Los Angeles, seven months ago.

They sit on the trunk of Lara’s car in the parking lot.  Another day and night of shooting complete and it is back to work early in the morning.  If they are lucky, there will be enough time to rest in between.  Yet, here they sit, talking.

Carmen ”I’m just gonna come right out and say it.  I think we were crazy to take this gig.”

Lara ”It’s funny.  I’m tired…ready to go to bed.  I have to be back at 4 to get breakfast ready for everybody.”

Carmen ”You should go really go to bed.  I’m sure Dana’s waiting for you.”

Lara ”She should be asleep by now.  She’s been focusing so much on training.  We’re both so involved in our own careers right now.”

Carmen ”You still have your own place?”

Lara ”Yeah.  Dana thought it was a good idea if I still had a place to gather myself from time to time.  That way we don’t smother each other so much.”

Carmen ”Until recently, our whole relationship’s been like that with me and Shane.  She has her bed, I have mine.”

Lara ”Wow.  Really?”

Carmen ”Shane’s very…guarded about herself.  It’s been a challenge.  But…I think we’re good now.”

Lara ”Good.  I’ll probably wind up crashing at my place tonight.  All these crazy hours I’m working right now for Francesca…but the good news…it’s helping us save for a vacation to France.”

Carmen ”Oh, you and Dana?  Nice.”

Lara ”Yeah.  She’s been so stressed out lately.”

Carmen ”You guys talk to Al?”

Lara ”…Not that much.  It’s a little awkward.  I think she just got really lonely after Tonya and…she’s been so used to having Dana in her life.”

Carmen ”Shane said they were best friends.”

Lara ”They are.  It’s just confusing for Alice right now.  But…Dana misses being able to just talk with her.  Hang out and all that.  I’m hoping Alice can get over this…thing she’s going through.  I wish I could help her.  Dana wishes she could help her.”

Carmen ”Yeah, but what can ya do?”

Lara ”I don’t know.  I find it hard to believe she could just…fall in love…like that.”

Carmen smirks.

Carmen ”I can see where someone would fall in love with you.”