“Fuck Al!” Shane yelled, almost dropping her beer. Alice snatched the beer out her friend’s hand and drained it in the sink. “Aww come on Alice. Beer doesn’t grow on trees you know. What are you doing up at six anyway?” Shane questioned grabbing a bottle of water. Alice sighed agitated and grabbed Shane’s face in her hand. “Don’t you remember anything? We are heading to Las Vegas for Jenny and Max’s wedding.”

“Aww shit they’re really serious? I thought they were joking.”

“Leave it to Jenny to pick the stupidest place to get married” Alice said laughing.

“I know. But you gotta love her.”

“You gotta love Max for putting up with her.” Alice and Shane shared a laugh, as the hot sun rose over L.A. Alice walked over to Bette’s to tell her they were almost ready to leave and Shane hurried to get packed. They would only be in Vegas for a week, but it was hard to pick clothes even for the boyish lesbian. She grabbed her three favorite pairs of jeans and stuffed shirts into her ratty knapsack as Alice walked into Shane’s room. “You and that damn bag. How old is it?” Shane looked down at her bag and remembered the dream she had earlier. Alice noticed the change in Shane’s demeanor and lightened up. “Never mind let’s just go” she said rushing towards the door. Shane lagged behind stuffing various things into her bag. The last thing she picked up was a bottle of Oxyconton as she slammed and locked the door behind her. She threw her bag into the trunk of the rented minivan and climbed into the back greeting Bette, Tina, Dana, Helena, and…Alice’s mom? “Hello Shane” she said as Shane gave Alice a questioning look. “What? She sort of invited her self,” Alice said looking at Shane through the rearview mirror. “Nonsense Alice. Jenny invited me.” Lenore said to her daughter. Shane bent down to pick up an empty soda can and Lenore happened to notice Shane’s tattoo. “What’s that?” Lenore asked moving the hair away from Shane’s neck. “Oh that’s just my tattoo.”

“Is it new?”

“No. I’ve had it since forever.” Shane said moving her hair back to the way she liked it. Alice told her Mother to stop bothering Shane and the two of them started bickering. “I just wanted to know what is was.” Lenore said trying to justify her actions. “Well you did. Are you happy now?” Alice asked not paying much attention to the road. “Alice” Helena said trying to get her attention back on the road. “No.” Lenore said further agitating Alice. At that point everyone was trying to get Alice’s attention to no avail, until Dana screamed. The minivan was dangerously close to the car next to it. Alice quickly regained control of the van and sighed huffily. “Well what else do you want?” Alice said through clenched teeth.  I just wanted to ask what it meant.”

“Well do it!” Alice yelled. Lenore rolled her eyes and turned to Shane. “Shane” Lenore said with added emphasis, “what does the card mean?”

“It’s the ace of spades.” Shane said shrugging off her question.