"Yeah, a little..."

You explain to Alice what her bit of fun put you through: the anxiety, anger, fear, worry, concern, jealousy, arousal, and the intensity of it all.

"...I'm sorry," Alice says, "I should have considered your feelings more. I was drunk, and...not thinking straight..."

You change tact a bit, and ask, "was this what you were hinting about all week?"

"Yes," Alice admits. "I should have just come out and said it...but I couldn't get the courage. Even though you said I should be completely honest about it. I screwed up, really bad," she finishes, sniffling a bit. "Just...it's not you. I love you a lot. I, just want..."

You don't know how to say what you're about to, but you stumble through it as best you can. "You just want more than me in your life, sexually. That's...okay, as long as it's just sex and you're safe."

Alice doesn't speak for a long time. Eventually, she says, "that's right. You're really okay with that?"

You reply, "well, I'm here talking to you and not throwing things, or packing my bags, aren't I?"

Alice whimpers a bit, the reality of what could have happened hitting her. "God, I never thought...I...thank you, baby. Thank you so much."

You say, careful to not sound dismissive, "don't...just, do you plan to do this again?"

Another long wait from Alice. "I'd like to...if you're okay with it. I'll be safe from now on, and talk to you first."

"That's all I ask, for our sake," you reply. "But, I'm exhausted, and I need to go to bed...don't stay up too late."

"Okay, baby...thank you. I love you," Alice finishes.

"I love you, too," you say, leaving the bathroom to go to the bedroom. You shut the lights off and lay down.