Dana stood outside Alices door, raising her first to knock, but stopped when she heard her name uttered behind the door. She glanced around quickly and then leaned in close to the door, pressing her ear against the wood.

Shane, Im not sure how I feel about Dana. Its all so confusing right now. I might have just kissed her to get her away from Tonya. Im not trying to hurt her, I swear, she heard Alice saying.

Danas eyes widened in shock as she realized that Alice had told Shane what had happened. Well, she should have known Alice couldnt keep her big mouth shut for long. Dana shifted position, trying to better hear. She didnt hear Shanes voice reply, so she assumed Alice was on the phone. Alices voice became muffled, indicating she was moving around while talking.

Danas purse suddenly slipped from her shoulder and hit the floor with a muted thump. Biting her lip and crossing her fingers, she prayed it hadnt made too much noise. She heard silence from within the apartment. Since she didnt hear Alice running to the door to investigate, Dana decided she must not have been heard. Glad to have remained undetected, she leaned down to pick up her purse, trying to keep her position to the door to keep up with the conversation within, accidentally banging her forehead against the door *****. *****! she groaned, then clapped a mouth over her mouth.

Just as she rose up, purse in hand and pressing her ear back to the door while massaging her sore forehead with her free hand, the door flew open, sending Dana tumbling headfirst into the apartment. Oof! she cried, throwing out her arms to brace herself as she hit the floor, a tangle of arms and legs.

I knew I heard something! You little sneak, you were eavesdropping, werent you? Alice demanded, putting her hands on her hips and looking down at Dana.

Um…no? Dana replied, her face flaming as she still lay on the floor.

Alice sighed. You can get up now. You dont deserve it, but Ill help you up. She shook her head, offering her hand to Dana.

In her haste to get up, Dana pulled too hard on Alices outstretched hand, knocking her off balance and sending her falling on top of Dana.

Dana felt her heart begin to pound as she sound her face within an inch of Alices. Their eyes met, and Alice let out a shuddering breath as their lips gently met. Dana wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. Dana whimpered softly as Alice nibbled gently on Danas lower lip, quickly slipping her tongue inside her mouth. Their tongues clashed and dueled, tracing circles around one another.

Dana, Alice muttered softly, and Dana responded by kissing her harder. Dana, Alice repeated, and Danas eyes popped open as the kiss broke apart.

Hmmm? Dana mumbled, dazed.

I think youre bleeding on me, Alice whispered in her ear.

Oh my God, Im so sorry! I ruined your clothes and I bet I ruined your floor, too! I ruin everything! Dana shouted in despair, springing to her feet in horror, knocking Alice off of her and over onto her behind.

Alice giggled and held out her hand, indicating for Dana to help her up. She stood with Danas help, then grasped Danas arm to look at the bleeding. Ouch, it looks like you might have ripped a stitch when you fell.

Really? I hadnt noticed, Dana admitted with a crooked grin.

Does it hurt? Alice asked in concern, touching the area gently.

Not really, Dana replied, the grimace crossing her face telling another story.

Alice led her to the bathroom, pressing a washcloth carefully to the arm to stop the bleeding. Should I take you to the doctor or something?

Dana peered closely at her arm. No, I think its okay. The stitches didnt rip; I think they were just strained.

Alice pulled out a first aid kit from the medicine cabinet and then laid a soft kiss near the wound. Ill make it feel better. She then wrapped a bandage around Danas wound, peering curiously at her as she asked, Dana, what really happened to your arm?

Just what I said, Dana mumbled, not meeting Alices eyes.

Danaaaa, Alice said, drawing out her name into a long whine. Youre a terrible liar. Now what happened?

Tonya and I were fighting and I accidentally cut myself in the kitchen during the argument, Dana told her, coming closer to the truth.

Did she do this to you? Alice demanded, venom in her voice as she slammed the lid of the first aid kit shut.

No, I swear!

Dont lie, Dana, cause if she did that to you, then Im gonna kick her scrawny ***** right outta this town! Alice said hotly, closing the medicine cabinet so hard it rattled.

Al, everythings fine.

Alice eyed her quietly. Okay, if you say so, Dane. Then she smiled brightly and swatted Dana on the behind. Youre all fixed up as good as new!

Thanks, Alice. Dana gave her a quick peck on the lips. I have to get going.

So youre the love and leave type, eh? Alice joked, laughing as Dana began to protest. Relax, tiger, Im just shittin ya. Wanna do dinner tonight?

Dana began to grin broadly. Alice, are you asking me on a date?

Well…maybe. Sort of.

So, a sort-of date, huh?

Alice grinned. Yeah. You and me, 8:00, at that new little place on the corner. Do we have a sort-of date? She stuck her hand out playfully as if for a handshake.

Deal, Dana replied, shaking her hand vigorously. She gave Alice a quick peck on the cheek and left to go catch a cab and retrieve the newly-repaired Subaru.

Alice watched her walk away with a smile, admiring the way Danas behind looked in her jogging pants. She leaned against the doorframe and sighed. Maybe her feelings for Dana really were more than friendship. Perhaps something would come of this sort-of date, after all. She dreamily imagined that night: nice, quiet, quaint little restaurant, candles everywhere. She, Dana…and Shane!

Alice gasped as she suddenly remembered the plans shed made with Shane earlier. Oops, she muttered, running inside to search for the phone.