Sacha came back into the bar after a little while, feeling a little cooler and more comfortable. She couldn't explain what had come over her, but it hadn't been pleasant. The music hit her as soon as she pushed the door open, and the warm, stuffy air of the bar wrapped itself around her like an embrace.

"You okay, mate?" asked Rona when Sacha resumed her seat. "Alain says you were feeling a little unwell."

Sacha nodded. "I'm okay now" she said.

"Another drink?"

"No, thankyou."

Phuong pushed a glass into her hand anyway. "Have some water" she insisted, her mouth smiling but her eyes earnest. "Have a lot of water."

Sacha smiled and took the glass, and Phuong poured some water for her from a jug that was nestled amongst the various empty bottles and glasses on the table. "Where is Alain, anyway?" Sacha asked, curious despite herself.

"Oh, him and Brent are just in the bathroom. You know what men are like . . ."

Hannah snorted with laughter. Janine, asleep on her shoulder, shifted her weight uncomfortably at the disruption. Hannah looked at her. "God, what a fucking dead weight" she muttered. Mal, Steve and Eric finished a slow song and she applauded loudly and whistled. Then the band started another song, a faster one: Hannah whipped her eyes around to Rona. "Fuck, I've got to dance, damn it!" she exclaimed. "Rona?"

"You and me? Pfft, it'd never work. I'm too short to lead."

Hannah laughed a cackling laugh, which told Rona that she was planning something. "What about her?" asked Rona, pointing to Janine.

"Fuck that, look where it got me last time" replied Hannah. Then she turned to Sacha, and bared her teeth in a grin that Sacha hadn't seen in months. She didn't say anything: just raised an eyebrow.

"Oh no, not me" said Sacha, lifting her hands defensively. "I get up there and I'll be throwing up all over the dancefloor for sure."

Hannah cocked her head like a disappointed puppy. "Aww, nobody's gonna dance with me? What about you, Phuong honey?"

"I don't dance" Phuong replied. She smiled. "I prefer to remain aloof."

"You're an exotic woman of mystery" pointed out Rona. Then she glanced over to the bar, where Catherine had gone to get a drink and wait for Brent. "What about her?"

Hannah turned around, and the grin spread across her face even further. "Hannah . . ." said Phuong cautiously, looking at Sacha for support.

Sacha took the hint: "I don't think it's such a good idea" she said.

"Well nobody said it was a good idea" replied Hannah. "But if you won't dance with me, what can I do?"

"Stay here" said Sacha. "And talk to me."

Hannah held her gaze, fixed. Rona sat up straight as if suddenly awoken. Phuong flicked her attention between Sacha and Hannah. Janine frowned in her sleep but otherwise did nothing. "I don't feel like talking" Hannah said, "I feel like dancing." She took a sip of her drink. "So what's it gonna be, Sacha? Are you gonna dance with me?"

Sacha held her gaze for a silent moment. "No" she replied flatly. "Not tonight."