Dana laughed appreciatively at Alice’s comment and had to agree that Shane was pretty transparent sometimes. Chiming in she said, "Seriously Shane, you’ve got to work on your subtlety if you want to make it with the ladies."

Shane cast Dana a wry look and said haughtily, "Subtlety isn’t what they want. Trust me."

They reached the car and Dana was somewhat flummoxed to find herself wedged in between Alice and Shane.

She practically jumped when Alice suddenly leaned across her to reach for the stereo dials. Settling on a station after a few tense moments for Dana, she leaned back and smiled slightly at the brunette.

Shane said by way of explanation, "Alice can’t go anywhere without being in charge of the music."

Alice shrugged and Dana smiled, beginning to tap her foot to the music that was filling the car.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Dana found herself keeping pace with Alice as they followed Shane up the path to Alice’s building. It was very close to campus but seemed totally removed from it at the same time. It was practically a high rise and Alice had said it was mostly loft apartments and studios. Dana hadn’t asked but Alice had smiled and told her anyway, "I live with Helena Peabody."

Dana knew that the name sounded familiar but she couldn’t quite place it. Alice seemed to see her struggle and she said easily, "She’s a concert pianist. Maybe you’ve heard of her?"

Dana shook her head. Classical music wasn’t really her thing and though it was irrational, she felt as though she was letting Alice down somehow.

Hearing their conversation, Shane said helpfully, "Maybe you’ve heard of the Peabody foundation, Dane?"

This time Dana’s eyes widened and she turned to look at Shane. "She’s one of those Peabodys?"

Alice rolled her eyes at Shane and said, "She’s really cool, Dana. Very down to earth and she lets me stay here virtually rent free."

Shane pointed out quickly, "You pay rent, Al." Turning to Dana, she said with a smile, "Al’s no freeloader."

Alice grinned at the idea of Shane coming to her defense and said, "True. But what I pay is like one sixth of the rent on this place."

Dana looked up at the building again and Alice could tell she was somewhat surprised to hear that Alice lived with one of the richest heiresses in the world.