“Don’t be such a defeatist, it isn’t over until it’s over. Maybe if you talked to Dana you’d have some of your questions answered.” Shane tries to be encouraging.

“I tried that a few days ago Shane and all I heard was how happy Dana was to be with Lara.”

“I’m so sorry Alice. Is there something I can do? Why don’t you come out with me tonight.”

“I don’t know if I feel like going out tonight. Besides I have to get this article done.” Alice says.

“Well call me if you finish and we will go out and have a drink to celebrate.” Shane says.

“OK.” Alice says with a smile. “Thanks Shane, I’ll talk to you later.”

“Any time Al. Later.”

“Bye.”

Alice hangs up the phone and turns it off now determined to get her work done.

***

Harper stands in front of the bar watching people go in and out. She can’t believe she is about to step into her first ***** bar in almost 4 years. She begins to doubt her decision to do this on her own. Maybe she should’ve had Christine come and keep her company after all. She gathers up her courage and begins her journey to the door.

“ID.” The Amazonian Bouncer says without so much as a look at Harper.

“Oh yeah.” Harper digs in her pocket for her license. Finding it she hands it to the bouncer.

With a quick glance the bouncer hands it back and waves her in.

The pounding music gets louder as Harper opens the inner door to the bar. She stands for a moment, letting her eyes adjust to the dark room. Once she is acclimated she makes her way to an empty barstool at the end of the bar. This way she can sit back and scope out the scene and ease herself in, if she chooses.

***

“Shane, it’s Al, where are you woman? I finished my article and I am out trying to find you. I’m heading to your favorite watering hole right now in hopes of finding you. Call me!”

Alice hangs up her phone and slides it into her jeans pocket. She adjusts her low cut sleeveless blouse and gives her hair a quick run through with her fingers.