Hot Check Part 3

aYou first tonight,a Alice whispered before she got too caught up in the moment. Her tongue grazed Rickyas ear before she whispered, aTell me what you want.a aI want you,a Ricky said. aOpen your legs for me.a Alice kissed her throat and then moved her mouth back up to Rickyas ear again. aYou first this time. Please, baby. Tell me what you want. Talk to me.a She took Rickyas full breast in her hands and could feel her trembling. aYou like this?a Ricky didnat say anything, but her slow, deep breathing gave her away.

aYou do,a Alice said. aI can hear it.a She brushed her thumbs over hard nipples and kept her lips close to the edge of Rickyas mouth. aIt doesnat take you forever to come any more, does it?a Ricky chuckled and closed her eyes. aNo. Not anymore.a Alice kissed her bare shoulder and neck again. aTell me what you want, baby. Talk to me.a As their breathing became a bit more labored, Alice felt such a wonderful surge of arousal.

aInside,a Ricky whispered. aGo inside me.a Ricky was so wet that Alice thought she herself might come just from touching her. aLike this?a Alice said as her fingers slid in and out of her. She eased Ricky on the bed and slowly began to f.u.c.k her. aLike this?a Alice said again, knowing exactly what Ricky wanted.

Weeks ago Alice had discovered that Ricky was more s.e.xually responsive when they talked while they made love. If Alice described an act just before doing it, the results were very rewarding.

aYou like it this way, donat you?a Alice whispered. aYou like it.a aYes...yes.a Alice kissed her hard and Ricky opened her mouth for Aliceas tongue. She came quickly and Ricky was like a limp rag afterward.

aHold me,a she said in a small, gravelly voice. aHold me.a Alice kissed her on the cheek and still kept her fingers inside. Ricky nuzzled her neck as Aliceas arms tightened around her.

aIt was Emily, wasnat it?a Alice asked as she slipped her fingers out of her. aEmilyas the one who mentioned how long it takes for you to come.a Ricky kissed the back of Aliceas hand. aShe stayed busy a lot. There were always papers to grade. You know. Teacher stuff.a aShe would rather grade papers than make love to you?a Alice asked incredulously. She smoothed a lock of hair away from Rickyas eyes. aWas she out of her mind?a Ricky turned on her side and propped her head up with her hand. aI was sixteen and eager to please. Youare the first lover I ever had who wanted to make love to me. I feel like the luckiest d.a.m.n person in the world right now.a Ricky moved on top of her and Alice ran her hands up and down her back. aBut I will admit,a Ricky said, athat the first few times we were together in the beginning, whenever youad start touching me, the thought would pop in my heada"what if I canat come right away? What if it takes me a long time?a Ricky leaned over and kissed her. aIs it the kind of thing you apologize for? Do you warn someone youare about to sleep with that sometimes s.e.x doesnat work for you?a She slipped her knee in between Aliceas legs and slowly started moving against her.

aWhat about now?a Alice asked. aDo you still feel that way?a aThings are a lot different now,a Ricky said. aWith the others I had s.e.x; with you I have love. The difference is staggering.a Alice reached around and rubbed Rickyas sweaty back.

aAnd with you,a Ricky whispered, aI seem to come quite often.a

Chapter Seven.

The week before Christmas Alice received an unexpected visit from Henry Conrad, Rickyas father. She had her secretary cancel an appointment so theyad have some time together. Gloria seemed to be checking him out when Alice met him outside her office. He was a young fifty, tall and fit, with light brown hair laced with gray and a very defined, handsome face. Ricky had his blue eyes, but other than that she didnat look anything like him.

aPlease have a seat,a Alice said graciously. She motioned toward the chair in front of her desk. aMay I get you something? We always have fresh coffee.a aNo, thanks. Iam fine.a He was comfortable in his suit, as though he wore one often, and Alice could tell that he knew how good he looked. Ricky had indicated on several occasions that there was some tension between her and her father. Alice was aware that Ricky was still annoyed about his recently marrying a woman close to Rickyas age. Rickyas mother had only been dead a few years, and Ricky felt like it was much too soon for him to be trotting off with another woman.

aI understand from Joe that you and Ricky are living together,a he said, coming right to the point.

aYes. Weare lovers,a Alice replied, making a point of her own. aAnd I know for a fact that Rickyas told you all about that. You didnat hear it from Joe at all.a He met her steady gaze and then slowly looked away.

aShe calls when she knows we wonat be home,a he said, aand sheas never given me her telephone number or her new address. She canat possibly still be upset by Sharon and me getting married.a He stopped abruptly and took a deep breath. aBut thatas not why Iam here. Iad like to invite you and Ricky to Austin for Christmas. The boys too, of course.a Alice didnat quite know what to say. She and Ricky had reservations at a resort in Vermont for the holidays. aIall ask Ricky to call you,a she said.

The look he gave her was intended to intimidate, but Alice wasnat impressed. When he saw that it wasnat working, he said, aYouall ask her to call me?a aBetter yet,a Alice said, alet me see if I can get her on the phone for you now.a She buzzed her secretary and had her put the call through. Their only chance to catch Ricky at rehearsal was if the band was taking a break, otherwise no one would be able to hear the phone ringing.

aHowad you find me?a Alice asked him.

aIave heard the commercial she did for you. It was easy from there.a Henry shifted in the chair. aMy daughter and I have had our differences over the years, but weave always been able to work them out.a He spread his fingers and inspected his nails. aSheas a cla.s.sically trained pianista"a child prodigy who discovered rock ana roll at the age of ten. I wasnat happy with her choice of music, but we reached a compromise once I realized I couldnat change her mind. Then thereas the Dentac Advertising Agency. They offered her an outrageous sum of money several years ago to join their staff. She said no, and we got over that one too. Her s.e.xual orientation, her obsession with that teacher in high school, hera"a aYou knew about the teacher?a Henryas slight smile caught Aliceas attention. He seemed very pleased with himself.

aAs soon as I found out about the affair I suggested to Emily that she seek other employment before the school board put an end to her career. She left town the next day and Ricky adjusted.a Alice checked her anger and cleared her throat before testing her voice. aDid Ricky know youad spoken to Emily?a His eyes widened for a moment, and the smugness disappeared. aNo. Of course not. She was sixteen. A minor. That woman was in a position of--a aYes, I know all that.a aYouare not a parent,a he said. aRicky claims sheas been a lesbian all her life, but at sixteen what can anyone know about their s.e.xuality?a aYou didnat know about yours at sixteen?a Alice asked. She did notice, however, how easily he had said the word lesbian. She had to give him some credit for that. Alice could only imagine the conversations around the Conrad dinner table after Ricky came out to him years ago. Sheas one up on me in that department.

aDo you think itas fair the way sheas treating my new wife?a he asked. aSharonas very upset by all this. We were expecting the band home for Thanksgiving.a aI canat speak for Ricky on any of that,a Alice said. aItas something the two of you will have to work out.a Aliceas telephone buzzed, and Gloria let her know that Ricky was on the phone. Alice pushed a b.u.t.ton, handed the receiver to him, then left him alone in her office.

Ricky declined her fatheras invitation for a Texas Christmas, and the holiday in Vermont helped recharge their batteries. Alice felt rested and ready for the new year. They were invited over to Dora and Margeas house for a New Yearas Eve party, but Ricky had to work that night and would only be able to stay for an hour or so. By the time they got there, a roomful of lesbians were already well on their way to having a good time. Alice gave Ricky a small gla.s.s of orange juice and reached for her other hand.

aWhereas your band playing tonight?a Dora asked over the noise of the crowd.

aAlamo Plaza,a Ricky said.

Alice smiled at the expression on Doraas face. Alamo Plaza was the place to be on New Yearas Eve. Tickets had been sold out for weeks already.

Lola and Christine came over with drinks in hand. They both gave Alice a hug.

aChristineas new squeeze is off flying the friendly skies,a Lola said, aso sheas a little grouchy right now.a Lola gave Ricky a very thorough once-over, from the top of her s.h.a.ggy blonde head to the toes of her brown suede boots.

aI thought for sure youad be here in a tux,a Lola cooed. aThatas the only reason I came tonight.a aSorry to disappoint you,a Ricky said.

aOh, honey,a Lola sighed dramatically and began fanning herself with a plump hand. aThat voice. Alice, darling, youad better keep a close eye on this one.a Christine seemed to be severely annoyed about something, and Alice attributed her foul mood to having her new girlfriend out of town over the holidays. Christine finally crossed her arms over her chest and glared at both of them.

aDo you have a job?a she asked Ricky finally. aDo you work anywhere?a aI need to be getting to work now, as a matter of fact,a Ricky said. aIam on in an hour.a aI mean at a real job,a Christine said. aThe power suit, morning traffic, a one-hour-lunch real job.a aSheas an artist,a Dora bellowed. aArtists donat wear power suits. Whatas the matter with you? Whenas that girlfriend of yours coming back? Youare more fun when sheas in town.a aOh, sit on it, Dora,a Christine grumbled.

Ricky squeezed Aliceas hand and leaned over to whisper that she needed to leave. Alice put her arms around her neck and kissed her.

aDonat forget,a Alice said. aWeave got a date when you get home later.a aIam counting on it.a Alice was a wreck when she and Ricky went to Dallas a few weeks later to see Aliceas parents. They flew out on a Wednesday afternoon to have dinner with them.

aTake it easy,a Ricky said from her aisle seat. She gave Aliceas hand a placating pat. aI promise not to embarra.s.s you.a aIam not worried about you.a Alice ordered a gin and tonic to help settle her nerves. aI shouldave told them about me years ago. Why canat I do it? Who I sleep with should have nothing to do with them.a aYouall know when youare ready. Calm down. Itas just dinner. Weare not announcing our engagement or anything.a Alice lost what little courage shead gained on the way up and introduced Ricky to her parents as a close friend, the writer and singer responsible for the commercial that was still making them barrels of money. Almost immediately Alice had envisioned her parents knowing every intimate detail of her personal life with no more than a glance at the two of them together. Alice unconsciously compensated for this by ignoring Ricky most of the evening. Iam such a coward, Alice thought. This is the woman I love. But no matter how reasonable she tried to be, Alice wasnat ready to come out to them yet. And she was grateful that Ricky didnat tease her about it. This is nuts. What the h.e.l.l are we doing here?

The four of them had dinner at the country club, and early in the evening Alice realized that her father was positively enchanted with Ricky. He asked questions about her band and the videos shead done. He told her how impressed head been with the jingle shead written for them.

At that point Ricky casually mentioned that her band had been approached by another restaurant chain also wanting a jingle. The chain, however, just happened to be in direct compet.i.tion with the restaurants owned by Collins Enterprises.

Alice was surprised by this and glanced at her father quickly as she set her fork down. To Ricky she said, aYou wonat do it, of course.a Rickyas eyes actually twinkled as she sliced a tomato chunk in her salad. aWhy shouldnat I?a Her voice was soft and low, its huskiness so sensual when she spoke that way.

aBecause I donat want you to,a Alice said. It was only after her parents burst out laughing that Alice even attempted a smile. She saw absolutely nothing funny about any of this.

aTell me, Alice,a she heard her father saying. aWhat do you plan on doing about this? Rickyas apparently good enough to ruin us if she puts her mind to it.a aIam not sure sheas that good,a Alice said. She could feel Rickyas eyes on her, and looked up in time to see her smile. Her mother wasnat saying much, but Alice could tell by the way she dabbed the napkin to her lips that things were going very well. They like her, Alice thought suddenly. She looked at both of her parents with surprise. They like her a lot.

After that particular visit, Aliceas parents made it a point to always ask about Ricky whenever Alice called them or went up there for business. Coming out to them wasnat that far down the road, but Alice wasnat quite ready to get there yet. She wanted a few more profitable quarters on the books first.

Alice was home from the office early, but she still had some calls to make and a contract to look over. She could hear Ricky working in another room and noticed Joeas empty guitar case in the middle of the sofa. The music filtering through the door wasnat loud. Ricky usually worked on new material with only the bare necessities: a small keyboard, Stan and Joe on acoustic guitars, and occasionally Kyle smacking at bongos when he wasnat reading a magazine. As a piece progressed, more serious instruments were eventually incorporated and rehearsals moved to the boysa place on the outskirts of town.

Alice made her phone calls and jotted notes for her secretary. Ricky didnat have to work tonight and had hinted earlier that it would be nice if Alice could come home at a reasonable hour. Alice had to attend a board meeting in Dallas later in the week, and would be out of town for a few days. Her father was thinking about buying a department store chain in New Orleans and wanted her opinion on it.

The door to the music room opened and Joe came out carrying his guitar. aYour womanas a f.u.c.kina genius,a he said as he gently set his guitar in its case.

Alice put her pen down and propped her chin up on laced fingers. She watched him for a moment as the music continued from the other room.

aYou hear that?a he said as he nodded toward the closed door. aSheas working on something really hot, Alice.a He tugged on the bill of his baseball cap and glanced at his watch. aIave gotta go. Iam late for an appointment.a He left with his guitar, and Alice stayed where she was for a while listening to Ricky play. She thought twice about going in and curling up in the chair beside her. Watching Ricky work never failed to get her incredibly aroused.

Alice put the finished contract in her briefcase and quietly opened the door to Rickyas makeshift studio. The sound was full and mellow inside. Amplifiers and guitars of every shape and size lined three walls around the room. Cords and cables were neatly coiled and stacked in a corner. Ricky glanced over her shoulder and smiled as her hands continued moving across the keys.

aHey,a she said. aYouare home early.a Alice came up behind her and draped her arms around Rickyas neck. aYou promised to make it worth my while.a She kissed her on top of the head and ran her hands down over the front of her shirt.

aWeave got time for a bubble bath before dinneras ready.a aMmm,a Alice whispered as she nuzzled that sweet-smelling neck. aAll of this and she cooks too.a

Part Two.

Six Months Later.

Chapter Eight.

Alice and Ricky had an early dinner at one of the restaurants owned by Collins Enterprises and had plans to meet some friends later. The lighting at the restaurant was dim, the carpet plush. They enjoyed the best table available, with food cooked to perfection. Ricky signed a few autographs for customers; she was quickly becoming more than a local celebrity. Hot Checkas music could be heard on all rock stations throughout the country, and Ricky was constantly being approached for interviews and fund-raisers. In addition, their new alb.u.m had two songs moving swiftly through the Top One Hundred.

aWhat are the boys doing on their night off?a Alice asked. After a half shake she stopped salting her baked potato, momentarily delighted by the sight of Rickyas tanned face and blue eyes in the candlelight. Rickyas hair had its usual semiorganized look about it. A look, however, that had been known to stop traffic on occasion.

aA baseball game somewhere, I think.a Ricky focused her attention on her plate. aAre you sure this is a good idea? Some of your friends arenat that thrilled about us, you know.a aDonat be silly,a Alice said. aDoraas one of your biggest fans.a Ricky laughed and nodded. aIam not that worried about Dora. She doesnat seem to fit in with these women either. Thereas not a lot to be said for lowering your standards, Al, and thatas what a few of them think youave done. I have nothing in common with these people. Itas like comparing Streisand with Cyndi Lauper. Or fondue with Cheez Whiz.a aI happen to love Cheez Whiz,a Alice reminded her with a laugh.

After dinner they drove to Christine Marlowas house for a small party. aCome in. Come in,a Christine said, giving Alice a hug. Her outfit consisted of beige pants with silver sparkling threads intricately woven into slightly puffed sleeves on the jacket. Christineas dangling earrings looked like small swaying chandeliers, and they matched a necklace that dipped into cleavage. aI see you brought the lounge singer.a Alice squeezed Rickyas hand as they followed Christine down the hallway.

aA lounge singer,a Ricky grumbled. aSee? She thinks youare keeping me, for crissake.a aForget it for now, darling. Iall take care of her later.a Alice smiled and hugged Dora. aHow are you? I called you last week, but you were out of town. How are the kids?a aTheyare fine,a Dora said. She gave Ricky a hug too, and kept an arm around both of them. aHowas the band? I hear you have a new alb.u.m out.a They mingled and gossiped, with everyone sipping drinks. Lola Colby joined the three of them at the bar.

aStill no tux?a Lola asked as she handed Ricky an orange juice on the rocks.

aAlice only lets me wear it at home.a aSheas a smart woman,a Lola said. She propped herself up against the bar as close as she could get to Ricky. aYour voice is so...so...whatas the word Iam looking for?a as.e.xy?a Alice offered.

aYes! s.e.xy. Thatas it. Goodness, itas wonderful!a Alice put her arm around Rickyas waist and ran her fingers through the front of her hair. aIt is wonderful, isnat it?a Dora was beside them, her martini-induced laughter bringing smiles to all. aIs that piano of yours tuned, Christine?a she yelled across the room.

aOf course itas tuned,a Christine barked back. She couldnat have sounded more offended if someone had asked if her toilets flushed.

aMaybe Rickyall play something for us,a Dora said. aA command performance! Iave never heard her by herself.a Aliceas hand moved down Rickyas back in a slow, lingering caress. She leaned closer and whispered, aDoes my lounge singer feel like performing?a Their eyes met again and Ricky laughed.

aIall play anything youad like to hear.a Alice turned to the others, eyeing Christine in particular. aMy little lounge singer can play anything youad like to hear.a Everyone followed them into another room through the French doors.

As Ricky played, the others stood around the piano drinking, singing, and giggling. The women made a game of trying to name songs Ricky didnat know, and it was a triumph when such a song was discovered. They had loosened up, taken off their shoes, and literally let their hair down. By one-thirty they were all tipsy and singing at the top of their lungs.

aItas late,a Alice said a while later as she squinted at her watch. aI hope you can get us home.a aThe wee hours of the morning are my specialty,a Ricky said. aStay right here while I get our things.a Alice and Dora huddled together against the piano and struggled to get their shoes on, but a commotion in the hallway got everyoneas attention.

aSheall be tired of you in six months,a Alice heard Christine say.

aThatas what you told me six months ago,a Ricky replied.

The others began filtering out into the hallway to see what was going on. They found Christine waving a finger in Rickyas face. aShe canat possibly be in love with you,a Christine said. She stumbled a little closer. aSix months. Iall give it another six months.a aYouall give what another six months?a Alice asked with a crinkled brow.

aItas not important,a Ricky said. aYou ready?a She put her arm around Alice and kissed the end of her nose. aYouall be asleep before we get out of the driveway. As the only sober person in the house,a Ricky announced, aI think itas a good idea if I drive the rest of you home.a Alice rested her head on Rickyas shoulder. aSheall give what another six months?a she asked sleepily.

aHer new hair color,a Ricky whispered. aNow come on. Lean against me and letas go.a And with that, Alice got an outrageous case of the giggles and couldnat even pull herself together long enough to tell Christine good-bye. Ricky helped Alice and Dora out the door first and put them safely in the car before returning for Marge and Lola. Alice was still giggling when Ricky finally got them home.

Monday morning Gloria made reservations for Alice at her restaurant on the Riverwalk. Alice arrived early for lunch, taking time to go through the kitchen and chat with employees. The manager seemed relaxed and undisturbed by her presence, which Alice found refreshing.

Christine was on time dressed in dark blue slacks, a light blue silk blouse, and a matching jacket. aWe havenat done this in a while,a Christine said. aItas nice to see you in the daylight. Whatas the occasion?a Alice folded her hands on the table. aIave been wanting to talk to you about Ricky.a Christine gave her a long, interested look, her eyes drifting to the top of Aliceas fawn-colored blouse. aTrouble in paradise?a The waiter brought their drinks and took their orders for lunch. Alice squeezed the lime into her iced tea and stirred vigorously. aYou and I are friends, Christine,a she started, aand Iad like for us to stay that way, but if you ever talk to Ricky the way you did the other night, Iall never speak to you again.a She noticed a definite droop at the corner of Christineas mouth.

Christine set her gla.s.s down and stared at Alice in total disbelief. aArenat you overreacting a little?a aI donat think so,a Alice said. aWhat has Ricky ever done to you? What the h.e.l.las your problem?a aI couldnat even begin to explain.a Christine picked up her gla.s.s and then nervously patted her already perfect hair. aSheas not right for you, Alice. Everyone but you can see it.a aWho do you think you are?a aI canat believe you,a Christine roared. aSheas making a fool out of you! She travels with three men. Three long haired, doped-up men. How can you live with someone like that?a It seemed strange hearing Joe, Stan, and Kyle referred to as men. They were the boys. Sheas talking about the boys!

aYou know absolutely nothing about her,a Alice said, trying to keep her voice calm. aYouare judging her by what her band looks like, and you know nothing about them either. You treat her like a gigolo, when she makes more money than you do! I donat understand any of this. Iave never known you to be so relentless.a Christineas jaw was set, acknowledging a rage that Alice had only seen a few times. aItas no secret that Iam in love with you, Alice,a she said through clenched teeth. aSeeing you with that blonde piece of fluff is almost more than I can bear.a aOh, puhleeze,a Alice said. aYouave never been in love a day in your life!a aAsk anyone who knows me!a Christine spoke with such self-a.s.surance that Alice had to look away from her. aI remember the first day I saw you. It was the most marvelous day of my life. Iave wanted you for years, and you chose her over me. How can you expect me to be civil under those circ.u.mstances?a Alice was mortified. She felt confused. Insensitive. Weare friends, for crissake, she reminded herself. Weave been friends for years!

aSheas not right for you,a Christine continued. aYouare both from different worlds.a Their food arrived, but neither acknowledged its existence. Alice was speechless. How in the h.e.l.l did I get myself into this one? She pushed her plate away. aI really donat know what to say. Iam not even sure I believe you.a aWhat do I have to gain by lying to you? I know youave never been attracted to me. Iave sensed your resistance from the beginning.a Alice forced herself to look at Christine, trying to get some sort of perspective on what their friendship had actually been all these years.

aI didnat mean to spring this on you,a Christine said. aIt just seemed important that you understand my position. Even under different circ.u.mstances I donat think Ricky and I couldave become friends. The only thing we have in common is you.a Alice ran a fingertip through the sweat on her gla.s.s.

aJust remember what Iave told you,a Christine said. aAnd if you ever come to your senses about that little blonde piano player, Iall be around.a Alice watched her collect her things and leave. She was still confused and angry several hours later as she made her way to another appointment.

Between business meetings with her father in Dallas at least twice a week, a kitchen fire at one of her restaurants in Laredo, and a steady stream of Hot Check fans hanging around the parking lot of their condo, Alice felt as though she and Ricky would never have any privacy again. And to further complicate matters, Ricky was coming down with a cold.

aIam such a whiny b.i.t.c.h when Iam sick,a Ricky said as she put the finishing touches on their Sat.u.r.day morning omelets.

Alice liked the domestic part of their busy lives. Moments s.n.a.t.c.hed here and there were very special. Theyad worked out a routine that seemed to revolve around food. Quality time consisted of having lunch together whenever possible. Rickyas writing schedule was flexible, but occasionally when she was really onto something a lunch date wasnat practical. Dinner, however, had become an evening ritual. If Alice had to work late, Ricky picked something up for a feast at the office. A few hours here and there before one of them had to be somewhere seemed to be working. They were both on the road a lot, usually in different directions, but under Aliceas watchful eye they had a semblance of order to their lives.

A few days later Alice woke up to a blaring alarm clock and an empty bed. She found her robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door and slipped it around her nude body before going to search for Ricky. A lamp was on in the living room, and the smell of fresh coffee made her shuffle to the kitchen a little faster. She set the gla.s.s of orange juice down on a small table and opened the door to Rickyas studio. Alice found her there working, dressed in pale yellow sweats and Reeboks. Ricky had headphones on and stopped occasionally only to scribble something down. She hadnat been to bed yet.

Ricky smiled and slipped the headphones off when she saw Alice. She took the orange juice Alice handed to her and enjoyed a healthy swallow.

aHowas it going in here?a Alice asked. She sat on a stool beside her and glanced at the penciled notes on the sheet of music paper.

aGood.a aCan I hear it?a aSure.a Ricky unplugged the headphones and turned a few k.n.o.bs. Her fingers moved over the keys and produced a slow, bluesy strain.

Ricky never stopped surprising her. Every day was filled with something new to learn and appreciate. Alice had fallen hard for the stage persona that first night at Muldoonas, but there was more to this energetic singer than an incredible voice and those blue eyes that could see right into Aliceas very soul. Ricky was a shy, modest genius, a pa.s.sionate, sensitive friend, and a generous, caring lover. She was everything Alice had always wanted.

Ricky stopped playing and switched off the keyboard. aIam eager to hear what Stan comes up with later on his ba.s.s.a She took Aliceas cup from her and set it on an amplifier close by. Their eyes met, and Ricky reached over and tugged the sash on Aliceas robe. aCome here,a she whispered.

Alice sat in her lap, straddling Rickyas thighs. Her robe hung loose, exposing her warm, nude body.

aDid watching me play get you all worked up?a Ricky asked. The tip of her tongue touched a firm, warm quivering nipple.

aI shouldave never told you that,a Alice said. She rubbed her cheek against Rickyas soft hair and then laughed.

aItas not true?a Ricky asked.

aYes, itas true, but that doesnat mean you have to bring it up all the time.a aI like thinking about it,a Ricky said. She kissed her way up Aliceas breast and found her eager, hungry mouth. Alice could hear herself purring as she gently took Rickyas bottom lip in between her teeth.

aI like thinking about it too,a Alice whispered.

Ricky unpacked the Chinese food cartons and set them on the corner of Aliceas desk. She hadnat been up very long and her voice still had the rough edges of sleep clinging to it.

aIam sorry Iam late. Some kids were waiting for me at my car when I left home.a She moved her chair closer to accommodate their usual eating arrangement in Aliceas office.