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“Don’t be. You’ve had a tough few days, you’ve got a lot to process.”

Their order came quickly, despite Barb being on her own. Ash agreed to eat a mushroom in exchange for a bite of the LGBT, which Alice conceded was delicious. Ash hadn’t been quite so complimentary about the mushroom.

Between mouthfuls, Alice filled Ash in on the conversation with Jeremy, how she’d resigned and been fired. And how all along Jeremy had known about the affair and Alice had been set up.

“That’s proper creepy. I can’t believe they were in on it together.” Ash sat back and wiped a tiny blob of guacamole off her cheek. “And what he said to you, I’m sure there are employment laws against that. You should seek legal advice.”

“No, I don’t want to go through all that. It’s finished.” Alice cupped her hands around the giant mug of tea.

“Fair enough. So, what’s next?”

“Tidy up the resume and apply for some jobs, I guess.”

“But you’re going to give yourself the day off, right? Maybe a couple of days to clear your head and get some rest before you dive in.”

“Yeah, maybe you’re right… are you working today?”

“Afraid so.” Ash glanced down with a look of genuine disappointment. Chewing her bottom lip, she met Alice’s gaze again. “I was thinking…”

Her pause stretched out. Alice put her mug down, willing Ash to finish her sentence.

“This might be a bad idea, but…” Ash fidgeted with the sports watch on her wrist.

Before she could stop them, Alice’s thoughts jumped out of her mouth. “Ash, are you trying to ask me out?”

“Oh God, no.” Ash held up her hands. “Sorry, no, it’s er…”

Ash’s vehement protest hit Alice square in the chest, and the static returned, fizzing furiously in front of her eyes. She bit the inside of her lip too hard and winced. Ash must have registered the recoil.

“Sorry, I know you’re going through a difficult time. I don’t want you to think I’m preying on you when you’re… vulnerable.”

Alice folded her arms. “I’m not a fragile little flower.”

Ash sighed and hung her head. “I really messed that up. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just don’t want you thinking I have ill intentions, especially after what you’ve just been through.”

Alice looked at her through narrowed eyes.

Ash leaned her elbows on the tacky tablecloth. “I really enjoy your company, Alice. And hopefully I’m not being too presumptuous when I say that I think you enjoy mine, too.” She looked up through her long eyelashes, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Alice felt herself thawing. She uncrossed her arms, shifting in the wooden chair as she tongued the metallic spot inside her lip.

“I was wondering whether you’re free on Wednesday night. It’s technically my Friday, and I don’t have any plans, so… it’s fine if you’re not free and it’s probably a bad idea, which is what I was trying to say… I’m conscious of how it might come across?—”

“I’m free on Wednesday night. And it’s fine, we are allowed to just be friends.”

“No, wait… I don’t want you to think that I’m not?—”

“You don’t have to explain yourself.”

Ash placed a palm over her chest. “Okay. Let’s hang out on Wednesday. Your place? I’ll bring pizza. And we can watch a movie, or something. What’s that one with the bunny boiler?” Ash held up her fist as if clutching the ears of an invisible rabbit.

“Fatal Attraction?”

Ash grinned. “Yeah, to help you process your lucky escape.”

Alice laughed and playfully nudged Ash’s foot under the table.

“Right, well. I’ll settle up here. My treat, seeing as you’re currently unemployed.” Ash winked.