Stellar Collision

Chapter 21

The Doctor and Dayle B had cleared off to get themselves ready for the party and Dayle A was now waiting in the lobby for Jesse to arrive.

She had the gown, the stockings, heels, jewelry, updo and makeup and she knew she was killing it. She also had the Doctor's little ear device thingee in her right ear. He had Dayle B place it of course because he was apparently traumatized after accidentally finding her favorite erogenous zone. She giggled remembering the very second he realized that he hadn't just been "tickling" her.

She jumped a little when she suddenly heard his voice in her ear. "Just testing this out. If you can hear me clearly, please indicate."

"Fuckin A" she whispered, just to irritate him. She heard a sound of exasperation on the other end and knew it was mission accomplished.

She was getting jittery. She had been shown a picture of Jesse, a tall, good looking guy of Hispanic descent. He was about 40 and had just the right amount of facial hair.

So when he entered the lobby, she knew to put on the smiley, happy fiance face. He walked over and gave her an appreciative head to toe sweep, pausing on the more impressive regions. He looked like he knew that dress was going to wind up on the floor before the night was over.

Do Zygons get horny? she wondered.

He gave her a quick peck on the cheek (much too quick to get anything useful) and said "You look amazing babe. You ready to get goin?"

As they exited the lobby, he placed his hand in the small of her back and guided her toward his car.

(Distracted, cautious, guilty.) His feelings came to her in a wave. Before anything more could crystallize, they'd reached his silver Audi and he was opening the door for her.

A horny, chivalrous Zygon with a conscious? she thought to herself, and had to stifle a nervous laugh as she settled herself in the passenger seat.

They were headed down the road and Dayle couldn't help but wonder when her backup would be arriving at the function. She suddenly felt very much alone.

"How was work babe? Good to see you finished at a decent hour." she remarked casually, caressing the hand that rested on the center console. He gave hers an affectionate squeeze ("Does she suspect something?") but didn't lace his fingers with hers.

Hmm. Not a hand holder then. This might be tougher than she thought.

He launched into the details of a day at the daycare center. Dayle B had told her he'd been a teacher before he'd taken over the business when his mother passed. He actually sounded like he quite loved his job.

They arrived at the party and Jesse left the car with valet. The gala was being held at the beautiful, historic Sugar Creek Public Library, Dayle's favorite place on earth. Even in this universe, walking through the hundred year old marble entryway did something to her. Before she met the Doctor, it was the only way she knew of to time travel.

Tonight the place was done up extravagantly. A string quartet played softly on the balcony and the lighting had been adjusted just right. Round cocktail tables covered in fine linens were scattered throughout the building and waiters in tuxedos passed hors d'oeuvres and the evening's signature drink: fig and pear infused vodka.

Dayle nearly gagged at the thought of drinking such a concoction but Jesse quickly grabbed one for each of them. Oh great. How shall I explain that I suddenly don't drink? She held onto it and took a few pretend sips.

Jesse was already caught up in the networking game and continually introduced her to a steady stream of rich folks and dignitaries. She managed to ditch her drink in all the action.