“Thanks. I don’t know why I did that.” Shane replied, chuckling.

“Because there’s something you’re not telling us and it’s making you guilty, so you’re trying to compensate.”

Shane literally choked on her beer.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“Shane! Are you all right?” Dana yelled, getting up and running over to her, preparing to perform the Heimlich.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.”

“Good.”

“You know,” Bette started, standing up as well. “I have something to say. It’s not a toast, and it’s not congratulating all of you, but…” she reached down and grabbed Tina’s hand, “We’re going to be gone for Christmas. We’re going to Tina’s parents house to stay for the holiday. We think it will be good for Angelica because she’s never met Tina’s family.” Everybody smiled.

“That’s great, Bette, and I’m glad you said that, because… Well…” Alice shared a quick look with Dana. “We’re gonna be gone, too! Dana has a promotional thingy, and I’m going with her.”

“Well then, Shane. Since Kit and Angus are still all locked up in their house, looks like you and I are all alone this Channukah.” Jenny laughed, looking at her roommate.

“Uh-oh.Does that mean I have to go to Jewish church or whatever it’s called with you?” Shane replied, frowning slightly

“Yes. And dress nice. There are lots of nice Jewish boys I want you to meet, and I don’t want you looking meshugena.”

Raucous laughter broke out at Jenny’s impression of her mother and the thought of Shane with a “nice, Jewish boy.”

Dinner had been nice so far, no mean exchanges of words or anything like that, it had been smooth sailing, and actually kind of nice. But still, Carmen found herself longing to feel Shane’s arm around her as she ate, Alice’s dumb jokes, the slight smiles of Bette and Tina as they surveyed their family, their children, and Dana’s eye rolls and goofy comments. Hell, she even missed Jenny’s quiet introspectiveness. It was actually kind of refreshing sometimes to be with someone who isn’t so caught up in moments and details, who’s more interested in looking at the big picture. Suddenly, a comment from Sarah shattered the comfortable silence that had enveloped them.