“Yeah, that’s a great idea, Alice. Come with us, Carmen.” Jenny told Carmen in such a way that it wasn’t an invite or a request – that it was an order.

“We usually go out on Friday nights and just stay in the Planet. Well, for obvious reasons.” Tina leaned on Bette’s shoulder and the couple smiled at Carmen. It was no secret who was going out with whom, and what category of people they fall under.

“Wow… Uhm, Shane already asked me this morning and I’d really like to hang out with you guys. Thanks.”

“I’m sure she’d gain a few friends there, since she’s new in town.” Shane suddenly got subtly defensive, but defensive nevertheless.

“Dang.” With no caution whatsoever, Papi slammed her fist onto the table. It wasn’t that hard so she didn’t hurt her hand. “Vanilla beat me to the girl once again.”

Carmen took a quick glance at Shane before looking at Papi, and then she doubled over with laughter; as did the rest of the group.

“Come on, you guys. What’s so funny about that? Here I am, in front of a beautiful girl, and she just snatches her away from ol’ Papi.”

“Aw, Papi, shut up.” Dana and Alice tried to silence Papi.

“You’re gonna have to dance with me tonight, Carmen. A couple of songs at least?” Offering her hand from across the table as if music were playing and that they were already on the dance floor, Papi smiled at Carmen.

Carmen vacillated for a brief moment, but decided to play along and let Papi take her hand. “I would have to say yes – okay, a couple of songs at least.” She smiled back.

Papi gave Carmen’s hand a soft squeeze before letting it go, and all that while Shane was just feigning reading an article from a magazine that she rarely bought, but listening to what was going on with the group. Alice couldn’t help but give Shane a jerk on the foot. Shane wasn’t in the mood to deal with her friend so she carried on with her phony reading.

Dana was always keen to detect if something was on so she asked Alice, “Is there anything wrong, Al?” And Alice could only give her eye signals to tell her that it wasn’t the perfect time to talk about whatever it was.