Alice got home in record time. She only had to curse out two people who didnt quite understand the concept of the LEFT lane. Not too bad. The average day had four, so she was feeling pretty good. She parked the car in the driveway and walked into the house, picking up the mail on the way in. She looked down at the pile of ***** in her hand and started going through the mail. *****, *****, *****, bill, bill, *****, *****, invite for Dana and guest, wonder what thats all about, bill. She threw the mail down on the desk, along with her bags, and wandered into the bedroom.

Alice was ready for sleep, between, the alcohol the night before and the job and the emotional ***** that she was going through, sleep was a welcome reprieve. Luckily Alice was one of those people who could sleep, no thoughts disturbing her, no desires rearing their ugly head. When Alice slept, she slept like the dead. A nightmare came once every few years. It really was a gift.

As she lay in bed, resting in those thoughts fleeting moments between reality and dreams, her mind drifted to Dana. She didnt want to, but it was life. How could she not? Dana was her last waking thought and her first morning thought for almost six years, like that was going to just go away because she willed it to be? Yeah, not likely. But at least her thoughts of Dana were of her strong arms around her. Alice fell asleep to the feeling of Danas arms wrapped tightly around her, with her right hand, behind her neck, stroking her, as they had fallen asleep countless nights before.

———-

Dana was pacing outside of Shanes place when Shane came home. She got out of her truck and looked over at Dana. Dana had the look of someone possessed. She was pacing back and forth on the sidewalk in front of the house. She was in her workout gear and looked a little harried.

Shane walked over to Dana and put her hand on Danas shoulder and Dana jumped, What??

Wow, arent we a little on edge Dane. Its just me.

Oh, hey Shane. Sorry, I was just. Uh, I was

In your own little world? Was it at least a nice place you were visiting?

Dana looked up at Shane, a little confused, Huh, what do you mean? I was right here.

Laughing at Danas confusion, Yeah, Dana, you might have been right here, but your head was somewhere else. She started walking up to her door and looked back and noticed that Dana was still in the same spot. You coming in Dana or are you going to wear hole in the sidewalk?

Yeah, Shane, right behind you. Dana answered a she started walking towards Shane.

When they got into the house, Shane turned to Dana, You OK? Want to talk about it?

Dana was walking towards the bathroom, Nah, there isnt anything to say. Just thinking thats all Shane. Im going to jump in the shower. She headed into the bathroom and softly shut the door.

Shane shook her head at her friend and her obvious sadness. She wished she could do something about it. But she knew this was something that Dana was going to need to work out on her own. Shane knew that her own track record didnt help instill confidence in relationship advice. Hopefully, Tina would have more of an impact. Tina always was the sound one in the group. She could break down the most complex issues into the simplest statements that no one could argue. At least if you kept the subject of Bette out of the conversation.

Dana and Shane had both taken the break up of Bette and Tina hard. Alice was disappointed for her friends, but she didnt personalize it. Dana and Shane on the other hand found it nearly impossible to imagine their own lives and relationships working out if Bette and Tina couldnt make it work. They had both looked to Bette and Tina almost as role models, for the life that they themselves would have one day, when they both grew up a little. But that image was shattered when Bette cheated on Tina.

When Tina left LA for NY, the entire group sort of broke up. The once daily coffee and breakfast suddenly happened only once every few days then over time settled into a given a Monday mornings, and the rest were just hit or miss. Poker night was something that happened once every few months and margarita night didnt happen again. There were just too many memories there. It took time for Bette to start coming around again. It took time for Shane and Dana to stop looking at Bette with anger in their eyes. They both thought they hid it well, but they didnt and that just made it worse for Bette, harder to be around them.

Though Tina and Bette were the like the parents of group, Alice was the glue. She always was. She was the one who introduced them all, except for Bette and Tina. She was the one who hounded everyone when they all stopped talking and hanging out. She was the one who would drag Bette out the house and force her to be social, to see her friends. Even when Bette would argue that it was obvious that Shane and Dana blamed her for Tina leaving, it was Alice who convinced her that she was still loved by her friends, they were just disappointed in the situation and that Bette would need to forgive herself before anyone else would accept things. Though Bette never did quite forgive herself, she did stop the self loathing. When Bette met Robin a couple of years after Tina left, Alice was the one who forced Dana and Shane to accept Robin into the fold. Alice knew that if they didnt all accept her, they would lose Bette more than they already had. Alice was also the one who arranged the trips to NY for the group to see Tina. What was going to happen now if Dana and Alice split? Would there be anything left to salvage?

Shane started thinking about Tinas impending trip in and how Shane should handle it. Her biggest concern was Bette. She knew that they hadnt spoken in over to five years. But she also knew how much they still loved and missed each other. Shane didnt want to bring Tina here to cause her pain, but she knew that if she saw Bette, it would cause her pain. She wanted Tina here because Tina walked away from the person she loved because she was scared of that pain coming back. It was a devastating pain. It was took her away from LA and her friends. Shane also knew that as comfortable as Tinas life was, it was still missing something. Without Bette, Tinas life would never be complete. So Shanes entire plan was to get Dana to see that the fear of pain wasnt worth giving up the happiness. Not much of a plan, but it was better than nothing. And if that went well, maybe she could get Tina to at least talk to Bette.

Dana walked out of the bathroom with a robe on and plopped herself down on the couch. So what are you up to tonight Shane?

Im staying in. Just chilling, that new ***** show is on cable. Thought Id see if they can figure out how to show a real *****. Hey, if not, I can just watch a bunch of hot women.

A little hesitantly Dana asked, Do you mind if I join you? I dont feel like going anywhere. You know? Last night, it uh, just wiped me out a bit.

Dane, you dont have to ask, my place is yours. What do you want to do for dinner?

Dana smiled at Shane, Anything is good for me. Im not really hungry.

Dana, you have to eat. How about we order some Chinese? Well get a bunch of stuff and have our pick?

Thats fine, Shane, Im really not that hungry?

Hey, stop arguing with me. Did you eat anything yet today?

Dana looked down at the ground, I had my shake this morning before practice.

Shane shook her head, That isnt a meal, its a supplement. Listen, Dane, Alice asked me to look after you. With this Danas head snapped up and looked at Shanes. And you starving yourself isnt a part of the plan. And Alice will kick my ***** if anything happens to you on my watch. So you are going to eat. Got that?

Really, she asked you to take care of me?

Dont look so surprised. She loves you. So yeah, she asked me to take care of you. And Dana, she can be a little scary sometimes, so dont give her a reason to get pissed at me. OK? Shane was pretty proud of herself, she got Dana to chuckle at least.

Yeah, she can be a little scary when shes being all protective. Standing up to go grab the take out menu, Chinese sounds good Shane.

A few hours later there were half empty Chinese containers all over the coffee table with a lot of empty beer bottles. Damn, Dane that was one ***** of a ***** scene. Where do you think we can get one of those chairs? It had more bounce than any chair Ive ever scene.

Dana was still blushing from the scene, I know. Wow.

And the refrigerator scene, nice. Now that is what I call quality TV!!

Yeah, wow.

Ha, you gonna say anything other that wow?

Well, Im, wow, I cant believe that was on TV? I think Im ready for another shower.

I might have to race you to it, Shane said laughing. Im going to grab another beer, you want one?

Yeah, sure, thanks. Dana sank back into the couch.

Shane walked back into the living room and noticed that Dana suddenly looked sad. Hey, whats up, Dane? You were laughing a minute ago.

Dana took the beer from Shane, I dont know, Shane. I was just thinking about Alice. She and I watched last weeks episode together and were looking forward to this weeks. I just miss her is all. So I was sort of fighting with myself about calling her. You know, to see if she watched it?

Want my honest answer Dana? Dont call her. Danas head snapped up at Shane, surprised, about the response, What I mean is that you need to figure out what you want. You keep saying that you cant get back with her, for whatever reason. If thats true, you need to give her a little space. She is hurting and misses you. She loves you Dana. I know you miss her, but you chose this. Give her a little time to adjust.

Yeah, but Shane, I know what you are saying, but I didnt say I dont want her in my life. I cant count on the relationship. I mean Im doing all of this so that we can stay in each others lives.

Dane, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but thats a ***** strategy. Do you honestly think that you can just take back the last five and a half years and go back to being best friends? Do you think Alice cared that little about you that she could do it?

I know its going to be hard, but we promised that no matter what wed always be friends.

Dane, there is a big difference between being someones friend and being their buddy. You are looking to be her buddy. And I dont see that happening anytime soon. If you need her, or need a friend, I am sure shell be there. That underlying friendship wont go away. But seriously Dana, she cant be your buddy. And to be honest, I think its sort of crappy of you to ask her.

But Shane

Shane was starting to get frustrated with this line on conversation. Her normally calm, low key voice was starting to rise, Dont but Shane me. Listen, I love you and would love to see you guys work this out. But if you are serious, then give her space. This is what you asked for and maybe you need to see what your life is going to be like without her everyday. To ask her to be around you, just isnt right, even if it hurts to not see her, its what you need to do. Let her try to heal and come to grips with this.

Just because you were able to let Carmen out of your life doesnt mean its what I should be doing. Dana immediately regretted the statement when she saw the hurt and anger growing in her friends eyes. Im sorry Shane. That was out of line.

Dana, that was more than out of line. Dont bring her into this. Shane said as she got up off of the couch, I let her out of my life because it was the only way to be fair to her. I miss her. I miss my friend. But I am not looking for a wife right now, so it would be cruel of me to be her friend. It would keep up her hopes when she shouldnt have any. If you love Alice as much as you claim to and really want out of this relationship, you should be taking my advice. Shane walked off into the bedroom.

Dana quickly followed her and softly knocked on the doorway, Shane, I really am sorry. I shouldnt have said that. I just. I dont know. I keep thinking Im doing the right thing, but I miss her so much. Im really sorry. She looked into the room at Shane, who still had her back to Dana, Please say something Shane. Please. Im sorry.

Shane turned around to look at Dana and saw the sad look in her eyes and immediately felt the anger going away, Dane, its ok. Dont make a habit of it. I know youre hurting. But Im trying to be your friend here. Dont take it out on me.

Youre right. Im sorry. Dana was hoping a change of subjects would be good, So, tomorrow, are we still on for lunch?

Shanes eyes immediately brightened, Oh *****, Dane. I totally forgot. Can we push it back to 2 instead of noon? I have an appointment that I cant change.

Yeah, sure. Ill just stay at the club. Try and get my afternoon workout in early. But Shane, you dont do lunch appointments anymore?

Shane started to grin, Yeah, but this is a special appointment. I made an exception.

Who is this special appointment?

Ill tell you at lunch. Listen, Im beat. Im going to head to bed. You going to be ok?

Ill be fine Shane. Thanks for everything. I really am sorry.

I know you are Dane, dont worry. Have a good night.

Gnight Shane.


———-

The next morning Alice woke up to her phone. She looked up over to the other side of the bed to see if Dana was going to get the phone, then remembered that she was alone. She looked at the clock and saw that it was almost six am. She couldnt believe she slept for so long. She reached over for the phone. .mmm hello

Alice? Did I wake you?

T? Is that you? Youve known me for how many years and youre asking if you woke me. Its not even six. Is everything OK?

You dont change do you Alice? Yes, everything is fine. I just I wont be able to make our weekly call today, so I thought Id try to get you now.

Try to get me now, like Id be out already? So what do you have big meeting or something?

Something like that. So how are you? How is Dana?

Oh, Tina, Im fine. Tired, thank you very much, but Im good. Dane is good too.

Alice did her best to sound normal, but Tina, of course knowing what is really going on, wasnt going to let it go so easily. Well, Im having a party for Cara in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if you and Dana could get out here. I know she has to be out east for the Open the following week. Maybe you guys can make it a vacation or something?

T, I dont think so. I have this new editor and she is making me do some real work and Ill probably still be in DC. Maybe I can fly up for the day. E-mail all the information, date and time and stuff, let me see. Ill check with Dana about her schedule.

Cant you just roll over and ask her?

Oh, no, she, uh, left for training already. You know, gotta get in shape to keep up with the young players.

Even though Tina could hear something in Alices voice, she was sort of relieved that Alice was thinking clearly enough to lie about it so well. For Alice, being able to keep up the pretense meant she hadnt totally lost it. Ok Al. Ill email you guys the information, let me know.

Will do, Tina. Listen, I really appreciate the whole I dont want to miss our weekly conversation really sweet. But its too early to think Im having some issues with complete sentences right now, can we reschedule, maybe later or tomorrow?

Tina chuckled softly, Sure Alice. Ill try to talk to you this afternoon. Sound ok?

Yeah, Im meeting Shane for lunch at 2, so how about 6 your time?

Perfect, have a good day Al. Sorry I woke you.

No prob, T. I miss you.

Miss you too, bye.

Alice hung up the phone and groaned. She looked over at the empty side of the bed, still made perfectly. She was so used to her side of the bed, she didnt venture to Danas side, unless of course it was to lie on Dana. She begrudgingly got out of bed. Even though she had slept for like 14 hours, she still wanted to stay in there. But she refused to lie in bed and feel sorry for herself. So she got up and jumped into the shower. As she was drying off, she heard her phone ringing again. She ran out of the bathroom to answer the phone mumbling to herself, Does no one know me? Its not even seven. She grabbed the phone, Hello.

Alice? Is that you?

The voice sounded familiar but she couldnt place it, Yeah, who is this?

Oh, sorry, its Julia. I didnt wake you did I?

No, you didnt wake me Julia. But I need to make this clear for future reference, normally Im dead asleep at least until 8, weekends 10. But Im up, so hi. What going on?

Julia started laughing, Wow, they warned me that you werent a morning person. I didnt think they were being that literal. You do realize you are talking to your boss, right?

Yeah, I realize that, but you called my house before seven. This is actually me on my best behavior.

For some reason I believe that.

So, is there a reason for this early morning conversation?

Yes, I was actually wondering if you wanted to meet for breakfast before the office. I wanted to thank you for the other night and you ran out of the office after our meeting yesterday.

Oh, sure. I normally do breakfast with my friends at a place called The Planet. Do you want to meet there?

Sounds good. Where is it? Can you give me an address so I can get a cab?

Dont worry about the cab, Ill pick you up. Youre on my way.

I dont mind taking a cab, I just need the address.

Its not a problem Julia, you really are on the way. Oh, and welcome to LA, you need a car, youre not in NY anymore.

Ha, Ill have to think about that. I havent driven in ten years!! Thanks Alice.

No problem, Ill see you in like 45 minutes. Bye.

An hour later, Alice and Julia were headed into the Planet. Alice was a little relieved, she didnt see Danas car out front. She was earlier than normal, maybe she would miss her.

As they walked in Bette, sitting with Robin and Shane, waved at them. They walked over to the table and sat down.

Good morning ladies. You all remember Julia? Julia, you remember everyone?

Yes, its good to see you all again. Everyone said their hellos. Alice went to get up and get coffee and Julia stopped her. No, this breakfast is on me, remember? To thank you for the bringing me out the other night? All of you were very friendly and gracious. Thank you. So what can I get you Alice?

No food, just a red eye.

Anyone else want anything while Im up?

No one did and Julia walked over to the counter. Shane looked over at Alice, So Al, what are you doing here this early? You normally arent even up yet, let alone out. What gives?

Nothing, I just woke up at to a phone call at six.

Bette started laughing, Who would call you at that hour? I feel bad for whoever was on the other end of that line.

Actually, it was Tina. Bette tried to look as though the name didnt throw her and Robin was looking at Bette for a reaction. She was used to the name coming up, but it had been a while since anyone brought Tina up to Bette, at least as far as Robin knew.

Why would Tina call you that hour? She knows better than that. Shane asked.

We have a weekly call. Every Thursday at 1pm, NY time. Weve been doing it for a long time now. Without it, we sort of just got too wrapped up in life to remember to call. Well, anyway, she needed to cancel on me for today, so she wanted to let me know.

Robin wanted to try to act cool with the conversation added, I have to say though, its brave to call you at that hour. She might have been better off missing your call and apologizing later. You can be very scary at that hour.

As everyone was laughing at the statement, Julia had just gotten back to the table with Alices coffee, Here you go. She said, handing Alice the coffee, I learned that the hard way this morning. I called to see about breakfast and do you know she actually laid down the law about what times were acceptable for phone calls?

Shane answered, Im really not surprised Julia. She is notorious for her morning pleasantries. But Alice, dont you think that you should let your boss set the ground rules?

Not for mornings, Shane. Im not a huge fan of them and I needed to set the precedent. She was just lucky I got a call even earlier than hers.

Bette started to get uncomfortable. She could see that Robin wasnt thrilled with knowing that Tina and Alice spoke weekly. But Bette was actually relieved. She knew that all of her friends had kept up their friendships with Tina, but to know that it was a regular thing, made Bette feel a little better, knowing she didnt cost Tina her friends. Hey Babe, you want to go? I have an early meeting with an artist at the gallery.

Robin smiled at Bette, Sure, hon. Julia it was good to see you again. I hope to see you soon.

Bette got up and extended her hand for Julia, Yes, Julia it was good seeing you. Oh, and Julia, Im glad you were able to see through Alices fluff. She has always been better than that. Its nice to see others do too. Bette looked over at Alice and gave her a wink, Have a good day guys.

Bye

Shane looked over at Alice, What about the fluff pieces?

Oh Shane, I never told you about our meeting yesterday, did I?

No, you just screamed into the phone then said it had all gone ok, so what happened?

Alice and Julia filled Shane in on the meeting and the trip to DC coming up. Shane gave Alice a nervous glance, Youre leaving Alice?

Im not leaving leaving, just leaving for a couple of weeks. Geez, Im not gonna pull a Tina on you.

A Tina? Julia asked?

Yeah, a good friend of ours left for NY on a short assignment for work after a bad break up and she just stayed. Its been over five years, she hasnt come back yet. Alice answered.

Yet? Julia asked, You still think she might?

I can always hope right? Tina and Bette, yes Bette was the girlfriend, well they had an exceptional relationship. A part of me and all of us sort of hold out hope for them, you know? I mean we like Robin, shes really nice and really good to Bette. But there was something about Bette and Tina together. You just had to see them to understand it. Alice realized she was babbling and looked over to Shane to save her.

Shane was trying to contain the grin, knowing that Tina was due in LAX in a few hours. Julia, shes right, they were something special to see. But Alice, youre changing the subject, Shane looked over at Alice, What did Dana say when you told her?

Alice shifted uncomfortably in her seat, Shane, you should know I didnt tell her yet. You would have heard about last night. I fell asleep when I got home and slept straight thru until Tina called this morning. Ill call her later after shes done training for the day.

You really need to tell her.

I know that Shane. Im not going to up and leave with out a word.

Julia was watching the interaction between the two friends, a little confused. Um, Alice. Can I ask a question? Alice looked over at Julia and nodded. Why didnt you tell Dana when you got home? I mean, if Im prying

Alice looked over at Shane and rolled her eyes, No, you arent prying, Dana stayed at Shanes last night.

Julia looked at Alice and saw that the conversation wasnt going any further, Oh. OK, I wont push. But Alice if this is a bad time to be traveling, we can try something different to use for your first column, you dont have to go to DC.

Thanks Julia, but now is fine. Thanks. Shouldnt we be going to work now? How will it look if the new boss is late on her third day?

As they were all saying goodbye, Shane looked over at Alice and reminded her about lunch this afternoon.

Dont worry, Ill be there, you sure you dont want to tell me why this lunch is so important?

Nice try Al, show up at 2 and youll see. See you later Julia.

———-


At 2:03 pm Alice came into the Planet looking for Shane. As she looked around, she saw Dana sitting at their regular table. She still had wet hair from her shower at the club. This was Alices favorite look on Dana, there was something about that just showered look. Alice shook her head, as if that was going to take those thoughts out of her head and hesitantly walked over, Hey Dane. Did Shane tell you to come today?

Dana looked up from the paper and saw Alice there. A nervous grin started to form on her face, Yeah, she um, wanted to meet for lunch. Why did she invite you too?

Alice nodded her head as she sat down. So is she here yet?

No, she called me a few minutes ago to say she was running like ten or fifteen minutes late. Dana looked over at Alice, Im glad youre here, though I am a little surprised.

Alice looked over at Dana with a flash of anger in her eyes, Why, shes still my friend Dana. Just because youre staying with her. God, I didnt think wed be dividing up our friends yet.

No, no Al, thats not what I mean. She reached over to Alice to put her hands on Alices arms, no, she just told me yesterday that I shouldnt call you. Thats all. She went off on me actually. So I was just surprised she would do that one minute and invite us to lunch the next.

Oh, sorry, Alice said, a little embarrassed at her assumption but she loved the feel of Danas hands on her skin. She told you not to talk to me?

Not exactly, just that I wanted to call you after the show last night, and she told me I was out of line. I shouldnt ask you to be my friend right now. I said I just missed you and we always watch together, or if Im away, we talk about it right after. But she thought it was mean and told me not to call. Dana looked down at the table. Alices heart was breaking, Dana looked like a little kid who just got scolded for something they didnt do.

Dane, its ok. I know you would never be mean to me intentionally. But she is sort of right. I miss you too, but its hard to be your friend right now. I think we miss each other just a little differently. I might not be able to watch the show with you or just go hang out, at least for now, but if you need me, Ill always be here.

Thanks, Al. I guess we both have to get used to this. Dana smiled sheepishly at Alice, So what happened with your new editor, you didn’t tell me.

As Alice went to answer, she something caught her attention at the door, Oh my God, Tina!!!

(tbc)