Disappointment. Thats what it was, this feeling. In Lara? She shook her head. No, that wasnt it. Then what? She stopped pacing. I wanted tonight to be perfect. I wanted her to
Dana Fairbanks, get a grip! She snapped her head right, then left,
making sure no one caught her talking to herself out loud. Nobodys
perfect!
I know.

So? Why are you so spooked?

I dont knooooooowwwwww, Danas head voice whined.

Better figure it out, girl! Youre about to really ***** this up, yknow!

I wasnt expecting it, is all. She didnt tell me

What did you tell her? All your secrets? All your fears?

Noooooooo.

So whatre you gonna do?

Dana ran her hand through her hair, fumbled in her purse for her cell phone. Shane can help, she thought prayerfully as she speed-dialed Shane.

-x-

Uh-huh. Yeah. Well, Dana I dont know a lot about. She laughed bitterly. Well, Im not quite that
worldly but yeah, I know some folks whove chased the dragon. So Were
the marks fresh? Any sign of recent bleeding or scabbing? OK, so what
did she tell you? Uh-huh. And what did you say? You did WHAT?”
Dana leaned against the railing outside her door. I didnt know what
to do, Shane! I was just so shocked.
Look she told you she was clean now, right?
Yeah, Dana shrugged.
Isnt that enough? I mean, whats so important about this?
She just doesnt look like .
Shane snorted. Dana, there are a LOT of things you cant tell about a
person at first glance, especially their past. Shane sneaked a look
over her shoulder at the table of friends.
But if someone found out?
Like who, Dana? And what difference would it make?
*****, Shane, you know my situation.
Yeah, yeah, you cant be out, you cant be seen with me cause I
scream *****, and now you cant date someone who used to have a
habit?
I know you think thats silly but this is my job, my career, its my
life.
Do what you need to do, then. But Dana.
Yeah?
I think Lara is a pretty sweet woman.
I know,” Dana smiled shyly, I think so too.
Then dont blow it. Go back to her, apologize, and treat her like
gold. Unless and until she ***** up here and now, in YOUR life, dont
borrow trouble you dont have.
Okay, Dana grinned, Okay. I will. Thanks, Shane, thanks! Dana bit
her lower lip and looked back at her door. OK, so now what am I gonna say? Im sorry?