Being Psychic

Just before they leave Collandra’s diner, Collandra has information for Hutch while Starsky’s out of earshot.

Originally published in the SHareCon 2014 zine.

“I’m pickles! He’s onions!” Starsky informed Collandra and both men chuckled at what appeared to be an old joke. They two men stood to leave the diner when Starsky signaled for Hutch to wait while he took a side-trip to the bathroom before leaving.

With a roll of his eyes, Hutch sat back down at the counter. Collandra leaned against the counter from the kitchen side watching Hutch much closer than a normal person would, causing Hutch to squirm under the scrutiny.

“I’d wait ‘til you’ve both got some time off,” Collandra said as he hunched forward speaking in a stage whisper.

“For what?” Hutch asked, confused.

“I can see things sometimes…it’s been really clear between you guys… but I was all tied up in knots over that missing girl. I couldn’t dwell on it, ya’ know?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hutch said looking over his shoulder to watch for Starsky’s return.

“Your partner doesn’t know,” Collandra said, sounding surprised.

Hutch froze.

“I can tell you, I get the feeling he wouldn’t mind. Hell, I can see the love between you two plain as day. I can’t describe it any better, it’s just there!” Collandra said with a secret smile.

Before Hutch could make a comment, Starsky came back into the room wiping his hands on his pants.

“You’re out of paper towels in there, man,” Starsky informed Collandra with a final swipe.

“Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot.” Collandra hurried to the back of the diner and Starsky continued his path to the car. After a few steps, he turned to look back at Hutch. “You comin’?”

“Not yet, but I’ve got high hopes for later,” Hutch replied very softly.

“Huh, what? I didn’t hear ya’!”

“Nothing, I’m coming,” Hutch answered as he followed after Starsky, enjoying his favorite view… the one of his partner’s ass!