Quick refresher with an added bit: The gals never did the recon on Lara. Lara is ***** but not interested in Dana, she was just being friendly. Dana asked her out and she said no. Dana came out to her parents with the same crushing results. Tina is not preggers, her and Bette have decided to live apart but are dating each other. Alice was talked out of the freak show that is Gabby and is now seeing Rae, owner of a bookstore Alice did an article on. Shane isShane? Here goes


They never covered this at Young Republican meetings. No wonder theyre so uptight.

Dana stood in Tinas bathroom, toweling off after a long hot shower. After unsuccessfully trying to take the edge off twice with no lessening of the craving coursing through her, shed turned her attention to finishing up under the spray, mumbling all the while. Her motions slowed and stilled as she caught her own eyes in the mirror.

Can I really do this? Dana pondered aloud. The others thought she could. She snorted softly as she tucked the end of the towel securely around her, preparing to blow dry her hair. Her mind bounced back and forth over the net of her insecurities while her hands busily continued her preparations. (If you were good enough for sponsorship, wouldnt you think in tennis analogies too?)

Service. Shane *was* being really gentle with me at the bistro today. And that look before she left…anyway, the gang sounded pretty confident at the recap.

Soft backhand return. Easy enough for them to talk. They can say anything they want, sitting on the sidelines. Theyre not the ones that that could fall on their faces *after* making fools of themselves. What if she just laughs at me? A horrifying series of scenarios followed: Shane chuckling disbelievingly at her awkward flirting; Shane rolling her eyes, exasperated at her geeky fumbling; Shane turning away in disgust to find someone, *anyone* else.

Sharp forehand volley. No no, she definitely wouldnt laugh. At the very least Shanes not like that, shes never been anything but sweet to me. Danas lips quirked with a half embarrassed, soft smile as she remembered Shanes sincere response to her waterworks earlier. Even when Dana had given her every reason to lash back for her snarky comments, Shane hadnt once been hurtful. So no, she wouldnt laugh.

Cross-court backhand. So I know Shane would be nice about it. Sure, she likes me, were friends. But what if shes not even attracted to me? Its not like I can tell. When Alice and I were at the clubhouse the other day, I didnt even know the waitress had been hitting on me for an hour until Al mentioned it.

Groundstroke. Ok try this, just look at it as if it was any other woman, someone you find attractive. Does she seem interested? Dana conjured up an image of Lara and briefly imagined her instead of Shane. Her breath caught as the afternoon took on a whole different spin: Shanes hungry stare in the unguarded moment after Dana had startled the hairdresser; Shanes arms holding her tightly in a longer-than-consoling hug as her hands roamed the length of her back; Shanes intense gaze resting on her lips, leaning closer. All right, calm down before you either slide out of here or need to get back in the shower.

High underhand return. Fine, everyone knows Shanes a sexual beast. So if – and thats such a big if – *if* she does want me, what then? I cant have ***** with her and pretend like it means nothing to me. I sounded all brave when I told them that I could live with it but I dont think I could stand it if she says thanks, see ya. I want more than that from her. I dont know if I can risk it.

Strong overhand slice. So, do I duck and hide like Ive been doing all my life? Stay in my own comfort zone labeled safe and secure? Yeah, less dangerous but dont I at least owe it to myself to try? Thats gotta be better than wishing or regretting not doing anything. What if it works? Memories rose effortlessly in her mind: sharing a bowl of popcorn and giggling with Shane at the Spongebob DVD that shed unexpectedly dropped by with last week; the unbearable cuteness of catching Shane lying on the floor having a conversation with Mr. Piddles in babytalk and the blush when shed spotted Dana; the depth of those green eyes when Shane had listened solemnly to the story of coming out to her parents and being held in the strong supporting arms afterwards. If it works, thats the least of what I could have.

The figurative ball tore past Danas negative shadow, leaving it in shredded tatters.

Game, set, match.

Dana came away from her mental victory to find herself standing in the middle of Tinas bedroom, hair done, makeup finished and fully dressed. She examined the finished product in the full length mirror, surprised and pleased at the results. A confident smile curled her lips and she nodded approvingly at the woman looking back at her.

Ok Dana, she exhaled, this is what youve wanted for a while. Grow up and go after her.

**

You know, its funny. After all that talk about making Dana *look* like a *****, we didnt get her a single set of ***** clothes. Tina handed Bette a glass of wine.

Thanks baby. Well I say, why mess with what works? The object of the exercise is for her to attract Shane and shes already halfway there. Dana *is* *****, she just needs to work on attitude. Bette followed her into the living room.

Tina stopped and turned to Bette with a raised eyebrow, their faces inches apart. Hey! Keep your eyes where they belong, woman!

Bettes gaze softened, thanking her lucky stars for this woman. Leaning closer, she murmured, They never left. She met her wifes lips with her own, tasting a hint of white wine and the unique sweetness that was all Tina. Bette twined her fingers in Tinas hair and the kiss quickly escalated.

No, no, no, none of that! You two are coming with us. Alices stern voice broke them apart, grinning.

Bette turned back to Tina, commenting, And you gave *that* one a key, why?

Alice came fully into the room, dragging a tolerant Rae behind her. Whatever, everyone knows I was put on this earth to see that you two dont become social outcasts.

Bette circled Tina and held her, peering over her shoulder. Jealous, Al?

Alice stopped mid-rant and shared a heartfelt glance with Rae. Not anymore, she replied softly, momentarily distracted. That didnt last long though before she shot back, Besides, you can just put your cool self away Bette, been there, done that. A triumphant grin spread across her face at having the last word, only to fall into a mock glare at Tinas words.

And too late to go back. Mine. Tina looked over her shoulder at Bette, smirking. Snooze, lose Al, Tina quipped, poking her tongue out. Although you did pretty well for yourself. Hi Rae.

A smile dancing impishly across her face at the friends antics, Rae spoke with a cultured softness, Hello Tina, Bette. How goes the struggle?

Settled with their drinks, the foursome chatted comfortably before the suspense finally got to Alice. Honestly, what is taking so long? Is she coming out soon?

Dana rolled her eyes as she entered the room. God Alice, its not like youve been waiting for years. Conversation broke off as they all turned to look at her.

Alice, for once, was momentarily speechless before a low whistle escaped her. Dana Fairbanks. You look she paused, stunned. I cant believe it! Turn around. With a roll of her eyes, Dana complied. Damn girl, the hair, the makeup, thedid you steal someones *****? Dana shot her a glare. Kidding, you clean up nice! Bette and Rae just nodded approvingly and glanced at their respective partners, thinking silence was the better part of self-preservation.

Tina noticed and inwardly chuckled at the restraint, oddly pleased. Standing to circle Dana slowly for a better view, she smiled wickedly. Yep, the look is definitely working for you, judging by the excessive drool and lack of comments from the peanut gallery. Alice, turning to look at Rae, immediately poked her and got a startled yelp and a feigned affronted glare.

Hey! twin echoes from the wounded parties.

Dana gnawed her bottom lip nervously. So, I look ok?

As the others grinned, Alice answered, Dana, at the risk of swelling your tennis ego, if you can flirt as good as you look, youre leaving early, Shane or no Shane.

Ignoring Alices ridiculous statement, Dana took a deep breath, concentrating on her earlier resolve.