Molasses

Hutch and Reba enjoy life, love and friendships.

The dark brown cat relaxed in the square of morning sun on the kitchen floor. She was in her favorite spot. From this vantage point she could warm herself in the brightness spilling in from the window, but also feel the light strokes to her side coming from her owner’s foot. Reba absently caressed Molasses ( ‘M’ for short), with her foot as the cat lounged under the table. The cat’s low purr produced small vibrations across her toes.

This was Reba’s favorite time of day. Hutch wasn’t home yet and she had just enough time to enjoy her coffee and some alone time before he would fill the room with his own brand of sunshine. Still rubbing her foot against ‘M’, she thought back to when she and Hutch had first met eight years ago. Friendship was the first step in a long marathon of life experiences which eventually led to their marriage. Their discovery was slow and easy and was the glue that bonded the union.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the front door opening. She could here Hutch shout a good bye to David as the car rumbled off down the street. She heard the morning paper hit the couch and the door close.

“Hey, wake up sleepy head, your favorite cop is home!”, Hutch called from the living room. He continued his way through the house and stopped as he reached the kitchen.

“My two favorite ladies enjoying their morning?” Hutch moved toward Reba and kissed the top of her head.

“We were just thinking about you! For some reason, I’ve been daydreaming about when we first met at that health store. I had just moved into the area and found that cozy niche around the corner from my apartment.”, Reba sighed and smiled over at her husband.

Hutch helped himself to some coffee and sat down. The memory was bright in his eyes and he responded with a slow lazy grin.

“Yep, I’ll never forget watching you trying to decide between black strap molasses and honey. I convinced you that the molasses was better for you and little did I know that would be the start of a beautiful friendship!”

Molasses perked up at hearing her name. She stretched and jumped into Reba’s lap. The cat rubbed her head against Reba’s hand, encouraging her to continue with the attention.

Hutch noticed the sudden far away look in Reba’s eyes and knew instantly that a waterfall of memories had overtaken her. He reached out to take Reba’s smaller hand in his and kissed the inside of her wrist.

“I know what your’re thinking about and I’m sorry it still brings a shadow to your beautiful, green eyes.”, Hutch whispered.

It had been 3 years since Michael died. Hutch had introduced the two friends and they had gotten married after a whirlwind romance. They were only married for 2 years when Michael got sick and died after a short illness.

Reba lowered her eyes and bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to clear away the crowded memories but Hutch had provided the opportunity so she continued, giving voice to her thoughts.

“I don’t think about Michael much anymore. When I do, the memories are sweet and funny. But sometimes, the difficult times pop into my head and I can’t turn my brain off. I don’t know what caused me to start thinking about his illness now except that it was on a day like this when he died. It was a clear, fresh morning that smelled like vanilla. You and Dave had been with me all night in the hospital. I don’t know how you guys managed to spend so much time with Michael and me, but your strength is what I remember the most. When I came out of Michael’s room, I didn’t have to say a thing. You and Dave just reached out to me and circled me in such a comforting hug that I knew you wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Hutch only wanted to restore the smile in Reba’s eyes. He tried to think of something to help her get back her earlier, peaceful musings. He stood up and reached down to pick up ‘M”, who was still curled up on Reba’s lap and scratched the cat’s ears.

“We could never abandon you. Starsky and I tried to reassure Michael that we would always look after you.”

“Remember a few months later when Starsky found Molasses? We had been on a case that we were finally able to wrap up. After a tip from Johnnie that the killer we were searching for was dealing drugs in a run down house, we surprised him and his cronies in the middle of a buy and shut the operation down. We got back to the Tomato and sitting smuggly on the hood of Starsky’s car was a very relaxed cat. I thought Starsky was gonna have a stroke when he saw that cat, but he melted when she started purring in apparent appreciation of the car.!”

Getting bored, the cat jumped out of Hutch’s arms and went off in search of another spot of sunshine.

The story had the desired effect on Reba and she relaxed against the chair, chuckled and continued.

“I was really suspicious at first about the cat’s history, but as soon as I held her in my arms, I knew I had to have her. I asked what you thought about the name “Molasses”, in honor of how we met;– contemplating the merits of molasses over honey.! ‘M’ has been such a comfort to me. We bonded instantly and she approved of you too!”

“Wonderful! The smile is back in your eyes!” Hutch stood up and reached over for Reba’s hand to bring her to her feet. She dissolved into his outstreched arms and wrapped herself into his hug. They lingered there for a few moments before Hutch broke away. He yawned and pulled her with him as he moved toward the bedroom.

_________________________________________________________

Two weeks later

Reba casually tossed her keys on the kitchen table and kicked out of her shoes. She sat down, sorted through the mail and put the work day behind her. She worked as a secretary in the ICU at Memorial Hospital. She loved her job but hated it when their two schedules kept her apart from Hutch. Usually only one week out of a month created an empty side to the bed, making it a lonely, long week. She let out a contented sigh, relishing the thought that she and Hutch had somehow gotten the next three days off at the same time. This was a real bonus and they had planned their little home vacation with some fun time-off things.

Tonight was just for them. Hutch was bringing home Chinese food and the wine. She was looking forward to some long over due togetherness. She smiled as she moved into the bedroom. She changed into something more comfortable and set about doing small things around the house in order to occupy her until Hutch got home. When she heard the garage door open, she got out two wine glasses, plumped up the pillows on the couch and eagerly anticipated her blond husband.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Some time later, Hutch openend his eyes to find that the TV was still droning on and Reba was fast asleep, still nestled between his legs on the couch. He lightly kissed her on the ear as he thought back to their relaxing evening. Apparently, it had been TO relaxing. The wine just increased their laziness and they had fallen asleep after some much needed mutual attention.

Hutch continued lingering over Reba’s soft,sleeping features. She was so different from most of the other women he had ever dated. She was petite with short wavy brown hair. Her green eyes were flecked with yellow and grew bright whenever she looked at him. She had an infectious laugh and worked hard at keeping him from being so serious. She encouraged him to follow his dreams and shared his desire to work toward the lieutenant’s exam. She understood about the relationship between himself and his dark haird friend. She encouraged ‘boys night out’ with Starsky. She trusted that they would watch out for each other and gladly provided an extra bed when Starsky needed a place to crash after such evenings or after a break up with a current girlfriend.

Hutch yawned and decided that they needed a more comfortable place to sleep for the rest of the night. Tomorrow would be busy doing household chores and getting ready for the BBQ. Starsky wasn’t dating anybody seriously and had decided to just come alone. They had also invited Captain Dobey, Edith and the kids, so it would be a fun evening.

Hutch gently shook Reba awake and guided her to their bedroom. He doubted that she would even remember moving from the couch but he knew she wouldn’t forget how they had spent their evening.

______________________

“Hutch! will you hurry up! Everyone will be here any minute and if you don’t get that grill going, we won’t eat till 10’oclock tonight!!

Reba giggled at the sight of her towel clad husband. Hutch had taken a nap after helping with the house work and watering the numerous plants. Now after a quick shower, he was dripping all over the kitchen and trying to make up some time by searching for his favorite barbeque tools.

“OK woman, stop nagging!”, the blond good-naturedly teased Reba. He shook his wet head at her which caused her to step back out of the way of the impromptu shower. Her eyes danced with happiness and she moved closer again to press a lingering kiss on Hutch’s wet face.

“Now go, you idiot, before everyone catches a glimpse of that gorgeous body that’s only for me to see.!!”

Reba teased back and moved over to the stove to check on the baked beans. The house smelled of fresh fruit and baked bread. She loved days like this. Full of good smells, a happy mood and the anticipation of a relaxing, enjoyable evening with close friends.

The doorbell rang and a second later Starsky made his way into the kitchen with several six packs of beer in both hands. He set them on the kitchen table and opened his arms wide.

“Honey, I’m home, what’s for dinner?!!” Starsky grinned at Reba and grabbed her in a bear hug. He released his prize and picked up the beer.

“Upstairs or downstairs ‘fridge?” Starsky waved his burden in the air and made his way to the basement at Reba’s ‘down’ gesture.

Starsky returned just in time to hear his partner whistling and watched as Hutch made his way around the kitchen,opening drawers and grabbing the spices he needed.

“Hey Blintz, how about a beer?” Starsky joined Hutch in the kitchen and handed him a cold one. “Are you enjoying your days off?. After the crazy few weeks we’ve had, I’m happy for some down time.”

Starsky bounced around the kitchen, peaking in the pots on the stove and snagging a spoonful of the beans.

“You better not let Reba see you do that or she’ll smack your hand with a wooden spoon!” Hutch playfully cautioned his dark haired friend and laughed at Starsky’s bravado.

“All I’d have to do is flash these baby blues and my killer smile at her and she’d forget why she picked up that spoon!” Starsky took another sample of beans but cringed as Reba walked into the kitchen with a mock look of anger in her eyes.

“David, get out of my kitchen now! You keep eating those beans and there won’t be any left for dinner!” She hugged him and ruffled his hair and moved to reach into the refrigerator for the salad.

The doorbell rang again and Hutch went to greet the Dobey’s, expecting to see Cal and Rosie with their parents. The captain shook Hutch’s hand and grumbled something under his breath. Edith hugged Reba as she joined them and explained why the kids had abandoned a night out with the adults.

“Well, Reba, you know kids. Something better comes along and the parents just aren’t so entertaining anymore! Cal had a date and Rosie was invited for a sleepover at a friend’s house so it’s just us for the evening. Besides, it will give you and me time to get to know each other better.”

Starsky came into the room looking for Rosie and had missed the explanation.

“Where’s my left handed girlfriend? She replace me that easy?”

“Yeah, mushbrain, looks like you’ve been thrown over for a night with the girls!!” Hutch teased his partner.

The friends all made their way to the back yard, getting comfortable in the various chairs and loungers scattered in little groups on the patio. Reba got everyone a drink and went back to the kitchen to check on her part of the dinner.

Molasses made her way outside to check on the visitors and landed happily in Starsky’s lap.

“Girl, you know how to melt my heart don’t ya! You just love your uncle Starsky’s car and I bet appreciate me more than most humans do!!” He stroked ‘M’s fur and looked over at captain Dobey.

“You know of course I found this cat sitting on my car with a satisfied grin on her face. She knew quality when she saw it.”

“More likely she was cold and the hood of that striped beast was still warm, giving her a safe place to rest.” Dobey grumbled at Starsky, rolling his eyes at the thought of that big car.

Edith got up to search for Reba and offer to help get things ready. She joined her in the kitchen and started to stir the different pots and savoring the wonderful smells drifting through the kitchen.

“Reba, everything sure smells great. Hutch just put the steaks and chicken on the grill so whatever I can do.—- Edith trailed off as Reba motioned her to sit at the table.

“Edith, I am so glad to finally have some time to spend with you. Hutch and I have only been married a year and we’ve been so busy getting used to the idea that we haven’t entertained anyone other than Starsky and it doesn’t take much to keep him happy. Feed him and talk to him and he’s a contented man!!”

The older woman laughed in agreement and looked out the window at the men huddled together.

“Those boys sure do enjoy each other’s company. I doubt that very many detectives willingly seek out their captain’s existence outside of the police department. But Harold really likes Dave and Ken. He has become very attached to them. But don’t tell him I said so. He’d only grump at you and snarl some kind of sarcastic remark. But Harold is a good man. I only wish David could find someone to settle down with. You have made Ken so happy. David needs another Terri, if there is such a person.”

Edith reached over to grasp Reba’s hand when she saw the other woman try to stifle a sob.

“It’s ok, Edith. Just remembering what it’s like to loose the only person you ever wanted. But you can’t yet fathom that there could be someone else; not a replacement but a newer, satisfying mate.” Reba sniffed and gave a watery smile to her table companion.

“Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to turn the conversation to such a heavy subject. I know a little about your first husband. I only meant that it hurts to see the misery that still shows up in David’s eyes. I wish for him what has happened for you. You and Ken have such a strong bond. I have to believe that David will find that same thing. I hope he believes that.” Edith let out a small sigh and looked out the window again as she heard Hutch calling them back outside.

“Well, I think dinner must be ready. Let’s get all this food out and feed those prowling, hungry men!!” Reba’s eyes lightened again as she reached to grab the salad and she and Edith picked up the other dishes sitting ready on the stove.

_________________

Assorted satisfied moans and groans could be heard around the picnic table as everyone finished up the companionable meal. The men stood up to change positions while Reba and Edith shared indulgent smiles.

Starsky moved toward the house and into the kitchen. He had gotten into the habit of washing the dishes when invited to dinner at Hutch’s. He felt it was the least he could do to show his appreciation, even though Reba would tell him it wasn’t necessary. He never felt like a guest. Reba had really welcomed him and treated him like a brother. The three of them had always gotten along, joking and teasing but ready with a hug or understanding shoulder to cry on. He had known long before Hutch or Reba acknowledged their attraction to each other that the two of them would end up together. Hutch was a very lucky man and Starsky unselfishly wanted him to be happy. Starsky knew that in time he would find the bliss again that he had shared with Terri, but in the meantime he would soak up all the love and closeness offered by his two very good friends.

“I thought I’d find you in here”, Reba said as she brought dishes to the sink. She set the glasses on the counter and side- hugged the curly haired man with her arm around his waist.

” I don’t know why we just didn’t use paper plates and cups. Then we would only have the pots to wash.” Reba mused, and absently pushed a stray bang away from her face.

“Because, then you and I wouldn’t have the time to talk about the Blintz without him interrupting!”, Starsky offered.

Starsky searched Reba’s face trying to put into words what he saw there.

“Can I ask you something? I know,— I can ask you anything— but you seem in such a lonely mood today. It makes me think of that time we all went up to Pine Lake, before you and Hutch figured out you loved each other. You were so quiet that day too, with the same sober look in your eyes. What’s up with ya honey?”

Reba wondered for the hundredth time why Starsky had the reputation for being such a hard-nosed, selfish person. She guessed that’s what made him a good cop. He and Hutch both had that ability to show their hard edges to the bad guys but it didn’t take much for their compassionate selves to bubble to the surface.

Instead of a quick answer, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. A ragged sigh escaped her lips and she gathered her thoughts before she spoke.

“I don’t know. I’ve just been thinking a lot lately about Michael and what has happened to me since then. At the time he died I just wanted to be left alone but you guys never did. You said it yourself. It took a long time for Hutch and me to discover we loved each other. I am so grateful that we had the chance to figure it all out.” She stopped and reached around Starsky to grab the dish towel and absently dried the pot that Starsky had placed on the drainer.

She laughed at the memory of the day a year and a half ago when they had gone to spend the weekend in a cabin at Pine Lake.

Starsky kept on washing the dishes but joined Reba in recalling that wet day.

“God, it was raining cats and dogs that day. It had been raining for days but we decided to go to the cabin anyway. I was dating—- I think it was Gloria then. The four of us were going to spend the weekend together but at the last minute, Gloria had to fill in for someone at work. You went with Hutch in his beast of a car and I went in my car ’cause I could bring Gloria up the next day.”

Reba glanced sideways at Starsky and shook her head as she said,

“Being intelligent adults, you’d have thought that by then one of us would have figured out that we wanted more than just friendship. After all, we were going to a cabin with TWO bedrooms, one of them would be shared by you and Gloria.”

Reba smiled as if that had been the first time she had thought of the arrangements.

She and Starsky laughed together but Reba continued on to another point.

“If that bridge hadn’t gone out, sending our car and three others sliding down the hill, would Hutch and me have had the opportunity to figure it all out?”

Just then Hutch, Dobey and Edith came back inside breaking Reba’s thoughts. She shook herself to clear her head and glided into Hutch’s arms.

“Sorry we abandoned you guys but you know David and dishes!!” Reba cast a knowing glance at Starsky and winked at him.

Edith pulled at Harold’s sleeve and talked about going home.

“We need to get home so Harold can have a nap before bed!” Edith teased her husband, who placed a soft kiss on his wife’s cheek.

They slowly made their way to the front door; ‘thank yous’ offered and hugs exchanged with promises of another party soon.

The three remaining friends went back outside; The dishes abandoned for the time being in favor of sharing a beer.

“What were the two of you being so serious about back there? Are you ok Reba?” Hutch pulled her onto the lounger and Starsky brought the rocker closer as he sat down close to the couple.

“We were just talking about you and me and what brought us together finally. For some reason I need to share that with both of you. Baby, you know how melancholy I’ve been lately and I just need to expel those feelings I guess.”

Starsky picked up their earlier conversation about the rainy drive to Pine Lake that never happened.

“I was way ahead of you but I had to stop because the windshield wipers wouldn’t push the water out of the way fast enough to see anything. I sat there along the road for a few minutes until I realized no cars had come from either direction for a good while, including you guys.”

Starsky took a long pull of his beer. His eyes had grown dark thinking back to that eventful day.

” I tried to reach you on the police radio but got nothing. Being the good detective that I am, figured something must have happened behind me so I called headquarters and had them send a coupla patrol cars and an ambulance just in case. ‘Course what I didn’t know was that you mushbrains were safe in some warehouse makin out!” Starsky tried to lighten the atmosphere that had grown tense.

“Ahem– Gordo– we weren’t making out. We were administering first aid to a group of soggy, bruised up people whom I had led fearlessly to that warehouse!” Hutch did his best to continue the more jovial mood.

“Wait a minute. What gave you the inflated idea that you were the hero that day?”, Reba joined in the laughter, already in a more relaxed frame of mind. Count on the two of them to get her out of any funk she might find herself in.

“Ok, beautiful. You were a help too!! Hutch teased and lightly poked her arm. “What I do remember is you rubbing my temples and laying next to me after everyone else was settled.”

Reba could feel herself blush in the dark remembering the unexpected overwhelming sensation of love that had come over her. At that very instant Hutch had opened his eyes and looked straight at her and made his life altering statement of love for her.

“If we could have, believe me, we would have been making out big time but I was the more level headed and —–”

Reba punched Hutch in the arm and laughed. She was just about to defend herself when Starsky chimed in with his two cents worth of charm.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw all of you sloshing through that mud trying to get to the road. But it didn’t take a rocket scientist to see the discovery you two had made about each other. As tired and dirty as you both were, the glow coming from the two of you was blinding!

Starsky chuckled, thinking further about the rest of that day. They had eventually gotten everyone taken care of. No serious injuries, just a lot of wet, scared people. Starsky drove his friends back to his place to dry out and clean up. Of course, Hutch’s car was out of commission and he didn’t have keys anyway so it was decided that everyone would just hang out at Starsky’s until the next day. Reba had really been shaken. Not so much about the accident and the mud but at the realization that she and Hutch loved each other.

Starsky jumped ahead in his story and shared what he remembered.

“You guys thought I never knew what went on at my place after Hutch threw me out. Gave me some crap about me going to the station to start the reports on the accident before Dobey could scream at us. But after I got home a few hours later, the first thing I noticed was your bright eyes and flushed faces. And—-when I went to bed that night I smelled fresh fabric softener on the sheets so I knew what you had been up to!,” Starsky smirked and let out a cocky grunt.

“Oh my god, I thought we had been so careful to hide any evidence! I could just fall through the ground right now! Why’d you have to tell me that, I could have lived without the vision of your satisfied smirk at our expense!” Reba couldn’t keep the laughter out of her voice even though she was extremely embarrassed.

“Ah Haa– it worked!!! Hutch joined Starsky in a satisfied belly laugh. They both stood up and pulled Reba to her feet encircling her in their arms.

“We knew we could eventually chase away your sadness by making you remember the good times. It hurts us both to see you unhappy and personally I love it when you get embarrassed!!” Starsky rubbed Reba’s back and stepped out of the circle.

“But now it’s late and we all have another day off. I’ve got big plans tomorrow so partner, it’s your turn to pick me up next so I’ll see ya in two days at 10 a.m. sharp!! Starsky kissed Reba and hugged Hutch and let himself back in the house and out the front door.

Reba reached for Hutch in the dark and felt his warm, comforting embrace. She breathed out a cleansing sigh and guided him back into the house. Just inside the room, Hutch bent down to cup Reba’s face in his hands and planted an urgent, tangy kiss on her lips. Suddenly neither of them could wait any longer and they slid together to the floor in a perfect union of souls and bodies.

Molasses ventured into the room looking for a place to sleep for the night. The cat cautiously circled the figures on the floor. She purred softly, approving the joined tangle in front of her. Reba cried out in celebration of the love that was reflected in the blue eyes above her. She laughed softly as she pulled ‘M’ to her and fell asleep hugging both bodies that had filled the hole in her heart with unconditional love and a soft place to rest against.