Helena did not respond but instead became lost in thought again. After a while she responded, “I had nothing to do with its success. I won’t take any credit for it.”

Tasha realized she needed to cheer up her friend and boss, “Helena, why don’t you give that model a call, or someone else, anybody a call. Go do something fun to take you mind off Dylan and all this madness.”

Helena thought with some disappointment, “That model is far, far away. I doubt that she would be thinking of me even if she was in town. I am sure she doesn’t even remember my name.”

“Forget her then, get your cutest little pick-up outfit on and go hunting tonight. You deserve at least that.”

Helena perked up and thought about her better days of cruising the Shark Bar, “I rather like that idea Tasha. I think I will and you should come join me. It’s time for you to find some distractions of your own.”

Later that evening, Helena found herself on her usual spot on the lounge of the Shark Bar, watching to see who might come strolling into her club. Alice and Tasha flanked her checking out all who meandered through. There were the usual suspects of barflies and a few newbies. None was grabbing the attention of anyone in the owner’s only sectional. Before long Dylan, Bette, Tina and a woman that was not familiar came in and sat in the restaurant side of the club. Helena found herself immediately on edge at the sight of Dylan, especially Dylan and another woman. The woman was with her was an attractive blond with a short pixie haircut. They seemed close and often leaned in to speak to each other. The woman was fairly attentive to Dylan and touched her frequently. Dylan appeared to be enjoying her company but looked over in the direction of Helena several times. Helena quickly looked away each time. She was determined not to allow Dylan see that she was looking at her. After a few minutes Helena became irritable at what she was seeing and decided it was time to leave. “I’m over this. I think I’m going home.”

As she stood up, Alice tugged on her jeans to pull her back to her seat. “Helena, look at what the wind blew in. Helena turned towards the bar and found Raquel and her boisterous entourage had entered. Raquel went over to the bar and seemed to be ordering a drink. After some lively and animated conversation, the bartender pointed in Helena’s direction. Raquel smiled then turned back to the bartender and ordered a round of drinks for her entourage and for Helena’s sofa mates. Specifically in the request was a fifty-fifty to be sent to Helena.