Shane leaned back and lit a cigarette, as Tina looked back and forth between the two. Shane saw Alice leaving the bathroom out of the corner of her eye, and felt her anger rising again. Shane stood and searched the room. She made her way towards the DJ as Alice crossed the dance floor. Shane climbed up to the platform that housed the beautiful Latina that was spinning on the Ones-N-Twos.

Shane: I like a woman who can handle The Wheels of Steel.

The woman jumped as she listened through one ear of her studio headphones. She turned to Shane with an annoyed look that immediately broke when she saw the beautiful woman before her. The sultry woman looked past the fading raccoon eyes, and swollen nosepast the scrapes and cuts on the arms.and past the bruised chin, right into her soul.

Shane: Whats your name beautiful?

Carmen: CarmenYou?

Shane: Shane

Carmen: AhhShane the Conqueror I presume?

Shane: Presume? So I have a reputation that precedes me?

Carmen: No, I stay out of the local gossip poolits just you stand there all confident and *****, like youve already won me over or something.

Shane: Hahaso then I havent won you over? Good, cause Im not really looking for anything tonight.

Carmen gave Shane a skeptical look and she threw her hands up in defense.

Shane: Honest. Just hanging out, and this is the quietest and least packed space other than the bathroom.

Carmen thought for a moment while studying Shane.

Carmen: Okay, I see your point Shane.

Shane: So.mind showing me what it is you do?

Carmen considered the request for a moment, and a broad smile spread across her face.

Carmen: Okay, come take a listen.

Shane moved in close to Carmen and cradled the headphones to her shoulder, imitating the stance the woman had taken moments before.

Shane: Now thats sweet! You put out your own *****?

Carmen: Nah just for a friendwhy?

Shane: You should definitely put together some CDs.

Carmen: Why, you got connections? You gonna be the one that turns me into the next big thing?

Shane moved in closer and pressed their bodies together. They were so close; they looked like they were kissing from any spectators view from around the room. Shane carefully laced her fingers through Carmens hair, and pulled her in closer so her ear was near her mouth.