Lizbeth’s smile turned in to a well-humored cringe when she imagined Callalily bringing Alanna a chipmunk playmate. There was something oddly sweet and completely horrifying about that image. It would be a lie if she said that she wasn’t worried about Alanna living with a cat from time to time. True, there was no real danger for her friend while she was in her human form, but should the mood ever strike her to scurry around her apartment as a chipmunk, Lizbeth worried that Callalily might not be able to resist her natural urges. Despite her concern, she said nothing; she was sure that others would argue with her the dangers of her living companion as well. She trusted Alanna’s judgment when it came to keeping the cat around and she would earnestly be more concerned about her friend’s wellbeing if she were completely alone in her apartment.
She listened with total interest to Alanna’s answer. Though she had never met Roxy for herself, she had heard nothing but good things about her from the were. “Hey, hey, hey!” Lizbeth said in her most soothing voice as Alanna became obviously worked up. She had been through so much – much more than anyone should; she was a great deal stronger that she thought she was, and Lizbeth would be the first person to tell her that. “No one’s saying you have to go out all day, every day. Not a single person could blame you for not wanting to go out at all.” Coming from anyone else, the words might have sounded a bit patronizing, as though Alanna didn’t already realize that for herself, but with the bright smile that Lizbeth spoke with, it was obvious that she was doing nothing more than supporting her friend.
“It can happen.” Lizbeth’s entire body practically wiggled as she rolled herself onto the couch beside of Callalily. She was just about to open her mouth and tell Alanna all about Liliya, the drop-dead gorgeous vampire who wanted her all for herself, when she stopped. Her friend knew of her job at the Golden Dragon and even her job at Heme, but the thought never occurred to her to share her third and darkest job of all. Would Alanna need to know all the details about how she had met the vampire? A part of Lizbeth wouldn’t feel right leaving such large omissions in the story. She took a deep breath and decided to wing the conversation that was about to begin to the best of her ability. “I met someone. I met a beautiful someone, actually.” Lizbeth was just a few moments away from giggling like a girl in middle school. “Her name is Liliya Kennedy. She’s some sort of politician, but I’ve never heard of her before. Of course, that’s not surprising. I never pay attention to politics.” She finally paused long enough to take a breath and give Alanna time to respond. Or at least she would have if she hadn’t popped back up and headed toward the kitchen. “These noodles aren’t going to cook themselves!” A beat. “So! Have you heard of her?”