment, but she was determined to make it happen, and soon.

-Later On That Night-

The Dal was pretty packed tonight. Kenzi eventually hopped behind the bar to help Bo out. Lauren busied herself with bussing the tables and making sure Bo had a never ending supply of glasses, clean and ready to go. After her talk with Kenzi that afternoon, Lauren felt lighter, and hopeful that things could actually work out for her. Whether she and Bo would stay friends or whether they evolved into something more has yet to be seen, but Lauren was convinced that either way she'd like to try.

As the night wore on, a group of guys and girls at the pool tables became increasingly drunk and flirty with Lauren. One woman in particular would put her arm around Lauren's waste whenever she came through to pick up empty glasses. She was successful in maneuvering out of her grasp more than once. But the more drunk this woman got the more aggressive she became. This did not go unnoticed by Bo.

"That bitch is starting to get on my nerves!" Bo said as she poured another beer.

"Relax, BoBo, Lauren seems to be handling it just fine." Kenzi said as she took the beer from Bo, passing it to the waiting customer.

"Yeah, well I still don't like it. Lauren is clearly uncomfortable with her advances and that bitch still won't let up." Bo leaned against the back of the bar, crossing her arms as she continued to watch.

"Are you jealous?" Kenzi asked, arching her eyebrow.

"What!? No! I'm just saying that she should be more respectful of Laur- You know what, nevermind! Forget it!" Bo huffed as she took another drink order.

Kenzi laughed to herself, knowing her BFF was indeed jealous and Bo has always had the need to protect the people she loves. Bo had wanted to talk to Lauren on many occasions, but lost her nerve to do so whenever she was about to approach the blonde. On top of all that Bo was sexually frustrated as hell. She had never gone this long without, and it was adding to her bad mood.

Lauren stepped behind the bar to restock the glasses. Bo looked over at her wanting desperately to say something, her mouth was opened but the words would just not come out. When Lauren turned around their eyes met. They looked at each other for a moment, a small smile graced Lauren's lips, and Bo quickly returned the smile. The moment ended at the sound of a shattering glass. Both women looked in the direction of the noise, Lauren rolled her eyes in annoyance as soon as she recognized where it came from.

Lauren sighed heavily. "I should go get that cleaned up before someone slips."

As Lauren brushed passed Bo, Bo put her hand on the blonde's forearm, stopping her in her tracks. Both women instantly felt the warmth radiate through their bodies. Neither of them realized how much they missed that feeling until that moment.

"Lauren, I can get it. I know they've kinda been giving you a hard time all night." Bo stated as she looked into the blonde's eyes.

"It's okay Bo, I got it. Besides, it looks like Kenzi can use your help." Lauren smiled as she nodded in Kenzi's direction. Bo turned to see Kenzi getting swamped with drink orders. Bo returned Lauren's smile and then made her way over to the madness that was surrounding Kenzi.

Lauren grabbed the broom and the dust pan and headed over to the pool tables to clean up the rowdy bunch's mess. As she approached the group, the annoying woman that had been aggressively pursuing Lauren all night, immediately grabbed Lauren in an embrace.

"Please let go of me, I have to clean up this glass." Lauren stated a she tried in vain to break free.

"Come on baby, I know you want me, stop fighting it." The woman said as she squeezed Lauren tighter, sliding her hands down Lauren's back, maneuvering her finger tips under the hem of Lauren's shirt.

"No I don't, so let go!" Lauren pulled away roughly.

The woman became angry and grabbed Lauren hard by the arm, making Lauren yelp in pain. "You think you're better than me bitch! You're just a low life dirty bar maid who isn't even that pretty!" As the woman spat out the angry words, her friends began to laugh in Lauren's face. Just then Bo came out of nowhere, grabbing the drunk woman roughly by the wrist, forcing her to release Lauren from her hold. It took a second for Lauren to realize that Bo had twisted this woman's hand behind her back, bringing the woman to her knees.

Bo bent over slightly, just enough to speak into the woman's ear. "Listen up, when I let you go, you're going to stand up, gather your friends, get all your shit, and get the hell of here." Bo let the woman go with a little shove and then took a step back, standing defensively in front of Lauren.

The woman angrily stumbled to her feet, taking a step towards Bo. Her friends tried to hold her back, but she pulled out of their grasps, yelling at them to back off. "You wanna go bartender!?" She yelled at Bo.

"No, I don't. But I will if have to." Bo stared at the woman hard.

Just then Dyson walked into the bar and immediately noticed what was taking place. Dyson approached the group, standing next to Bo. "Is there a problem here?" Dyson asked, staring at the group, as he placed his hands on his hips, exposing his badge.

The angry woman looked down at Dyson's badge then back up to Bo. "No officer we were just going." Before stepping away she leaned into Bo slightly and whispered, "This isn't over." She then walked out of the Dal.

Bo relaxed her stance as the entire group left. Dyson turned to Bo, placing his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes as he spoke. "You alright Bo?"

"I'm fine Dyson." She moved out of his grasp and turned to speak to Lauren, but she was gone. Bo looked around for a moment but couldn't see her anywhere. Bo went back up to the bar and asked Kenzi, "Did you see where Lauren went?"

"Yeah, she's in the kitchen. She probably needed a minute." Kenzi said. Bo looked toward the kitchen doors, obviously debating on whether or not she should go to Lauren.

"You think she's okay?" Bo asked Kenzi, as she continued to stare at the closed kitchen door.

"I don't know, but I think you should go check on your girl." Kenzi grinned.

Bo smiled back at Kenzi. "Will you be okay for a minute?"

"I'll be fine BoBo, besides the crowd has dwindled down, and if I need back up I'll grab D-man."

"Thanks Kenz." Bo hugged Kenzi and made her way to Lauren.

Dyson watched as Bo disappeared into the kitchen. He turned back to address Kenzi. "Where is she going?"

"To check on Lauren."

"What for?" Dyson asked with an annoyed look on his face. "Why is Bo always chasing her around?"

"Why are you always chasing Bo?" Kenzi placed her hands on her hips as she narrowed her eyes at Dyson.

"That's different Kenzi!" Dyson was starting to get upset.

"No, it's not, and I'm not gonna go there with you so, do you wanna beer or not?" Kenzi stated flatly.

"Fine" Dyson shrugged.

When Bo entered the kitchen, Lauren was leaning against the prep table, with her back toward Bo. Bo approached the blonde slowly. "Hey Lauren, are you okay?" Bo asked softly.

Lauren responded without looking at Bo, "I'll be fine, I just needed a little breather."

Bo made her way around the table to stand next to Lauren. That's when she noticed that Lauren had tears in her eyes. Bo reached out for Lauren, placing her hands on the blonde's shoulders. "Did she hurt you Lauren? Because if she did, I swear I will find her and-"

"No, Bo, I'm fine. It's just….her grabbing me just….I-I…" Lauren tried to hold back the tears, but she just couldn't.

As soon as Bo seen the tears spilling out of Lauren's eyes, she wrapped her arms around Lauren, pulling her in for a warm embrace. Lauren melted into Bo's arms, burying her head in the crook of the brunette's neck. Bo gently rubbed Lauren's back, trying to sooth her. It took a few minutes before Lauren began to calm down and stop crying. The women stood there embracing each other for what seemed like forever. Lauren never felt as safe as she did in Bo's strong arms in that moment, she never wanted to let go.

"Bo?" Lauren mumbled into her neck

"hmmm?"

Lauren pulled back a little bit to look at Bo never breaking the hug. "I'm so sorry about what happened here a couple of months ago."

"No Lauren, you didn't do anything wrong. I acted like a child when you turned me down; I need to be the one to apologize to you." Bo stated as she gently wiped Lauren's tears.

"Bo, I really wanted to say yes." Lauren stated honestly.

"Then why didn't you?" Bo looked deeply into the blonde's eyes.

"Because I'm afraid…..I'm afraid once you know the truth about me, your feelings will change and I'll end up hurt, and I don't think I could handle that." Lauren stepped out of Bo's arms and looked down to her feet as the tears resurfaced.

Bo took a step towards Lauren. "Lauren, please look at me." Bo waited until Lauren looked up at her. "You gotta stop looking away from me; I need to see your beautiful face when you speak to me, okay?" Lauren nodded and waited for Bo to continue. "Over these past few months since we've worked together and gotten to know each other, I can't get you out of my head, out of my thoughts." Bo took a deep breath. "I really, really like you Lauren. We all have things in our past that haunt us, but I am positive, that there isn't one thing you could tell me that would make me feel differently about you. Just let me in, I promise, I won't hurt you."

Lauren's eyes welled with tears as she gazed at Bo. She could feel the honesty and sincerity behind Bo's words. In that moment Lauren knew she could trust Bo. In that moment she had the desire, no, the need to open up her heart and let Bo in, and in that very moment she realized she was falling in love with Bo Dennis.