Ding dong.

Like a pin pricking a bubble, the spell was broken and Wendy’s eyes flew open.

“Is it your father? He might have come to check on you.”

Wendy got up from the couch, holding back a sigh. Why of all times . . . why? She looked through the door viewer and was surprised to see a woman she did not recognise.

“Do you have other friends at the dinner?” she asked Irene.

“I don’t.” Irene stood and walked to her. “Who is it?”

Wendy opened the door and smiled at the woman. “Hello, how may I help you?”

The woman’s eyes widened in surprise and she took a step back. “I-I think I got the room number wrong. Sorry to disturb you.”

“It’s okay. I hope you find your room soon. Stay safe. Good night.” Wendy closed the door and turned to Irene. “Why are you giggling?”

Irene shook her head, giggling.

“What is it?”

“You can take a girl out of the service line, but you can’t take the service line out of a girl.”

“Ah . . . that’s me. I talk a lot. Even to strangers.”

Irene stopped giggling but a wide smile remained on her face. “You’re warm. And passionate.”

“I-I guess you can put it that way,” Wendy stuttered a little, dazzled by the way Irene’s gaze wrapped around her.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you.”

Wendy stepped back unawares as Irene drew closer. “I-Irene?”

“You look beautiful under this light.”

Wendy looked up. “This doorway light?”

“Mhm.”

Wendy’s foot hit the skirting and her back flattened against the wall. “It’s orange light. Orange light is warm lighting, that’s why. Warm lighting makes everything look nice.”

“Shh.”

Irene’s gaze was hot enough to melt ice. Wendy was at risk of getting burnt but she could not look away.

“I’d like to continue what we were doing before the interruption.”

“What were we doing before–ah.”

“Would you like to continue?”

With her heart beating faster, Wendy smiled. “Yes, I’d love to.”

Irene pulled the tiniest smile and moved in, eyes closing.

Wendy closed her eyes too.

Strong. Hot. Molten lava cake.

=

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Am I looking at you weird?”

Irene smiled and shook her head. “No, but you’re staring hard at me. Like you have something to say. Or ask.”

“Actually . . .”

“What?”

“My question might offend you . . .”

“I’ll tell you if it does.”

“Isn’t it too late if you’re already offended?”

“I’ll give you a pass the first time.”