“Likewise!” Carmen says feeling the magnetic energy that’s pulled all her friends into Harper.

“You gonna take your shot?” Shane says.

“Yes, Ma’am. Pardon me a moment while I kick her *****.” Harper says.

Harper effortlessly sinks her bank shot and wins the game.

“You didn’t tell me you were a hustler.” Shane says.

“You still have much to learn about me.” Harper hugs her.

While they embrace Carmen leans into Jenny, “She’s really hot.”

Jenny nods her head in agreement.

“Carmen, it was really nice meeting you. We should all have dinner some time.” Harper says.

“Are you leaving?” Carmen feels jipped.

“She has to work early tomorrow.” Shane says.

“That sucks.” Jenny says.

“Walk me out.” Harper says with a smile to Shane. “Have a good night Ladies.”

“Nice meeting you.” Carmen says as they walk away.

Harper and Shane’s “quick” goodnight is anything but. They spend forty five minutes making out against Harper’s car. They only part because a creepy guy walking his dog keeps cruising back and forth.

Jenny and Carmen are surprised to find Shane smoking on the porch steps.

“Where’s Harper?” Jenny asks.

“Home.”

“When you didn’t come back I assumed you two had a change of plans.” Jenny smiles.

“No change in plans, just a long goodbye.” Shane smiles.

Jenny sits down and takes a drag off of Shane’s cigarette. “So how’s it going?” Jenny asks leaning against her best friend.

“It’s intense.” Shane doesn’t know how else to describe it.

Carmen sits on the other side of Shane, “But in a good way right?”

“Yeh. It’s just all real new and different for me.”

“No *****!” Carmen says trying to hide her resentment.

“Hopefully it will just keep getting better and better.” Jenny says ignoring Carmen’s obvious emotions.

“I don’t know if I could survive it getting any better. It’s already ***** amazing.”

“Just enjoy every ***** second of it.” Jenny advises before she stands up. “I gotta pee.” She hurries inside.

“I didn’t expect her to be quite so beautiful.” Carmen says quietly, feeling slightly overwhelmed by her reaction to the whole thing.

Shane picks up on Carmen’s feelings and tries to defuse the situation. “She had the same reaction to you.” Shane looks up through her bangs and gives her an apologetic smile.