They carried the bottle and glasses into the lounge and sat next to each other on the sofa. Dana poured the two glasses of champagne and gave one to Alice. Just before the toast Alice apologised that they had to use wine glasses as the champagne flutes were kept by her ex. Dana patted her thigh and said ah, it didn’t matter. Alice then said that wasn’t the full truth, her ex didn’t keep them in a useable state. Dana looked puzzled and Alice said how when she told her about the affair and that she had sold the story to the papers she had actually thrown them towards her and they were left in pieces in the fireplace. They both laughed. Dana used the same toast saying ‘to us.’ They linked arms, getting so close they could feel each others breath, then took a sip.

Dana shivered, partly due to the anticipation, but also it seemed rather chilly. Alices` home had been developed so it remained pretty constant in temperature, but before leaving Alice had turned up the air con to give her reason to light the fire. She always felt that made it more romantic and added to the sensuality of the atmosphere. Walking over to the fire she wiggled her hips knowing Dana was watching intently and started to light the log fire, kneeling on the fake fur rug. It cracked into life and the flames danced as it caught. Alice turned and smiled at Dana and said that she didn’t think it would last long as she had forgot to get some more logs from the store. Dana smiled and asked did it need something tonight. Alice said yes but they were not going to venture out again now. Dana beamed and said they didn’t need to.

Perplexed Alice looked back at Dana, and Dana reached under the coffee table and asked did she really need this trash anymore. Alice beamed and her soft features were highlighted by the glow from the fire. She said that considering what she had in her life now, no, she didn’t need them at all.

Dana got up, bringing the bulky load of magazines and bent down next to Alice. She kissed her, stroking her cheek and handed the first one, which had Alices` ex on the front gloating about their split, standing with her new lover. Alice looked at it, looked back at Dana and said ‘fuck it,’ throwing it onto the fire. She proceeded to add a few more until the fire was roaring. Dana said there was one good thing that there were so many stories written about her. Alice looked at Dana and frowned. Laughing, Dana said at least there was enough of that shit to last them all night if needed! That was it, Alice pulled Dana down onto the rug, leant forwards and started to kiss Dana with what only could be called raw passion.