Dana looked at Carmen, sensing in her eyes almost the same amount of
fear Dana knew she had in her own. She could also sense how much her
words made sense and how it could possibly help her get past the fear
and get closer to the worth it part.

Omigod! You’re, like, *****’ Yoda! Dana teased, smiling, making
certain that Carmen could sense her gratitude at her openness and
advice. Carmen just chuckled at the comment, forgetting its connection
with Shane’s role in the family.

Ew! Gross! I’d like to ***** someone else other than Yoda, thank you
very much. Finally remembering the Shane-reference thirty seconds too
late, when Shane and Dana stopped laughing and grew silent, unsure
whether she’d really said what she just said, Carmen just looked for a
quick fire escape. *****! Um, I need another coffee…, she mumbled,
not caring whether they heard her, as she got up and headed for the
coffee bar.

Trying not to completely embarrass the deejay so much that she didn’t
return to their table, but still not being able to help the urge to
tease, Dana and Shane tired to stifle their laughter by keeping their
mouths closed. Resulting, none too successfully in, snorts and
schoolgirl-giggles. Coming back to the table with a fresh round of
coffees and a plateful of veggie sticks and dip to munch on, Carmen
playfully scolded them as she sat back down on the couch beside Shane,
unable to stop herself from giggling either.

You guys, stop it! Come on…

Finally able to keep herself under control and breath normally, Shane
took a sip of her espresso and asked Dana, gesturing towards her with a
celery stick, “So, Dana, where IS Alice, anyway?”

…

A beat up 67 Mustang pulled up in front of Alices apartment. Howie
came out of the passenger side. He closed the car door behind him and
turned around to lean into the open window of the Stang.

Um, thanks, Shem… I had fun last night at Pride… its just… I
think I should take care of family stuff first, you know… Howie
fumbled for words of explanation. Shem only found it too endearing to
argue back. At the understanding look on his face, Dana Fairbanks
little brother couldnt understand how he could get this lucky the
first time.

How… its okay. Go, deal with your parents, deal with your sister. I
can see how important it is to you. And it should be. Shem tried to
reassure him. Just –call me. When youre ready. He gave a knowing
look and turned to put the car into gear. Howie waved goodbye as he
walked backwards towards Alices apartment building.