Poker was cancelled the next Friday, and the next, and the next until nobody even bothering asking. Shane would still bring it up but as soon as Bette or Tina enter the room shed stop mid-sentence and walk away. They knew she was talking about them but they also knew it was nothing to worry about. Alice did ask Kit if Bette was saying anything to at least her but all she knew was that Candace was ruining what Tina and her had spent seven years building up. Alice, however, found it amusing that all their hard work was blown so quickly, actually Shane found it amusing Alice just found Shane amusing.

(Anyway) As the next Friday rolled around Shane made it a point to invite everybody (including Jenny but not Bette) to a hotel room for poker and fun. Dana was first to say shed go, desparate to spend more time with Alice without Tonya following. Alice then agreed after spending two hours making clear when Shane said fun it was okay to stay there. Jenny, Kit, a couple of people Shane knew from Milk were also on board almost as soon as Shane had said something. Tina, well Tina was less then excited about going.

Luckily for Shane, however, that she was a master of…well nearly anything but Tina couldnt help but saying yes after Shane promised not to offer to babysit, safely was a major issue.

So everything was set, Shane even went out and bought four desks of cards, twister, liquor and apple cider for Tina. Everybody came within the hours of 5-7. Alice and Dana showed up merely minutes apart and then spent the next two hours completely glued to each other making Shane nervous anytime she turned around. Jenny showed up next with a date dragging behind making kissy faces at anybody who stopped to pay attention. This is Christine. she said beaming with pride. Shane only nodded.

Once Tina arrived things got better for Shane and soon poker wasnt really all that important. Shane and Tina partied together, each being dateless and vulnerable to the world. You know, this isnt like poker at my house. Tina commented as she poured her another glass of cider and watched as Alice and Dana flirted.