Helena stands and heads for the bar in the corner of the room. “Can I get anyone anything else?”

“I’ll have another glass of whine,” Bette replies. “And Tina’s getting low on her ginger-ale.”

“I think I’m gunna head out for a quick smoke before dinner,” Shane says standing and heading for the door. She walks into the backyard and stands by the railing, over-looking a fountain that leads into the pool. The slight blue glow was the only light in the darkness that engulfed the area around her. She hears a click from behind her and turns to see Kelli closing the door. “Hey.”

“Hey,” she says, walking up next to her. “Still out smoking chimneys I see…”

“I try,” Shane laughs.

“I never could get you to stop.”

“What can I say… it’s in my nature.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Kelli agrees. She reaches out, placing her hands temptingly on Shane’s waist. Shane clenches her jaw and stands up tall. She slightly steps back and looks her in the eye.

“Look, Kelli,” she starts. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you…”

“What is it?” she asks after Shane pauses for a while.

“What we had was – well, I’m not going to lie… it was confusing as hell. Don’t get me wrong, I love you, you’re one of the best friends anyone could have. You’re a cool chick it’s just – ”

“Friend…” she whispers with a sigh, cutting her off. She nods and looks down before glancing up and searching her eyes. “You know how I feel about you…”

Shane looks to the side, not wanting to see the tears building up in her friend’s eyes. “I just wish we could go back to the way we were before anything happened between us.”

“Those were some pretty amazing times.”

“Yeah…”

“I guess having anything more than that just fucked things up, didn’t they?”

“You could say that,” Shane agrees. “But our lives have never been anywhere close to perfect. No matter how your dad sees you.”

“Oh shut up!” Kelli laughs, hitting her lightly.

“Whatever princess,” Shane laughs, blowing out smoke.

“I guess our relationship is kind of the definition of fucked,” she continues. “Friends that were more than friends, but not really, and ended up loving each other in different ways and getting those ways mixed up. Then not seeing each other in years and meet up once again to pick up exactly where we left off with only one difference.”