I just sighed and let it go. I said something to Kim -- something neutral, something about her upcoming second match of the day. I let the blood drain...back out of my blushing face. I tried to ignore Tess completely. But I could see, out of the corner of my eye, that the skirt, now, was back down where it belonged.The show was over. At least for the moment.Tess' face hadn't turned red, from blushing, like mine had. But her eyes were squeezed tight shut, and her face, momentarily, was straining,. The food was good but she would have accepted cardboard if it had meant being in his company. He complimented her often and was most solicitous in his care for her. Kate's attraction to him grew exponentially. When he drove her back to her flat, his hand sought hers at every opportunity. He kept his gear changes to the minimum. Kate was unsure whether to ask him in or not, knowing that if she did they would make love. It wouldn't be the first of course, although he didn't know it. That had. They don’t come back. I drink my drink. I like them rough, I want to taste the sharp, mind-numbing tang of the alcohol, feel the burn as it slides down my throat and into my belly. I prefer the dark liquors, the oak and smoke of whiskey, the exotic, desert wind taste of tequila. I’ve got three or four drinks in me by now and my buzz is starting to edge over into drunkenness. I feel looser now, less anxious about my surroundings. The feeling of being hemmed in by hundreds of warm bodies. . don’t throw away your friendship with Riss. Not over something like this. I’m not worth it.”She put her hand to my face. “Yes. You are.” She withdrew her hand and straightened her back. “I suppose I better go and talk to her, then.”As she walked off, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and read the text message.“Pls pt ur pln in2 actn b4 i kill grace.”I smiled. I was as keen to put the plan into action as Clarissa was—but for different reasons. She was worried that Grace may steal.