“Yeah, and I’ve a spare couple just in case” said Dana in front of them, struggling to keep her drink steady, her arm latched into Alice’s and the small tickets from her purse.

“Dana is on the guest list?” asked Lena, as Dana handed the usher tickets.

“Glad you could join us Miss Fairbanks” said the usher as he glanced at a small chart he had in front of him “Your seat is at table twelve, straight across the room “Will you have any other friends joining you this evening?”

Another usher took Lena ticket and in the same friendly way, told her which table she would be situated at.

“Table five Miss Johnson” he said glancing beside her “How many in your party?”

“There are four of us” replied Lena

“Very good Ma’am, in the doors and to your left, third table along”

“Thank you”

Heading inside, the ballroom was a large open space; round tables littered the outskirts of the room, leaving the middle empty for dancing later. A DJ had set up residence in a back alcove near the dance floor and a small stage stood at the far end.

As the four made their way to the table, Lena turned to Shane with a moment of revelation.

“Dana Fairbanks the tennis player of course” it was more of an explanation than conversation piece “I knew I knew her face, I just couldn’t figure out where”

The tables were wide, and ushers were already placing more chairs at some tables, including their own, trying to fit as many people as possible depending on the number each person had invited. There were twelve seats in all at the table they sat at. Shane sat to Lena’s right, and Bette and Tina took seats beside Shane.

“Looks like Dana and Alice have gotten themselves a nice view” said Bette after looking over the dance floor to the higher numbered tables.

Lena turned a little in her chair as did the others and saw Dana and Alice settling at their table with a few other familiar faces. Lena also noticed Richard and his friend settling down at the same table.

“Oh god” murmured Lena under her breath as Richard instantly striked up conversation with the pair