The five ladies began to walk towards the back room. It seemed to take forever to get back to the door of the back room because every few steps there they had to stop. Only because Dana was leading them, who would stop and pretend to point out something ridiculous, such as the pattern of the carpet or wonderful layout of the tables. Each time one of the other ladies would either groan or roll their eyes. By the fifth time they stopped, Shane had had enough.

Dana! Jesus we have been here all night, we have seen everything! Shane said annoyed, Whats the big deal about going back there?

I dont know, I havent ever been back there, you know! How do I know Im not going to be stepping into a huge room where everyone is having *****? Thats all I need is a ***** scandal! I dont know what to expect. Dana almost started to hyperventilate.

Oh lord, Dana. This is not some smutty strip joint. There isnt anything like that here, ok? Alice said getting close to her.

Dana nodded nervously, while Andie choked back a laugh.

All right, lets go. Shane said taking Andies hand. Alice put her arm around Danas shoulder as they followed the others through the black velvet curtains.

As soon as they stepped into the room, music hit them. Andie couldnt tell what type of music it was, but they moved in and immediately saw a few women that had been performing earlier in the evening. Each was sitting at different tables either with one or more customers. One group was talking while sharing a bottle of champagne. The other table had one performer teasing her customer, while covering her naked ***** with a thick pink feather boa. The customer was sitting back watching the woman and blowing smoke rings into the air.

Danas eyes were wide as she looked around like a scared deer. She almost seemed to be looking for something X-rated to be happening.

Alice whispered, I think you really want to see something a little extra hot back here, Dane.

Dana just flipped off Alice and Alice laughed. Jenny smirked and then continued to walk on her own further into the room. She glanced over at empty tables that had black candles burning in the middle of each one. Jenny began to think that maybe Tina wasnt in the back room. When she saw a table in the way back of the room. Black sheer curtains surrounded the table. There she saw Velvet sitting with her back facing Jenny. She moved in closer to the table and saw Tina curled up in Velvets arms. Velvet was whispering hushed words to Tina and stroking the blondes hair softly. Tina was crying silently. Jenny stepped back a little shocked and quickly moved to the other women.

Andie and Shane were talking quietly to each other. Shane was holding onto Andies waist as they talked. Alice and Dana were arguing still about the fact that Dana might be a closet freak.

You guys? Jenny said in a whisper.

No one stopped talking.

Hey guys! Jenny said loudly.

All of them stopped and glanced at Jenny, all a little surprised.

What? Alice asked.

Tina is back there. Jenny pointed behind her.

Oh yeah? How did it look like it was going? Shane smirked.

It didnt look like it was going so hot. Jenny said.

They all stared at her and then Shane walked back to the table where Tina was. She stopped and squatted; Shane was saying something that the others couldnt hear. Alice and Dana moved to the table, too.

Andie looked at Jenny.

Whats wrong? she asked.

Tina was crying. Jenny said worried.

Oh no. Andie said as she watched as Alice and Dana helped Tina up from the table. She was extremely drunk and still crying as they started to walk towards Jenny and Andie.
Velvet stood up, Wait.

Andie and Jenny walked to all of them. Alice and Dana twisted to glance at Velvet. Andie had stepped up to Tina and took her hands into her own. She let one of her hands cup Tinas chin to make her look up at her. Tears streaked Tinas cheeks. She peered into Andies kind gray eyes. Andie smiled softly and wiped some of the tears away.

Tina just whispered, I dont think I can do this alone.

Shane, Alice and Dana were busy talking to Velvet and did not hear Tina. Andie rubbed Tinas shoulder.

Youre not alone, Tina and you will get through this because you are strong. The hurt will be there for a while, if not forever. But you will be strong and you have friends who will be here for you no matter what. Andie smiled again and looked up to see Shane watching her. Shane smiled her green eyes sparkling; she nodded her approval to Andie.

Velvet is going to let us out through the back. Shane said.

Okay. Andie nodded. We can go now, Tina.

Tina turned around and staggered up to Velvet. Velvet opened her arms and hugged Tina tightly.

Im so sorry, Velvet. I did have a really good time and I love your club. Believe it or not. Tina said softly.

Oh hun, dont you worry about a thing. I think we all have had our heart broken once or twice. Now you come back and see me another time. No need to have everyone gawking at you. I like to keep everyone feeling like they have some type of privacy here. You can go out the back. Velvet said in a comforting tone.

Tina smiled. Dana and Alice helped her to the back door with Jenny following them. Shane squeezed Velvet.

Thanks Velvet. What the ***** happened? Shane asked.

Well, we came back here and I was going to dance for her after we had some wine. So while we were drinking, I asked about why she was down. She told me about her wife and by the end of it she was crying. Poor thing, she is so hurt. Velvet said sadly.

Shane nodded Thanks for trying to cheer her up.

I just wish I could have really helped. Velvet smiled and kissed Shane on her cheek. She turned and Andie put out her hand for Velvet to shake. Velvet laughed softly and hugged Andie instead.

Come back with a sample of your music and we will talk. She said to Andie.
She has a show on Wednesday, you should come check them out then. Shane interjected. At the Planet, eight oclock.

Velvet nodded Absolutely, Ill be there.

Great, thanks again, Velvet. Andie said as she went to follow Shane out to the back door.

As they stepped outside they looked to their left and saw Alice and Dana with their arms around Tina, waiting. Jenny was on the other side of the door.

Hey we are gonna take T home, ok? Alice said low, when she walked to Andie and Shane. Shane nodded and then moved to hug Tina.

You gonna be ok, babe? Shane asked.

Tina laughed uncomfortably and tried with everything she had in her to not look Shane in the eye, Yeah, Im just a little embarrassed. I think I just need to go home and go to sleep.

T, why dont you stay at my place tonight? Alice said.

Oh no, I wont do that Alice. You have Andie staying there and I have my own place now. Tina said her voice a little shaky.

Shane stepped up, Tina stay at my place. All of my roommates are at the film festival in Portland. You shouldnt be alone.

Shane no Tina started to say, but Andie said loudly.

Tina go to Alices. I will stay at Shanes tonight. Alices eyes got wide and Dana turned to cover her grin. Jenny smiled openly.

Andie turned to look at Shane, whose mouth had fallen open. Tina looked between the two and then smiled softly.

If thats ok, Shane. You do have couch right? Andie asked.

Shane just stared at her. Andie poked her arm.

Hey is that cool? Andie asked again.

Yes! Shane answered quickly.

Good. Andie smiled a ***** smile just for Shane.

Tina cleared her throat, All right, you talked me into it. Lets go.

Okay. Alice hugged Shane and then Andie, giving her a wink.

Thanks again, you guys. Tina said as she embraced each of the women.

Your welcome. Good night, Tina. Andie said as she watched them leave. Dana waved as they left.

Well. Im off, too. Jenny said.

She patted both Shane and Andies shoulders.

Night, Jenny. Shane said. They watched as she walked down the alley. They both stayed quiet for a moment and then Andie turned to Shane.

So, we ready to go? Andie asked smiling into Shanes eyes. I want to see your place.

Yeah. Shane said and looked down for a minute. She couldnt believe that she was feeling nervous. Andie played with the edge of Shanes jacket. Shane looked up and let her lips part and then smile. I want you to see my place, too.

Andie grinned and held out her hand for Shane to take. Shane took it and watched as their fingers laced, and then followed Andie.

Wait. Shane stopped. Andie stopped and looked at Shane, her face showing a little concern.

I dont want you to see my place. Shane said. Andie dropped her hand and turned to face her.

Ok. Why? Andie asked, not masking the hurt in her voice.

I just dont want you to see my place, Andie. I want you. Shane said simply.

Andie started to smile, but Shane didnt even allow her to finish the smile before her lips were on Andies in a deep kiss.