“I know, I’m sorry. The way we left things earlier didn’t feel right.” said Tina, now feeling really bad about waking Shane.

“It’s OK. It’s a Saturday and you were still asleep. I didn’t mind that you weren’t really interested in talking.”

“You said that you wanted to talk to me about something. If you want we can talk now, or we could meet up later. It’s like you said. I should be getting out more anyway.”

“Do you think that some of us are designed to be alone and some of us are meant to be with another person?” asked Shane, giving the indication that she was willing to talk.

“I think that timing is everything.” replied Tina, knowing that probably wasn’t the answer that Shane wanted.

“Yeah, but, some people are more independent that others, don’t you think?” probed Shane, trying to push Tina for a proper answer.

“I think that there are times when everything is right, and then you meet that other person and everything is right with them too, and then somehow, it works out for both of you, and lets face it, it must happen a lot because a lot of people are together.” said Tina, pleased that she could be this philosophical this early in the morning.

“So how come it hasn’t worked for me, or you, or Dana?”

“Shane, if I knew that answer to that kind of question I wouldn’t be living here. I would have a Beverly Hills mansion.”

“But still….”

“Maybe it’s just not the right time for us. Look at Dana for example; she spends so much time travelling, would it really be a great time for her to start a long-term relationship. For the two of us, maybe it’s different. The time might be right but we’re not ready or in the right place for us to begin that all important partnership.”

“I hate the way you’re so phlegmatic about it.” complained Shane, secretly realising that Tina was right.

“More resigned than phlegmatic.”

“But…”

“Shane, I would love to have someone to whisper in my ear, tell me they love me and that they can’t live without me, but that’s not the case right now, for either of us. Believe me, I spend sleepless nights thinking about the fact that I’m going turn into a crazy old woman and then die alone, but it’s not good for us both to be doing it.”

“So you’re saying that if I’m having a crisis then you can’t have one at the same time and vice versa.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“Well, you know what. I think that I can live with that.”

“So, once you’ve had your sleep do you want to think about going out on the town with me tonight.”

“I thought you didn’t go out anymore. “ teased Shane, gently chuckling to herself.

“You think you’re funny, and yet no one is laughing.” retorted Tina, knowing that she actually deserved that.

“We could try that new place in West Hollywood, then you can stay over at mine tonight. When we get home we can stay up late, drink some more and put the world to rights.”

“What new place in West Hollywood? Do you know something that I don’t?”

“Tina, when it comes to West Hollywood, I know lots of things that you don’t.”

“That’s true. So tell me about this new hang out of yours?”

“I’ve not been there yet, It’s called The Planet. Rumour as it, it’s pretty good though, and there should be some beautiful women there.” chuckled Shane again, thinking that beautiful women weren’t really a great incentive for Tina.

“That sounds great, and maybe I can improve my knowledge of the female specie and then be able to give you some better advice.”

“So it’s a date then. What time shall I meet you?”

“Can I call you later. I have a few things that I need to do and then, obviously, I will need to make myself look beautiful.”

“Tina, you are beautiful. You should always know that.”

“I’ll call you later.,” replied Tina, glad that Shane could not see her blushing.

Tina got up from her chair and walked back into her kitchen. She poured herself some more coffee and thought about her conversation with Shane. Was it really all about timing? Could that really explain the failure of her relationship with Eric or was she really to blame, like she always thought she was. Only time would tell.