Sarah arrived at the Planet at 5 to noon. She wandered inside the quaint little establishment Very L.A. . Very coolwe dont have anything quite like this at home. Sarah thought.

Sarah approached the counter, checking out the place, and took a seat on a bar stool waiting for Tina and Bette to arrive.

Alice walked through the door a few moments later with her head buried in research material. She quickly glanced around the Planet, checking for a familiar face, seeing Sarah sitting at the counter alone. Alice wandered over tapping her on the shoulder, Hey Tina, (looking around) Wheres Bette? I thought you two were joined at the hip?

Sarah turned around and replied a little shyly, Sorry Im not Tina, mate

Alice heard the voice thinking, thats not Tinas and took her mind out of her research looking up to take a closer look.

At that moment Dana and Shane walked in. In unison, Hi Al, Tina also looking around Dana asked, Wheres Bette? Alice was just standing, momentarily speechless, staring at Sarah.

Shane looked at Alice, seeing what had caught her gaze, she took a closer look at Sarah, realizing it wasnt Tina also.

Alice snapped back to reality, Sorry, how rude of meyou just look so much like one of our friends.

Sarah: (smiling) Tina, right?

Dana looked closer at Sarah too, realizing the same thing, her mouth spoke before her brain could catch up, Whoa, youre not Tinabut you are just as hot!!!

Sarah looked at Dana and blushed a little. She knew Tina was a *****, she had met her girlfriend Bette last night; these were obviously her friends, and they were ***** too? Sarah didnt know if they were being friendly or flirting. It had been a while.

Alice shot a look at Dana, Excuse my friend here, her brain doesnt function until her morning PowerAde sinks in. Alice was thinking exactly what Dana said, but could see this woman in front of her was feeling more than a bit nervous.

Alice was however going to find out her story. There was this hot babe, right in front of her, that wasnt Tina, but sure as ***** looked like her. Has to be a relative, but I thought Tina was an only child? Oh well, she certainly is hot. I wonder if shes single?. ***** I dont even know if shes *****. Come on gaydar dont fail me now

It wasnt just the three of them either that were checking out Sarah. It was Sunday noon and the Planet was packed with, mostly extremely hung-over women. The moment they saw Sarah walk in alone, the stares and whispers started.

Alice (inquisitively) So do you know Tina??!! She was about to start the subtle grilling.

Shane and Dana just sat idly bythey knew Alice would get the scoop, she always did!!

Shane was coolly checking out this woman, looking her up and down. she had the same unmistakable features as Tinathe same warmth in her eyes also, but she was different tooShanes gaydar was working overtime, Hmm. not sure about this one yet she thought to herself.

Just as Sarah was about to answer Alice, Tina and Bette walked through the doors, arm in arm laughing. Tina noticed Sarah over at the counter with Alice and immediately stopped laughing and looked at Bette.

The relief was evident on Sarahs face the moment she spotted Tina, Thank god she thought. Sarah immediately felt more at ease. She was a pretty easygoing type of woman, but in a new city, in a new country, meeting all these new people was a bit overwhelming.

Tina immediately approached Sarah giving her a warm embrace, Hi Sarah, sorry were a bit late. Giving Bette a cheeky grin.

Sarah: (relieved) No worries Tina. I believe I met a few of your mates? They were keeping me company looking over at the three women now sitting at a nearby table, still staring at Sarah.

Tina: Ok.. they didnt upset you did they? purposefully looking over at Alice.

Sarah: (smiling) Nahthey actually thought I was you.

Tina, Bette and Sarah walked over to the gang. Bette took a seat next to Alice letting go of Tinas loose embrace.

Bette: Hi girls! How are we all today? Bette noticed Alice and Dana were nearly drooling over Sarah and smiled to herself, Shane was her usual calm, composed self.

Bette: Hi Sarah, Nice to see you again; smiling warmly at the woman who looked so much like her Tee.

Tina: (noticing how everyone seemed to be checking out her sister) Hey guys. So you all met Sarah. Sarah is my sister; she is visiting from. Down Under, right. (looking at Sarah, Sarah nodded) We met last night.

Tina looked over at Alice, who had a somewhat confused look on her face, And Alice thats all the info. you are getting right now ok!?!!?

Alice gave Tina an innocent look, What?? getting up extending her hand to Sarah, (smiling) Hi Sarah, Im Alice, we didnt formally meet before. So youre an Aussie aye??

Tina: Alice!! Sarah laughed, now she was beginning to feel much more comfortable. The more she witnessed, the more she thought they were actually a great bunch of women.

Alice: (semi apologetically) Sorry, I couldnt help myself Tina. I need therapy! I have a problem!

Alice made a mental note to find out the goss. later, on how in the ***** Tina had an Aussie sister.

Dana and Shane rose and introduced themselves as well. After the formalities had been completed, Tina saw that Sarah was visibly more comfortable. They all sat down at the table. Tina sat next to Bette, taking her hand, looking at Bette with a huge grin on her face and they all ordered their coffees.

Tina: (leaned in and quietly spoke to Sarah) Sarah, are you comfortable sitting here with my friends, or would you prefer to wander outside and have a chat with me?

Sarah: Im really cool either way. Your ‘friends’ seem fun. I wouldnt mind hanging out here for a while!

Tina: (happily) Ok but you know they will be asking you all sorts of questions. Especially Alice, you got to watch that one. Rolling her eyes, Shes a reporter.

Sarah: (more relaxed) I really dont mind. I can handle reporters!

Tina: Ok then, (looking up at the gang) seems you all made a good impression. We are going to sit for a while ok? But easy on the questions!! again looking at Alice.

The coffees arrived a few minutes later and the grilling began.

Alice: Soooooo Sarah, Where in Australia are you from?

Sarah, From Melbourne

Before Sarah could finish, Dana excitingly cut in, I know where that is. Ive been there. I played in the junior Aussie Open a few years ago. It was really hot there!!!

Sarah looked at Dana impressed, Yeah, at that time of the year it isso youre a tennis player Dana?

Dana sported a goofy grin, Yeah I hope to make a good living out of itIm just starting out. Sarah smiled at Dana, seeing that Dana seemed a little shy.

Alice: Ok, Ok, enough about you Dana, we already know you!!! So Sarah, What do you do..for a living I mean?

Sarah: Well Alice, Im actually a freelance photographer for a major magazine company in Melbourne. I take photos and sell them, to be published in numerous magazines.

Tina just sat back listening to Sarah speak about herself. She could see the similarities that the two of them possessed. Sarah could more than hold her own, and Tina could see that she was becoming more and more comfortable as time went by. She looked at Bette, who was thinking exactly the same thing, and smiled lovingly, giving her a quick kiss on the lips.

Alice was now impressed, (with a hint of flirtiness) WowHow long are you planning on staying?.. Cos you know, I could probably hook you up for a jobIf you want? I have contacts! The group looked at each other and nearly burst out laughing

Bette: (playfully) Come on Al, Sarah just got here and by the way, who are these contacts you reckon you have?

Alice: (seriously) I do you know!!!!

Sarah: I dont know what my plans are yet Alice, but thanks for the offer.

The gang continued to converse for what seemed like hours, when Bettes cell phone went off, Excuse me for a minute guys.

Bette walked outside, a little annoyed about being bothered on a Sunday, and answered the call.

Bette: Hello, Bette Porter.

Caller: Hi Bette. How are you darling?

Bette: (excited) Daddy..Hey ..to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?

Melvin: Well, your mother and I are going to be in L.A. in a few weeks. Can we get together and spend some time with our favorite daughter while were there? Or is she too busy running her own successful art gallery?

Bette: Im never to busy to see you and mom. Whenever you would like. I have some great news for you too, and someone for you to meet.

Melvin: Ok then, I cant wait darling. So clear your schedule in two weeks? Your mother will be overjoyed. Take care Bette. We will see you then.

Bette: Ok daddy, bye!!

Bette walked back into the Planet sporting a smile that lit up her whole face. She briskly strolled to Tina wrapping her arms around Tinas tummy, (whispering loudly into her ear) Hey baby, guess what?

Tina: What babe? picking up on Bettes exited demeanor.

Bette: (happily) You are going to meet my folks in two weeks Tee. finally… That was my dad on the phone. Mom and he are coming out in two weekstheyre going to love you baby!!!

Tina: Thats great babe, I cant wait to meet them.(playfully) wait, they arent as bad as my mum are they?

Bette: (jokingly) Youll see Tee, youll see.

Tina turned around in her chair and looked into Bettes eyes. She knew that look. Tina deliberately looked at her watch and yawned.

Tina: Sarah, Bette and I didnt get much sleep last night. We need to head home. Are you ok here or would you like us to drop you off on the way home?

Alice: Ahhhwe could make sure Sarah gets back to the hotel, cant we guys?

Dana and Shane: (in unison) Sure.

Sarah: Yeah, thatd be cool. Theres nothing to do at the hotel anyway. Maybe you girls could show me some happening night spots around here?

Alice and Danas eyes lit up.

Tina: (Whispered into Alices ear) Be careful Alice, I want to make sure she is well taken care of, and gets back to the hotel in one piece.

Oh. Ill take really good care of her alright, if shell let me Alice thought to herself, catching another glimpse of Sarahs well-toned body, another asset she had in common with Tina

Alice: (innocently) Sure Tina you know you can trust me!!!

Tina: (quietly) And Alice, if Sarah isnt gaytry not to convert her ok!!!!

Alice: Ok Tina, dont worry. You go home and tend to the needs of your woman. I know that look too, you know!!!

Tina gave Alice the ‘finger and went over giving Sarah a hug goodbye, arranging to meet her at the hotel in the morning for brunch. Have fun tonight, you call me if Alice gets you in any trouble at all ok?

Sarah: Sure, no worries Tina. Ill see you tomorrow. Thanks for letting me hang out with you today. It was nice.

Tina smiled at Sarah, and grabbed Bettes hand, the two of them hastily walking to Bettes car.

Tina: Ok Porter lets get you home. Im on afternoon shift for the next few days so I want us to make the most of this evening and all night. winking at Bette.

Bette opened the car door for Tina to get in, but first grabbed Tina and pulled her into a tender embrace, laying a smoldering kiss on Tinas lips, Mmm.Sounds good to me baby. Sounds good to me.

tbc