ALICE Ch 71

“What’s this, then?” Glynda asks, catching Alice as she comes out of the elevator.

“Oh, hi. Hi,” Alice repeats. Glynda’s obviously heading for the hotel pool. She’s got a tasteful coverup over her conservative, black, one-piece swimsuit, but it’s still a great look.

“Alice. The meet?” Glynda gestures impatiently with her drink.

“Oh. Yeah. Sexy French lady,” Alice says, holding up a white Diorgasm shopping bag. “She gave me this and wants me to come up to her room later.”

“What’s in it?”

“I dunno. I didn’t think it would be classy to rummage through it right there. I was going to look in my room. It’s getting late though, and she still wants to meet. Think she wants to hook up?” Alice asks eagerly. Then her enthusiasm fades. “Um, do you think she would?”

Glynda sighs. “Probably. If that’s what it takes to close a deal.”

“Not because she likes me?”

“Child, has she known you long enough to like you?”

“I’m old enough to drink! I mean, in some countries. And I don’t know. Maybe.” Alice frowns, thinking.

“Business is business, love.”

Alice mulls that over. Then she brightens.

“I’ll take it,” she says cheerfully.

Glynda sighs again.

“I hope this is free samples. I know I need better perfume,” Alice says, heading down the hall. “That suit looks great on you, by the way. A two-piece would be better,” she calls over her shoulder.

“Thank you, Alice. That’s very helpful,” Glynda mutters as she enters the elevator.

Alice isn’t paying attention; she’s just wondering what the weather’s like in France. The French Grand Prix went away before she joined Formula One, so she’s never been there.

“French things, French things,” she murmurs as she carries her Diorgasm bag down the hall. “Ratatouille.” What else is from France?

Faye’s door opens and she emerges, almost running into Alice.

“Oh,” Faye squeaks. “Sorry.”

“Hey, who’s from France?” Alice is lost in wondering about that question. “I’m picturing this actress. Like a hot Bond girl, maybe?”

Faye frowns, lost. “What?”

“I guess that doesn’t narrow it down that much. They’re all hot. Michelle Yeoh mostly, but the other ones too. Not sure why I’m so into Michelle Yeoh, actually. Is that a kink?”

“Are you all right?”

“Uh, I might’ve drank a lot of Fosters. I was really nervous, and I was just drinking them. I might be drunk. Am I drunk?”

Faye nods slowly. “A bit, perhaps.”

Alice shrugs. “It happens. But now I’m worried. Is it weird that I like Michelle Yeoh so much? Man. Feelings.”

“I don’t know who that is. Alice.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you need to talk?”

Alice laughs. “Probably.”

“Come in, then.” Faye steps aside, looking pleased.

“Can’t. I have to go impress this foxy French perfume lady. I think she’s into me. See,” Alice catches herself, shaking a finger. “Why did I say that? I don’t think she’s into me. That's why I'm so anxious. Literally the whole reason. Because I can't believe that she would be into me. Man. I’m a mess. Maybe it’s because we’re in Australia and I want to impress Kylie. I don’t know. I guess I'd better drink some water.”

She brushes past Faye and heads back to her room.