At the Planet

Who is that chick, its like the third time Ive seen her with Shane, Alice said after taking a sip of her coffee. Hmmthree is a lot for Shane isnt it, Dana commented as she stuffed a grape in her mouth. Well, it depends on what youre talking about, Alice said fiendishly arching an eyebrow. Shane disengaged from the woman Alice was scanning from head to toe and swaggered over to their table. Hey guys, are you coming to Radar tonight? Ill use any excuse to get *****-faced, Alice replied brightly, flashing a girlish smile. Good, cause I want you guys to meet someone, Shane added as she took her seat opposite the two women. Well, why dont you just introduce us now Alice had turned around to look back at the counter, but the woman was gone. She had to go home and sleep, Shane said as she stole one of Danas grapes. Wow, you kept her up until now, Dana teased as she slapped Shanes hand, chastising her. Shane sighed, Shes a nurse and she worked the graveyard shift last night, besides Shane continued looking at Alice, from what I hear you could probably teach me a thing or two, Dane. Dana gave Alice a look of absolute horror, while Alice buried her face into her coffee cup.

Dana was just about to tear into Alice when Tina lightly patted her on the back, Hey guys, good morning! Dana lost her train of thought momentarily, Oh, hi Tina, whats up? Yeah, Tina you should come to Radar tonightShane is going to introduce us to her mysterious lady friend, Alice said wiggling her eyebrows. Shane moved her feet from the chair next to her so Tina could sit down, Shesshes really sweet, Shane had this goofy smile and seemed to stare off into the distance as she said this. Dana, Alice and Tina exchanged questioning glances. Well, Ive gotta run, Ill see you guys later tonight, and with that Shane sprinted for the door and out of sight. Dana suddenly seemed to remember that she needed to chew Alice out and turned to her, What the ***** have you been telling herwhat the ***** was that comment about? Dana asked with genuine concern in her voice. Calm downokay, I didnt say anything, she was just messing with youokayI didnt say anything, Alice defended herself before burying her face in her cup.

Tina had no idea what they were talking about as she snuck a piece of Danas strawberry and she didnt care, because just then Bette walked in. They all exchanged their hellos as Bette settled herself next to Tina. Hey, Bette you gonna join us at Radar tonight? Alice quickly asked, trying to get Dana off her back. Umno, I have to give a talk tonight. Oh, yeah what time is that starting at? Tina asked as one of the waiters placed her drink in front of her. Uh, seven oclock, but its okay, I know you have your term paper to write up, right? Bette said as she took Tinas cup and took a sip. No, I think I can make it, I got a jump start on it over the weekend. Whats your paper about Tina, Dana asked as she shoveled her last piece of fruit into her mouth. Oh, dont even bother, the title is like twenty minutes long, Bette interjected before Tina could say anything. Its basically about discussing different counseling strategies for troubled teens, Tina said grabbing her drink from Bette, who had become overly possessive of it.

Cool, well, well miss you tonight, but well be sure to debrief you on Shanes chick later, Alice said as she got to her feet, Ive got get to an interview. Dana gathered her things quickly to follow her out the door, Hang on, Ive gotta talk to you, she turned quickly to Tina and Bette, Bye guysweve gotta do dinner sometime soon! She joined Alice by the door and it appeared like they got into a heated argument as they made their way down the sidewalk. Tina followed them with her eyes, chuckling. When she returned her gaze to Bette, she noticed Bette was once again taking a big swig of her drink. Bette, get your own drink, for Petes sake! she giggled as she tore the mug out of Bettes hand. I meant what I said, by the way; you dont have to come if youre too busy, Bette said in a more serious tone. Im pretty sure Ill be there, Tina said as she peeked at Bette over her mug. What are you gonna wear? Tina asked as she offered her mug back to Bette. Probably thatdark blue pinstripe suit, Bette replied as she took a sip. Oh, baby, why dont you wear the light beige one, that blue one makes you look like an undertaker, Tina said as she frowned slightly. Bette gave Tinas shoulder a playful shove, You never mentioned that before. Well, I know how muchyou love your pinstripes, Tina said slowly as she looked into her empty mug.

*** A couple of days later ***

At a restaurant

The gang settled themselves into the booth, still laughing at the shade of red Shanes face was turning. They had never known her to be so coy over anyone like this before. So what is it about this nurse thats got you so hooked, ShaneI mean shes cute and all, Dana gave Alice a tentative glance, I mean she seemed cuteactually, it was dark, I really didnt get that good of a look. Alice just smiled and squeezed Danas knee under the table with a wink. Well, you know, nursesthey need to be good with their hands dexterous! Alice added with the air of a sports commentator. Hey, missy-big-words, leave Shane alone already, Tina ordered, opening her menu and giving Shane an encouraging wink. Why didnt you invite her to come with us? Bette asked. Uhshe usually works the graveyard shift, but shell be off Friday, so she might come with us to movie Shane answered motioning to Alice and Dana.

So you guys are doing a double date? Tina asked, taking a sip of her water. Hey, lets triple it! Dana said excitedly. What are you guys going to go see? Bette asked as she grabbed Tinas hand under the table. The new Angelina Jolie movie, Alice answered, fanning herself with her hand. They all nodded their heads in unison, agreeing with Alices assessment of Jolies hotness. Wowyeahshes steaming, Shane said with a contemplative look on her face. They all chuckled low and began discussing what to get before the waiter came back for their orders. So, are you guys gonna come with us? Dana asked as she handed the waiter the stack of menus. Can you make it, T? Bette asked as she grabbed a piece of bread. Yeah, surethat way we can meet Shanes mystery woman, and I can see the sexiest woman on the planet. Bette assumed Tina was talking about Jolie, but when the other women were distracted discussing Alices latest article topic, Tina caught her eye and mouthed, You.