“How are you doing Al?” I smirked at her.

She collapsed into one of the deck chairs. “I’m doing great… except I think my date is going home with Dana’s date… which just doesn’t seem right at all.”

I laughed and smirked at her, “Did you really think you were going to get it on with that guy?”

She laughed back, “Honestly?… No. But I was kind of looking forward to a little meat injection if you know what I mean…”

I laughed outright. “No, I’m happy to say I don’t!”

She laughed back. “Yeah, you don’t really take me as the type who played both sides before figuring out where you stood…”

I shook my head and took a swig of beer.

“Shane? Can I tell you something and you promise you won’t get all weird or take it the wrong way?”

I raised an eyebrow. “I guess so… although with an opening like that, it’s probably going to seem weird regardless.”

“I just wanted to let you know that you have become one of my best friends. And I want you to know that I really care about you… and you can come to me with anything… I’ll be there for you.”

I smiled and looked at Alice. She seemed so genuine and truthful at that moment, I knew she meant every word she said. I sat down on the chair next to her, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“I know what you mean. You’ve become one of my closest friends too. I trust you Alice, and I know you know what that means to me.”

She put her head on my shoulder. “Yeah, I do. Thank you for telling me that.”

We sat that way for a few minutes until Marina stuck her head out the door.

“Am I interrupting anything I shouldn’t?” She said with a smirk.

We separated and laughed, “No you’re not. Just Shane and me having a D&M… but don’t tell anyone… Shaney here has got a rep to keep.”

I lightly shoved Alice. “Jeez Al, do you have to call me that?”

Marina laughed at us and told us to get inside, everyone was doing shooters. We told her we’d be right there, and after she went back inside I stood up and helped Alice stand up. She stumbled slightly and I caught her, taking her shoulders to help her find her balance. She leaned in and hugged me.

“I mean it Shane, you can come to me with anything.”

I hugged her back, “I know Al. Thanks.”

Alice headed back inside and I followed her, watching the girl that had become my best friend, knowing that she would always be there for me, never hold my actions against me, and freely love me, letting me love her back.