“No, we broke up. She went home to try and fix things with her ex.”
“I would say I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m not” Shane admitted.
Carmen laughed “I kinda guessed that you would say that.”
“So are you back for good?”
“I have a lease on an apartment in Alice’s complex for a year. My contract is for that long, but they can suddenly tell me they want me somewhere else. But at the moment I’m here to stay.”
Shane smiled pulling off of the highway and onto the roads that would take them to Carmen’s new place.

“Okay I’ve been truthful to you. I’ve let you ask questions and I answered them as well as I could and straight to the point. Do you mind if I ask you some?”
Shane’s eyes widened.
“You know I’m not good at talking”
Carmen looked at Shane intently, frowning slightly “I’m sure you changed Shane, when you came to New York you were so open and I know from talking to Alice and some of the others that you have changed. That you have grown as a person, that you are more mature.” Carmen sighed “Maybe we were all wrong, maybe you are still that same person you always were. The one who wouldn’t open up”

“Carmen please, it’s been a shock seeing you. Until earlier I thought you were in New York, that you were working at a nightclub there and had a girlfriend. Now your home, you have spilt up with Amanda and you’re sat next to me in my car. I’m still trying to process, never mind the answers you gave me.” Shane replied shakily, taking a gulp of air she continued. “Don’t get me wrong, I am truly happy that you are back home where you belong, amazed that you are sat next to me without so much as a cat fight” She grinned “I’ve missed this, just us being together alone, talking. I know we didn’t do much of it when were together but I’m enjoying it. It’s different, it’s like we are finding out about each other for the first time”
“Correction Shane, you’re finding out about me.”
“Damn it Carmen I’m being serious. Before we just fucked, fucked again, messed each others lives up, fucked, got together, made love numerous times, cheated on each other, got engaged then nearly married. No where in there did I mention friendship, it’s a whole new concept.”

Carmen rested her hand gently on Shane’s shoulder “You are doing a great job of admitting how you feel. So I guess we start from scratch, a clean slate. Try and be friends, find out things about each other. Like what our favourite books are, movies, food, clothes, drink etc”
“I would really like that”

Carmen grinned “That’s all I could have asked for also Shane. I’m glad we are both thinking the same way.”
Shane smiled softly at her, “Thank you for answering the questions, maybe soon I will be able to answer yours?”
Carmen nodded “When ever you are ready”
Shane held the steering wheel with one hand as she gently squeezed Carmen’s.