Alice eyes the clock for the tenth time in twenty minutes. It’s 8:30, that gives her enough time to proof her article and get ready. She takes the printed pages and settles into the couch.

***

Dana’s cellphone rings as she sings loudly in the shower. Lara’s name fills the display screen.

***

It’s the busiest day of Harper’s week and at 9 o’clock she is just finishing up a budget proposal at her desk. Finally satisfied she emails it off for approval.

***

Alice lays sound asleep on the couch, her article resting on her chest.

***

Dana checks her phone as she starts her car. She half listens to the rambling message from her coach as she maneuvers her way out of her parking spot. When she hears Lara’s voice on the next message she smiles brightly. Her expression quickly changes as she listens to Lara tell her that she won’t be meeting her tonight and why. Dana closes the phone and tries to focus on the road as tears well up in her eyes.

***

On her way into Milk Harper tosses her fast food bag in the trash can. Not really the ideal accessory. She makes her way to the short line outside the club, this time prepared with her ID in hand. A girl leaning against the side of the building smoking a cigarette checks her out from head to toe. The girl flicks her butt and saunters toward Harper. As she walks by she says “You look ***** tonight.”

Harper smiles and says “Thanks.” Not giving the girl the attention she desires. Last thing Harper needs is to take home some 22 year old. But it does make her feel a little better about not having had the time to get ready for meeting Alice. Apparently the black pants, red t-shirt and motorcycle boots are suitable attire.

The club is packed. Harper’s eyes widen in amazement at the wall to wall girls. She squeezes her way through the crowd and waits patiently at the bar. She checks her phone for the time and sees she is 15 minutes early. She tries her best to scan the area in search of Alice, without jeopardizing her place in line.