“Harper?” Alice says in shock but with a smile. “Holy *****! What are you doing here?”

“Hey!” Harper says moving to Alice encouraged by her friendly demeanor. “I’m early for a meeting I have across the street. How are you?”

“I’m good. Listen I am so sorry about the other night. I totally didn’t mean to stand you up.” Alice starts talking fast. “I was working on this article and I sat down on my couch to proof it and the next thing I know I am waking up with a stiff neck and it’s 3 in the morning.”

“It’s totally fine. Don’t worry about it.” Harper says with a smile remembering the outcome of the night.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok cool. I felt like such an *****. And I had no way of getting in touch with you to apologize.” Kit taps Alice on the shoulder. She turns and takes the drinks from her. “Thanks Kit.” Kit just smiles and eyes Harper giving Alice the ‘you go for it girl’ eyes.

“Alice I had a great time with you the other night, but I think that’s all it was. We both needed it. Ya know?” Harper hopes she won’t take it the wrong way.

“Oh totally. So this is cool, no weirdness, no tears. We’re cool?” Alice says relieved now that things are looking up with Dana.

“We’re cool.” Harper says relieved and shocked that it was that easy.

Alice smiles. “Do you have a minute? You should come meet my friends.”

“Yeah sure.” Harper says happy for the distraction.

As Alice makes her way to the table with Harper in tow, Shane’s keen eyes latch onto the newcomer. Dana is so engrossed in her storytelling that she doesn’t notice.

“Hey Guys! I want you to meet my friend Harper.” Alice says bounding over to the table.

The moment the name registers in Dana’s brain she tries to sink into her chair and become invisible. Shane almost chokes on her coffee remembering the name of Alice’s recent one night tryst. She also can’t help but pick up on Dana’s sudden discomfort.

“Hey Harper.” Shane says with a ***** grin.

“That’s Shane.” Alice says. “And the shy one here is Dana.” Alice says putting her hand on Dana’s shoulder.