I arrive at the Planet and order my espresso. No sooner do I take a seat than Alice and Tina arrive. Whats going on with you Shane? Without so much as a hello from Alice. Where have you been all week? I really needed your help the other dayand now. Shane so much ***** has happened this week.

ListenAlice. I told you I didnt want to get into it. Whats wrong? Why did you need my help? Seriously Al, youre starting to worry me.

Alice takes a seat across from me.

Okay Shane. Have it your wayfor now. Danas on her way and shes having a ***** of a time right now from the way she sounded.

Dana? Whats wrong with Dana? What do you mean? What did she sound like?

She sounded like she had been cryingand she didnt sleep at home last night. Im telling you, something is going on with Tonya.

Not this again! Come on, Al. I told you to drop it. Seriously, its none of your business.

Look Shane. I was staying out of it…

By kissing her? Tina jumps in.

By kissing her? What? I cant believe what I just heard. You kissed her?

Well, yeahbut that has noth

but what, Al? I told you to let it go. Now youve gone off and kissed someone whos in a committed relationship.

Lighten up Shane. I cant believe Tinas defending her.

Tina, you of all people should be telling her shes wrong.

And I did….Look, last night, we talked about this. I told her how I felt. Wait a minute. Alice said youve been out of touch all week. How did you find out about me and Bette?

Kit told me yesterday. I went to confront Betteshe all but admitted it.

Shaneit wasnt you place to do that. I couldnt help ityou guys are my friends. How is she, she asks.

Lost, is all I can manage to say. Thats when I notice Dana walk in the door. She looks to be on the verge of tears. I quickly walk to her and engulf her in my arms. I bring her back to the table and help her sit down.