“Sorry I don’t close…”

            “I figured.”  Abby cut in, she watched Ro’s grey eyes growing sad, and Abby reached out instinctively and touched her cheek. 

            “Stop.”  Ro said gruffly and Abby was taken back, she quickly stuffed her hands into her pockets and Roberta said.  “I’m sorry.”

            “No, I shouldn’t have been touching you.”  Abby voiced and then asked, “Do you have a BP Cuff?  I want to take your pressure, you look like *****.”

            “It’s called too much al-CO-hol.”  Ro kicked her shoes off, sending them flying into another room and Abby chuckled.  “You can take the car home Abs, I’ll take one of the other ones, as you’ve said I have a few more to pick from.”  Abby thought for a moment and pursed her lips.

            “You know, I don’t start until noon and its only midnight.  I can stay for a while.”  She offered.  Roberta turned to her and looked her over, the laugh lines and the dark eyes that were just deep enough to lose yourself in.

            “No.  I think you should go…”

            “Why?”  Abby asked in a hurt voice.

            “Because I’m drunk Lockhart, I’m a drunk woman who hadn’t slept with anyone willingly in over 2 years and I might very well not be as ladylike as I usually am under those circumstances.”  Ro turned and walked to the front door, opening it and holding for Abby.

            Abby was stunned, had Ro just admitted she found her attractive?  Was that why she’d suddenly pulled away during their dance?  Abby swallowed back a lust she’d never felt before.  Stepping towards Roberta Abby stood toe to toe with her and saying in a low voice.

            “That’s why, as your friend, I’m staying here and making sure you are ok.”  Abby closed the door and leaned against it.  Ro swallowed loudly and nodded.  “You’re not going to do anything because I trust you.  Now why don’t you go to bed and I’ll make myself at home in this damn assed big house of yours.”  Abby said curtly. 

            Ro didn’t know what to say.  So she said nothing, nodding simply and walking to the staircase, “There’s a bedroom off to the side of the living room.”  She said, mounting the stairs.  Abby watched her walking away and disappearing into the first door at the top of the staircase.

            “G’night Ro.”  Abby whispered and she went to find the bedroom.