Of course she is. Shes engaged to you, Shanes trying to help, but its not working.

No, you dont understand. How can I tell them.

Dana, Tina says, calming me, try to calm down. Take a deep breath and tell us whats going on. We cant help you unless we know whats wrong.

I look up at her. Tina, I know what youre going through, Shes engaged to a man.

What? Shane yells.

Oh *****, comes from Alice.

Youre saying that Tonyayour Tonyais engaged to a man? Tina repeats what I said. How is that possible? How did you find this out?

Someone from HRC called last night to make sure everything in Palm Springs was good. Anyway, she told me that Tonya is straight and that she even met her fianc. I start blubbering as the last few words come out.

God, Dane. I wish I could say something to make it all better. Shanes reassuring touch relaxes me a little. Do you know who he is?

No, I didnt think to ask. What am I going to do?

Well figure it out, Dana, says Alice.

After much poking, prodding, and questioning I think Ive finally shared every detail I know.

Listen guys, Tina says suddenly, I have to go take care of something. Alice, you can fill me in on any other plans when I see you. Dana, youll get through this.

Thanks Tina, I say, looking up at her, that means a lot. I know what shes going through.

So, guyswe need to come up with a plan. Alice starts as soon as Tinas out the door.

I cant right now Al, I plead. I just need to go somewhere and think.

I dont think you should be alone right now Dane, Shane interupts.

Shanes right Dana, now theyre teaming up on me. Why dont you let me take you to my place? We can talk. Talk! I cant talk anymore!

I dont think I can talk anymore.

Okay, well just sit therebut Shanes rightyou shouldnt be alone right now.

Okay, I give up.

What do you guys think about going out to Milk later. Itll help you loosen up a bit Dana. I think you could use a couple of drinks.

Sure Al. Ill be there, Shane responds standing up to leave. I have to go take care of some things right now thoughIll catch you guys later.

Aaalllliiiiiccccee, I cant help myself as I cry out her name.

Come on Dana. She pushes me to a standing position. Im not letting you go off alonewere going back to my place.

We get to Alices a few minutes later. And I cant help but look at the board. There it is, plain as daysitting therestaring at me. Dana, she says, come over and sit on the couch. She puts her arm around me a guides me to the couch. We sit in silence for the rest of the afternoonreading the newspaper.

To Be Continued