A slightly shaken Bette returned to the table to face the enquiring looks of Dana and Shane.

Wheres Tina? she asked.

She came to the bar to tell you to leave off Alices tequila, explained a confused Dana, and then she ran out. We just figured you two had had a bust up or something.

Bettes eyes widened in realisation and horror No! How long ago did she leave?

I dunno, Shane shrugged, whats up with you two anyway?

Ive gotta go Bette grabbed her coat and ran out, almost colliding with an attractive woman coming in through the door.

What the ***** going on? wondered Dana.

I dunno, but Ill be back in a minute Shane got up and moved towards the girl whod just come in.

Dana sat alone watching Shane making her move on the newest addition to the bar. Shane, the stud. Shane, who always got the girls. She knew it was wrong, but Dana couldnt help but feel jealous. She wished she could have that confidence, could have all those girls falling over their feet to sleep with her. But this wasnt anything new, Dana had always felt like this towards Shane. Tonight was different. She couldnt put her finger on it, but something didnt feel quite the same. She watched as the girl smiled coyly, handing a piece of paper to Shane before walking off.
Shane returned to the table and Dana, and took a long swig of beer.

She wasnice Dana tried to sound enthusiastic.

Not bad. I might call.if I dont find something better

Dana just laughed at the sheer audacity of her friend.

What? Shane was stifling a laugh herself.

Youre such a heartbreaker, Shane

Well I have got a reputation to uphold Shane took another sip from her beer.

Dana watched Shane intently. The way her lips shaped perfectly around the top of the beer bottle. The movement in her soft throat as the liquid slid down. The curve of her fingers as they almost caressed the bottle.

Earth to Fairbanks Shane was staring at her

SorryIm not quite with it Dana looked away, embarrassed.

Damn right youre not. Maybe I should get us another round of drinks suggested Shane as she got up and walked to the bar.

Get a grip, Dana thought to herself. This is Shane. Your friend Shane. Its all well and good to be jealous of her, but wanting her? Thats a step too far. And besides, what would a stud like her want with a wallflower like you? Shane could have any woman in this bar. Forget that, in this city. The young ones who want to be whisked away and shown a good time. The older ones with a tonne of experience. Not the ones who sit in the corner pretending like theyre not there.

Hey there good looking Dana was brought back to earth by Shane leaning over to put a cold beer in front of her.

Thanks Dana clutched the bottle harder than she would normally as her heart started to beat faster at the thought of Shanes bodys close proximity to hers.

You really are away with the fairies, Dane Shane said as she sat back down Is anything up?

Im fine Dana insisted as she took a long sip of beer. Really she added in response to Shanes questioning stare. All the while she failed to meet Shanes eyes.

I know you, Dana. I know somethings up

Just leave it, okay Dana snapped, immediately regretting it.

Jeez, no need to bite my head off

Im sorry Shane Dana placed her hand over Shanes and then immediately withdrew it.

Shane looked at Dana, slightly bemused. Then a smile crept over her face.

I know what it is, you got the hots for some girl, dont you? Dana still refused to make eye contact. Come on Fairbanks, spill

Youre wrong, please just leave it

This wasnt happening. It was all Dana could do to bite her lip to stop herself from pouring her heart out to Shane. But what could would that do? Itd only make things awkward between them.

Dana Shane was staring at her now. Dana lifted her gaze to meet hers for a second, her eyes telling more than her mouth ever would. A moment later she turned away.

Come on, lets change the subject Dana announced, taking a swig of beer.

Shane moved closer Who is it, Dana? You can tell me

I cant

Come on, who is it Dane? Danas heart was racing. It was now or never. She paused before looking into Shanes eyes. The word that came out was almost caught in her throat, a whisper that only Shane could hear.

You