Tina came home to Alices after a long, but enjoyable day at work. She saw Shane sitting on the curb waiting. Hi, Shane.

Tina, hows it going?

Good. And you?

Im good. I was beginning to think no one was coming back.

Shane, some of us have nine to five hours. Tina joined Shane. Dana stopped over this morning.

Shane raised an eyebrow, her interest peaked. Oh really? Are those two all love-y dove-y.

Id assume. I havent seen them together today, but after the club last night.

Sucking face all over the place- absolutely sickening.

Dont be so jaded. I think its cute.

Oh its cute, but its-them and all over each other.

Tina smiled, Romance is still alive and Im sure even in your heart.

Broken heart, Shane corrected.

Something we both have in common.

Have you-

Not in a couple of weeks. Bette
and I still need space. Alice gives me
updates.

Do you think itll work out?

Im not sure. I dont know if I can trust her.

Have you gone on any dates?

Maybe one or two, but like lunch dates. Nothing that I would pursue.

Gotcha.

And what about you? Any hot dates?

A few here and there. I think the highlight was the day I had coffee with a beautiful blond whose hair I had just cut.

Thanks, Shane. Youre such a sweetie.

What do you say about us going to a movie?

When?

Now?

Sure. Itll be nice getting out.

Cool. What did you want to see?

I dont know. Whatever you had in mind when you decided to go to the movies.

Shane clapped her hands in glee. Ho ho ho, I hope you like scary movies.

Alice darted passed her friends, Hi, guys! She yelled as she unlocked her door and went inside. Shane and Tina followed their friend, shrugging their shoulders at each other. Alice kicked off her shoes and was scrambling around her apartment, picking up anything that was not located in its proper place.

Whats going on, Al? Shane asked.

Ooh, ooh, ooh. Can you two clean and stuff and put out candles? Candles everywhere. Like every candle you can find. Big ones, little ones, doesnt matter. Do I smell? Alice held up her arms.

Shane groaned, Put down your sweaty pits. Im not smelling you.

Tina shook her head, When in doubt, take a shower. Whats going on?

Danas coming over in like an hour or so. God, Im freaking out. Stupid person on the phone wouldnt let me leave. I need everything to be really Alice paused and took a breath, Sensual and *****.

Alright, you shower. T and Ill work our magic. Go. Shane ushered Alice into the bedroom. Lets rock. Shane and Tina rummaged through the cabinets pulling out candles and strategically placing them throughout the apartment. After ten minutes Tina suggested to Shane that they dim the lights first and then figure out where to put the candles. They found some thin fabric pieces and draped them over a couple of lamps. Tina ran out to the store while Shane cleaned a few more things and then started doing Alices hair.

Shane finished around the same time Tina reappeared with 14 red roses, chocolate covered strawberries, and some vanilla candles. Now youre all set.

I cant believe you bought all that. A dozen roses?

Actually fourteen.

Why fourteen?

Tina handed Shane and Alice four roses each. Start ripping off the petals. I was going to buy a dozen and one to just give Dana, but that would be thirteen roses. So give her two.

Whats so bad-oh number thirteen. Yeah, keep the bad luck away. Alice patted Tina on the back, Good thinking, Tina.

They finished ripping off the rose petals and spreading them on and around the bed. There was a knock on the door.

*****, shes here. How do I look? Alice quickly made sure her black dress was flat on her.

You look great. Well go out the back.

I owe you one. Bye, guys.

Bye.

Later, Al. Shane gave Alice a wink, Good luck.

Alice took a couple of deep breaths. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest, she thought it might burst out of her. She remembered that she didnt light the candles. She ran to the kitchen to grab the mini blowtorch and quickly lit the candles.

Dana was on the other side of the door, walking in a tight circle. She debated whether or not she should knock again or ring the doorbell. Dana finally decided to ring the doorbell.

Alice opened the door. Dana spun around face to face with her girlfriend. Alice noticed Dana was just staring at her. Well, are you just going to stare or are you gonna come inside?

Dana was still speechless, Insidegood.

Alice reached out and grabbed the lapel on Danas jacket, pulling her inside. She turned off the light.

Dana looked around, Ooh, candles. She turned on the light back on, Hold on. I want to get a good look at you. Youre so beautiful. Wow. She smiled, Who knew?

Alice let go of Danas jacket and did a twirl for her. Do you like?

Uh huh.

As for your suit, Im not sure if it flatters you.

Alice!

Maybe its the jacket. Alice moved closer to Dana and kissed her while taking the jacket off of Dana. She threw the jacket on the couch. Yeah, thats a lot better.

I think you were right.

Of course I was, baby. Alice pressed herself against Dana, her mouth covering Danas, and forcing her back into the door.

Dana moaned and increased the fervor of the kiss. She removed her lips from Alices and worked her way down Alices neck and collarbone.

Alice guided Danas lips back to her own. She then wrapped her arms around Dana and slowly walked backwards towards the bedroom. She flicked off the lights. They were about to walk through the doorway when Dana pulled away.

What? Alice snapped.

Dana peeked inside, I cant believe you did all this. She kissed Alice tenderly on the lips and then bent down and picked Alice up. She carried Alice through the doorway and gently placed her on the bed. She stood at the end of the bed and started unbuttoning her shirt.

Alice slid closer to Dana and helped by unbuttoning the bottom two buttons. She pulled Dana onto her. She ran her hands over the exposed flesh. It amazed Alice how smooth and soft Danas skin was. Her hands admired the well defined curves of Danas shoulders and back.

Dana reached behind Alice and started unzipping the dress while Alice unfastened her bra from under Danas shirt. Dana sat up on her knees and took off her shirt and bra.

Alice gazed at Dana bare upper body. She was in awe. She was in disbelief that Dana was hers. That this beautiful woman and body were hers in this moment. She could see Dana trying to read her. Dana was unsure if she should take off Alices dress now or wait. Alice lifted herself up and started sliding her dress of her shoulders, You dont have to be shy.

Dana put her hands on top of Alices, guiding them as the dress straps slid further down, revealing more of Alice to her. She held her breath as the black lace bra came into view. Dana struggled to unclasp the bra, cursing her fumbling fingers.

Having some problems? Alice said after five minutes or so passed.

Icantgetthis damn thingoff.

Alice laughed, Let me help you. Alice reached behind her back and laughed even harder when she felt the back of the bra.

Whats so funny? You cant do it either.

Its a front closure.

Duh, I feel real stupid now.

Alice smiled at Dana. But you make me smile and laugh like no one else can.

Dana couldnt help but grin. Im glad.