Still at Ms Brennens Bordello
Dana searched the club for her friends and returned upset for not finding any of them. Bree and Bette had been talking about sports, art, and Dana. Bree seemed to be feeling Dana although she indirectly confided that while she really liked Dana, her schedule made it hard to maintain a consistent relationship. Bette was happy to see Dana return, although she didnt know what the news would be.

Sorry Bette, Dana frowned. I cant find any of them, she pouted and snuggled up to Bree.

Bette was a little disappointed and tried to take some of the pressure off Dana who looked really sad. Its okay, Bette ran her finger across Danas cheek, this place is huge anyway, maybe one of them will show up, Bette hoped.

Yeah, I think one of them will, Bree cut in, feeling left out of the conversation.

An old club song was playing and it made Bette smile, come on, lets dance in the mean time, and Bette walked toward the dance floor trying to avoid being swept up by a unsolicited suitor. Dana and Bree followed Bette and they all began dancing to the drum and bass of the song. I love this song, Bette yelled over the music and Dana simply nodded having not really heard what Bette said. They all danced for a few songs before Bree realized the time and needed to leave.

It was nice meeting you, Bree said to Bette, and then turned to Dana, and it was great meeting you Dana. I hope we can keep in touch? Bree pulled Dana close to her and kissed her long and hard. I know our schedules are hectic, but really want you to keep in touch okay? Bree emphasized and scribbled her numbers on a piece of paper and handed to Dana.

I will, I promise, Dana gushed, and kissed Bree once more before letting her leave. Isnt she nice? Dana asked Bette, whod been scanning the room for their friends.

Yes, and she seems to compliment you well, Bettes assessment boosted Danas ego.

Really? Dana asked in disbelief. Bette nodded yes. Okay, so do you wanna go see if we can find the girls? Dana pulled Bettes hand.

No, not really, Bettes nerves got the best of her. To tell the truth, I think Id rather just go back home and maybe try this another day, when its a little less stressful and when everyone is expecting me, Bette tried to get Dana to see things her way.

Look I know I was probably a little out of line by asking you to come, but I just wanted to try and bring us all back together, Dana explained. Jenny asked about you earlier and Tina took it pretty well, so I guess I thought if I asked you to come out, it might at least make us all feel like friends again, Dana went on hoping Bette would stay. Bette, please know that we were all shocked and upset by what happened. Yes, we kinda took sides, but you have to admit, that was a ***** thing to do, she rhetorically stated, as delicately as she could. We all talked about it and decided, with the exception of Alice, that wed stay out of the way and let you guys work things out. Im not sure where you guys stand, but *****, we should at least be able to be friends again right?

Bette remained silent as she considered Danas pleas.

Tina & Nya
I guess that was a tough one huh? Nya asked Tina who was still frozen in awe.

Yeah, you could say that, Tina replied, her mind a little dizzy from the drink. Tina still felt the heightened sensation of Nyas presence and as much as her physical desires were crying out within her, she knew she couldnt allow them to manifest. Nya, can I ask you something? Tina gazed into Nyas deep, seductive eyes.

Of course, Nya casually replied, Im an open book if youd like to read, she teased, hoping it would ease Tinas apparent uneasiness.

Are you trying to come on to me or take me home? Tina asked bluntly.

Nya smiled and chuckled a little. No, well, not in the way you seem to think I am, Nya honestly replied.

Tina blushed realizing she may have been a little presumptuous. Im sorry, I didnt mean to

No need for apologies, Nya reassured. It was the right question to ask, Nya sipped her drink to wash down the food shed eaten. I wont lie, I am very attracted to you Tina and I would really like to get to know you better, but I do not want to rush anything. You were honest about yourself and your life, which means youve got great morals and integrity, too bad not many do, Nya continued with a hint of hurt in her voice and Tina looked at her with a concerned expression. What I mean is, a lot of women hook up for the sake of hooking up, for the wrong reason, for status, because theyre running from something, or rebounding from someone. I made that mistake and it hurt like *****. Im in no hurry to do that again, Nyas voice was now soft and anguish filled.

Could you tell me what happened? Tina asked and sat beside Nya.

I had it bad for this girl and she led me on for months. When we finally got together, I was so in love with her that I refused to see the signs that something wasnt right, Nya slowed down and swallowed hard, Tina rubbed Nyas arm letting her know it was okay. Anyway, I found out later that she had a husband and two kids at home, Tinas eyes widened. She had money, which afforded her to keep an apartment across town, so I was none the wiser until I saw her out with them one day, Nya paused to take a deep breath. Tina it was the absolute worst experience of my life and Im just getting back into the dating scene. So, yes, as much as I would love to take you home, it wouldnt be right. At least not yet. Nya concluded with a sigh.

Tina held Nyas hand, empathizing with her pain, and thankful that although the attraction between them was evident, making a move wasnt a priority. Tina held onto Nya until she felt the tension leave her body and Nya began to relax again.

Nya, I appreciate you sharing your story with me, Tina smiled. Im sure it wasnt easy for you to relive that, Tina felt a strong urge to reveal the depth of her separation, but changed her mind. Well, the good thing is that its in the past now and you recovered. Now, you can move on and the right woman will come along, youll see, Tina reassured with a gentle smile.

Nya smiled back, feeling completely at ease. Thanks for letting me get to know you Tina, Nya said, seemingly from nowhere, even if its just for tonight, Nya added.

Thank me? For what? Tina was confused. You were, are polite, respectful, and honest, so I should be thanking you, Tina volleyed the compliment back. Im probably in no way ready or able to know where my future is heading in the love department, Tina admitted, but I think I want to keep in touch with you Nya. Do you think thats possible?

Nya made a face. She hadnt anticipated Tinas desire to maintain contact and felt reluctant to answer right away. Instead Nya pointed to the tray of food still uneaten and called for another round of drinks to stall for a while. The pair made small talk while enjoying the muted music, and each others company.

The night continues
Shane emerged from wherever she and her date had been hiding, looking worn for the wear and it was more than obvious what theyd spent their time doing. Jenny and Marina were sitting at a table ogling each other and trying hard to keep Jenny from getting any drunker than she already was. Jenny wasnt exactly a heavyweight when it came to drinking. Dana finally convinced Bette to stay a little while long, and they were still on the prowl for their friends and finally caught up with Shane.

Have you seen the rest of the gang? Shane asked, her arm locked tight around her date.

No, but Dana was about to speak.

Hey! Oh my God! Shane shrieked when she saw Bette behind Dana. Well, look what the cat drug in, Shane smirked, pulling Bette into a hug. Long time, no see man, she cooed, holding onto Bette for life.

Good to see you too Shane, Bette said with a heavy breath. You can let go now, I cant breathe, Bette joked.

Oh, my bad! Shane grinned. Im just real surprised to see you ya know? Shane looked at Dana, how did this happen? She asked.

Ill explain later, Dana cut Shane off. Have you seen the others? Dana asked again.

Nah man, I havent seen them in a while. Did you try their cells? Shane questioned between kisses of her date.

They wont hear it Shane, Dana replied like duh.

They will if they have them on vibrate smarty pants. Mine is, Shane winked.

Bette was getting restless again and this time there was no convincing her to stay any longer. She felt that she would be moments away from seeing her other friends and while she wanted to see them, the pressure was too great, and before anyone noticed Alice and Carla came over.

Dana, Bette whispered. I really think I should leave.

What in, hic, the name of all that, hic, is holy? Alice yelled as she saw Bette. Porter? Bette turned and she and Alice looked like they were in a stand off. When? How? Did you get here? Alice slurred.

Uhm, long story, but Im about to leave, Bette shot back, hoping Alice wasnt going to make a scene.

Le, leave, hic, why, hic? Alice slurred again, rocking on her heels. What isss she talkin bout, Alice turned to Dana, as she pointed at Bette.

Al, have a seat, Dana pushed Alice against the bottom on the slope and Carla plopped down beside her.

Look, Bette cut in, seizing the opportunity to speak while Alice was silent. Im going to leave. Thanks for the invitation Dana and this place is great, but its better this way, Bette kissed Danas cheek. Ill call you tomorrow and we can talk then, and Bette quickly turned and fought her way through the crowd.

I think I lost my buzz, Shane stated blandly as she eyed the shots on a passing tray.

Dana huffed and rolled her eyes. Am I the only one left with a sound mind tonight? she thought to herself. You guys! Dana whined. Why didnt you make her stay?

She left? Alice questioned, apparently oblivious to what was going on around her. Carla had fallen asleep against the rail. Fuuuck! And now Carlas, hic, sleep and that means I aint gettin laid tonight, Alice frowned.

Dana was now furious with everyone. You are some selfish *****! Dana fumed. Do any of you give a ***** about anyone or anything other than hooking up? Danas tirade stopped a group of women in their tracks. I mean goddammit we havent seen her in a month of Sundays and this is how you act? Dana let an exacerbated breath and threw her hands in the air. I give up!
Dana stomped off in search of Tina, but paused to scream at the Shane and Alice again, and dont ***** move, she said in an authoritative voice.

Dana patrolled the club hoping to find Tina, although by the time she calmed down, she couldnt think of what shed say to her anyway. She stopped to gather her thoughts and caught sight of Jenny and Marina. Dana hustled over to them, quickly explained what happened, and pointed them in the direction of Alice and Shane. Im still looking for Tina and when I find her, Ill meet you guys other there.

Tina and Nya were still hidden in the privacy of the VIP room and Dana unknowingly walked right by them.