They both laugh.

Paige: Naaah, it’s fine.  I mean, look at me.  I’m attracted more to the individual than I am the sex.  Maybe it’s different for other people, but…I can see a positive quality in both men and women when it comes to attraction.

Lara playfully smirks.

Lara: I agree with you on the women part.

Paige playfully smirks back.

Paige: I’m sure you do.

They laugh a little more as Lara notices the time on a nearby clock.

Lara: It’s getting late.  I should probably go.

Lara smiles and stands, with Paige following suit.

Paige: It’s okay.  I’m enjoying the chat.

Lara: I know, so am I.  Maybe…maybe we can do this again sometime.  Without necessarily having to drop someone off first.

Paige: I would love that.  You have my number?

Lara: Yes.

Paige: Great.  Call me sometime.  If you want, we can talk again tomorrow?

Lara: Uhhh…depends.  Carmen wants to take me somewhere tomorrow.  She won’t tell me where…it’s a surprise.

Paige raises an eyebrow.

Paige: A surprise, huh?

Lara: There’s no telling with her.  She and I have really bonded, the last few weeks.  I mean…we both lost so many friends…at once.  It’s been really rough and…we do what we can to take care of each other.

Paige places her right hand on Lara’s left shoulder.

Paige: Well…if you ever need to talk to someone…don’t hesitate.

Lara: …I won’t.  I’ve really enjoyed this.

Paige: I’m glad you came by.

Lara: Well…good night.

Paige: Good night.

They smile at each other as Lara makes her exit.

While the mood was a little more contemporary at Paige’s house, it’s more festive at one of the nightclubs where Carmen has spent the evening being introduced to a friend of Papi’s.  Her name is Tasha.  She’s tall, dark and gorgeous so far as Carmen can tell.  And she appears to be a mostly calm and silent person.  As Papi mingles with other female patrons, Carmen and Tasha sit at a table together, drinking their beer.

Carmen: How long have you known Papi?

Tasha: …Few years.  You?

Carmen: Since before she was Papi.

Tasha nods once and drinks.

Carmen: So where ya comin’ back from?

Tasha: …Outta town.

Carmen: I’m not askin’ too many annoying questions right now, am I?