DYING LIGHT | James Patrick March [paused]

09

It was around six when a knock at her door pulled Lilith from her thoughts. She stamped out her cigarette in the ashtray before crossing the room to open it, peeking through the peephole before she did to find Liz's face on the other side. Thankful to find it wasn't an unwelcome, murderous ghost, she unlocked it and opened it.

"You're a life saver." She greeted with a smile welcoming Liz into the room.

"Any excuse to go shopping, love." Liz says with a smile, laying the garment back down on the bed. Unzipping the bag revealed a beautiful black dress with a sweetheart neckline.

"How much do I owe you?" Lilith asked as the full dress came into view. There was a slit up the long skirt of the dress, Lilith couldn't have picked it better herself.

"It's a gift." Liz replied making Lilith's brows furrow.

"Don't be ridiculous, this must have cost you a fortune." Lilith exclaimed.

"A fortune, yes. It didn't cost me a cent." The bald woman said with a smile, "It's from Mr. March." Lilith's mouth fell slightly open, "which I wouldn't mention at dinner tonight."

"From James?" Lilith breathed out looking away from Liz's knowing eyes.

"I wouldn't mention that to the countess. In fact, I'd play any James cards very close to your chest." Liz advised as Lilith sat down on the edge of the bed. Lilith's confusion was evident and her companion chuckled.

"Any other hot tips?" Lilith asked with a nervous laugh.

"I'd say be nice but you won't have any trouble with that." Liz said, pausing to think. "Don't let her stun you.. or seduce you for that matter."

"You think she would?" The woman asked incredulously.

"Most certainly." The dame hummed, "It's her specialty."

"Can I.. ask you something personal?" Lilith asked gently, looking up at Liz from where she sat.

"As long as it's not my age."

Lilith took a breath, "You're alive.. right?" Liz turned her grey eyes on the Lilith.

"Oh, bitch, you know more than I thought." She hummed, "I'm living and breathing."

"And.. human?"

Liz smiles, "Yes, alive and human." It was refreshing, surprisingly. To know not everyone in the hotel was dead or worse, "So you know who James is?" Lilith nods, "and you're still into that?"

Lilith looked away, face burning. "I'm not into that, per say." Her eyes darted away.

"You're not-not into that." Liz accuses making Lilith rub her face. It wasn't like she could exactly explain that her and James had more in common than anyone would guess. "He's quite charming. I get it."
Quite charming was an understatement. "Now, try this on. Need to know it fits." With the garment in hand, Lilith disappeared into the bathroom. She slipped into the dress quickly, unable to zip it on her own. She stepped out of the bathroom.

"I'll need you to zip me." Lilith said, sliding her honeyed locks over her shoulder as Liz did just that.

"Radiant." Liz beamed clapping her hands together, "And a perfect fit." Lilith turned to look in the full length mirror against the wall and nearly fell in love with herself, the way she looked at least. Even if her hair and makeup weren't yet done, she looked damn good. The dress hugged her curves, showing the smallest hint of cleavage and a side dish of leg.

Lilith couldn't remember the last time she looked this kind of good. It had been a long time since she dressed up. Sun dresses and skirts were one thing, this was elegance. "You don't think it's too much?" She asked, smoothing her hands down her sides.

"I think it is perfection." Liz assured, resting her hands on Lilith's shoulders, peeking over her shoulder. "I think James would blow his load just to look at you."

"Liz!" Lilith hissed earning a laugh.

"You'll have to tell me if I'm right." Liz hums making her way to the door, "He'd like to see you for a drink after, to know you've survived."