“Yeah? You tomorrow works and you want to go?” Dana said, her smile evident in her voice. “Wait, what do you mean you were wondering when I was going to ask? Why didn’t you ask?”

Alice reached for Dana’s hand, “Dane, this is new for me too. And it’s strange, you know? You’re like my best friend. And the friend in me knows that you just got out a huge relationship, which by the way, thank god you got out of. I needed to know it was what you wanted, that you were ready for this. I don’t want to rush this and then ***** it up. I mean it’s only been like a week since Tonya left.” Alice took her eyes away from Dana’s before continuing, “Dane, this is sort of scary. We have a lot riding on it. This isn’t about *****. I mean I know it’s not for me. And I don’t want to put pressure on us, but I don’t want to treat you like I treat everyone else. You deserve more than that. So I guess, I was just waiting for you to because I think I need to know you really wanted something.”

Alice dropped Dana’s hand and continued to look at all places that didn’t include Dana’s gaze. Dana took a step closer to Alice, cutting the distance between them. She put her hand on the small of Alice’s back and drew Alice even closer. Alice let herself be pulled closer, comforted by the closeness and Dana’s scent, but still unable to look up at Dana.

Dana took her hand to Alice’s chin and lifted her chin. “Al? Look at me, please.”

Alice hesitantly raised her eyes to meet Dana’s and was instantly comforted when she was met with the warmth in Dana’s eyes. Dana softly slid her hand from Alice’s chin to her neck, her thumb making baby strokes on Alice’s cheek.

“Al, did you really doubt that I wanted something with you? I know I’m not always the most expressive person. I am not good with words. And I sort of put my foot in my mouth a lot.”

Alice let out a small chuckle. “It is amazing sometimes, Dane.”