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"Everything all right, hon?" a woman asks, and Kerry jumps. She hadn't realized that she’s still standing in front of the bathroom mirror, lipstick in hand, thinking about far too many things at once.
"Fine, uh--sorry." She caps her lipstick hastily, rubs her mouth and winces when she smears red everywhere. "Just, um. You know."
"I do know." The woman steps closer to her, visible over Kerry's shoulder. She's older, but not by much, with kind features and a soft mouth. Pretty, Kerry thinks, and quickly tries to ignore it; it's been years since she experimented like that. "First date jitters?"
"Third, actually." It's all been going so well and Billy's so nice and...fuck, Kerry remembers how nice things end up Gotham.
"When the real jitters start." The woman rests a warm hand on Kerry’s shoulder, rubbing a circle. Kerry tries not to stiffens, she's still not used to how goddamn easy Midwesterners are with touch.
"Yeah, I. I guess so." Kerry turns away and jumps to find the woman standing in front her, still smiling, her perfume filling Kerry's nostrils. It's kind of nice, despite how stressed it is. Makes it easier to relax.
"You shouldn't be worried." The woman wets her thumb in the faucet and reaches up, gently smoothing the red off Kerry's cheek. Her touch is firm and gentle all at once, her body presses against Kerry's as she leans forward. "You're a pretty girl, and tough as nails, I can tell. He'll love you."
"That's--" Kerry carefully leans away from the too-warm touch, trying to ignore how her skin is buzzing. You don't know me, she wants to say, but that feels rude, and not quite true. "That's nice, thank you."
"Of course." The woman turns away to grab a towel, briskly drying her hands. "Now, go get your man." She's smiling as Kerry passes her, reflected face warm with welcome.
Later on, Kerry will recognize that smile when she meets Billy's stepmom at a family dinner, when she realizes just how absolutely fucked her new life is, and how much she can't get rid of it, how much she doesn't really want to get rid of it.
For now, she lets the door fall shut with a dull thud, hustling back through the restaurant while her lips tingle with light. Billy is waiting for her at the table, grinning, and Kerry can't help thinking of that strange woman's gentle, knowing grin when she smiles back.