Dana checked her watch for what seemed like the nineteenth time.  Seated at a 
table in a secluded corner of the Planet, the tennis player kept her eye on the door for any glimpse of her best friend.

It was now 3:04, and Alice was late.  

And Alice was never late, Dana fretted internally.

Impatiently, she grabbed her cell phone from the table and contemplated calling
her best friend.  Looking at the entrance once more, she snapped the contraption
shut upon seeing Alice rush through the Planet’s doors.

Dana watched as Alice immediately looked around in search of the tennis
player.  Alice’s eyes finally landed on Dana’s location, and the
two girls locked eyes.  

Tucking the fingers of one hand in her jeans back pocket and twirling
her car keys with the other, Alice approached Dana with a sly
smile.  Dana’s heart  pounded in her chest as the blonde
strolled to the table.  

Here we go, Dana thought.

“Hey,” Alice said once she arrived.  She fidgeted for a moment,
shifted her weight from one foot to the other, and jokingly asked, “May
I join you?”

Dana smiled playfully and silently waved her hand towards the chair across from
her, welcoming Alice to sit.

“You’re late.” The brunette chided.

“I know.” Alice responded as she sat.

Dana paused.  “You’re never late.”

“I know.”  Alice remarked, glancing knowingly at Dana, but saying
nothing else.  Truth be told, Alice had been sitting outside in
her car for the last ten minutes, mustering her courage for the
impending conversation.  She’d never clue Dana in on that bit of
information though.  Never.  

Not sure on how to interpret Alice’s glibness, Dana wanted to probe
further but was interrupted as Alice abruptly called out, “Seymour!”

Turning around to see the Planet employee heading to their table, Dana
dropped her shoulders in frustration.  Was Alice really intent on
having a conversation with a Planet staff member now?

Alice glanced quickly at Dana, noting her irritation.  Quickly
diverting her gaze away from the tennis player, the blonde offered a
geniune smile in Seymour’s direction.  Alice wasn’t quite ready to
initiate a confrontation with Dana, and a quick conversation with
Seymour was a welcome temporary distraction.

“Hey,” Alice greeted Seymour as he approached their table.  She
furrowed her brow in confusion as she remarked, “We usually only see
you in the mornings.  Working late?”