Back inside the Planet Bette was sitting now with the women who had caught Carolines eye when she first entered.  She had looked embarrassingly long at the blonde one.  She had thought for a moment that it might be Tina.  They were grilling Bette about who the blonde chick was.  Carrie figured they must be talking about her.  The extremely thin boyish looking girl was holding Angie, rubbing her belly, making her coo.  Carrie approached and all conversation stopped as they stared at her.  Talking about me? she asked.

            Were your ears ringing? Bette joked.

            A little, Carrie returned taking the empty seat next to Bette.  Hi, Im Carrie.  Im Tinas sister.

            She was greeted with a chorus of wow and its nice to meet you.  Then she was formally introduced to Shane, Carmen, and Alice.  That was when the grilling started.  Alice kicked it off, as usual, while Bette laughed.  So what are you doing in LA, just come to reclaim your sister or what?

            Actually, Im on a book tour.  My first book was just published, Carried answered.

            Really? Bette asked.  Carrie nodded.  Thats wonderful.

            Wait, Shane interrupted.  Are you C.K. Kennard?

            Carries brow furrowed.  Um, yes, wow.  I cant believe you know that.

            Oh, I dont, um, not really.  My roommate, Jenny, is a pretty big fan of yours.  Shes a writer too.  She reads everything though.  She read a story of yours in the New Yorker last year, Shane explained.  She talked about it for like a week.

            Carrie blushed.  Yeah, that was my story.  It was actually about Tina.

            Really? Bette asked again.  Carrie nodded again.  Id like to read it.  Im sure Tina would too.

            Im sure I have it on my laptop.  Youre more than welcome to read it, Carrie answered.

            How long are you in town? Carmen asked, playing with the babys feet.

            One week, then its on to San Francisco.  I just came from a week in Chicago.  All I want is to go home at this point, she said wearily.

            Is home still Chapel Hill? Bette asked.

            No, I live in New York now.  I went to Vassar upstate and then I moved to the city where I just got my masters in English Literature from NYU, Carrie explained.  The rest of the family still lives there though.  I go back for Thanksgiving and Christmas when I can.