After sitting in awkward silence with Alice, Tina and I staring at each other, Dana finally says, shes engaged. Thats itno explanationjust shes engaged. Who the ***** is she talking about.

Who? Alice is the first to speak. Honey, whos engaged?

Tonya, Dana explains through her tears.

Of course she is. Shes engaged to you, I dont know what else to say. I dont know what her problem is.

No, you dont understand. Danas growing defensive.

Dana, Tina give it a shot, try to calm down. Take a deep breath and tell us whats going on. We cant help you unless we know whats wrong.

Shes engaged to a man.

What? Are my ears playing tricks on me?

Oh *****, Alice says a little more than I did.

Youre saying that Tonyayour Tonyais engaged to a man? Tinas the only one with a clear head now. How is that possible? How did you find this out?

Someone from HRC called last night to make sure everything in Palm Springs was good. Anyway, she told me that Tonya is straight and that she even met her fianc. Now the tears are flowing freely.

God, Dane. I wish I could say something to make it all better. I place my hand on her shoulder in comfort. Do you know who he is?

No. I didnt think to ask. What am I going to do?

Well figure it out, Dana, Alice says looking at Tina then me.

For the next several hours the three of us try to console Dana and finally dig out what she knows about Tonyaand this fianc.

Suddenly Tina ends the conversation. Listen guys, she says, I have to go take care of something. Alice, you can fill me in on any other plans when I see you. Dana, youll get through this.

Thanks Tinathat means a lot. I watch this interaction hoping that we can all get through this. And I thought my ***** was too bad to share. Now I cant share it until we get rid of some of this other fucked up stuff.

So, guyswe need to come up with a plan. Alice says.

I cant right now Al, Dana whines. I just need to go somewhere and think.

I dont think you should be alone right now Dane, I tell her.

Shanes right Dana, Alice agrees. Why dont you let me take you to my place? We can talk.

I dont think I can talk anymore, she replies in that monotonous tone of hers.

Okay, well just sit therebut Shanes rightyou shouldnt be alone right now.

Okay, she gives in.

What do you guys think about going out to Milk later. Itll help you loosen up a bit Dana. I think you could use a couple of drinks.

Sure Al. Ill be there, I stand up thinking its a good idea. I have to go take care of some things right now thoughIll catch you guys later. I better go get some restthat couch was ***** and I wont be able to stay up tonight if I dont take a nap.

To Be Continued