Shane found herself increasingly irritated at herself.  The evening was going smoothly, yet she found herself feeling completely at a loss at some points.  Conversation was going well, after the move to Alice and Dana’s table, on which everyone knew someone. It flowed naturally, and Lena had a natural ability of making conversation out of thin air.  She seemed full of questions, perhaps the fact that she was a journalist made it easier to talk. After initial introductions, Richard and Lena had entertained them with some anecdotes of their working relationship from over the years, whilst making it perfectly clear that their friendship was nothing more than plutonic despite an ongoing flirtatious feel.  The camaraderie between the two had set the pulse and everyone seemed to be affected. 

Yet Shane still seemed moderately unsure of her standing here.  Lena had a way of making her feel like they’d know each other for a long time, and it was slightly unnerving as in fact they knew nothing about each other.  Shane was surprised at herself, how often was it that she made a point of getting to know a person before letting the inevitable happen? Although the inevitable in those situations seemed almost farfetched with Lena and yet at the same time, completely plausible.  She was unsure where it was all going, and she pondered on whether it had to end up somewhere at all or continue as it was.  Questions seemed to keep cropping up at every turn and it was frustrating that she was finding herself analysing whatever relationship they were forming plutonic or otherwise in this manner.  How often had she had to sit and think about it, or even wanted to?

Some formal speeches etc about the event and upcoming release etc had taken part early on, as well as buffet type dishes had been set on the tables for people to pick and choose as the night went on.  A few famous faces had turned up, amounting to applause from the onlookers as they took seats, flanked by one or two important PR people.  Richard had amused them with a few intimate stories of a few, which made them far less important as they made themselves out to be.  Now the lights had dimmed and the party was starting to get underway as guests left their tables and filled the dance floor, hoping to nudge elbows with the famous bodies.  Dana and Alice had joined the throng, and Bette and Tina were sitting talking, heads close together.  Shane felt a sudden need for less confining atmosphere, and pushed her seat back before standing.  Propelling herself into the crowd, which stood in her direct line to the doors, she managed to somewhat squeeze herself through the rhythmic bodies until she reached the doors, which stood open at the edge of the room.