It did, eventually, but not like a cloud of dust. First there was Francine's mouth soft against hers, then hard, desperate for reassurance, then a beat and a beat that were something Francine couldn't put a name to, then pulling away quickly and covering her mouth.

"Sorry!" What. What? "I ... " Owe Arthur money. "I just had to be sure." Yes. That was it. To be sure. "I mean--" What did she mean? "...What about my hair?"