Alice cocked her head to the side to study Dana, unsure if she had heard her correctly. If she was surprised, she didnt act it. Dana thought she appeared more relieved, as if a barrier had been lifted between them.

Me either. Alice said just as quietly as Dana.

But that doesnt mean I think we should get back together. Dana continued.

Thats fair. Alice replied, though neither one of them would look directly at the other. Instead, they continued to watch the sun peek out, both remembering the same night, though neither voicing their memory.

***

Alice and Dana were in South Carolina for one of Danas tennis tours. It was a warm summer night in late July and the beach air was refreshing against their hot bodies. Their last night there, instead of staying in the hotel, they snuck down to the beach with some other people on the tour to have some fun. They played soccer and flag football that actually turned competitively into a tackle game. After that, they ended up swimming and stripping down naked. None of them were young, but that night they played like they were in college again. Dana and Alice were having a blast with the others from the tour.

Eventually, though, everyone headed back to the hotel to get some sleep before the trip home the next day. Dana and Alice lingered behind, climbing out on some rocks to watch the bright starry sky while the waves splashed against their bare legs.

Shouldnt we get to bed? Alice asked, wide eyed.

Is that what you want to do? Dana asked, kissing Alices shoulder.

Alice smiled and shook her head. The horizon across the ocean started to fade into a bright blue with flecks of pink dotting the distant waves.

We have until the sun is above the horizon. Alice pointed out across the water.

Deal. Dana replied, running her hand over Alices smooth leg.

I like you. Alice whispered in Danas ear.

I like you too.

What about the L word?

Love? Dana asked while Alice nodded. I thought we promised each other we wouldnt talk about that anymore because it always brings a fight.

Just a question. Alice shrugged and looked at the orange glow of sun starting to rise above the water, waging their time.

I feel that word when Im with you sometimes.

Love?

Thats the word.

Should we do anything about it?

Dana shook her head.

Why not? Alice asked, the sunlight reflecting off her face.

Were out of time. Dana pointed to the sun that had just barely climbed above the ocean.

***

As Dana and Alice were lost in their own thoughts, the sun was bright in the sky and the birds were just starting to chirp. The heat came full force as the morning started to begin. Dana stretched out her long legs and froze as she heard a noise in the hallway.

Duck! Alice whispered harshly and pushed Dana down on the couch.

Tina came down the hallway in a hurry, dressed up again. She scribbled a note and grabbed an apple. Alice looked at Dana curiously and shrugged.

Where are you off to so early? Alice asked as she popped up from the couch, causing Tina to grab her chest in surprise.

Nowhere, just out.

Liar. Come on, tell us.

Look… Ill talk about it later. I really have to go.

Fine. But youll tell us or else. And dont forget about today.

Tina looked puzzled.

Bettes planning the itinerary today, remember? She said to plan on lunch and a surprise for the rest of the day and evening. She has big new, remember?

Tina hit her head as she remembered. Damn. She muttered under her breath. Ok, I remember. Tell her Ill try my hardest to make it to lunch, but if I cant make it, Ill be here for dinner. I promise.

She left so quickly that Alice couldnt reply. She just looked at Dana and raised an eyebrow, baffled by not only Tinas behavior, but also by the simple conversation she just shared with Dana during the sunrise.