I think they all sensed the tension between me and them, but with Dana around, there is not a moment of peace in the car.  They are asking lots of questions about Shane, her family, what she does and where she lives.  

Shane answers all her questions patiently.  I am actually amazed how at ease she seems to be with them.   I am dragging the part when they start asking questions about us!

Luckily, we have arrived at the restaurant, it’s the top Japanese restaurant in town.  I heard that my rich and Hollywood stars like to come.  

After we were seated, and waiting for our food to arrive.  Shane is sipping her wine, starring at me.  I ignored her and study the table cloth.  Well, she gives up on trying to catch my attention and starts talking about me with Tina and Dana instead. 

Oh… I am fuming inside and she knows it too, as she keeps glancing at me frequently.

“So Dana, Carmen told me that you two were class mates!  What was she like in college?”

“Carmen was the brightest student in class, always the teacher’s pet.  Her dress sense then was horrible and listen to this, she worn the thickest pair of glasses!!”  Dana cannot contain her laughter anymore. 

“Seriously, she was an ugly duckling.  I noticed the change after we graduated, I guess, have to contribute some credits to Lara, she was always in designer suits.”   Dana continues after her laughter died down.   

I couldn’t listen to them discussing me anymore, so I stand up and find the washroom. 

‘’’’’’’’’

I am pacing in the powder room, trying to calm down.   Shane is getting along so well with them… why is she still around if she doesn’t want to be with me?  

‘totally and utterly crazy about you.’  That’s what she said to me earlier… my heart melt a little at the thought of her.

I press my hands on the dresser to support my body, starring at the mirror and asking myself what I should do now.

“Carm…”  Shane appears behind me.

“What do you want from me?” I ask softly, sounding a little tired.