The sun is beginning to rise. I never fell back asleep after Alice left. What was she thinking? Im engaged. Im getting married. Weve been friends for how long?! Now she decides to kiss me.

Sweetie, Tonya stirsI hear her voice trailing off. God Alice, why did you have to kiss me last night? Your lips were so perfect. I should have known something was about to happen when you couldnt look me in the eyes. But Im the worst at reading the signs. You caught me so off guard when you just leaned in and kissed me. I didnt know what to dowhat to say. All I wanted was to feel those soft, luscious lips again. I want youAlice.

Dana, she rouses me from my thoughts.

Huh, I answer, not knowing what to
say.

You just said Alices name, she responds. What are you thinking about?

Uh, nothing, I have to change the subject. What do you want for breakfast?

I was just telling you how Id like to go out for breakfast. I thought we could go to The Planet.

Oh, surewe can do that, I answer before realizing that Alice may be there.

Ill just take a quick shower. Then we can go.

Okay, I say knowing this will give me an opportunity to call Alice.

As Tonya heads into the bathroom I go for the phone. Dialing Alices number, I hear the water beginning to flow. Its ringing. What am I going to say when she
Hello? shes groggy. Oh my god I woke her up!

Alice? I say, hesitating.

Dana? Maybe I didnt wake her up.

Alice, we need to talk, I hear my voice say. Shes not answering, maybe hung up, maybe she doesnt want to talk to me. Alice? Are you there?

Yeah, Im here. I cant talk right now, though. She really doesnt want to talk to me. Can we meet somewhere later? What, meet somewhere? I dont know if I can do this in person.

I guess, the answer rolls off my tongue, but we have to talk about what happened.

I know, Ill call you laterwhen I have a chance, she says.

Okay, Ill talk to you later. Bye Al, I say quickly hanging up the phone, not waiting for a response.

Does Alice really have feelings for me? Or did she just kiss me so I wouldnt marry Tonya? I cant believe I kissed her back. But her lips were so soft and supple. I could hear them calling for me. The way her body rubbed against mine as we kissed made my head spin. A flash of light. The glare of the sun off a passing car brings me back to my bedroom. I find myself standing by the window, my left hand around my waist as if in an embracemy right hand caressing my lips.

Dana, sweetie, I hear Tonya, are you going to get dressed?

To Be Continued…