Shane snuck up behind Alice, Heeeyy.

Alice turned around to give the brunette a oh please look. Hi, Shane.

Shane pulled out the chair across from Alice, Alright, whats wrong?

I miss her, thats all.

Who? Dana?

Yeah.

Shes on another tour?

Probably, I cant keep track anymore truthfully, Alice sighed and returned to breaking off bits of her bagel.

Shane watched her silently for about two minutes before reaching out and grabbing Alices hand, I swear if I watched that any longer, I was going to ***** slap you, Al.

Sorry, Alice dropped the bagel on her plate.

So whens she coming back? Alice shrugged her shoulders. You didnt ask?

I always ask and then half the time she calls last minute to say she wont be home for another day or so. Shell come home when she comes home.

Shane rubbed Alices hand, Im sorry, Al. She nodded her head as she continued speaking, That must be rough on you. She calls you right?

Oh yeah.

Its not going to be like this forever, you know.

Huh?

The tours and stuff. Its not a lifetime career for athletes.

Oh, yeah, I know.

*****

Michelle pushed back Danas hair off her face, Why dont you get some sleep?

But we have that-that-

Michelle stopped her protesting, Shh. Its ok. You had a late night and then had to wake up very early. You need your beauty rest.

Do you get tired of this?

I like my life, Dana. Sometimes I wish I had more control of my day but its still my day. Im doing what I want to do. Michelle adjusted her position so she was kneeling behind Dana. She massaged her back and shoulders.

Dana moaned. That feels good.

Good.

Do you get lonely?

Michelle continued to knead the knots in Dana’s back, Not really. I have you around and when youre not here I have all these other people.

Dont you want to have a girlfriend or something?

It would be nice, but I dont think someone would want to be my girlfriend knowing that Im never around. Besides I dont need that one person to provide everything for me. If I want a friend, I have some. If I want *****, I can find someone.

I dont know. I think if you met the right person that you could work that out.

Hows it working out with your girlfriend?

Alice is fine with it. We talk every day and she knows what she was getting involved in.

Do you have a picture?

Dana got up and pulled out her wallet from her bag. She tossed it to Michelle before sitting down next to her.


*****

Alice stood in front of the wreck, the mangled up cars just feet away. She slowly made her way to the curb, her body shaking. She had already called the police and she only wanted to have Dana hold her tight. She called Danas cell. Dane, its me. Oh my god. Something happened. Just call me back as soon as you get this. She hung up the phone and stared at it for a couple of minutes before dialing Bettes number. Bette, can you and T come and pick me up?

Alice, you have your car and even Danas to drive.

Please. I dont feel like driving. Im over by Sals. Big car accidentcome up past Overtons.

Fine, well be there as soon as we can.

She wondered if there were any survivors, she couldnt remember what she told the police. She approached one of the cars, took a peek inside and then backed away quickly. She was still hunched over, heaving by a garbage can when Bette and Tina arrived. A policeman came over minutes earlier, but she waved him away as she was ready to lose her lunch, breakfast and all of yesterdays meals as well.

Tina rubbed Alices back. There, there.

Alice looked up at Tina with bloodshot eyes, I saw a dead body.

You poor thing. Tina hugged her. Bette, can you get her a water?

Is there anything else I should get? Bette asked while patting Alices shoulder.

Tina shook her head, I think thats all she needs right now.

Alice words were muffled against Tinas shoulder, It was horrible, T.

I know.

It should have been me.

You cant think like that, Alice.

No, that carwas behind me. I was first in line at the light. This horrible song came on the radio and the driver was impatient and went around me and thenand then-

Tina interrupted her. You should tell the police what you saw. Bette and I will bring you to your apartment and well stay with you until Dana comes home.

Ok.

*****
Two days later….
Alice woke up hearing a rustling of the covers and feeling the mattress bounce. She rolled over seeing Dana lying there. Hey, she whispered.

Hey.

Did you get my message?

Yeah. What happened?

Why didnt you call?

I figured I was coming home earlier and that wed talk in
person.

Oh.

Can we talk in the morning, Al? Im exhausted.

Sure. A couple hours later, Alice jolted awake. *****.

Dana stirred and murmured half asleep, You ok?

Alice cuddled close to Dana, Dana, wake up for a minute.

Hmm.

Are you awake?

Uh huh.

Can you hold me?

Sure, babe. Dana wrapped her arms around Alices waist. She kissed the blondes shoulder before drifting back to sleep.

Alice sighed, Not exactly what I meant. She stayed up and counted the cracks in the ceiling.

*****
Dana moved her arm, noticing that Alice wasnt beside her. She opened her eyes, Al. She sat up and waited a second for her vision to clear before walking out of the bedroom. Alice was in the kitchen eating cereal. She was already dressed, showered and ready to go. What time is it? Did I sleep that late?

Alice shook her head, No, I wasup. Its nine.

Nine? Youre up before noon on a Sunday? Danas mouth curled in a smile.

Did you want a bowl?

Dana wondered why Alice changed the subject. It seemed like such a stupid thing for Alice not to want to talk about. She mentally waved it off thinking maybe Alice was PMSing or she hadnt had her caffeine kick yet. Um, ok. I see youve already showered. Want to take another one?

Nah, thats alright.

Dana moved her arm to Alices forcing her to put the cereal down. She hopped behind Alices chair and heaved it back from the table a couple of feet.

Dana! She yelled at the initial shock of thinking Dana was going to tip her over. What has gotten into you?

Dana sat on Alices lap and straddled her. She cupped Alices face, simultaneously brushing the hair out of her eyes and making sure she had eye contact. How about we do something special today?

Like what?

Dana pressed her lips to Alices for a quick kiss. Its a surprise.

Ok. Alice leaned forward for another kiss. Dana leaned back much to Alices disappointment. Hey.

Dana smiled, How far can I go?

What? Before you tip the damn chair over?

Dana laughed, Good point. That would happen to us.

Alice pulled Dana up to her face for a smoldering kiss.

Holy *****, Al. Dana was panting. If I knew you were going to do that I would have taken a deep breath.

She didnt say anything as she snuggled close to Dana.


An hour later, Alice and Dana showed up at the Planet. Dana let go of Alices hand, Ill get you a caf latte.

While Dana was at the counter ordering their drinks, Alice trudged over to the table where Tina, Bette, and Shane were sitting. She pulled her chair out slowly and sat down.

Hi. The three friends chirped simultaneously.

Hey.

Bette furrowed her eyebrows, Did Dana come home?

Alice pointed to the counter, Yeah.

How are you?

I cant sleep.

Dana came up behind Alice and placed her drink down on the table.

Are you still having nightmares? Tina asked concerned.

What nightmares? Dana asked as she sat down next to Alice. What is she talking about?

Alice shook her head, Nothing. Ive had some insomnia the last couple days. She glanced up at Dana and forced a smile. Dont worry.

Tina was about to open her mouth and protest, but Bettes slight nudge made her think otherwise. She looked over at Bette her eyes pleading for some support.

Bette looked at Tina and then nodded at Dana and Alice before shrugging her shoulders.

Shane was oblivious to the whole interaction, focused on the newspaper in front of her. Whered you say that accident was?

Alice sighed, Over by Sals.

*****, Al. Must have been bad. At least it was quick.

Dana snatched the paper from Shanes hand. How could anyone survive that?

They didnt, Alice blurted out before standing up and going to the restroom.

Whats going on? Dana asked as she watched her girlfriend go into the restroom.

Dana, Alice saw that accident the other day and it upset her a bit, Tina answered. You didnt know?

No. I think she was trying to tell me. Ill be right back. She headed to the restroom. Al. She knocked lightly on the only closed stall door. Unlock the door.
She knocked again, Al, come on. Dana went into the next stall and stood on the toilet seat and peered over the wall. Are you ok?

Ill be out in a minute, Dane. She turned to her right hearing clanging on the door. What the-? Alice looked up seeing Dana climbing over the wall. Dane!

Dana hopped down in front of Alice. She ducked and caught Alices eyes with her own. Baby, are you alright?

Alice laughed, grateful that Danas antics took her mind off that dreadful accident. Whend you learn how to do that?

Surprising as it may seem I have skills other than tennis ones.

I dont disagree. *****, that was really ***** hot.

Dana blushed, Really?

Alice nodded, Really. She moved closer to Dana and kissed her neck while Dana rested her hands on her hips. She kissed her way to the athletes mouth and playfully teased the soft lips with her tongue.

Dana waited a few seconds before moving her hands up Alices back and then down to her butt. She gave it a squeeze before pulling Alices body onto her own. She felt Alice smile into the kiss and she responded by kissing her more deeply.

Alice shoved her arm between their bodies, her hand moving across Danas stomach. She pulled away from the kiss and moved back to Danas neck. She nibbled the salty flesh as her hand glided further down the chiseled abs enjoying the muscles quivering under her fingertips. She bit down a tad harder on Danas neck as she pressed her hand between her thighs.

Dana gasped at the sensation, her body aching for more. She couldnt imagine how she lasted sixteen days without *****. She used her hands to steer Alices mouth back to hers.

Alice pulled away from the kiss to squat before her lover. She lifted Danas shirt a few inches and ran her tongue over the exposed flesh. She undid the buttons to Danas jeans. No more button down flies.

Uh huh.

Alice jumped back up and pressed her mouth against Danas.

The bathroom door opened to Alices surprise. She heard it, but didnt think Dana did so she put her hand over Danas mouth shushing her.

Guys, you ok in here? Shanes voice called out.

Yeah, Shane. Alice was caught even more off guard feeling Danas tongue rake across the palm of her hand, Ahh, *****. Well be out in a minute. She removed her hand, allowing Dana to kiss her collarbone bone.

Im heading out. Talk to you two later. Ciao.

Bye. Alice responded. She waited for the door to close before speaking to Dana. You know for them to send Shane in here, we must have been in here for at least 20 minutes.

So. Dana murmured while planting kisses up Alices neck.

We should go out there.

But-

Dana, we really should get out of the bathroom even though its our favorite bathroom.

Dana reluctantly agreed. As they approached the table, Tina and Bette looked at them concerned. We gotta go so well talk to you later. Dana grabbed Alices arm and yanked her away from the table.

Yeah, bye guys, Alice called out as Dana dragged her along.

Bye? Tina and Bette looked at each other.

Did I miss something? Tina asked Bette.

That either went better or worse than we thought.