Alice dropped Shane off at the home she shared with Carmen, both knowing that Carmen would already be off to work out with Dana by the time they arrived. Shane and Carmen had purchased the Hollywood Hills home a little less than a year prior. The house was amazing in the fact that it combined both Shane and Carmens ideal of a house. While Shane was very modern with dark wood, chrome, and a minimalist style, Carmen wanted a more traditional home, with a big kitchen and plenty of the extra things, such as accent pieces and a white picket fence that Shane could do without. There home was 3 bedroom and 2 bath ranch-style house sitting on 3 acres with a swimming pool; it had cost a pretty penny to say the least. When they first looked at the house, they hardly listened to the real estate agent because they were too busy taking in everything that the house offered aesthetically. Within days, Carmen was meeting with the inspector and after that, Shane was signing the paperwork. Shane had playfully carried Carmen over the threshold, and after moving everything in, they had held a house-warming bash, and found that the home was great for entertaining.

Shane set her sunglasses down on the counter, smiling at the spotless kitchen. Carmen was a bit of a neat freak, and Shane at her best was tidy; in their home, everything had its place. Making her way to the master bedroom, Shane noticed that Carmen had changed the curtains in the living room, even though they had previously agreed to wait until Shane was back in town for an extended period of time to pick out the material. This relatively small action proved to Shane that Carmen was growing weary of her absence. Walking into her bedroom, Shane found the room as she expected it: the bed was made, there was no dust or debris on the hardwood floors, and it looked exactly as it had one month previous. With the risk of being discovered having been there, Shane took a quick shower and changed into pair of lovingly-worn jeans and a blue button-down shirt. The closet in the master bedroom was unusual. Instead of being a standard walk-in closet, it acted as both a closet and a hallway to the bathroom. Shanes clothing was on the left, while Carmens clothes were on the right; both encased in dark wood and glass, a bench of sorts separating the two sides, which were six feet apart. Looking down the closet into the bathroom, Shane noticed that she had left her hair care products sprawled around her sink. Finished buckling her brown leather belt, and sliding her feet into a pair of old Chucks, Shane set out to hide any evidence of her presence. Her work finished, Shane looked around the room to make sure that everything was in place. Glancing at her watch, she realized she had made good time, but she probably would not make it to the Morales house until 10:30, 10:45.

Shane pulled into Carmens mothers driveway and saw the familiar Mercedes sedan that Carmen had purchased for her mother from her earnings off of Kits album. Both Carmen and Shane enjoyed buying gifts for their friends and family, and indulged themselves. Shane had initially been reluctant to spend much of her hard-earned cash, except for the black Range Rover she was currently locking, not that the house was in a bad neighborhood, but out of habit. But when she realized that she and Carmen were financially and emotionally secure, she followed everyones advice and began to treat herself. Now it wasnt unusual to find expensive designer clothing in her closet, or great wine at the dinner table. When Carmen had received her first big check, the first thing she bought was a silver Mercedes SL500 followed by the S-class for her mother. On her way home from the dealership, Carmen had stopped by Agent Provocateur to pick up both something she and Shane would enjoy; and Shane had indeed enjoyed the silk and lace affairrepeatedly.

Shane turned away from the door after ringing the doorbell to look out onto the manicured lawn in a neighborhood full of manicured lawns and white picket fences.
Shane? What are you doing here? Last I spoke with Carmen, she was saying you were still in New York. Come in, come in. Mercedes said in quick succession as Shane turned to look at the short, stout woman.

Thank you, Mrs. Morales. Shane said stepping into the house

Shane, it has been five years, and every time I see you, I tell you to call me Mercedes.

Sorry, Mercedes.

Now, did you come here because Carmen wouldnt feed you? I will make you breakfast. Mercedes said, making her way to the kitchen

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something. Shane said, taking a seat on a stool in the kitchen. Every time she went to the Morales home, Mrs. Morales insisted on feeding Shane, saying that she was much too skinny and that Carmen was not taking good care of her.

What is it? I know that Carmen is very upset with you because of your being away for such long periods of time. To tell you the truth, I am a little mad at you. When I told you I accepted you being with Carmen, you promised me you would always be there for her. Now, you go away and dont come home for a monthI dont know. Mercedes said with a huff, setting a plate and glass of orange juice in front of Shane. I expect you to eat all of that. Youve lost weight. You dont look healthy.

Shane simply picked up her fork and began to eat the breakfast that Mercedes had made for her, an omelet with toast, knowing that until she finished the meal, Mercedes wouldnt be focusing on what she was saying, but what she wasnt eating. Finishing the omelet and the orange juice, Shane got up to put the dishes in the dish washer.

You sit down, while I get this and tell me what you wanted to talk about. Mercedes said making quick work of the dishes.

Mercedes, the reason I wanted to talk to was that II wanted to know if I could have Carmens hand in marriage. Shane said, holding her breath for an answer

Well, it is about time. I was beginning to think that you would never ask. Mercedes said jokingly

So is that a yes? Shane wanted to be sure

Of course. While I had originally hoped that Carmen would have married a good Catholic man, I also want her to be happy. And despite some things that you have done, you make my daughter very happy. When will you be asking her? Mercedes asked taking a seat

Tonight. At the party. Im surprising Carmen, she doesnt know that Im in town. Shane said with an almost giddy smile

Well, it seems that you have a few surprises for her tonight. Mercedes said as Shane stood

Thank you so much for your blessing. I have to go do some stuff to get ready for tonight. Youre going to be there? Shane asked, knowing that Carmens entire immediate family had been invited

Of course. I wouldnt miss it for the world, especially now, knowing that my daughter is to be engaged.

That is if she says yes. Shane said nervously

Shane, she has been waiting for this ever since you two met. She will say yes. The real question is: When will you two be giving me grandchildren?

Shane paled. She knew that Carmen desperately wanted children; the fact that the house had such a surplus of bedrooms had been an appeal for Carmen. Yet Shane still felt nervous about children. Her own troubled childhood acted as a basis for her fear, even though she thought that Carmen would make an outstanding mother, Shane still feared that her mere presence might have devastating effects on their children. Having children was a topic that Carmen brought up occasionally, but not to the point that it felt like she was pressuring Shane.

One step at a time. Shane said to Mercedes while they stood in front of the front door

Well, be sure to not force me to wait another five years. Mercedes said opening the door

Upon entering the Christian Dior store in Beverly Hills, Shane felt a chill run through her body. While she loved the clothes, she hated shopping for designer duds. It always seemed that the type of people who shopped at such stores were obnoxious heirs and heiresses, obnoxious professionals, or worse, the Hollywood wife. Shaking thoughts of her disastrous affair with Cherie Jaffe out of her head, Shane approached a sales representative.

May I help you? he said with a mixture of disdain and displeasure

Yes, Im here to pick up a package. Last name is McCutcheon.

Ill go check. He said turning to go into the back of the store

Shane, Shane is that you? a female voice came from behind Shane. Turning around, Shane found herself in very close proximity to Gwen Stefani, one of her many celebrity clients.

Oh, hey. How are you? Shane said, taking a step back to create an appropriate distance

Its just my luck that as soon as I come to LA to work, you move to NY. Gwen said with a friendly smile

Well, actually, I should be here in LA for quite some time. Just call the salon and tell them I told you that you can have any time you want. Shane said putting on the charm

Oh, Ill do just that. I really need something to be done before awards season. Oh, speaking of awards: Hows Carmen? Gwen asked

Shes doing well. Shane said, never liking to go too in-depth about her personal life with any of her clients, no matter how close they were

Thats great. Ive been trying to call her, I really want her to produce some tracks on my new album, but I havent been able to reach her. Gwen said as the sales rep approached and blatantly listened in on their conversation

Ill be sure to tell her to contact you. Shane said

Do you know if you guys are going to make it to my after-party for the Grammys?

Carmen was up for her second Grammy for her work on Gwen Stefanis latest release. Her first Grammy nomination had been for work she had done for Coldplay. Shane still remembered the entire ceremony and the press that ensued. Although a very private person, Shane had accompanied Carmen on the red carpet. The press had had a field day with the knowledge that one of the most gorgeous people in the music industry was a lesbian whose partner was equally as stunning. Unfortunately for Shanes privacy, the paparazzi took an interest in their relationship, and Shane soon found a picture of herself out walking with Carmen in the pages of one of Alices trashy gossip magazines. In the end, however, Shane wouldnt have changed a thing, knowing that her mere presence by Carmens side made Carmen happy, and Shane tried to make Carmen as happy as she could possibly be.

I think so. I havent really talked with Carmen about what were doing that evening, but Im sure well make an appearance. Shane said with a smile.

Shane enjoyed quiet evenings at home, now that she was in a committed long-term relationship. Gone were the days of staying out all night at bars and clubs, going home with different woman. She preferred to spend the evening at home with her girlfriend, watching TV or receiving a lap dance. If they did go out, it was usually with their friends or Carmens family to dinner at a quiet restaurant or at the Morales home. The night of any awards show was exactly the opposite. She usually did a few clients hair before the ceremony, got home, did Carmens hair, and then got herself ready. Already exhausted after a long day, she then spent part of her evening standing off by Carmen as Carmen was interviewed or reluctantly posing for the many cameras. The rest of her evening was spent at the actual awards show and the numerous after-parties.

Well, I hope to see you there. Wish Carmen a Happy Birthday for me; I sent a present but I dont know if shes gotten it yet.

Ill be sure to do that. See you soon. And with a wave and smile, Gwen was gone. Shane turned to face the salesman

Miss McCutcheon. Your packages. He said, his attitude having changed from surly to sunny

Thanks. Shane said placing both boxes in her hands.

Would you like to try them on? I could prepare a private fitting room for you. Make some coffee, you could really enjoy yourself. He said

Im good, thanks. Shane said, making her way towards the door. The sales rep opened it for her, and opened the back of her car. Closing the back, Shane thanked him again and made her way to Prada to pick up her shoes, and then on to Mahnolo Blanik to pick up Carmens.

Shane dropped Carmens dress and shoes off with Kit, who was going to deliver the them to Carmen with some made up excuse of receiving the clothes from Shane weeks ago, wanting to hide the gift from Carmen. Stopping by the jeweler, Shane had the ring cleaned and made her way to the Planet. To be sure that Carmen wasnt there, Shane called Alice.

Hello? Alice said as she directed a decorator with her left hand

Hey, Al. Its Shane, Carmen isnt there right? Shane asked as she neared the Planet

No, youre all clear. Although from what Dana told me at lunch, Carmens going to chew your ass out when you get home. Alice said with a smile

Yeah well, her mom told me she was upset. Shane said, parking

According to Dana, you were all Carmen talked about on their run this morning. She said that Carmen looked like she was ready to go to New York and drag your skinny ass back, tying you down to the bed. Alice said, hanging up her cell phone as Shane stood in front of her

Yeah, well, Carmen can tie me down any day. Shane said jokingly

How did you get here? Alice asked

I drove. Shane said slowly

Yeah, I figured you drove, but dont you think Carmen will notice that your car is gone when she gets home; its kind of hard to miss.

She never goes into my garage bay.

Okay. So you probably want to know how everything is going to run. Alice said, switching to a more business-like tone

You read me so well.

Okay, so each guest will get a gift bag. Vera Wang gave us a really good deal on jewelry, everything from necklaces to cufflinks; I had some people separate everything to be sure that the jewelry in someway matched the person. The bags have some other items, but I wont bore you with the details. Lets see, well begin the evening at 7:30 with dinner. The music and dancing will begin at 8:15. Phoenix will begin playing at 8:45 and theyll play your song last at 9:15. Youll do your thing, and then the house DJ will takeover. Weve gotten 263 RSVPs for the dancing, cake, etc. We received all 25 RSVPs for the dinner. What are you doing for dinner by the way?

Im going to try to eat at the hotel and then Ill head over here. Im going to get here a little early and wait in Kits office. Shane said, a distant tone in her voice

Shane. Alice said placing her hand on Shanes forearm, Carmen loves you so much. You dont need to worry about what her answer will be.

Thanks, Al. Shane said, giving her longtime friend a hug

Ahh, they just grow up so fast. Alice said, wiping a phantom tear away from under her eye

Shut up. Shane said, smiling.

Bidding Alice farewell, Shane made her way to her car, and off to the Chateau Marmont.