But then: “Holly…” The single word she murmurs is so soft, the two syllables like velvet as she speaks them. Like she’s tasting them, savoring them. Savoring my name on her tongue. “Yes?” I try to tell her, but it comes out as a sort of half-cough. Because Virago is reaching out between us, and she grasps the hand that was curled in my lap, my right hand. She gently curves her long fingers over it, bending them to conform to my palm, squeezes… And then she just holds my hand gently, softly, warmly. My heart is beating too quickly. I breathe out, try to pay attention to the road. I can’t be having all of these feelings—the same feelings from last night—right now. I’m fairly certain that Virago holds my hand and arm because people are more affectionate on her planet, not because she’s attracted to me. That, right this moment in particular, she’s trying to comfort me. And, anyway, I can’t be having these feelings right now. Not today. Because Virago’s going to be leaving in a short amount of time, and I have Nicole… Oh, Nicole. Nicole who hasn’t contacted me since I saw her at the Knights of Valor Festival. Nicole who would never contact me if I didn’t contact her first. Nicole who forgets that she has a girlfriend most of the time. Forgets that I, perhaps, even exist.
