Dana found herself parked outside Alice and Shane’s, she was prepping.  Prepping because she’d gradually become more and more nervous the closer she got to the address Alice had given her.  She couldn’t really explain the nerves, she liked and got on really well with Alice and her friends, especially Alice.  Over the last few days she’d developed an attraction for Alice, one that was initially based on how physically gorgeous Alice is but she found that the more time she spent with and more she got to know her the more she liked, really liked.  Snap out of it Dana, she thought to herself, if friendship’s all that’s on offer then that’s all that matters, now get in there and have some fun with your friends.

Dana walked up to the open door, edging through it cautiously.

Alice spun round from where she was kneeling on the floor, “Dana!!! You’re here.  It’s about time.” She grabbed a bottle of beer from the cooler, opened it and handed it to Dana, “Here, have a drink” she said with a smile giving her a brief hug. 

“Thanks Alice, hey everyone” Dana was greeted with a chorus of hi’s from Tina, Bette, Shane and Jenny.  “Oh Dana, this is Carmen… Carmen… Dana” Shane introduced.  Alice nudged Dana and whispered “Shane’s trying to get in her pants”.  Dana laughed almost spitting out the drink of beer she’d just taken. 

They settled into easy conversation and drank some more beer.  Discussing everything from work, to family, to debating whether or not mice actually liked cheese.  Dana fitted in easily, like she’d always belonged there.  There was no need to hold back information to make a good impression on Alice’s new friend because she was everyone’s new friend and there was no problem with the ‘let’s make sure we involve the new girl in the conversation’ stunt because she was involved and it felt good, for everyone. 

Alice caught herself day dreaming every now and again, thinking mainly about Dana and feeling a sense of pride as she watched how well her closest friends got on with her and how amazingly she seemed to click into their little group.  She tried to keep herself focused, concentrate on having a good time Pieszecki!  No fantasizing.