The following morning Shane found herself walking into her bar and nursing a mild hangover. While most of the night had been spent comforting those around her and very briefly touching on her own problems, she preferred it that way. She'd never been one to go seek advice about what she was doing. For as long as she could remember she simply acted and dealt with the consequences later. Of course, that was easier to do when someone had the support system she did behind her. So, even though she didn't outright seek out the help, just the knowledge of it being there was really all she needed. Everything else would sort itself out eventually. Most things did.
After meeting with the crew working on her kitchen and a few other small adjustments, she walked towards her office in the hopes of catching a quick nap before meeting with her new chef to go over menu, prices, and the hierarchy of how the place would function. What she got however was the sight of Finley passed out on her couch, again, with an empty bottle from her bar laying on the floor beside her. Many would be pissed, and rightfully so. Shane barely knew the woman a month and already the blonde had made herself quite at home as a fixture in the hairstylist's life whether welcomed or not. Yet, the older woman didn't have the heart to rip into the disheveled mess in front of her. The sight was one that she remembered being the center of more times than she cared to count in her youth.
Deciding that it was better to get the awkward apologies and talk over with sooner rather than later, Shane tried to rouse Finley awake by shaking her shoulder. Thankfully the younger woman wasn't completely inebriated, so waking her up came pretty easily.
Finley pressed the palms of her hands to her eyes and groaned as she stretched. When she finally took in the sight around her, the blonde clumsily jerked up which was obviously not the best move for the headache pounding in her skull. "Oh fuck, dude. I'm sorry. I don't even remember passing out here last night." Which was true. All she remembered was settling down in the back to try and avoid the hell she'd brought onto the lives of those she cared about.
Leaning against the one of the arms of the couch, Shane titled her head against her shoulder and let out a sigh. "What time did you even get in here? I was here until about two in the morning, and I would have noticed you."
Exact times and order of things wasn't something the blonde was good with on her best days, so remembering after a night of drinking was practically impossible. Still, she pursed her lips in thought as she racked her brain to at least give an estimate. "It was after talking with Sophie, so probably closer to four in the morning," she finally answered. Although, mentioning Sophie made her chest feel uncomfortable. It also jogged her memory about the fact that it was Friday, and she was supposed to be at work. "Fuck! Dude, what time is it," she asked as she dug into her pockets for her own cellphone.
Amused by the sudden frenzy, Shane reached into her front pocket easily to check. "Ten twenty in the morning. If you're freaking out about work, I wouldn't. I'm pretty sure Alice doesn't expect to see you today. Actually, she said that she was willing to bet that either you or Sophie wouldn't show up. She just didn't know which one," she answered with a small smile. Seeing the confusion on Finley's face, Shane decided to elaborate since it was probably weird to the other woman that her boss knew about the situation already. "Dani wound up here last night. Bette, Alice, and I were already here."
Recognition quickly replaced confusion on Finley's face. Knowing that the woman who had unknowingly adopted her knew about her fuck up brought more shame upon the woman. The weight of it all already weighed heavily on her. It was the reason why she had tried to drink it all away which was her go to coping mechanism lately. Rather than feel everything, feel too much really, she'd rather numb it by drinking until her brain couldn't form coherent sentences about whatever plagued her at the moment. It was easier than remembering the relationship she had helped destroy or the face of her friend who was heartbroken. Even the hangover was better than thinking about the unspoken expectation she felt had been placed on her afterwards that she wasn't sure she could live up to. Not wanting to put Shane in a position where she could be in the middle of it all, the blonde fought back the urge to ask how Dani was. Instead she just stared up at the ceiling and questioned how things were going to play out.
"I fucked up," she said honestly. "And I feel like I keep fucking up. Like when am I supposed to have this life thing down? Or at least better than what I'm doing."
The question hung between them for a few moments, and honestly, Shane probably could've gotten away with not answering. If the silence stayed long enough, Finley would undoubtedly give in to her urge to ramble, and it would have been seen as the rhetorical question it most likely was. That would be the easy route for someone who really didn't want to get involved, but the hair stylist couldn't do it. From the moment she met the blonde who had put together a bed that Shane hadn't asked for, something about the familiarity of the younger woman pulled at heart strings. No matter how aloof the older woman tried to act, her tendency to care usually got her dragged into things she'd rather have no part in. After all, her M.O. was to cause drama with her free, noncommittal lifestyle, but then walk away from it like some hot shot actor walks away from an explosion. She figures that's why M.O.'s are usually full of crap. They're just assumptions that don't get into the real shit.
"You're thinking about it all wrong," she said finally. "Look, I don't think anyone has a handle on life, and if they say they do, they're full of shit. You're not different than the people who seem to have it all together. You're just more real about the fact that you have no idea what you're doing." Shane never shied away from mistakes. She made them, embraced them, and then kept on moving.
A scoff was what she received in response from the other woman. Finley's face was contorted in disbelief of what was said to her. Sure, she appreciated a good pep talk from time to time like most people, but in her mind she knew that Shane was just sugar coating things to make her feel better. "Whatever dude. Look at you. You sorted shit out with your wife, have the dream house in LA, and own this kickass bar. I'm a temp at a TV station, sleep in a different spot most nights, and just broke up two of my best friends. No way are we the same."
Instead of being mad at the assumptions, Shane just smirked slightly. It appeared the blonde was one of the few in the city that didn't know of her reputation. After all, she was frequently referred to as a legend thanks in large part to Alice's chart that seemed to never die. Finley's comments showed just how far Shane had grown. Ten years ago she never would have thought that someone would have seen her as the put together one. Bette, Tina, Alice, and hell even Helena at times yeah, but never her. Everyone usually waited with baited breath to see when she'd implode her life. "That's what it looks like. Really I'm divorced, Quiara moved back out two nights ago, and I bought this bar because I had no idea what I was doing anymore. I just knew I wanted to be done with hair. We all fuck up, Finley. The sooner you deal with that, the easier it is to just get on with what comes after it." Moaning and groaning never solved anything. If there was one thing Shane learned, it was that self pity usually just made things worse.
Since no response was given after a few moments between the two, Shane awkwardly patted the woman's leg, and then moved to leave the room. Having heart to hearts like that was easier with Bette and Alice since the three of them had known one another so long, but it still wasn't something that made her completely comfortable. A small part of her mind was telling her she had no business giving advice to anyone, but she paid it little mind. She doubted what she said would really soak through anyway. As a fellow hard head, she knew that it took a few times before something really made it through.
Carefully, she walked through the construction taking place and leaned against the bar furthest away from the chaos. Adding a kitchen hadn't been her idea, but truthfully it made the most sense. Very few people in West Hollywood went out to just get drinks on a regular basis. On weeknights especially they'd have to stop in after dinner which usually made it too late for those who had to work the next day. With that in mind, she called a contractor, architect, and interior designer to help out with the renovation to add food to her menu which should bring people in more. If she was going to pour her money into the space and name it in honor of one of her best friends, then she had to do right by it in order to give it the best chance to survive.
The dinging of the bell made her raise her head from where it was resting against the cold hardwood of the bar. She'd expected to see her new chef walking through the door, but instead caught sight of Tina. Not at all who she thought she'd see that day, she still smiled and embraced the woman when she approached. "Hey. What brings you out? The place is kind of a mess right now."
Although their friendship hadn't ever been as close as Tina was with Alice or Helena really, the two did have a fond love between one another. After all, two people didn't float in the same orbit of close friends for so long without a bond.
"Hey," she said with the usually peppiness that coats her voice. Visually, Shane and Tina couldn't look more opposite if they tried. Shane had the whole loose, alternative style to her clothing while the other looked like she stepped out of a J Crew catalog. That day was no different with the movie executive sporting a pencil skirt, heels, and satin top. "Bette told me about this place, and I just had to check it out. I can't believe you're bringing a lesbian hotspot back to the neighborhood. It's amazing."
The genuine tone in the woman's words was obvious to hear, and it made Shane proud of what she had done. It was definitely an impulsive decision at the time, but it represented a lot to not just their small nucleus of friends, but to the queer community as a whole. A place to call home and frequent at any time of day had been lacking since The Planet closed down, and well, a new beginning was something they all needed for many reasons. "Thanks. I don't think I really knew what I signed up for when I bought it, but it's going. Laura was actually the one who gave me the recommendation for the chef."
Tina's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the old acquaintance. It's a name she hadn't heard in years. The idea that Laura had a hand in helping put the place together, even if it was just through a recommendation, was fitting though. After all, the woman had been a big part of Dana's life before leaving. The situation had been complicated, but then again, most things in their nucleus were. "Carrie and I will definitely check this out. I actually have to head out in a few to pick her up from the airport," she said with a smile. However, it dimmed slightly when she caught sight of the change in her friend's facial features. It was slight, but people didn't know each other for years without picking up on such things. "What's wrong," she asked straight away. Tina was never one to really beat around the bush. Discussing feelings came naturally to her, and she'd rather get things out of the way than let them fester.
Not realizing she made the face she was thinking out loud, Shane nearly cursed herself for the slip up. These conversations were the ones she preferred to avoid. Giving advice or her thoughts on what people were doing with their lives was something that made her extremely uncomfortable. She'd begrudgingly give it with Alice the most, but she preferred to just allow people to live their lives and make their own mistakes. "It's not my place," she said as she shoved her hands into the front pockets of her black, distressed skinny jeans and leaned back against the bar.
Tina squinted her eyes slightly at the woman before her. She wasn't someone to really let things go which could be a flaw in her personality at times. Add that to being slightly nosey, and it could be a recipe for disaster. Yet, in that moment, she just worried about there being a disconnect between her and her friends. Plus, although many didn't get to receive it, Shane usually shot things straight which was comforting. "Shane, there is very little in my life that isn't your place anymore. You're family. If you think something is wrong, I'd like to hear about it."
"It's not my business though. Really," she tried one last time. Sometimes if she dodged things enough she was successful, but with Tina that was a rare accomplishment few could reach.
All she got in return was her name repeated in a slightly more clipped tone which made her sigh. It was too early for a drink even by her standards, so she was stuck having an incredibly awkward conversation hungover. "Just, do you know what you're doing, Tina? You and Bette, you know I've always rooted for you two, but Bette's been through hell this year."
Flabbergasted was the only word that could be used to describe Tina's face. She and Bette had been through many fights over the years that their friends had gotten in the middle of, but she wasn't expecting to be questioned by Shane. The woman was right in saying she was the one that usually cheered them on the most. Tina and Bette had actually joked that she took their breakups and spats much like their literal adopted child, so the words were a surprise. "I talked to Bette. I told her that Carrie proposed, and I want to be close to Angie. That's all there is to this, Shane. We're still a family." The small nagging voice in the back of her head reminding her of their shared love and the familiarity in which they operated whenever they were together echoed in her mind, but she pushed it down as far as she could.
Shane wanted to mention Kit's funeral, how Tina left Bette to find herself but along the way wound up finding someone else, and many other things, but it wasn't her place. She trusted her friend to handle herself, so making sure to keep her facial expression neutral she nodded. "I'm happy you're back, and I know you guys will figure this out. You two always do." Which was true. The couple had seen their way through many situations, different couplings, and drama. While a new marriage might scream disaster for a lot of ex's, the hair stylist had faith in the duo to figure something out. Truthfully, figuring out how to work it out was her hope rather than the two of them somehow getting pulled together again. Ruining an engagement is messier than their past shit.
"I'm glad to be back," Tina answered truthfully. She'd missed her daughter greatly. Angie would always be the priority and was the main reason for her return. Being a distant parent was not something the movie executive could ever do full time.
The air between the two became slightly awkward after the impromptu conversation, which Shane internally pointed out was exactly why she didn't want to have it. Just as she was about to try to fill the silence, the door pinged again to announce yet another visitor, but fortunately it was one the first time bar owner expected. From the picture she'd gotten along with the resume, it was clear the strawberry blonde who walked in was her new chef Sadie Nolan. The young woman's appearance was an interesting blend of edgy and prep with a nature themed, full sleeve easily visible on her left arm due to the off the shoulder shirt and nicely tailored cargo pants. Hazel eyes shined as she smiled and adjusted the strap of her satchel on her shoulder before offering her hand to Shane to shake. "Hello, I'm Chef Sadie," she greeted easily.
Tina thankful as ever for the opportunity for an exit, started making her way towards the door. "The place looks great again, Shane. Can't wait to see it when it's in full swing. We'll talk later," was the somewhat rushed farewell the blonde offered before exiting the space.
The slight awkwardness could be felt by even Sadie who didn't have a clue as to what was going on. "Did I just interrupt a, uh, thing," she asked carefully. The description that Laura had given her of Shane clear in her mind as she thought of the best way to apologize for walking in on what she could only assume was a unfortunate morning after talk.
Shane was about to dismiss the worry right away until she saw the grimace and exclaimed, "Fuck me, you too? Is there anyone in this town that hasn't heard of my reputation? I didn't even live here for almost eight years. Fuck Alice and that fucking chart. She's killing me." The hairstylist didn't even know if the website was still running somewhere after Alice finally caved in sold it once Max took off. A part of her hoped it went to whatever graveyard cyberspace had so her twenties and early thirties could fizzle into only tiny pixels.
Even though she was talking to her brand new employer, and it went against all her usual judgement Sadie laughed. She couldn't help it. "If it make you feel better, I only know a wee bit from what Laura told me. I think it's still her way of being overly worried about me despite the fact that I'm nearly thirty now. Her checklist before I left was if I packed some underwear since she insists I should wear more, if I grabbed the new toothbrush she got me which I still claim is a weird parting gift from a boss, and to not sleep with you. So sorry, but don't kill the messenger," she said with a smile that was completely disarming. Even if Shane wanted to be annoyed, the woman's quirky over sharing along with her friendly demeanor almost made it impossible. "I shouldn't have assumed though, so I'm sorry 'bout that."
Great, Shane thought to herself. Another queer employee who was attractive and would be constantly around a fully stocked bar was just what she needed. She made a quick mental note to tell Finley flirting with her chef would be strictly off limits. Their staff so far had only been four freaking people and things were already complicated between her sleeping with Lena, and Finley sleeping with Tess. No more drama was necessary. "Don't sweat it, but good advice, and I'm not usually about telling people what to do, but what do you say we stretch that rule of not sleeping with me to staff in general?" Delegating orders about work related tasks Shane could do with no problem, but setting rules and a staff culture was always tricky. She didn't need any more missteps than she already caused.
"Oh, don't' worry boss. I don't shit where I eat," she said nonchalantly with a shrug of her shoulders as she walked over to the bar, placed her bag on top of it, and took a seat. She pulled out a legal pad with notes scattered all over the first page, a pencil, and a pair of glasses. "You ready to get started on this small plates menu or what?"
Loving the fact that the woman didn't even linger on any of their first encounter and transitioned effortlessly into business, Shane smiled and bowed her head in a gesture for Sadie to start. It was the most calm thing she'd agreed to in almost two days.