<b>Father Joe:</b> Good cause I got an army in my belly.

<b>Dash:</b> Well, the table’s set so when ever you guys are ready.

Alice and Dash grabbed the food as Shane went to the fridge for the drinks. Father Joe helped her bring the wine and glasses to the table as Alice and Dash left to grab more food form the kitchen.

<b>Father Joe:</b> Don’t go takin’ it all personal Shane, he had to bring Kelly to the ‘ospital and I’m sure that nut over der is makin him explain what ‘appened

<b>Shane:</b> Huh?…Oh …No its uhm…cool.

Father Joe touched her shoulder and she jumped. Father Joe sighed to himself. Over the years they continually did their of two steps forward, eight steps back as far as Shane trusting anybody with affection.

<b>Father Joe:</b> Shane…

<b>Shane:</b> Sorry…I’m okay, really.

<b>Father Joe:</b> This Alice…that Dash been tellin me bout…da same one I heard Bette talkin bout…she your uhm…your girlfried aye?

Shane froze and her eyes bugged as she stopped mid pour with her current wine glass.

<b>Shane:</b> I…uhm…well..i…

<b>Father Joe:</b> Okay settle down luv…I’m just askin if she’s more den a friend’s all I was gettin to…do ya want her ta be is what I shoulda said aye.

Shane nodded without hesitation and her eyes welled up as she realized it.

<b>Father Joe:</b> Oh god…I spose dis is new territory …yep we ain’t been down dis road huh?

Shane nodded.

<b>Father Joe:</b> So…am I spose to be da overprotective father and make da lass squirmy…or roose the ***** outta ya by telling chylhood stories bout you…make you squirm aye?

Shane shrugged.

<b>Shane:</b> This whole thing is to me …spose you do what ya gotta do aye.

Shane winked at Father Joe knowing he’d dance a fine line between embarrising Shane and giving Alice a hard time.

<b>Shane:</b> This whole thing is new to me but we did decide we were going to keep things between us for awhile, since everyone in our group are tight friends.

<b>Father Joe:</b> Okay, spose we’ll play it by ear den.

The two took places at the table, with Father Joe at the head. Much to Alice’s visible disapproval, Shane sat across from her, leaving Dash to sit next to the blonde bombshell. They all prepared their plates and made small talk as wine and water were passed around the table.