Alice waved it off. Im fine, Im fine.

Alright, if you say so, Bette said, not sounding the least bit convinced.

Well I do, Alice insisted. ‘

Hey, theres Bette. Jenny pointed at their table. Im gonna go say hi.
She looked at Shane. Are you gonna come?

Uh, no, no – Shane shook her head. Im gonna go step outside for a minute. I could use some air.

Are you feeling alright? Jenny asked, concerned.

Shane nodded. Yeah – yeah, I just need a cigarette.

Okay.

Shane was standing on the sidewalk outside The Planet. Her head was down, and she had one of her hands in her pants pocket.

Hey there stranger.

The sound of another persons voice startled her, and she jumped.
 Alice laughed. Jeez Shane, jumpy much?

Shane glared at her. Jesus Al, you scared the shit out of me.

Alice stopped laughing. Sorry. It was totally unintentional.

I bet.

So what are you doin out here? Alice asked.
Shane lifted up her left hand, showing her the cigarette.
 You know you really should quit Shane. Those things have been known to kill.

Shane took a drag, then blew it out. So have cars, but I dont see people throwing their keys away left and right.
 Alice shook her head. Thats not really the same thing, but point taken.

It was quiet for a moment. So Alice started to say.

Yeah?

You and Jenny seem to have gotten pretty close.

Shane knew where this was going. Shes my roommate Al, we live together.

So thats all it is? Alice asked.
 No, shes also my friend.

Just youre friend?

And my roommate, Shane replied.
Okay, Alice said, feeling pretty confident that Shane was telling the truth.

Shane frowned at her.  Whats with you?
 Alice raised her eyebrows and shrugged. What? – Nothing.

Shane furrowed her brow. Youre acting weird Al, even for you.

What, Im not allowed to ask my friend a few questions? Alice
demanded. I mean how else am I supposed to know whats going on with
you. She looked down, hurt. Its not like you tell me anything
anymore.
Shane softened. Al She took her free hand out of her pocket and tried to touch her, but Alice backed away.

No, forget it. Alice told her. Ill just leave you alone to smoke your cigarette. She turned and started to leave.

Al come on, wait.
Alice ignored her and kept walking. It wasnt until she passed the
entrance of The Planet that Shane realized she was heading for her car.
She wasnt just taking a moment to cool off, she was flat out calling
it a night.
Fuck, Shane flicked her cigarette onto the sidewalk and took off after her.