Its eight thirty on Friday night. Tina is not in a rush to get to Balthazar but she doesnt want to get there too late either. From her previous experience, when Kit plays, the venue is usually relatively packed. She wants to at least get a seat.

Shane, are you ready yet? Tina is standing by the door all dressed up and ready to go to Kits gig. Shes wearing an antique-wash-super-low-rise-skinny-flare jeans that hugs compliments her hip and thighs with blood-red jersey polo and a brown leather belt. Her hair is worn down and wavy, along with that shes wearing light make up. Shes looking for her keys in her denim purse while shouting at Shane.

Give me five more minutes. Shane shouted back.

She sighed and moved to sit on the couch. Ollie came up to Tina asking for her dose of Tina for the day. You know, this is the third time Shane had said five more minutes Tina is petting Ollie and looking into her eyes. Yeah, when we have to get out, you dont take long as Shane to get ready.

Uh huh Ollie doesnt have to struggle with trying to get into clothes while being on a cast oh wait Ollie doesnt wear clothes. Shane said as shes putting on her black lambskin jacket.

Lets go Shane hold Tinas medium length coat.

Youre the tomboy one but take the longest time to get ready. Wheres the sense in that?

Oh cmon Tina, I gotta spike my hair the right way okay cmon. Are going or what? Shane is getting impatient.

Tina slips her arm into her coat and said good-bye to Ollie, telling her to be good. Tina helped Shane walking in the snow and getting into the passengers seat then head out to Balthazar.

—

Bette had been sitting on the table that is in the centre of Balthazars lounge room, right in front of the stage. The lighting is dim, only the front door is well lit, the bar and white light coming from the kitchen area. Otherwise, candle light is the only source of light for patrons to see each other. Kit is on duty behind the turn tables while Bette hadnt been sitting there for too long – about half an hour. Occasionally she scans the room to see if she finds any familiar faces. Alice said that shell be there. She had run into a former high school friend and they decided to catch up. Alice had always come with Bette to Kits gigs both because she liked the music and to keep Bette company.

Bettes eyes are focused on the stage and shes holding Balthazars Jammer Slammer martini. She suddenly felt a warm hand touching her right shoulder and heard a familiar voice that she did not expect to run into in this place.

Hi, is this seat taken? The soft but strong female voice said.

Bette turned to see the owner of the voice and she was stunned. The woman was waving her hand in front of Bette to take her out of her trance. Bette quickly composed herself and put down her martini.

No, its not taken. Bette replied.

Do you mind? The woman asked.

Go ahead. Bettes hand gestured that she should sit.

Bette, this is Shane. My roommate. The woman said while pulling out a chair for Shane and helped her sit and put away her crux.

Hey, hows work? Shane extended her hand and just smiled.

Oh, not bad. Rather quiet actually. Not as busy when youre around. Bette smiled.

So, Tina, not that I mind being graced with your presence here but do you come here a lot? Bette asked Tina

No actually, Ive never been here. First time. With Tinas answer, Bette raised her eyebrows.

Kit invited me. Tina quickly answered the unasked question.

Oh, how did you know Kit?

She is a friend of Erics friend.

What about yourself?

Im her sister.

Oh, I guess Im meeting the family here. Tina smiled.

Excuse me ladies, would you like anything? The waitress interrupted. She handed the menu to Shane and Tina to take a look.

Umm Ill have Oral Fixation! Tina said.

Ill have ***** in the city. Shane said.

Bette chuckles internally and she thought about the number of notes that was stashed behind the counter that was addressed to Shane. Soon, she probably would need her own 1-800 number.

Wheres Eric? Although Bette hated asking this question, she could not hamper her curiosity.

I dont know. I didnt call him and he didnt call me for tonight. Hes probably out and about. Tina nonchalantly answers. She knew that Eric is the kind of guy who loves the chase and shes single so why not.

Oh. Bette responds.

What happened to your leg there Shane? Bette diverts the conversation to ease her nervousness.

I was up at my Friends cabin in Whistler and we were just partying. We were kinda wasted and this guy was being an ***** and started to insult me. So, I told him that he was just NATO (No Action Talk Only). Next thing I know, he challenged me snowboarding down a somewhat steep hill and well, things just got ugly. Hence, the cast. Shane pointed to her leg.

When are you getting rid of it?

The Doc said in about two weeks. Then Ill be going for a short physiotherapy to wake the leg up. And Tina here will be released from her duties. Shane said while patting Tinas back.

Tina just smiled.

Hey, before this gets taken off, you should sign it. Everybody else has signed it.

I dont have any markers. Bette replied.

Here. Shane said while handing Bette the Sharpie.

You carry this everywhere? Bette was amused.

Sure I do. I dont break my leg everyday and cant get the goddess signature every time. Shane mischievously smiled.

Shane, youre at my workplace every other night. Bette replied and shot Shane a look.

The goddess? Tina asked.

Yeah, the guys just liked to tease her and decided to call her the goddess and never bothered to remember her actual name. Shane quickly answered the question.

Bette just smiled as she is signing Shanes cast.

Oh okay. I can understand. Tina was not too surprised as Bette does look hot and she could imagine just how many men and women must have drooled over her.

Thats actually her name for ruling the pool table. Shane quickly added.

Really? Tina raised her eyebrows. Better than you Shane?

Yeah, she kicked my ***** several times. Shane replied.

We should play sometime. Bette interjected. You were pretty good the other day.

Well, Im probably nothing compared to you. Tina blushes a little and smiled.

As if on cue, Alice came approaching the table with her former high school friend. Sorry guys, Im late. Oh, hey Tina, hows are ya? Alice said while taking her coat off and sitting across Bette.

Am good, you? Tina replied.

Everyone, this is Kiran, my high school friend and everyone, this is Bette, my roommate, Tina and

Shane. She quickly added.

The night is still young and the music starts to beat faster, everyone is buzzed. People began to fill the dance floor. The conversation kept flowing, everyone just getting to know more of each other and surprised to find how their lives have overlapped before but never knew each other.

Bette and Tina found out that they are connected through the Vancouver Art Gallery. Tina volunteers as tour guide assistant that helps with school field trips while Bette works at the gallery store part-time. Alice found out that Tina was a volunteer at New Forms Festival last fall and she was the one who covered the story for SFUs The Peak.

Havent I seen you before? Alice inquired to Shane.

Umm maaayyybeee?

Your face looks familiar Alice replied.

Am sure this face isnt easily forgettable. came Shanes smug reply.

Oh, get over yourself.

Yeah, I remember now, you were the chick that served me coffee at J.J. Bean House of Coffee when I was having a bad day and I was on the phone when you asked me what I wanted. Then I just walked out forgetting to pay.

The girls are engrossed in their conversation until Tina felt a light tap on her right shoulder. Tina turned and greeted by an outstretched hand, May I have this dance with you?

—
Balthazar: http://balthazarvancouver.com/default.asp
J.J. Bean House of Coffee: http://www.jjbeancoffee.com/ourstores.htm
New Forms Festival (NFF): http://www.newformsfestival.com/splash.php
The Peak: http://www.peak.sfu.ca/