Carmen is not really interested in what Shane has to say, but she thinks that the truth won’t kill her; in fact, she believes that maybe it could be a good way to move on.  With some luck, tomorrow might look better after this.  “Ok, if you think you need to explain yourself” she shrugs, “but this is not the right moment or the right place.”  She then strokes the baby’s face.  “Plus, I need to take this little fella to his swimming class.”

“Oh right.” Shane looks down sad.  “Um…by the way…”  She lifts her head shyly and points at the baby “your son is beautiful.”

“My son?”  Carmen chuckles, “I wish he was mine.”  She takes the boy in her arms.  “He’s Nicole’s baby.  He’s only one year old and his name is Alonso,” she states proudly.

Shane feels like a heavy weight has left her body.  She then sighs in relief.

Carmen looks at her with a brow lifted and shakes her head.  “Anyways I gotta go now.”  She puts the baby back in his carriage, “where are you staying?”

“Oh I’m staying at the Rio Hotel, room 405.

“Yeah, I know where it is.  Ok, I’ll be there at 7; see you then, bye.”

“Bye.”  Shane watches Carmen leave.  She didn’t think that her first encounter with Carmen would be so relaxed, but they didn’t really speak at all.  Shane stands up and mentally prepares for what is coming tonight…that’d surely be something else.

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Carmen is in the van coming back from Alonso’s swimming lesson.  She’s submerged in her own thoughts, accompanied by an understanding Nicole who’s driving.  Carmen still couldn’t understand her reaction earlier; she thought she’d be furious or that she’ll cry like crazy, but she was calm and cool in front of Shane.  That’s really incredible coming from her.  She then remembers the long conversation she had with Nicole the night before and how amazing and sympathetic she was with her.  She looks at her and smiles to herself at the realization that she’s lucky to have such a great woman in her life, who came with a bonus: Alonso.  The baby is sound asleep in her lap as she caresses his hair.  She loves the little man very much, like he was hers too.  She feels so comfortable with them.