Amber had never seen Thirteen look sympathetic, nodding along as if she understood thanks to common experience-- at least, not directed at her. Thirteen had problems with men? What a surprise, as hostile and bitchy as she was, Amber would be amazed if Thirteen managed to keep a friendship, much less a relationship, going. Why hadn't she thought men were worth the bother? Too self-involved? Or, like Amber, too career-driven?

With her eyes glued on Thirteen, Amber didn't miss how her gaze swept down to her legs as she crossed them. Well. That was interesting. Might not be for any reason greater than that the movement had caught Thirteen's attention, and she’d reflexively looked down to check what it was. But the look lasted long enough, Amber thought, to make it into a "check out." Maybe she was wrong, but it was something to investigate. Maybe her skirt would come in handy today, after all.

Then Thirteen started to comment on Eric, and maybe this conversation wouldn't end without Amber eventually smacking her, if she constantly gave her reason to. Eric wasn't cute. He was gorgeous. That self-satisfied smile of his, just before leaning in for a kiss. In the dark, his thoughtfulness as they'd talked. Even when he was lit up with anger, he was so beautiful. But Thirteen did have a point. That really was part of his attractiveness. "Yeah," Amber said, wistfully. "He's full of himself."