Alice tapped her fingers on the counter at The Planet while catching a glance every now and then and the beautiful Dana beside her. She thanked her lucky stars for the thousandth time that her stupid stupid plan of kissing Dana those few months ago had turned out so incredibly well for her and not backfired. Her happiness was bittersweet however as Dana was jetting off that day for a tournament in California. Which wouldve been fine if Alice wasnt heading off to New York that same day for some story her boss wanted her to do on Nipple sensations. Ugh.

Just as Alices mind started wandering onto Danas perfect nipples, Tina bounded in. She had a huge smile on her face and swept both the girls into a hug.
Hey Tee, someones looking happy, said Alice with a wink.
Yeaahhh that would definitely be me, cooed Tina.
What helped you to aspire to this newfound euphoria? asked Alice, grinning at her friends pleasure.
I met a girl last night, smiled Tina coyly.
Who?! exclaimed Dana, glancing at Alice. Could Tina forget Bette so quickly?
A new girl. No-one youve seen before.
Weeeellll whats her name? Alice asked desperately, mentally adding to her chart.

Just as Alice finished her question, Bette walked in. Dana and Alice held their breaths, each feeling awkward. Here they were talking about Tees new lovelife when the ex-lover sauntered in. She glimpsed the girls, her eyes resting on Tina for a moment. Finally, she smiled and began to make her way over to them.
Oh no, thought Alice. No, no, no Bette is gonna come over here and try to cajole Tee into talking to her again and ohhh this is gonna get ugly.

Hey baby, grinned Tina as Bette took her in her arms in a warm embrace, and proceeded to nuzzle her neck.
Hello, was Bettes muffled reply. When she came up for breath, she smiled a hello at Alice and Dana, laughing at the puzzled expressions on their faces.
Tee? What? Umyou said, you said that, well you said you met a girl last night. A new girl we dont know remember? And now all of a sudden youre all chummy with Bette? The same Bette you overturned a table at not too long ago? inquired Alice.
This is the new girl. An entirely new Bette who even Ive never seen before, chuckled Tina.
What do you mean, asked a confused Dana.
What she means is, Im different. Imwell Im not gonna try and be such a control freak anymore. Im gonna give Tee the space she needs, as well as the freedom. And Im gonna take chances. Lifes too short to be boring, right Tee?
Right baby.
Alice and Dana stared at them, amazed.
Uh, ok, sure, muttered Alice.
Well I think thats great guys! Good for you! said Dana cheerily.

Who are we congratulating? asked Shane as she strutted towards them, Lauren, as ever, by her side.
Us! Bette and Tina gleefully pronounced.
Shane marvelled at them, her pretty green eyes growing wide. Really? Really Tee? her eyes searched Tinas face, wandering if she was being serious.
Yes Baby Girl, for real, said Tina quietly as she lightly touched Shanes cheek. She had always known Shane looked up to her and Bette. When they broke up, her hopes of finding love were dashed. After all, Shane thought, if Bette and Tee couldnt do it, who could?

Shane grabbed Tina in a tight hug and grinned at Bette over her shoulder. She took a step back and analysed both their radiant faces and twinkling eyes.
Wait, wait, wait. You totally just got laid didnt you?! everyone laughed at Bettes lightly flushing cheeks and Tees mischievous smile.
So ***** cute, mumbled Shane.

They all made their way to a table, Lauren placing herself next to Shane and the others fell into place around them. Just how it used to be, with an extra addition. Lauren had easily weaved her way into their little group, so effortlessly they hardly noticed. They all waved to Jenny to get her attention as she searched the bustling caf for them. As she approached the table, all eyes were on her.
Jenny, youre hair! gasped Alice. Itsitsshort!
Yeah, muttered Jenny as she twisted a dark lock around her finger. What do you think? Do you guys like it? she asked as she smoothed out the small sweater she was wearing over a vintage shirt.
We love it, its great Jenny, really, marvelled Tina at their friends new coolness.
Really, it is, said Alice as the others nodded their agreement.

Marina came and joined them at the table, gawping when she took in Jennys new refined look. She passed around everyones orders and Shane, a double shot. Looked like the she needed an extra kick to get her going this morning. Or maybe she was just still in awe over Tinas and Bettes reconciliation. Either way, it was a good morning. Eventually though, the time came for them to farewell Dana and Alice. There were many hugs and kisses all around.

After the two had departed, Shane turned to Lauren and asked if she was ready to go, offering her a lift.
Oh I would love that. Man, I so need a car. Thank God the works been pouring in since the Vogue shoot, I need cash badly, she complained.
Shane just smiled. Itll happen.

Shanes truck

So, what are we doing tonight? asked Shane as she swerved around a sharp corner.
Uhmmm I was thinking Ill grab some ingredients from the supermarket on the way home and we can make that chicken bake thing that we saw in the recipe book last week. And Ill buy dessert? offered Lauren.
Msn, since when did I become so domesticated? laughed Shane, coz that actually sounds great.
Lauren laughed as well. Good. Its a plan.
Shane stopped her truck abruptly in front of the studio where Lauren worked. Have a good day at work sweetie! she trilled as Lauren kissed her forehead and slammed the car door. Shane rested her head on the steering wheel, muttering under her breath. Man, she thought, that girl has one fantastic ***** to look at while she walks away.

Shane Jenny and Laurens house

So Jenny, watcha got planned for tonight? questioned Shane when she saw Jenny enter the kitchen. She ran her eyes over Jennys choice of outfit. Black pants that looked like a second skin, tiny leather lace up top, and cowboy boots. She raised and eyebrow and asked Excuse me Miss. Schecter, is that my top?
Jenny batted her eyelashes and looked up at Shane. Yes it is Miss. McCutcheon. I hope you dont mind if I borrow it for tonight. I was actually gonna take your leather pants as well but uh, they were way long.
Shane laughed. Whatever, I havent worn it in a while. Just dont ***** ruin it.
Thankyouuuu! squealed Jenny. And to answer your first question, thought I might scope out Milk, she said with a wink.
Nice. Well have fun.
And what about you, crazy party animal? Gonna join me, or have you got other plans?
Actually me and Lauren are going to cook dinner and watch a couple of movies I rented The Shipping News and Invitation to a Suicide. Theres this really hot chick in them. answered Shane, oblivious to Jennys shocked look. Finally, she noticed. What?? she asked defensively.
Nothing! Nothing. Its just, well, youre such a homebody now. Its funny, smiled Jenny. Anyway, Im outta here. Say hi to Lauren.
Bye, said Shane, watching Jenny walk out the door.

Later, once theyd watched the movies and perved on the hot raven-haired chick, Shane turned to look at Lauren. Do you think were homebodies?
Well that was random, stated Lauren. I dont know, why?
I dont know. I guess I just kinda noticed how we dont really go out much anymore. I mean, I never used to be home at night.
Mmm I know what you mean, me neither. I guessI dont know Lauren trailed off.
I mean, when I think about it, Id just rather be here with you, bumming around at home. Its way more fun than finding randoms to go home with, said Shane.
I totally agree. But I guess, we cant become hermits.
No, absolutely not.
Okay.
So, well go out tomorrow night?
I was planning on making the seafood risotto tomorrow
Oh. How bout the Wednesday then? You know what, well leave it til Friday.
Good plan, affirmed Shane.

One hour, one bottle of bourbon later

Okay okay I have one, said Lauren as she took a swig of the second bottle of bourbon. Gina Gershon, or Radha Mitchell?
UmGina Gershon, replied Shane, taking the bottle.
Radha Mitchell for me, all the way.
Britney Spears or Xtina?
*gag* Neither. Ugh, Britney I guess, answered Lauren half-heartedly.
I agree. Britney, just as long as she kept her mouth shut. Well, not the while time.
Man I love this game. Whats it called, Who would you do? asked Lauren.
Yup. Okay your turn.
Hmm. J-Lo or Beyonce?
Shane scrunched up her face. A toughie. Beyonce I guess.
Oh I say J-Lo, bring on the Latin Love. Shane giggled.
Okay, Renee Zellweger or Julia Roberts?
Lauren didnt even blink for a second. Renee Renee Renee! she squealed. Ugh thats not even a question.
Fine, then Renee Zellweger or Angelina Jolie? said Shane with a smirk.
Lauren poked her tongue out. Angelina. THAT wasnt even a question either. Angelina is on like, this whole other level. You cannot compare. Except maybe to that chick that we just saw in those movies.
I agree, nodded Shane.
Okay, Ive thought of another one. Bette or Tina? asked Lauren slyly. It gets personal now Shane! she exclaimed, laughing.
Aww man I dont know, I cant answer that. Uh okay I guess Tee. We just get on so much better, shes so sweet. And I know Bettes the one that seems all demanding, but I bet you anything Tees a wild one in the bedroom. stated Shane.
Lauren giggled. When shed calmed down, she looked at Shane. Hey, I know Ive only known you a few months, but I bet you wouldnt have done that before. Given those reasons for sleeping with someone.
What do you mean? That shes wild?
Noooo. That shes sweet and you get on well. That you care for her more. You totally disregarded the fact that you think Bettes more attractive. Dont lie, I know you do.
Shane looked back at her. Iwow. I didnt even realise that. Youre right of course. Huh. Thats interesting.
Oh little Shanes growing up, smiled Lauren.
Well who would you do? asked Shane.
Bette. I dont know Tina as well as you to have those reasons, so Bette, based purely on physical appearance.
Alright, Alice or Dana?
UmAlice. Shes just so damn cute. Oh, but so is Dana in her own way. *****, I dont know. OK, Alice I guess, stammered Lauren.
Yeah, Alice for me too. Shes ***** hilarious. Alice.
Now, Marina or Jenny?
Shanes eyes went all dreamy. Marinaaaaa. Talk about exotic ***** goddess. Yes. Marina.
Haha! Yes, absolutely. Likewise, Marina. Although I must say, youve done an excellent job with her. Shes like a whole new Jenny. Except not. Well shes changed anyhow.
Thankyou very much, but I cant take all the credit for it. A lot of it was her too, I just helped her find her feet, answered Shane.
Fair enough. Okme or Marina?
What? You cant do that! exclaimed Shane.
Why not? asked Lauren innocently.
Wellbecause. Ive already slept with you!
So what. It doesnt matter if you have or you havent. Its who youd *prefer* to do, no matter what. Oh just answer you wimp you wont hurt my feelings.
Truthfully? Ok, you. Happy? grunted Shane.
You have no idea. And for the same question, like you or Marina, it would be you of course. Youre just amazing, smiled Lauren. Shanes face lit up.