"Here we are." She poured the wine into the glass Carmen held out. Liz refilled her own glass, set the wine bottle on the end-table, and resumed her seat, pulling her feet up under her once again. "Now, where were we? Discussing boredom, if I remember."

Carmen toasted Liz. "To us. To a long, lively friendship." She put the glass to her lips and drained over half the wine in one gulp.

"Right," Liz said, sipping her wine, annoyed by Carmen's guzzling.

"Tell me," Carmen said, "is there a swingers club in Fullerton?"

The wine pinched Liz's throat. She coughed. "A what?" She didn't know whether she had heard Carmen correctly.

Carmen smiled. "Down the wrong pipe? A swingers club."

Liz had heard correctly. "I wouldn't know."

"You're not into swinging, then?"

"I'm afraid not." Liz looked at her watch. "Getting late. I should be starting supper."

"Stan must be some stud to keep you so satisfied."

"And he'll be hungry when he gets home. I really should get supper going." Liz couldn't believe Carmen's shameless talk.

Carmen caressed Liz's thigh with her bare toes. "Tell me the truth, Liz don't you ever get a little itchy for some fresh meat?"

Liz was shocked. She moved to get up. The wine, the conversation, the cramped position of her legs, all made her attempt to stand a struggle. When she did get up, she felt faint, dizzy. Carmen jumped up and caught her.

"Easy, Liz! Here, sit back down. What's the matter?"

Liz was embarrassed. "Got up too fast." She closed her eyes, letting the faintness pass.

Carmen sat next to her, hugging her. "I do that myself every so often. Did you see stars?"

Liz nodded, opening her eyes. She forced a smile. "Thank you, Carmen. I'd better try and get up again. I really have to start supper."

"Of course," Carmen said. She pinched Liz's chin, turned Liz's face toward her, and kissed Liz on the lips.