Lighten up Shane. I cant help but defend Aliceour issues were resolved last night and I didnt mean to bring it up again.

Tina, you of all people should be telling her shes wrong.

And I did….Look, last night, we talked about this. I told her how I felt Me of all people? She knows about me and Bette. Wait a minute. Alice said youve been out of touch all week. How did you find out about me and Bette?

Kit told me yesterday. I went to confront Betteshe all but admitted it. The words stingknowing that everyone knows what Bette didhow she hurt me. Do they pity me now?

Shaneit wasnt you place to do that, My Godhow am I supposed to talk to Bette now. Shane probably upset hershe wont listen to me now. I have to know how she is. Is she alright? Is she eating rightand getting enough sleep? Shes not overworking is she? I cant help but ask, How is she?

Shane responds with a simple, lost. She suddenly looks past me…towards the door and stands up. I turn around to see Danawiping her eyeslooking like a lost child. Without a word, Shane takes her into an embrace and guides her to our table. They both sit down and an awkward silence ensues. Shane, Alice and I look back and forth at each other and Dana, who is alternately sobbing uncontrollably and gasping for air.

Shes engaged, she finally says through the tears.

Who? Alice is the first to respond. Honey, whos engaged?

Tonya, she barely gets it out between sobs.

Of course she is. Shes engaged to you, Shane joins Alice in comforting Dana.

No, you dont understand. Danas trying to explain, but cant seem to find the words.

Dana, I break in, try to calm down. Take a deep breath and tell us whats going on. We cant help you unless we know whats wrong.

Dana looks at meI can see understanding in her eyeslike she knows how I felt when I found out Oh no.

Shes engaged to a man.