“Yeah—I guess I had that coming.”  She smiled weakly.

“You didn’t deserve that. She can be such a bitch.”

“I thought you were her friend.”

“Uh no—she was only my friend because she was dating you.” Bette smiled.

////

“Do you think your friends are going to like me?” Carmen looked at Shane.

“Of course they will, you already met Alice, and she likes you.” Carmen nodded.

“Yeah you’re right.” Shane pulled up in front of Alice’s house and parked the car. They both got out of Shane’s black Mercedes convertible and walked to the door. Shane rang the doorbell, and Alice opened the door.

“Hey—,” Shane nodded, and Alice looked at Carmen. “Glad to see you could make it. Come in.” Alice moved out of the way and let them walk in.

“Where’s mom?” Alice sighed and rolled her eyes.

“She’s around here somewhere drinking herself in a stupor.” Carmen walked behind the two ladies as they made their way into the den where Dana, Bette, Mark and Gomey were talking amongst each other and the instruments sat up in the room behind them. Shane looked around and looked at Bette.

“Where’s the wife?” She took a seat on the love seat, and Bette shook her head.

“The wife and I are no longer together.”

“Get out of here—is this true?” Shane smiled.

“It’s true. I was there to see it all happen, and then Tina threw water in her face.” Alice nodded.

“Ouch,” Shane shook her head.

“It was time to tell her that I didn’t want to be with her anymore and that was what I get.” Bette sighed. Carmen looked at Shane and cleared her throat.

Shane looked up at her. “Oh, sorry where are my manners.” She stood up next to her. “Everyone meet Carmen. Carmen, that’s Dana—the star tennis player of the school.” Dana smiled and waved. “That is Bette—the brainiac of the group.” Bette waved. “That is Mark—he’s the only guy who hangs around in our group. He’s like a brother to me.” Mark nodded. “And that’s his friend Gomey—he’s our band mate.” He smiled and nodded. “You’ve already met Alice.”

“Hello again,” Alice smiled.

“The only person were missing is Miss Helena Peabody. Where is she by the way?”