Missy watched Bette leave with Tina, staring with a remorseful and somewhat longing look. Not fully understanding why, she knew she was about to cry. As the tears began welling in her eyes, she quickly rose from the table and with an abrupt Excuse me headed for the Ladies room. In her haste, she knocked her purse to the floor without noticing.

God, go for it, Bette, said Shane, licking her upper lip and watching Bette leave with her arm around Tinas waist.

Jenny glanced at Shane angrily. Im going to the bar for a drink! she snapped.

Alice leaned down and picked Missys purse up from the floor, gathering in her other hand everything that had spilled. Among the collection of personal items was a small photo collection. Alice couldnt help but take a quick peek. For a long time she found herself gazing at the photos.

Shane heard Alice say Hmm, and turned her head. Whats up?

Interesting, said Alice, showing Shane the picture that interested her the most. Shane raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

Out of the corner of her eye, Shane noticed Missy returning to the table. Stow it, she whispered.

Walking up, Missy saw Alice with her hand in Missys purse. What are you doing? she questioned, reaching out to take possession of her property.

Sorry, apologized Alice. You dropped it on the floor and I was just getting your things.

Missy looked at Alice with a doubtful expression and opened the purse to inspect the contents.

Im not a thief, said Alice, and I dont mean to pry, but whats with the picture of the Prince?

Missy blushed. Thats personal. Its none of your business.

Alice and Shane exchanged glances.

Well, Bette might be interested, Alice prodded. I know we are.

Ok, said Missy. She paused and turned her eyes to the table.

Yeh, she might wonder about you, said Shane, hoping to provoke Missy into revealing an answer.
Alice looked at the picture again. There was Missy, totally naked with the Prince, both of them facing the camera. A full exposure. I wonder who took the picture? Alice found herself thinking.

Missy raised her eyes to the two women across the table. That was part of my past. A happy part, but the past. Its not me today.

So who are you today? Shane questioned.

A woman who was hoping to be in bed with Bette tonight, replied Missy quite simply. Alice noticed the slight trace of a blush on Missys cheeks.

Ever been with a woman before? Alice asked?

Missy didnt answer, looking instead at Shane.

She hasnt, answered Shane, going on her gut instinct. Shes a virgin when it comes to women.

This time Missy blushed noticeably. Theres always a first time, she spoke softly under her breath.

Visibly embarrassed, Missy looked at her watch. Oh, its late. I really need to be going home. I have an important photo shoot in the morning. Can one of you take me, please?

Shane and Alice exchanged glances. Sure, said Shane. Alice, you keep Bettes keys and take Jenny back to my place when you two are ready to leave, ok?

Alice said nothing, only nodding and raising her eyebrow at Shane.

Thanks, Missy murmured shyly.

Shane and Missy left The Planet together, Shane walking slightly behind Missy and admiring her slim figure. She couldnt remember the last time shes had a model.

Seated in Bettes car, Shane turned to Missy. So where do you live?

In Blue Hills, Missy said. You know how to get there?

No, but you can lead me to the X on the map, Shane said, smiling longingly.

They drove in total silence for the next twenty minutes, each woman stealing a furtive glance at the other when she thought the other wasnt looking. During this time, Shane found herself focusing on Missys long, smooth legs.

When they arrived at her condo, Missy directed Shane to a parking space. When Shane removed the ingnition key and looked at Missy, the question and answer hung lushly in the air.

Would you like to come up for a nightcap, or a bite to eat? asked Missy, immediately regretting the invitation. She blushed again.

Shane looked at Missys short skirt. Reaching out, she place her right hand on Missys upper thigh. So who are you? she asked, letting her fingers do a slow tap dance on Missys skin.

Huh? Missy replied, not understanding?

Whats with the picture of the Prince in your purse?

You saw that?

You spilled it. Alice picked it up from the floor. So who are you?

What do you mean?

Was that your boyfriend, your brother, or just a picture you picked up at Walmart?

I know him, Missy answered hesitantly. Thats all Im going to say.

Personally, intimately?

None of your damn business, Shane! Missy let loose. Whats with all the questions?

Because I dont want Bette to be hurt again, and I was thinking I could have you for myself for one night, but now Im not so sure youre genuine, Shane snarled.

Look, Shane, I dont”I dont have any experience with another woman, if you want to know the truth. But Im curious, interested. I was interested in Bette. So much for that. (*****, she thought.) If you really want me, tonight Im yours, she whispered, somewhat shyly. Lets go up to my place.