And right here in the back there are blank checks, so if there are anyuhservices that arent covered in the coupons, you can ask for it that way, Alice eagerly proffered the little booklet that she and Shane had created from crayola markers and construction paper. Tina leaned forward and accepted the stack of colorful, unevenly cut rectangles. Bette didnt move a muscle from her cross-legged, arm-crossed, glaring sitting position next to Tina. Tina grinned uncomfortably and looked from Bette to Alice and Shane, WEthank you very much for thisits really sweet of you to do this. Alice smiled broadly and nudged Shanes ribs with her elbow, Wellthats not allShane if you will do the honors, please. Shane stood up quickly and excused herself, running out the back door to the driveway. Tina leaned back and held the little booklet up to Bettes eye level, but she just continued to glare at Alice. Knowing she had an ace up her sleeve, Alice just smiled sweetly back and drummed anxiously on her knees with her fists.

Shane returned a minute later with what looked like a large bottle in a brown paper bag. She sat down and ceremoniously handed the bottle to Alice. Alice dramatically cleared her throat and offered the bottle specifically to Bette, We hope that you will forgive us for what we put you threwplease accept this with our most heart felt apologies. Alice worked her face into her best doggie in the window expression and held the bottle out. Bette re-crossed her legs, transferring her icy stare from Alices face to the bottle. Tina slapped her shoulder and motioned for her to take the bottle. Bette grabbed it grudgingly, ripping the paper bag off. As soon as she saw the style of the bottle her mouth fell open and she gripped it more delicately with both hands. Alice leaned back into her armchair and gave Shane a knowing wink. Tina craned her neck, her eyes widening with surprise, Aliceyou didnt have to do thatare you crazy! Alice put her hands up to stop Tinas objections, You guys, were reallyREALLY sorry Yeah, we just wanted you guys to know that we know we fucked up, Shane interrupted.

Bette finally looked up, this time her expression was much softer; Alice could have sworn she saw a tear glistening in her eye. And we are totally bound to fulfill every single coupon you guys redeem, Shane continued putting up her hand, on our honor. She jerked her head at Alice, who also raised her hand to take the solemn oath. Bettes tense shoulders suddenly fell and she shook her head, You guysyou guys are crazy, she whispered, lovingly stroking the bottle of wine. Watching Bette crack a little smile, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. They all exchanged warm hugs and Alice and Shane practically skipped out of the house. Bette gingerly placed the wine on the kitchen counter and stepped back to admire it. Tina slid her arms around Bettes waist and perched her chin on a shoulder, So are we gonna go through with it? Bette sighed, contemplating how to answer Tinas answer, Its a warning shot across the bow, T Tina furrowed her brow and stepped in front of Bette, leaning against the counter, Im not following you Bette picked up the bottle and then arched a brow, Imagine what we would have gone through if the cops hadnt tracked them downimagine what she would have made us go through.

Tina shuddered slightly and gave Bette a piercing look, Lets shoot that mother over the bow!

Next day at the Planet

Tina leaned against the counter and waited for Marina to finish up with a customer, Marina, do you have a cork ***** back there? Marina nodded and opened up a drawer. She returned to her chair next to Bette with her newly acquired hardware:

Tina: Dont you think its a little early for wine?

Bette: Its never to early for this winebesides were celebrating!

She gave Tina a little wink and opened up her bag where she had two wine glasses carefully wrapped in tissue paper. Tina arranged the bottle and wine glasses carefully on the table and sat back to continue reading her newspaper, while Bette busied herself with something on her laptop. They heard snickering every now and then in the background and exchanged knowing glances. A short while later, they recognized the familiar voices of the trio amidst the hubbub of the caf. Alice, Dana and Shane walked up together to the table and all froze when they noticed a bright pink flyer hanging just above Bettes head on a column behind her. Alices mouth dropped open, Shane shifted uncomfortably, and Dana cocked her head to one side.

Alice: (whispering) Ohmygod!

Dana: (dumbfounded) Whos gotthe bigmouth now?

Shane: YeahI didnt know you could open your mouth that wide(cocking her head) or your legs for that matter.

The sound of a cork popping free startled the three women. Bette poured the two glasses and handed one to Tina. They happily clinked the glasses together, and after taking a quick sip, Bette raised hers toward Alice. She smacked her lips lightly, Mmmmmmighty fine wine! She pulled a third glass from her purse and Tina filled it up and offered it to Dana, For being a true friend Dana smiled stupidly and sat down as she took the glass, still staring at the poster. Alice started sputtering incoherently and pointing at Shane. Understanding her unintelligible complaint, Bette shook her head sagely, We figured that since you were involved, Shane was just an innocent bystander at best, and deviously misguided at worst. But Tina pointed a dangerous finger at her, Were still gonna use the coupons, though. Shane shrugged her shoulders and nodded, pulling out a chair and plopping down with relief. And as for you, Bette continued smoothly, squaring herself toward Alice, WE are evenfor everything. Alices lips curled into a beastly snarl and her nose twitched slightly. Just then a strong gust of wind blew threw the caf windows, causing the pink posters plastered all over the Planet to flutter in unison.