“If she wants to.”  Bette remained noncommittal.

“I’ll stop by at 9:30.  I guess Dana will either be with me or without me.  Depends on her training schedule or practice or you know…”  Alice was embarrassed by their public tiff.  It was more than stress about her upcoming tour.  Dana was being really moody lately and Alice didn’t get it.  She was trying to be everything Dana wanted.  She adored her. 

“We need to get going, guys.  Jenny’s plane leaves this afternoon and it’ll take us forever to get down Sepulveda at this time of day.”  Shane and Carmen stood.

“Tell her good luck.”

“Give her our best,” Bette added.

* * * * *

Later that day

Jenny stood at the airport curbside drop off watching as Shane removed Jenny’s large suitcase from the back of her Jeep.  She placed it beside Jenny’s carry-on bag.  Carmen was leaning against the car watching the two roommates hug goodbye.

“Shane, thank you for everything.  For dropping me off, for staying up at night and getting up in the middle of the night, for…you know, helping me,” Jenny whispered.

“You call us if you need anything.  We’re a call away.”  Shane held Jenny at arms length.  “You don’t have to worry about anything.”

Jenny was about to answer when they heard a horn blowing insistently.  They both looked up to see Mark’s car parked behind the Jeep.  Mark waved, then put his flashers on and jumped out.

“Jenny! I was afraid I’d miss you.” 

He ran to the curb, his loose fitting jeans nearly falling off of him, and pulled her into his embrace.  “Be careful,” he said loud enough for Shane to hear.  His next words were whispered in Jenny’s ear.  “If I did anything to cause this, I apologize.  I was stupid and insensitive, but I’ve learned.  I don’t want you hurting.  You’re a good friend and you accepted me back when you didn’t have to.  Thanks.”

“Okay.  I’ve gotta run.  I’ll call you guys when I get to Chicago.”  Jenny waved at Carmen, hugged Shane and gave Mark a one-armed hug.  “Bye.”  Jenny turned and made her way into the terminal.  At the glass sliding door, she muttered to herself, “Bye, Mark, you big ass.”

Mark waited to see Jenny disappear into the world of the airport, then turned to Shane and Carmen.  “Where are you guys going now?”

“Home.”

“We don’t know,” Carmen said dismissively and hopped back in the car.  Shane walked to the driver’s side and got in.

“Later, Mark.”