Chapter 11

Bette’s Office

Bette and Tina are eating Chinese food for lunch. “How old is Shane, anyway?” Tina asks, putting noodles in her mouth.

“I don’t know,” Bette says, thinking. “I don’t think I’ve ever known how old she is…”

“I’m surprised she even let it slip when her birthday was.”

“Yeah,” Bette agrees. “She’s not really the celebrating ‘all eyes on me’ type.”

“Bette, Jenny is on the phone for you,” her assistant reports from the doorway.

“Thank you, James.” Bette picks up the phone. “Hi Jenny… what? What happened?” Bette pauses. “Well is she ok? Yeah, sure we’ll be right there.” She hangs up and looks at an awaiting Tina.

“What is it?”

“Alice is in the hospital,” she chuckles in disbelief. “A kid on a bike almost ran over her, so she jumped into the street and got hit by a car.”

“That’s not funny.”

“I’m sorry,” Bette tries to hold it in. “I was just picturing her diving out of the way and onto a car.”

“Well we should go see her.”

“Yeah,” Bette agrees packing up her food and grabbing her keys. “I’ll drive.”

Wax

Shane’s client stands as he checks out his hair and gives her an approving nod before heading to the desk. She brushes the hair off the seat and starts organizing her station. “You know what I hate?” she hears from behind her. She turns around to see a short blonde frowning at her. “When people don’t return your phone calls.”

“Kelli,” Shane states taken a back. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s nice to see you too,” she laughs.

“I’m sorry,” Shane laughs with her, nervously. “I just didn’t expect to see you, that’s all.”

“It’s been a while hasn’t it?” Shane nods. “Well, it’s good to see you again.” She walks up, wrapping her arms around her. Shane stays still for a moment but then returns the hug. “How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been alright,” Shane answers, sitting in her chair. “What about you?”

“I’ve been good. I finally dropped out of school. I had my ‘first semester’ about 5 times.” Shane smiles, remembering her always complaining about doing her homework.