“Well there are me and Dana,” Alice said. “Tina and Helena, and Jenny and Carmen. That’s it, right?”

            “Sounds right to me,” Tina said.

            The group of them proceeded to have a conversation entailing gay rights, San Diego versus West Hollywood, and some past relationships. Alex (without any sugarcoating or discretion) valiantly spoke her mind and defended her position on each subject. Once they reached the latter subject, however, Alex’s insides squirmed. I want out, she thought to herself, draining her second black coffee. She wanted to avoid another awkward confrontation between her and Bette if possible. Dana was eyeing her –and having the unusual ability of reading Alex like a book, she said, “Alex, why don’t you, Alice, and I go out for dinner tonight?”

            “That sounds like fun,” Alex said, sighing with relief. “Jenny, you should come too.” Jenny smiled and nodded, saying something that sounded like ‘I think that’d be great’. Alex beamed back. I like Jenny…we have a lot in common, she thought.

            “Could Shane come? I think it would be good if the three of us sat down and talked to you about the house.” Alice, Jenny, and Dana were all staring expectantly at Alex, whose mouth had completely gone dry. Yes she can come! Nothing’s wrong with having dinner with her! She might make a move, though. Shane isn’t like that. We have NO IDEA what Shane is like! What if she tells them you’re a virgin? Oh my God…you are so paranoid it isn’t even funny…

            “If she wanted,” Alex choked out; trying to take a sip before realizing her coffee cup was empty. “Do you think I could have another black coffee?”

            “No, I’m cutting you off,” Dana said, smiling. “Why don’t you and Jenny go back to the house and get ready, and Alice and I will pick the three of you up at eight?”

            “Alright,” Jenny said, smiling, looking to Alex.

            “Umm…okay.”

*           *           *

            Alex and Jenny rode home in Jenny’s convertible, talking about their writing. As it turned out, the both of them enjoyed turning real-life experiences into fiction, as well as incorporating complex vocabulary. They talked almost the entire ride home, and the conversation just seemed to flow. Unlike Shane, Alex thought, biting her calluses. I have to work to hold a conversation with her.