After another uneventful day at work, Alice decided to stay home and relax for the evening. She knew it was just a matter of time before she got a call from Shane begging her to come down to Milk to check out the available women for the evening. After weighing the probability of running into Gabby there, Alice knew she was firmly planted at home for the night. On her way home she made a few stops to prepare herself for her night in. She grabbed a few movies and some Chinese take-out.

Shuffling her bags in her hands, Alice managed to get her keys out of her purse and let herself into her apartment without much trouble. Making her way to the kitchen, she set the bags on the counter and exhaled an exhausted breath

How pathetic am I, stuck in here on a Friday night? she asked herself.

Not nearly as pathetic as I am, sneaking in here to hide out.

Alice spun around, startled by the intrusion, though she immediately recognized the voice.

Shane, what the ***** are you doing here? I know I gave you a key, but it was kind meant for, like, emergencies and stuff.

I know Alice, Im really sorry. But, I tried calling you here and at work, and your cell too. Guess I figured you wouldnt mind. Ill go

No, Shane, its ok. You just surprised me, is all.

So, whats in the bags?

Ohnothing much, just some take-out and a couple of movies. Figured after the ***** day Ive had, I could spoil myself a little.

Right.so, do you mind having some company, or should I be going?

Well, I must warn you, I dont know how good of a host Ill be. Im really not in a great mood, Shane..

Okay, well give me half an hour, and if I dont have you beaming that gorgeous smile of yours by then, I will admit defeat and leave of my own free will. Sound like a plan?

Sure, Im in..but isnt your obsessive following at Milk going to immediately notice your absence? We wouldnt want them sending out a search party

See, youre making jokes..were making progress already.


Alice laughed. She knew Shane was right; she could go from zero-to-giggling in a matter of minutes when Shane was around. They seemed to have this chemistry between them; they complimented each other so well. Though Shane portrayed herself to be the ultra-cool, unapproachable type, she really was anything but around her friends. Well, all of them except for Dana. The two of them seemed to have some sort of playfully bantering relationship, that didnt appear to go much deeper than that. Nonetheless, it was all in good fun, and they were both usually very good sports about the whole thing. To Alice, though, Shane was nothing like the faade she put up.

So, whats the plan? You plannin on hooking me up with some of that take-out, or are you gonna let me starve?

Alice snapped out of her introspection, and looked expectantly at Shane. She knew she had heard her say something, but the pieces just werent coming together in her head.

Shane playfully grabbed Alice by the shoulders and gave her the slightest of a shake, Earth to Alice, I said Im starving over here!

Alice blinked a few times and shook her head, Yea, me too.Im sorry, lets eat then.

The two of them fell into a peaceful silence as Shane unpacked what looked to be some type of lo mein noodles, rice, egg rolls and the egg drop soup. Alice, meanwhile, busied herself with getting plates, napkins and utensils.

You want a fork, or are you gonna be brave and go for the chopsticks?

Shane paused and glanced over her shoulder, You know me Alice, I do enjoy a challenge.

Alice rolled her eyes, Ooookay, a simple one-word answer would have sufficed, but chopsticks it is.

Shane smiled at Alice and slightly shook her head. Sorry Al, I couldnt resist.

Alice spun around and stuck her index finger in Shanes chest, grinning, Yea, yea.taking cheap shots at me when Im down, Im on to your game!

Shane playfully swatted her finger away; her hand lingering on Alices a little bit longer than was necessary. The two stood there silent for a minute, both of them feeling slightly uncomfortable as the silence grew.

Ever the quick thinker, Alice changed the subject, So, what would you like to drink? Ive got beer, wine, soda.you name it

Yea.uhmwines good for me

Okay, sounds good to me too.

Alice got out the bottle and went to get two glasses. Hey, Shanehow horrible of a hostess would I be if I suggested these fine plastic cups? I mean, I know theyre not exactly proper, but Im so not up for hand-washing this ***** tonight

Shane laughed, Sure, those are fine with me. I dont mind at all.

Shane was somewhat glad about the plastic cups. It was a testament to the friendship the two of them had. They didnt have to put on a show for each other. They could truly open up and be themselves. Shane couldnt think of one other person that she felt so comfortable with. That thought alone caused feelings of both comfort and uneasiness in her, at the same time.

The two carried their food and wine into the living room and sat down on the plush couch. After setting everything on the coffee table in front of them, Alice and Shane looked at each other expectantly.

Go for it Alice said, handing Shane a plate.

Shane took the plate from Alice and got out what she wanted from the little cardboard boxes. She sat down cross-legged on the couch, and carefully balanced her plate on her thighs. Alice let out a giggle and went in to help her own plate. After she had gotten all that she thought she could handle, she set her plate down and started filling the plastic cups with the Pinot Grigio she had chosen for the evening. After handing Shane her cup, Alice settled back into the couch with her plate and her cup.

Bon appetite Alice said, raising her cup in the air.

Yea, you too Shane replied, meeting Alices cup with her own.

The two made small talk while they ate, Alice confiding in Shane about how much it hurt to break things off with Gabby, etc. Alice was actually surprised when Shane was sympathetic towards her.

I know it sucks, honey, but you and I both know that you totally deserve better than what she was giving you.

Yea, but sometimes its nice to just have someone to be with. I didnt care that she wasnt around all the time, or that she was obsessing over her friends 24/7. I just get lonely sometimes.

Yeah, Al, tell me about it.

HA! What are you talking about? This has got to be the first night in a month that you havent had some cute little thing all over you, Shane.

Yea, well sometimes thats just not enough.

Sooowhy dont you try actually getting someones number for once, maybe making a go at trying to see them again?

See, Al, its not just me. Thats what people have come to expect of me, so thats the type of girls that I attract. Sure there was Lacey.but we all know how obsessive she is.

Ohmy.God. I cant believe were actually having this conversation. Never did I think the day would come that Shane, L.A.s very own *****-Casanova, would want to settle down.

Shane downed the rest of her wine. She had never admitted these feelings to anyone before, and sitting there baring her soul to Alice was making her rather nervous.

Look Al, Im not saying Im ready for the white picket-fence, with 1.5 kids and a dog named Spot, Im just saying that theres definitely something missing in my life, and I think its time I actually give it a try. Its no big deal.

No big deal? Cmon, this is the news of the century! Do you have any idea how many girls down at Milk are gonna have broken hearts when this gets out?

Whoooa.slow it down there honey. This is confidential. Just me and you. I dont want this to leak outI gotta think about my reputation.

I know, I know. Im sorry, I guess Im just in shock over the news.

Having finished their meals, Alice got up and took the plates and left-overs into the kitchen. Shane followed her, intending to help her with cleaning up.

Nooo way, put it down. I dont want any help Alice said, taking the bag out of Shanes hands as she was heading to the refrigerator. Alice finished Shanes intended task, turned around and grabbed Shane by the shoulders and pushed her back to the doorway of the kitchen. Shane started to protest, but Alice quickly put a hand over her mouth and gave her a try me look. Shane threw her hands up, signaling defeat and leaned back into the wall. Alice returned to the sink and started scraping the uneaten bits off the plates.

So, whos the lucky lady? Alice asked

What? What lucky lady?

Cmon Shane, you wouldnt just give me a heart attack with a revelation like that, without there being someone youve got your eye on.

Shanes mouth started moving, but no intelligible sounds came out. Alice looked up at Shane expectantly, though knowing that prying an answer out of Shane would be more than just a simple task. The wall that Shane had built up around herself was seemingly impenetrable to those who were merely acquaintances, however Alice knew that with just the right finesse she could break through to Shane.

Spill it sister, were closing in on that 30 minute time limit, and Ill be forced to kick you out if you dont tell me.

Okay, okay.geez Alice, you dont have to threaten me. Shane cracked a smile, though the butterflies in her stomach were leaving her feeling like doing anything but. Lets just finish up in here, and then well go hit the wine, and Im sure you can get me drunk enough to tell you whatever you want.

***** no! ***** the dishes, and the wine! Alice said, walking out of the kitchen and over to her desk. She opened the top drawer and pulled out a small wooden box. I keep emergency supplies around for situations like this. Alice wagged her eyebrows as she pulled a joint from the box and ran it under her nose. Shane thought about her choices, and decided to throw caution to the wind. As long as youre letting me stay here tonight, Al. I know how harsh that stuff you always get is. Alice started jumping up and down, Woohoooo! Slumber party! Should I call the girls? The thought of having to reveal her innermost secrets to all of her friends at once scared the ***** outta Shane, there was no way the truth was coming out tonight if they were all around. Shane decided that she really needed to go ahead with this talking to Alice thing, putting it off any longer would just make things harder.

Nah, Al, why dont just the two of us chill tonight. We really dont get to do that enough, you know.

Youre right, between my cell phone and your stalkers; I guess we dont really have that much quality Shane-and-Alice time anymore, huh? Anyways.enough reminiscing, lets take this party out on the terrace, shall we?

Alice walked over to the sliding glass doors and opened them, stepping outside. She turned to comment to Shane on how beautiful the sky was, but Shane wasnt out there with her. Turning completely around, Alice saw Shane still standing by the door, with a far-away look on her face.

YoohooEarth to Shane, come back to reality. Geez, and we havent even sparked this thing yet, Alice said walking up to Shane and putting her hand on Shanes shoulder.

Huh? Wha? Oh! Ummmsorry, spaced for a minute there. My bad Shane flashed Alice an impish grin.

Whats going on, Shane, you seem like youve been somewhere else half the night. Alice was starting to get worried about what exactly Shane was getting herself caught up in.

Okay, look Algive me that damn joint

Alice placed it between Shanes lips and pulled her lighter out to light it for her. As their eyes met, Alice flashed Shane a 1000-watt smile. Shane puffed greedily on the joint, until it was sufficiently lit. She pulled it from her lips and held it out for Alice, as she held the smoke in her lungs. After about 15 seconds Shanes lungs were starting to burn, and she blew the smoke out, coughing.

Whewslow down there, honey. You gotta stay conscious for me, Alice said between hits.

Shane grabbed Alices hand and pulled her and the cloud of smoke emanating from Alices mouth back out onto the terrace. Shane took Alice by the shoulders and sat her down on one of the two loungers that Alice kept on the balcony, and then pulled the other one over next to Alices for herself. Shane plopped unceremoniously down, facing Alice. Alice delicately put the joint out and sat it on the table.

Okay, so here goes, Shane started, fidgeting with her hands. There IS someone that Ive got my eye on. I mean, shes totally cool and I love spending time with her, but I dont know if she feels the same way. I mean, Im really lucky to even have her around as a friend.but I think there could be something more, you know? And I dont know how to talk to her about it, because it would kill me to ruin our friendship. Shane finished exhaling loudly.

So its someone thats a friend, huh? Anyone I know?

Well, yea, I meanwithout getting into names and stuff just yetyes, its someone you know. Shane looked away quickly, thinking *****, shes totally gonna see right through you McCutcheon, way to play it smooth. Shes really gonna want you now.

Alices mouth dropped open. *****! Bette or Tina? No, Shane totally respects their relationship. Marina? Nope, theyre too much alike. Jenny? EwwI hope the ***** not. Alice looked up to see Shane staring at her, pleading at her with her eyes to say something.

Ooookay, so whats she like? You guys are already pretty tight, right?

Uhmyea, Id say so. Shes smart as *****, and funny, and shes got a killer body..cant leave that part out, you know, Shane replied, cracking her best smile, though she felt a though she was gonna be sick.

Alice sat quietly for a few moments, thinking. Shittheres no way. Dana? I mean, wow. I dont know how to feel about that. *****.

Doing her best to fake a smile, Alice decided to be the supportive friend. Wow, Im really happy for you. I mean, Im pretty sure I know who youre talking aboutandwow, I mean Dana is an awesome girl.

Whoooahold up, Dana? Sorry, Al, but you suck at this game. Dont get me wrong, Dana is an awesome girl, but no. Not my type.

*****, well thats embarrassing. Alice said, blushing furiously and looking away. Okay, so I givespill it. Whos this mystery girl?

Shane stood up and walked the three steps over to where Alice sat, still blushing. Shane knelt down in front of Alice, hooking Als chin with her index finger and bringing her back to face her.

Damn, Al, I thought it was pretty obvious. I show up at your apartment on a Friday night of all nights, beg off having all of our friends over so just the two of us can spend some time together alone, and spill my guts to you. Guess I need to brush up on my communication skills, huh? The beautiful, *****, smart and totally wonderful girl I want is you, Al. You rock my ***** world.

Alice sat stunned staring back at Shane. For quite possibly the first time in her entire life, Alice was at a loss for words. She knew that she needed to reply with something, but her brain couldnt form a coherent thought.

Shane, being nervous about this from the start, started to back away. Okay, so I guess this was my fear, and now its happening. So, Im gonna go. Im sorry Al, just forget I came over here, and forget everything I said, okay?

Shanes movement away from her, along with her words snapped Alice out of her own little world. Hold up there, Romeo. Youre not getting out of here that easily. Forgive my shock, but I had totally resigned myself to the fact that you wanted Dana, and then when it was me and not her, you know that was kinda unexpected. Totally unexpected, actually. Wow.

Shane moved back over to the lounger she had previously occupied, and sat back down. You know, youre killing me over here, Al. I need to know whats going on in that head of yours, aside from the shock.

Just like every other girl in L.A., Ive had it bad for you since the day I met you. Ive been completely happy having you as my friend, but yes, I absolutely ***** adore you Shane.

Well, this isnt turning out as horribly as I had pictured it Shane thought to herself. You know, Ive wanted to talk to you about this for a long time now, and Ive chickened out every time Ive tried. I was sooo afraid that you would laugh at me or something.

Laugh at you? ShiiiitI think I might have to go change my panties after that little confession, but laugh? No way.

Even though Shane was the resident heartbreaker, Alices admission made her crack a goofy smile and blush. The two sat starting at each other for a few long moments, before the silence became too much to handle.

Honestly, Ive never been in any type of relationship that wasnt based purely on ***** before, so I dont know how to do this relationship thing. All I know is that what I feel for you is the most real thing I have ever felt. Every time I look at you, my hearts starts beating all fastI get butterflies in my stomachand all I can think about is what it would be like to kiss you.

That was all Alice needed to hear to convince her that Shane was for real. Alice stood up and walked over to Shanes lounger. She placed her arms around either side of Shanes neck, and climbed down into Shanes lap. Shanes arms came up around Alices back and held her there. They stared into each others eyes, both afraid to take that final step.

Are you sure this is what you want Shane? Because once we cross this line, I cant turn back. Ive been waiting too long for this, an..

Shane shut her up with a kiss. Their lips met tentatively at first, but the years of built up hunger and need took over for them. Alice ran her tongue along Shanes bottom lip, pleading for entrance. Shane moaned into the kiss and met Alices probing tongue with her own. Time seemed to stand still for the two of them as they cast away any doubts the other might have. When the heat became too much to bear, Alice broke the kiss and pulled away enough to look into Shanes eyes. Oh.mygod, Alice whispered, leaning forward slightly to rest her forehead on Shanes. They sat in a companionable silence for a few minutes, trying to catch their breath.

So, where do we go from here? Alice asked, almost afraid of the answer.

I think Im falling in love with you, Al.

You have no idea how long Ive been waiting to hear you say those words, Alice said, pushing Shane so that she was lying down, and stretching out on top of her. Ive been in love with you since the moment I laid eyes on you.

Shane somehow instinctively knew that that was one of those moments, where words could do no more justice to the emotions playing out between them, so she reached behind Alices head and pulled her down into another searing kiss

TBCmebbe