There was a loud laughter within the group; everyone was having a great time. Dana had brought Lara in so that her friends could get to know her date as well. Jenny and Moira made up. Alice was the only one that wasn’t joining in on the fun; she wasn’t cracking hilarious jokes or asking questions or doing anything. She was more than ready to leave the place even if it rained money and it showed on her face. She was silent, but the group didn’t seem to mind. Finally.

Carmen and Papi sat beside Alice. “Where’s Vanilla, Al?”

“Behind you.” Alice replied, rolling her eyes. “She’s back.”

Carmen glanced over her shoulder to see Shane on a comfortable settee behind their table all cuddled up with a girl she didn’t recognize. The unfamiliar girl had her arms wound around Shane’s neck; they were lip-locking, without a care in the world.

Papi’s eyes crinkled with glee at the sight of her friend getting it on with another girl. “Damn, girl. That’s Liv Scott from Saint Bridgette’s. Tsk, tsk.” She shook her head.

“Liv Scott?” Carmen faced Papi.

“She’s the head cheerleader from Saint Bridgette’s High School. Nothing of interest to tell.” Alice was the one who answered, who appeared bored despite the fact that everyone around her was having a blast. “Shane’s so getting laid tonight. It’s been a week and a day since she last slept with somebody, anyway. Oh. Sorry, not counting the one with Cherie fucking Jaffe some days ago.”

“I’m still waiting for the day that Shane gets to find that one special girl, and have a steady girlfriend for a change.” Tina mentioned.

“You mean, she never really had a girlfriend?” Carmen appeared involved.

“Honey, no. Players will always be players. And Shane is one. She’s untouchable, if you know what I mean – not that I’m passing judgment. But it’s been like that for eternity.” Bette smiled at Carmen, as if to say she didn’t stand a chance in a rather innocent kind of way.

“What’s this thing about Cherie Jaffe? She’s a constant variable.” Dana said, sitting beside her date, Lara.