What do you think, Shane? Do you think this week has been what you hoped for? Alice asked.

Definitely. Better, even.

Shane, Alice, Dana and Bette were sitting crosslegged at the coffee table, sipping iced coffee and searching through more pictures in their albums. It was a warm day and the glasses were sweating on the coasters. All were in gym shorts and tank tops, hair pulled back so that if a breeze happened to blow through, theyd catch some of it. Unfortunately, Alices air conditioning broke one week prior to their arrival.

I cant believe its Friday already. Dana sighed. Itll be weird when you guys all leave.

Yeah, then Ill be stuck with Dana all by myself again. Alice muttered. She turned a page of an album and took a picture out. Hey Dana, remember this?

Dana took the photo and smiled. She passed it to Bette. Like I could forget!

Even I remember this. Bette commented. The photo was of Bette and Tina and Alice and Dana, as two couples, smiling together at a restaurant. Our first double date.

First and last. Dana said.

You never know what might happen. Shane grinned and a pillow smacked her in the head. Dana never missed.

Tina and I werent even married yet in this picture. You guys really ended up being good support for Tina during her coming out process. Bette said.

Speaking of Tina, where the ***** is she? Alice asked as she looked at her watch. She should be here looking at these picture, too.

She left in a hurry again, all dressed up. Bette sighed and looked out the window, avoiding eye contact with the rest of the group because of her red face. Just thinking about Tina walking into the bedroom finding Bette in her bed made her blush immediately.

Whats with the red face, Porter? Alice raised a suspicious eyebrow.

Nothing.

Liar. Is it about Tina?

I do have something to say about Tina, actually. Bette started. This morning before she left, I said I was always around to offer her a hand with anything even if we were far away.

What did she say? Shane asked.

Thats the funny thing… she said, Even if were not? Isnt that funny? What does that mean?

Maybe shes just talking about this week. Dana offered. Like, are you going to be here for her the rest of the week.

Maybe… Bette said as her voice trailed off, not fully accepting Danas suggestion.

Lets make this fun. Alice said with a twinkle in her eye. Lets all place bets about where Tinas been the last few days.

What are the stakes? Bette quickly asked.

If I win, you guys have to promise to treat me to dinner, drinks, and whatever else I feel like doing the night Tina tells us whats up.

They all nodded, accepting that.

Ok… if I win, you all have to come to San Diego and visit with me, Fred, and the baby. Shane said smiling.

I think Id do that anyway. Bette said while Alice and Dana nodded in agreement.

And if I win… you and Dana have to kiss and make up. Or at least spend alone time together before we all leave and then give us explicit details of your conversation. I refuse to leave this house until the two of you are resolved. Bette said firmly.

No way, thats not a fair bet. Alice said.

Youre out then? Bette challenged.

Alice couldnt step down now and she knew it. Fine. But Im changing my bet.

Bette shook her head. You cant.

Yes she can, we havent shook on it yet. Shane said grinning because she knew what Alice was up to.

If I win, you and Tina have to spend an evening alone together… out to dinner then dancing. I plan the night and you have to do what I tell you to.

Fine. Bette said through a clenched jaw.

And if I win, Tina and I have to trade beds for the rest of the nights here. Dana said with a sly grin.

Excellent. Alice said. That would mean Bette and Tina would have to spend the nights in the same room together, though Dana neglected to realize that meant she would have to share a room with Alice as well.

Ok… so lets say what we think shes been up to. Alice said. I think shes looking for a job out here… at an interview.

They all looked at Alice like she was crazy. Whatever. Dana said. I think shes seeing someone from when she used to live out here. She mustve run into her while she was out here and now shes sneaking off to spend time with her.

My theory was so much better than that. Alice smirked while Dana flipped her off.

Shes been speaking at that convention downtown. You know… the one about ***** rights. Shane smiled. The rest of the women looked at her because they knew she was way off, though it wasnt a bad idea, the more they thought about it.

I think shes been going to the shelter she used to help out at. I heard in the news they were trying to raise some more money to keep that place standing. I bet shes helping to do some rundraisers and didnt want to bother us with asking for money. Bette said.

Good one, Porter. I never thought of that! Alice replied.

They all reached across the table littered with old photos and shook hands with each other individually. Then, they all joined hands together and shook as one, their own younger faces smiling back up at them from the photos. Laughing, they let go just as Tina walked in the door.

Its official now. Bets are on. Shane said.

Tina closed the door and looked into the living room as she took her shoes off. Whats official?

They looked at her with blank expressions on their faces. Nothing. Just girl talk. Dana said quickly.

Then what are you all betting on?

You. Shane smiled while the others looked at her, panicked. We bet whether or not youd make it home for a leisurely lunch on the back patio while sipping gin. Looks like I won.

Guess you did.

Whereve you been? Alice pestered Tina.

Maybe youll just find out soon enough. Tina smiled weakly and headed to the bedroom to get changed.

I cant wait til you all lose! Alice whispered.

Bring it on! Bette hissed back.