Bette had excused herself and escaped to the bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face as she tried to figure out her next move. What the ***** was Tina doing here? It had to be because of Alice. ***** her and her meddling! Now she had to get out of here without being seen by Tina. Why the ***** had she let Alice drive her here? Pulling out her cell phone to call for a taxi, she noticed the battery was dead. *****! That never happened. Now she had to get a new battery. It appeared the universe was just working against her tonight.

~~~

Tina arrived at the table and greeted her friends. Alice and Dana nervously looked at each other while Shane said, Tee, you should know that Bette is here. She just went to the ladies room and will be back shortly, so you have time to escape if you want to.

Thanks Shane. Tina replied. I knew she would be here. I heard the three of you talking last night and decided to come whether she liked it or not.

***** Tina. Shane said, You didnt come here to fight with her, did you?

No, no fighting. I just think its time we stop avoiding each other and places where we might run into each other.

Well, Shane said, Im not so sure Bette agrees. Looks like shes leaving.

WHAT? Tina yelled as she turned around to see Bette walking out the door. Who the ***** does she think she is to walk out on me?

Shane, Dana and Alice, shocked at the emotion being shown by Tina, just watched as she fought her way through the crowd and went after Bette.

Finally, Shane smiled, turned to the others, and said, Well, its about ***** time!

Alice replied, Now if they will just talk it out and not duke it out.

Shane stood up and said, Later ladies. Ive got some hunting to do. She walked off, her eyes glued to the tasty morsel she had spied.

Alice looked at Dana, who dropped her head and said, Well, I guess the party is over. Ill just head on home.

Bettes words of advice had been wrecking havoc in Alices head and the tequila was also spurring her on.

I dont think so! Alice stated.

Jumping up and grabbing Danas hand, Alice pulled her to the bathroom. She stepped aside as three women were leaving, then pulled Dana in and checked to make sure they were alone before locking the door.

Al, what are you doing? Dana asked with bewilderment.

Shut up Dane! You dont want to talk, so we wont talk!

Alice gently backed Dana up to the door and pressed her body into Danas. Staring into her eyes, Alice could read the confusion and nervousness Dana was feeling.

Dana whispered, Al?, as her breath became a little erratic.

Dane, you have no idea how beautiful you are. Alice said as she leaned in and kissed Dana. It was a soft and gentle kiss that was over almost before it began, but both felt the spark that it ignited.

Alice, taken a little aback by the feelings running through her system, pulled back and said, Im sorry Dane, but all I could think about for the last few weeks was…

Dana felt that soft kiss right to her core, and talking was not what was on her mind at the moment. She cut Alices words off saying, Shut up Al! and grabbing her shirt, pulled her in for another kiss. This one was nowhere near as soft, gentle or short as the last one. It continued until they had to separate to breathe and then started over again and again, until a frantic knocking at the door interrupted them.

*****! Alice said as she reached to unlock the door.

Dana took her arm before it completed the task. Jesus Al, please dont run away again.

Alice smiled and gently kissed Dana again. Im not going anywhere sweetheart. No more running, I promise.

She took Danas hand, unlocked and opened the door, only to be met with angry looks from several women. Grinning sheepishly, she led Dane back to their table.

~~~

Bette had made it outside and halfway down the building, before she stopped and leaned back against the wall. Damn, she knew she should have brought her own car. She should have known better than to go to a place they use to frequent. At least she had made it out of there without Tina noticing her.

Pushing off the wall, she turned to go find a telephone, when she heard the voice coming from behind her.

Where the ***** are you running off to Porter?