ALICE Ch 127

There’s a time for shame, second thoughts, any thoughts, self-awareness, and foresight. That’s not tonight.

Alice heads down the hall to Faye’s room in slides, shorts, and a tank with no bra. A part of her would like to make more of an effort, but she’s exhausted and at least she smells good.

It’s hard to know which is worse when Faye opens the door; the wholesome way that Faye all but glows with excitement or what she’s wearing. Alice has never been one for emotional intelligence, but maybe being in crisis has sharpened her senses because she feels as though she can read Faye’s mind. Faye wears a flattering little satin nightgown that’s a step or two short of being overtly sexy lingerie. That’s because Faye has no confidence and doubts everything; she wants to look cute. She wants to get laid. But she’s not taking anything for granted; she wants to be able to play it cool like this is always what she sleeps in.

Alice stands there for a moment feeling even worse. But if her obvious lack of effort bothers Faye, it doesn’t show.

“How ya,” Faye murmurs, looking up at Alice as though gazing upon some angelic goddess.

Alice feels loathsome and undeserving, but she comes to her senses and enters the room, shutting the door quickly. She hesitates, but only for a moment.

“You look really cute,” she tells Faye honestly.

It’s like she reached into Faye’s gay little heart and lit a match. She blushes and stands aside.

“Want a drink?”

“Uh, sure,” Alice says, going to the big windows. It was nice being in America for a minute. She twitches, remembering that Monaco is next. She has to stop thinking about that. Thinking about it will not help.

“Champagne?”

Alice grimaces. “Just water. Thanks. Where are all your comics?”

“Mum was cross with me for having too much luggage. I’m making do with the iPad. I have a Sandman collection in my carry-on, though. If you want to read that.”

“Uh, no. I’m good. Thanks.” Alice accepts the cold bottle of water and Faye joins her by the window.

“Pretty view,” Faye says diplomatically.

“I need to tell you the truth,” Alice says suddenly.

“Hmm?” Faye looks up in alarm.

“I’m struggling. I came down here to get laid because I thought it would take my mind off things, but I can’t use you like that. I’ll just feel worse.”

Faye looks taken aback.

“Oh,” she says, still blushing. “Err…”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she says quickly. “What if, er… what if I wanted to help you with that?”

Alice snorts and shakes her head.

“Is that funny?”

“No.” Alice closes her eyes and sobers. It’s just amazing that there’s apparently someone even dumber and hornier than she is.

Faye nudges her with an elbow.

“You’d like that?” she presses, a little playfully.

Alice rolls her eyes. “Yeah,” she admits.

Faye beams up at her. “Grand.”