At some point during all of this Shane made a very conscience choice to turn off her phone. She can’t remember ever doing that before. Why was she so captivated? Shane tries to reason with herself, ‘I’m not captivated, I’m intrigued. There’s a difference.’ The Devil on her other shoulder pipes up, ‘Yeah right!’

Harper sits across from Shane on the bench having very similar feelings. ‘Oh Harper, don’t even think about it. Two friends is bad enough. Don’t make it three.’ Harper is good with self control and knows Shane can only be a friend.

The cold night air finally registers on Harper’s skin. “What time is it?” She asks Shane.

“I have no idea.” Shane says looking around the dark and empty park.

Harper pulls her phone from her bag. She looks at it and smiles before holding it out for Shane to see.

Shane raises her eyebrows in shock, “It can’t be.”

“Oh but it is.” Harper smiles.

“Da-amn.” Shane says shocked at the time.

“I should really get going.”

“Yeah, me too.” Shane says standing up with Harper.

They both seem a little awkward, not really knowing how to end their time together.

“I had a really great time.” Harper ends the silence.

“Totally. Me too. Thanks again for the Sushi.”

Harper smiles, “Any time.”

Shane smiles back at Harper. “Where are you parked?”

“Right out there.” Harper says pointing to the street behind her.

“Do you want me to walk you?” Shane says.

“I think I’ll be ok.” Harper appreciates the gesture. “I’m a street savvy New Yorker.”

“Ah, tough city girl.” Shane smirks.

“Yes, very tough. Don’t let my wholesome look fool you.”

“Wholesome?” Shane says with her voice filled with disbelief.

Harper feigns shock that Shane would think otherwise.

“Are you ok to walk home? You want a ride?” Harper asks.

“I’ll be fine, I’m pretty street savvy too.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard.” Harper smirks and raises one eyebrow.

Shane smiles and shakes her head. “Get home safe.”

“Thanks, you too.”

They both start walking backwards to their destinations.

“I’ll see you around soon, I hope.” Shane says.

“Probably, it’s a small town.” Harper says. “Good night Shane.”

“‘Night.” Shane spins on her heels and walks off.

***