Alice started to pack for her three day trip to Chicago where she was being sent to interview Oprahs personal chef and investigate the highs and lows of yo-yo dieting. Ive got to find another job she said to herself.

Tina was still asleep on the couch and Alice was not about to disturb her. She left a note on the counter top, letting Tina know where she would be staying and that she could stay at her place for as long as she needed to. Alice called Shane to give her the heads-up and gave her orders to check in on Tina while she was away. As for Dana, she would have to wait.

Flight 267 LAX to OHare was almost full. Alice wrestled her carry-on bag into the overhead compartment making sure it was secure and would not shift in flight. She settled into her seat for the five hour flight, opened her CD player and placed in her favorite Murmurs CD. She adjusted her seat cushion to a comfortable position and once they were in flight she pressed the PLAY button. Alice closed her eyes and tried to block out the events of the last 48 hours..just for a little while.

Once in Chicago, Alice found her way to her hotel, plugged in her laptop and began to check her e-mail messages. She scrolled through the spam until she noticed an intriguing subject line that read THAT KISS. She looked to see who it was from but didnt recognize the e-mail address – could Dana be so bold? Alice thought.

Alice opened the e-mail to find a set of red lips puckering and smacking together..on the right hand corner of the e-mail was a link to a lip-gloss websiteIm losing it she thought. Alice shook her head and thought about that kiss. She was sort of surprised at how it left her feeling. At first it was just an ill-timed plan to shake Danas tree, to catapult her out of the grips of the evil Tonya, but Alice was surprised at how ***** Dana looked in her tank top and sweatpants, how hot she felt against her embrace, how whole and complete it felt to share such an intimate moment with her best friend.

She was glad to have a few days to get some clarity on the chaos she had created with her own two lips.


Dana decided she had to get away. Thats why she had made up the story about going away with her family. Spending any more time with Tonya felt like such a lie.

She had the realization that she needed to be with Alice.one kiss was all it took for her.

When she got back to the apartment, she met an irate Tonya.

I was wondering when you might get here. Barked Tonya who stood with her arms crossed, hips hitched and toe frantically tapping the hardwood floor.

Yea, I got caught up talking with Marina. explained Dana who braced herself for Tonyas wrath.
I want to know why, all of a sudden, youve gotten cold feet? Tonya began. Ive been working so hard to make our day special and I dont feel like youre even here with me..Whats up Dana? I demand to know shouted Tonya.

Dana began to sob, stopping Tonya in her tracks.

Tell me, Dana, have you changed your mind? asked Tonya, coldly.

I just need some time, Tonya. Im going to get my things and we can talk more when I get back next week..Im sorry, I just cant talk about this now.

Dana collected her things and walked out the door, not sure she would ever return.

Tonya was speechless, for the first time in her life; she watched the woman she was trying to possess walking out of her life.



Tina awoke with a splitting headache and found her way to Alices kitchen where she rummaged around for some Tylenol and a large glass of water. Alice must have left for Chicago Tina thought as the phone began to ring. Tina checked the caller ID and recognized Shanes cell number. Hey T, its ShaneHey Shane, Alice left for Chicago already..Yea, I know.she kind of filled me in and asked me to check in on you..how are you doing? Shane asked.
Im feeling like ***** if you must know.I cant believe it, really, I feel numb. confessed Tina.
Listen, Im in the neighborhood and I dont have a client until after lunch, do you mind if I stop by? Ill bring some lunch, T, and you can tell me all about it offered Shane.
OK Tina mumbled, secretly happy she wouldnt be alone, for fear of what she might do.



Back in Chicago, Alice finished up her interview and was headed back to the hotel. When she got to her room, her phone light was blinking, indicating a message had been left. Who knows Im here, thought Alice, and why didnt they call my cell.

The voice on the machine made her heart skip a beat..it was Dana and she was waiting for her in the hotel lounge. I couldnt wait to see you, so Im here..I hope thats OK.meet me in the lounge when you get in.

Alice stood for a moment, in a state of disbeliefDana, here? Wow, was all she could muster.

Alice rushed to the mirror, brushed her hair off of her face, ran her fingers over her teeth and blew into a closed hand to sniff her own breath and decided to brush before heading to the lounge.

When she got to the lobby, Alice took a deep breath and was anxious to see where this would lead. Her heart was racing and her palms began to sweat. She purposely walked slowly and steadily to the lounge, where she recognized Dana from behind, sitting in one of the booths. Alices knees began to give out from under her. Again, she breathed in deeply and regained her composure.

Alice, gently, but firmly, touched Danas shoulder, trying not to startle her. Dana jumped in anticipation of this moment. Dana, Im so surprised..what are you doing here? Alice awkwardly inquired.
Alice, I couldnt wait until you got back to talk.sit down. Dana pointed to the seat across from her.
I walked out on Tonya today.I cant go through with itnot after..you know..what happened with us. Dana nervously said while averting her eyes to her fidgety fingers.

Alice reached across the table to where Danas hands were trembling and looked into Danas eyes until Danas fidgeting subsided.

Dana, Im so sorry I had to leave town so soon, without us being able to talk Alice gently said.

I hope you dont mind that Im here, Dana squirmed, uncomfortably in the booth.

Dana, Im sooo happy youre here Alice exclaimed. You dont have to apologize.I havent been able to think about anything else, since our kiss the other night. Alice confessed.

They looked into each others eyes and were silent, for what felt like an eternity.