The ginger aroma of chai tea lattes waft above the tables. The seductive chill out beats of Cafe Del Mar wash over the room like a warm Malibu sunset. But the scents and sounds of The Planet don’t begin to tell the whole story. People watching is the real entertainment of choice among the predominantly queer clientele who frequent the modish coffeehouse by day and  stylish club by night, tonight being the Friday Night Pussy Party, a weekly event for the lesbian community.

Spinning her own variations of deep house and trance will be Carmen who strutted in earlier blushing a bit from her impromptu voyeur session. Her usual was ready for her by the DJ sound stage, a tall caramel frappuccino with whipped topping. Sifting through her vinyl options, she sucks in the sweet, decadent delight licking the excess cream dripping down the straw once she comes up for air.

Meanwhile, Ashley taps on the counter anxious for help. Scampering through the entrance, Spencer dashes to her side. Ashley tries to ignore Spencer ringing the service bell before Spencer pulls her away demanding her full attention.

“What did I do?”, she cries.

“What haven’t you done?”, lashes Ashley. “Since you got accepted you haven’t even asked me how I feel.”

“You said you’d come with me, that the music scene is great there.”

“Don’t do me any favors. I’m not a glorified third wheel.”

“No you’re just the girl I’m in…” Spencer abruptly stops, her eyes misty. She pulls her cell phone out from her hand bag and checks the caller ID. “It’s Mom. I gotta take this.” Before she leaves, she reaches for Ashley but Ashley pulls away. Dejected, Spencer hurries out to answer the call and avoid further heartbreak.

Recognizing Ashley from the Porshe, Carmen watched the entire soap opera from behind her turn table with empathy and amazement. Empathy comparing it to her own experience with Shane. Amazement over how her girlfriend could just walk out and leave her standing there dazed and confounded.

“Will someone please make me a mochaccino!”, shouts Ashley. Before things get worse, Carmen comes to the rescue.

“Nothing to see here folks. Carry on with your sexy caffeinated selves.”, she announces then cocks her head to Ashley’s ear. “Come with me.”, she whispers. Carmen and Ashley burst into the barista section of the kitchen through the employee entrance. The area is separate from the chefs area and is currently vacant except for Carmen and Ashley. Ashley leans against the refrigerator door, beside which are a variety of flavored syrups and creams. Carmen deadbolts the door causing Ashley to jump off the fridge. In doing so, she recalls the exotic woman who unknowingly helped get her off.