That had been Shane’s philosophy for years, occasionally she would stray away from it, but she always got slapped right back to reality. And the reality of being on your own always seemed so much better then getting left behind. But lately, the loneliness was starting to seem worse. ‘So you either take a risk and get hurt, or just stay safe and alone.’ She shook her head, she wouldn’t even be thinking about this right now if it wasn’t for Carmen. She couldn’t seem to get that girl out of her head. Her smile, her warm laugh, the way Shane’s body seemed to come alive whenever she was around. It was terrifying and exciting all at once, and Shane couldn’t help but want more of that feeling. She honestly didn’t think she could will herself to stay away from Carmen, her pull was just too strong. ‘What the hell, why not get my heart broken one more time?’ She sighed, Shane couldn’t believe what she was considering. Actually asking Carmen out on a date. And then there was the very real possibility that Carmen would just say no. That thought hit Shane like a ton of bricks. ‘Why would she go out with me, when she knows all about who I am? Well, it will be a quick little heartbreak then. I’ll ask her out, she’ll laugh in my face, and that will be the end of it.’ Shane stubbed out her cigarette, and laughed at her own defeatist attitude. As she climbed back into her truck for the ride home, she felt no less scared. But at least her head was clearer now.

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Carmen finished packing up her gear and loading it into her car. The night had gone so perfectly. DJ’ing on weekends didn’t just mean a big pay raise, it meant the realization of a dream. Sure, it might also mean she could finally move out of her mom’s house and into her own place. But mainly, it meant her career was going exactly where she wanted. Sure, the Planet wasn’t the hottest club in L.A., yet But Kit’s enthusiasm was contagious. She had big plans for putting the Planet on the map, and Carmen was thrilled to be such a major part of those plans. She was also beginning to get the impression that the Planet was Shane’s second home. And the idea of seeing the slim beauty on a regular basis made Carmen’s heart pound in her chest. She tried to remind herself not to be such a fool, she knew that Shane was a lost cause. But Carmen couldn’t help the way she felt every time those piercing green eyes looked her way.