I bend over a little and shake it, just a little, and hear Jenny yell whoo! in a high tone that distorts as Shane drives them around the block. I laugh, blushing as the girls sipping coffee at the outdoor caf tables stare at me.

Hi, I nod. Morning. I feel my face turning red and quickly escape into the Planet. I wave to Kit and she points to a big table in the back, which is all set and waiting for us. No one else is here.

Dana comes in, alone. Shes come without Tonya for the last several brunches, and as overjoyed as that usually makes me, she has seemed upset and worn down lately.

Simultaneously, Alice, Bette and Tina come in. The latter two come together, but I think this was just timing, not a reconciliation. Rumor has it that Tinas been dating a guy.

Hey guys, I say. I see Shane and Jenny walk by, through the window. Wait til you see Jenny.

Sure enough, when they walk in, everyone goes crazy over Jennys hair. Holy *****. Alice says. Who died and made you Audrey Hepburn?

Jenny rolls her huge eyes and smiles.

Did you do that, Shane?

Yep. Shane looks bleary, uncaffeinated. She slides in opposite me and stares at the table. Shes wearing a sage green tee shirt that makes her eyes look the kind of green you see when copper gets wet over time, giving it this weathered patina-

You look great, Jenny, Tina says, smiling.

Hey, girls, Kit says, bringing us a basket of pastries and a pitcher of water. Sorry Im taking so long, one of my girls called out.

You need help, Kit? Shane asks, nodding to the line forming at the counter.

No, sweetie, Im good for now, but thank you. She affectionately rubs Shanes shoulder and Im envious, that she can touch her so simply, without it having to mean anything or setting up a cascade of threatening, damning implications.

Hey guys, what are you all doing on September twenty-third? I ask.

Whats that? Tina asks.

Saturday after next. I take a banana muffin from the basket and break it in two.

Whats on the twenty-third? Bette asks.

Well, I am having a big old barbecue and I hope you all can come.