Alice became quiet, her eyes transfixed on a small tear in the fabric of her couch. “You know you’re my best friend Shane. ”

Shane looked at her, struck by the seriousness of her tone. “You’re mine.”

“Am I?” Alice asked, her eyes downcast.

“Of course you are,” Shane said. “Why would you ask that?”

Alice shrugged, her fingers fidgeting with the tiny rip in the cushion.
“Sometimes it just… feels like Jenny’s taking my place.”

“Is that what this about?” Shane asked, referring to their recent series of arguments.

“No – Yes.” Alice shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m just – I’m having all these thoughts, and feelings, and…”

“And what?” Shane gently asked.

“And nothing,” Alice said, standing suddenly. She walked to the kitchen
counter, set her beer down and pressed her palms against the surface,
keeping her back to Shane.
“Al…” When Alice didn’t respond, Shane let out an exasperated sigh. “Al, come on. I thought we were gonna talk. ”

“Don’t you ever get tired of talking?” Alice asked.

“No. Not to you. ”

Alice’s head fell and Shane thought she could hear her crying softly.
She walked over to her and gently turned her around so they were facing
each other.
“Hey…” Shane said, seeing the tears on her friend’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t wanna talk anymore,” Alice said, her eyes downcast.

Shane slowly nodded. “Okay…” She placed a hand on Alice’s cheek and began brushing the tears away. “Its okay.”

Alice looked at her, her eyes full of emotion. “I don’t wanna talk,”
she said again. Without another word she leaned forward, pressing her
lips to Shane’s. Shane’s brain told her to pull away, that this was a
mistake, but her body wasn’t listening, and what started as a soft,
delicate kiss, soon turned passionate, one of her hands going to
Alice’s waist, pulling her close, as her other hand sank into the
writer’s blonde hair. Alice wrapped her arms around Shane’s neck as the
hairdresser pressed against her, backing her into the kitchen counter.
“Oh god,” Alice said, pulling away suddenly.

Shane was breathing hard. “Al…”
Alice pushed past her. “I – I Gotta go – I Gotta go.”

“Al, hold on.” Shane grabbed her arm.

“Shane, please. I can’t do this right now.” Alice looked at her pleadingly.